The uniqueness
and special value of this Borgo (hamlet) - as in the Marchigiani dialect
a settlement like this one is called - is its 360 degree panoramic view
and its position on historical ground in the protected green belt
of an ancient village where nobody will ever be allowed to build new houses.
The property is suitable for a large family, a group of friends who want
to spend their holiday together without getting too close, but also
for an activity like Bed & Breakfast, tga small romantic hotel or a
centre for artists and seminars. There are three different buildings to
it : the big main farm-house (500 sqm) with its symmetrical architecture,
a smaller romantic sidebuilding and a cute little barn, all of them
picturesquely settling on top of a hill overlooking an unspoilt lovely
landscape with the mountains Monte Acuto, Monte Nerone and Monte Catria
(all about 1700 metres high) in the distance. At first sight the houses
seem to be unprepossessing, but inside they have nice spacious friendly
rooms with very high ceilings that can easily be divided at discretion
of the new owners. A big advantage for reconstruction are the existing
frames for windows and French doors. There are even the typical marchigiani
windows (with turquoise varnish on them, as used to be the fashion
in the old times) and shutters that only need some restoring. The same
goes for front and interior doors of old wood. There are two possibilities
for the grey facade now covering the 60 cm thick stone walls: either take
the plaster off completely or change it to a nice friendly colour with
lately developed "antique" products. The structure of all three buildings
is very good, restoring will not take much time - half a year at the most.
The roof of the large farm-house has been renewed in the Fifties and is
safe, but not exactly matching the style. According to funds available
it can be removed and rebuilt in the original style (wooden beams and traditional
tiles), but there also is a less costly version of embellishment. A new
law allows to enlarge the existing size (measured in sqm) by 20%.
To give you an impression
how unique the location of this property is, we give you some information
of its history and surroundings: Fenigli, the village where this
Borgo is situated and of which its inhabitants righteously are very proud,
has an eventful past. It was mentioned in history books in 1086 for
the first time when it was still under the monastry of S. Maria in Lastreto
and much bigger than it is now. "Usque ad alpis montis" (as far as to the
mountains) says a Latin description now in possession of the Curia. Over
many centuries Fenigli - prominently located on a hill top with panoramic
views from the mountains to the sea - has been strongly desired by foreign
rulers. In 1432 Pope Eugenio IV proclaimed Fenigli an earldom, and Federico
di Montefeltro - the most popular Marchigiani sovereign, unforgotten hero
and founder of famous university town Urbino - finally brought peace to
his harassed people. Under his guidance Fenigli became prospering and successful.
In the 17th and 18th century grain and wine grew in abundance on its fertile
soil, the area was famous for cattle breeding and silk production. Handicraft
was developping, specially carving, forging and the production of copper
and wrought-iron objects. Unfortunately the happy days did not last for
the inhabitants of this beautiful area, envy and resentment pursued them,
again and again there were heavy fights about their territoy. Gentry of
other provinces seized possession, and in 1797 Fenigli came under the occupation
of the French troops and scene of Napoleon`s battlefields. The people were
brave and fought their conquerors, there were decades of rebellion and
resistance. Then in the sixties of the 19th century - after years of exploitation
and oppression - somehow the inhabitants of Fenigli lost their spirit,
they left their homes and went to the big cities and left their houses
to decay. One of the most important Marchigiani settlements had faded
away. Although some of the old respected families of Fenigli (the described
property belongs to one of them) tried to save their property and the historic
buildings, most of them turned to ruins because of lacking funds. There
was no more inclination for a renewal. Things have changed in the last
ten years, however, Fenigli was "woken up" and became popular again. There
were buyers - many from abroad - who invested and restored the ruins left
in Fenigli. The pretty medieval town Pergola now administering
the village and neighbouring Frontone with its impressive restored castle
(visible from the property described) hosting a museum and traditional
restaurants attract culture- and health-minded people from all over the
world. There is a season of all year around becaue of the many possibilities.
Good climate and historical background became more and more essential.
So history seems to repeat itself: the magic position of the Borgo is an
oasis of peace, safety and security. People can be happy here as once upon
a time were the subjects of legendary Federico di Montefeltro.
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