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 or a centre for artists and seminars.
There are three different buildings to it : the main farm-house 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. 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. 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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