The name Vellaneta derives from the word "avellane”, hazelnuts, that have been growing here from time immemorial. The estate is located in the Marche region, in the central part of Italy, very near the medieval town of Cagli, between Urbino and Gubbio, and the natural park of the Gola del Furlo. It is an oasis of peace and silence in the midst of an unspoiled nature, surrounded by cornfields, sunflowers, fruit trees, an olive-garden, woodlands and beautiful winding paths that may take you for long walks. It offers a magnificent view of Monte Petrano, Monte Nerone, Monte Catria and Monte Acuto. In the old days farmers who were working the land used to live at Vellaneta estate. There is a country house made of natural stone, where several families were living, and a hay barn, both dating back to the 16th century: they have been beautifully restored, maintaining the characteristic style and using original materials. The total area occupies a space of 63 hectares and is situated on an altitude of 500 meters. On the ground floor of the country house there is a spacious apartment, Le Avellane, suitable for 2 + 2 persons, consisting of a living room/kitchen with a couch that can be turned into 2 separate beds, a large master bedroom with a super king size bed, a bathroom, a private terrace and a garden. The former hay barn has been made into three apartments, for 3 - 4 persons, with a spacious veranda, an "open space” living room/ kitchen, a comfortable double sleeping couch, and a bathroom on the ground floor, and a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe on the first floor. Each apartment has its own style and colour and is named after its position towards the sun: Aurora, Mezzogiorno and Tramonto (respectively sunrise, midday and sunset). For all our guests there is a huge garden with several cosy corners to sit and read, chat and relax, to watch the mountains in the morning or at sunset, a panoramic swimming pool with a sun shower and sun beds, and a spacious well furnished salon with a fireplace, a piano, a library and several cosy angles to sit and read, or chat and relax. It opens into a wide veranda that offers a magnificent view on the garden and the mountains, where one can watch a beautiful sunset with a glass of chilled wine and where one may join other guests for dinner around the big round table, or else find one’s own private spot in the huge garden. Vellaneta offers free WI-FI, a jeu de boule (pétanque) and archery field, a barbecue, and a laundry room for washing and ironing. From Vellaneta it is very easy to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Marche region both by car as on foot: guidebooks of various historical towns and road maps that will lead you along paths with breathtaking views are available for the guests. Interesting trips can be made to Urbino or Gubbio (about 25 km away), or Assisi, Perugia, Spello, Spoleto or the caves of Frassassi, home of the Verdicchio wine (about one to one and a half hours’ driving). The seaside is onlyabout half an hours’ driving away, the nearest golf courses are Umbertide or Conero, one hour away from Vellaneta. The owners are happy to provide information about the historical and cultural sites, including culinary information worth knowing and tips for charming restaurants that offer genuine local specialties.