Looking for a b&b, agriturismo, or small hotel near one of the interesting small towns in northern Le Marche. Would like nice views, fresh rooms, and friendly owners or staff. Would prefer hilltop rather than ocean view. Can anyone help? Thanks

http://www.vallenuova.it/

Take a look at the web site for Le Torricelle. It is a "deserted" stone village turned into rentals. We'll be staying there in May. Suzanne has been delightful in e-mails and I had a person who lives in Le Marche tell me it is a good place.
www.letorricelle.com

Vera, that place looks really interesting, but I couldn't tell exactly where it is. Have you found it on a map? We will be in Le Marche in late June and may be interested.

Thank you for the feedback. Does anyone know how near Le Torricelli is to a town with restaurants? Is it a true agriturismo and are the owners on the premises? Also agriturismo Valle Nuova-the description says that the rooms are modern. We are looking for something with Italian style charm. Does it look more like a modern hotel inside or an Italian B&B? Thanks

Here are pictures of the rooms at Locanda Delle Valle Nuova:

http://tinyurl.com/l785p

"Modern" usually means a new bathroom, heat, modern mattress, etc.

If you can't see pictures when you click the link, click on "inside" and that will take you to the pictures of the rooms.

I took a look at Le Torricelli and I have driven in that area. It is very hilly, and full of very small towns, most of which are not more than 20 minutes from each other. You should e-mail Le Torricelli and ask them if you can walk to nearby restaurants.

Here is another place that has fantastic food on premises and is only a 5 minute drive to the main parking lot beneath the city walls of Urbino. But while it is in a lovely wooded area, with many charming rabbits, it does not have a sweeping view. Still, the food and location is so good, you might consider it.

http://www.neneurbino.com/

Yes, we did locate it on a map--at least pretty close. If you want something more accurate than what is on the web site, just drop her an e-mail and she'll send you specific directions. She's very nice.
Vera

Le Toricelle owner tells me there are restaurants in a couple of very nearby towns. And yes, the owners are on the property. As to being a "true" agriturism, I'm not sure how to define that since there are all degrees of mixture of farming and hosting. Just ask Susanne all your questions. She will be glad to reply.
Sorry, see that nessendorma gave the same answer already.
Vera

OOOOO, forgot to say, when you go to letorricelle.com , be sure to click on all the little squares on the mosaic. Some wonderful pictures hidden there!

Vera

You have both given me some great ideas. Am studying Le Torricelle and Valle Nuova. Even though I prefer a hilltown area (we are staying at the coast in other areas) I am also looking at Villa Guilia near Fano. Decisions, decisions. Thanks again for the help.

This thread is not coming up for me for Le Marche when I try it in the search. Perhaps it is because I spelled "Le Marche" wrong in the heading or didn't include Italy in the heading. So I am doing so now.

A "True Agriturismo" in Le Marche (there are tiny differences from region to region) means this:
the house must stand on a working farm (not a tiny patch of land or a kitchen garden)
the farmer's family runs it (of course with some help if needed)
if meals are provided at least 35% of the food served must come directly from the farm, only 15% can come from supermarkets and so on (sugar, coffee and so on), the rest has to be bought directly from local producers. This sounds very tecnical but basically it means that the inn is supporting the local agriculture and that the guest is offered local products.
Wine, honey and oil must be local.
There's also a maximum allowed number of rooms, guests etc. (depending also on the size and income of the farm).
Agriturismo is a quite small inn inside a working farm, local food is provided and the service is personal.