Once a holiday home; always a holiday home? In 1485, the House of Malatesta, the ruling family of Rimini, built their country house in the Italian inland town of what is now known as Pergola and welcomed visitors through the ages. Or should we say the house kept welcoming visitors (the Malatestas were expelled in the early 1500s).
Five centuries later, after a short period of abandonment, this rustic country house has been lovingly restored into a family-run hotel and home; and the Malatesta Maison continues its destiny of welcoming visitors who are looking for peaceful repose in the valley of The Marches.
Images via Malatesta Maison.
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Above: An impromptu cafe table and chairs offer a sunny respite to visiting guests who come to stay at this B&B, which offers seven rooms. For rates, see Malatesta-Maison.
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Above: The obligatory "wellies" are always ready for that walk in the countryside.
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Above: The common room is shared by all the visitors.
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Above: The personal style of the owners runs throughout the house. For more, see their lifestyle blog Malatesta; La Nostra Maison de Charme.
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Above: All-white interiors provide an elegant background for the modern furnishings and natural palette.
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Above: Visitors pull Tolix stools up to the island and take breakfast in the working kitchen.
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Above: In the 21st century, visitors to Malatesta Maison dine on Eames chairs.
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Above: Every bedroom is furnished by the owners from their travels abroad or their finds from secret Italian markets.
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Above: A simple wardrobe with a nod to a traditional profile is painted gray to blend in with the walls of the smallest room.
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Above: Black accents are used throughout, offering contrast to the natural palette.
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Above: Malatesta Maison is a complex of three buildings including a spa for those in search of deep repose.
N.B.: Planning a trip to Italy? See City Guides - Italy.