March 2018 – For years and years I’d wanted to go to the Summer Jamboree, a rock and roll music festival that takes place in Senigallia, Italy every August. Last year, the stars aligned and I decided that 2018 was the year to make this particular dream a reality. When I suggested my idea to family and friends, everyone said, yes please, when are we going?  I realised we were going to need a very nice villa for about 10 people. Three generations, two dogs, a mixture of family and friends. What an exciting opportunity.

THE HOUSE – In terms of accommodation I knew exactly what I was looking for, a good quality country house, set in its own grounds, ideally with a swimming pool, and a short distance from the town of Senigallia. I couldn’t believe my luck when I came across Villa Pedossa. A beautifully restored property, nestling in the hills, just about 6 miles from the coast. Villa Pedossa is the property of the Frattesi Family. Originally a rustic farmhouse purchased by grandfather Ezio in 1949, the house was used at Christmas and Easter for family gatherings. Then Sandro, Ezio’s son, a well-known figure in Senigallia started a painstaking restoration project in 1996. Every historic detail of the house was preserved, whilst thoroughly modernising the interior and renewing all the utilities. After a twenty year labour of love, Villa Pedossa rose from its historic 18th century foundations as a modern, air-conditioned, luxurious country house, complete with new bathrooms and kitchens, all fully equipped.

LOCATION – As soon as I saw the location, the quality of the interiors and the beautiful garden with large swimming pool, I knew I’d found the perfect house for us. A conversation with Alessandra, Sandro’s daughter followed. Her friendly manner, and professional capability convinced me to book the house. A week or so later our  villa holiday was booked for early August, 2018. Our trip coincided perfectly with Senigallia’s annual rock and roll festival, known as ‘The Summer Jamboree’. I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment having found the right house for our family holiday.

SEVERAL months later we rolled up at Villa Pedossa and were delighted to see that it looked exactly as it looked in the photos. Elegant wrought iron gates shielded the property from the road. Olive trees encircled the perimeter of the grounds, and a perfectly maintained garden and path encouraged us to step into a fairytale kingdom of tranquility and peace. On the south side of the house a sparkling, blue, swimming pool edged the perimeter. The pool and jacuzzi were just so invited. This was our private domain for the next ten days. From Gabriella’s Welcome Cake to Sandro’s competitive ‘bocce’ match we were made to feel totally welcome. we were, in fact, part of the family. ‘Bocce’ is a local game, similar to ‘boules’ in France. Sandro had built his own ‘bocce’ court and relished the opportunity to take on unsuspecting visitors. The night we indulged in a ‘bocce’ match a game that appeared to be over in twenty minutes took almost 3 hours. Our designated chef that evening was far from happy as she watched our dinner gradually drying up, as the competitive spirit of ‘bocce’ took precedence over all other activities, including eating!

THE VILLA – Villa Pedossa is beautifully fitted out in a modern, country style. All rooms have double or twin beds and en suite bathrooms. The house has several modern kitchens and a large outdoor dining area for al fresco lunch and dinner. The rooms are air conditioned too. The house is the Frattesi family’s pride and joy – they lovingly tend the pool, house and gardens on a daily basis. The house is a perfect environment for a family holiday.  There’s plenty of space in the garden to find a peaceful, secluded spot. Down by the pool there’s a covered gazebo with sofas and comfortable seating. You can lounge in the sun or relax in the shade. Next to the pool is a jacuzzi adding a touch of luxury for the hedonists amongst us, or anyone who fancies a snooze  in its warm, bubbling waters.

EVERYWHERE you look the house is surrounded by breath-taking Marche countryside. Rolling hills, corn fields and sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see. Just fifteen minutes to the east is Senigallia, a smart little seaside town with some amazing restaurants and a fabulous 8-mile beach, known as the ‘spiaggia di velluto’. Senigallia has several internationally known restaurants, including Mauro Uliassi’s Michelin starred restaurant on the beach – he is probably one of the best chefs working in Italy today.

AUGUST – In the first week of August, each year, Senigallia hosts a rock and roll event, which is just delightful. People come from far and wide to dance and listen to 1950s and 1960s music. The piazzas and public spaces of the town are filled with concerts, mostly free of charge. In 2018 the star performers were a ‘Beach Boys’ style tribute band, complete with Hawaiian shirts and a very mellow sound. They were wonderful. Another evening we watched a very professional German ensemble delivering serious but competent versions of Buddy Holly, Elvis and The Monkeys.

MARCHE COUNTRYSIDE – on the doorstep of the house is the fabulous Le Marche Countryside. A land of emerald-green hills, beautiful country houses and walled medieval towns. The poet Giacomo Leopardi came from Le Marche, he was Italy’s equivalent of Keats and Wordsworth rolled into one. Like any true romantic poet, Giacomo’s story was a tragic one.  Ill health prevented him from leaving the family home. Instead he would gaze longingly from his window at the idyllic countryside, and Silvia the beautiful girl next door, whilst composing eloquent lines of bucolic poetry. The family house and private library can still be visited in nearby Recanati. Closer to Villa Pedossa is the walled town of Corinaldo. A great place for a late afternoon stroll followed by dinner. Corinaldo has numerous restaurants and bars. It also has probably the grandest bougainvillea I’ve ever seen. What’s more the bougainvillea house is for sale ‘vende’ if you are interested in this little corner of Italy.

PEACE & TRANQUILITY – the great thing about staying at Villa Pedossa was the peace and tranquility we enjoyed as soon as we walked through the gates. A beautiful, calm oasis waiting patiently to welcome us and soothe away the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Our own private kingdom. This house is ideal for a family holiday or a trip away with a group of friends. The house is very well run by the Frattesi family, who were always welcoming. So, if you are considering a summer rental in Le Marche, Italy, then look no further than Villa Pedossa, the house is smart, clean and throughly comfortable. We’re already thinking about going back – probably next year!

Summer Jamboree, Senigallia – 2019

 To learn more: The Villa Pedossa website

Other articles about Le Marche and Senigallia by www.educated-traveller.com :

• Gastronomy of the Adriatic – Senigallia, Italy
• Mauro Uliassi – Senigallia, Italy – 3 Michelin stars / one of the best eateries in Italy
• Corinaldo and a funny story: Never send money home!!
• More on Recanati and the exquisite Marche countryside The Italian Countryside – Recanati – home of poet Giacomo Leopardi
• Sadly in 2020 the Senigallia Summer Jamboree was cancelled.
• Here’s the web site: www.summerjamboree.com

Prepared & Published:

• By Janet – October, 2018
• Updated: March 2021