The most common requirements I come across from buyers in Italy are a location with stunning views; an historical setting; and properties with character but with all the conveniences of modern living. And when all three come together in the same project I know I’m on to a winner!
THE HISTORY
Such is the case with Casa Serafini, where a lovingly restored manor house takes centre stage. It was constructed in the 16th century and has been in the Serafini family for much of its history, with the last building completed in 1876 and the grounds still boasting many of the original sculptures, souvenirs and emblems. One such sculpture is of General Bernadino Serafini, the family’s most famous son who commanded the unit which seized control of Rome in the battle which led to the unification of Italy. To prove the point, the general brought back a souvenir of the conflict: a large marble hand taken from one of two large roman sculptures destroyed during the attack. It now takes pride of place under the balcony of Casa Serafini’s second floor, close to a bust honouring its captor.
Set in four hectares of land, the existing buildings are being refurbished to offer luxury apartments and, in addition, three new buildings are designed to replicate the charm of the manor house providing 13 spacious apartments with superb views across to the hills.
When complete, Casa Serafini will be a luxurious gated community with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis court set amongst the beautifully landscaped gardens and private olive grove… a perfect place to spend those long, lazy Italian days. It is superbly located in the hamlet of Bargni on the outskirts of Serrungarina, less than an hour’s drive from Rimini and Ancona airports and 90 minutes from Bologna. There are three superb restaurants within easy walking distance (one of these, Villa Federici, has just won the award for Best Small Producer of Olive Oil 2007 for the whole of Italy) and a five-minute drive finds you in the town of Serrungarina with a variety of local shops and services. The lovely coastal town of Fano on the Adriatic coast, with its wide sandy beaches is approximately a five minute drive away and is home to a working marina and a full complement of shops, restaurants and bars. Skiing in the Apennine mountains is less than an hour away.
PROPERTIES
The developer has many years of experience in the area and is employing local craftsmen and architects. The emphasis is on quality and comfort, providing a renovation in keeping with the tradition and history of the surroundings. Traditional materials are being used whenever possible, such as natural stone, brick with plaster to give an ‘a frattazzo’ finish; terracotta tiles to the floors, the lofty ceilings straddled by wooden beams and, of course, the bathrooms and Jacuzzis lined with locally supplied marble. Giardino Olivo combines these traditional features with all the modern amenities that you would expect from a luxurious development such as broadband connectivity, Jacuzzi baths and individually controlled air conditioning to provide the perfect Italian home.
And to cap it all, prices are so much more reasonable than some areas further north. At under a300,000 for a two-bed apartment with a garage, buyers will find it hard to resist.
For further details contact Nick at Jackson-Stops & Staff
International: international@jackson-stops.com or (+44) (0) 207 828 7387
