Palazzo Minzoni

A black-and-white photograph covers an entire wall in the living area of the vacation home. It shows a room in the small 18th-century palazzo before its renovation: Peeling paint, a crumbling ceiling, a lone chair. Surrounded by contemporary design, this image perfectly reflects what defines the former manor house in the Italian Marche region—modern comfort combined with historical substance. The idea of blending yesterday with today without erasing the traces of the past has been achieved so successfully by hosts Sabine and Christian Blumrath that lovers of historic architecture will quickly find themselves wowing in delight. The building originally belonged to the neighboring Palazzo Michelangeli and was used as a storehouse for the church organ and later as a residential home. Even now, it still combines the character of a townhouse with the tranquility of a country home. Solid wooden beams and the stable on the first floor, which has been converted into a loft-style apartment, provide rustic charm, while the high ceilings and decorative features lend it the character of a stately home. Instead of completely renovating everything, the old floors, doors, and windows have been restored, and the exterior façade allowed to retain its patina. The south-facing terrace offers a place to welcome the first rays with an espresso, bask in the warm sunshine during the day or relax with a glass of Verdicchio as the evening winds down. Strolling through the alleys of Reforzate, enjoy immersing yourself in authentic village life. It’s a wonderful place to try ‘Vincisgrassi’ (a type of lasagna from the Marche region), savor gelato on a crooked stone wall, and soak up enough Italian lifestyle to satiate your inevitable longing for your next visit.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The perfect blend of history, design, and Italian lifestyle
• How well industrial aesthetics, design classics, and antique elements have been combined: Historic building fabric paired with clean-lined design, original cement floors with iron frames.
• The accents in black, such as the modern fitted kitchen in the loft-style apartment, the pendant lights and bathroom fittings, which offer an exciting contrast to the natural tones
• The centuries-old entrance gate and the artistically crafted door and window frames with cornices and intricate embellishments
• The loft-style apartment on the first floor with an open structure, high ceilings, a semi-open-plan kitchen in an industrial look, an antique dining table, and a chill-out corner. It’s the heart of the home, a space for conversation, good food, reading, and laughter.
• The hosts, Sabine and Christian, used to run a bed and breakfast in the Marche region and know the area well. They are the best source for culinary tips, from cozy trattorias to gourmet restaurants.
• Those looking to cool off on warm days can explore the Adriatic Sea with its beaches and bathing facilities or hidden river bays—just like the locals. 
• The unspoiled, contrasting landscape between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines
• The location in the village of Reforzate, surrounded by old castle walls and with sweeping views of the Tarugo and Metauro valleys all the way to San Marino
• There are so many art and history highlights to discover: The UNESCO World Heritage city of Urbino; Loreto, one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites; Macerata, famous for its opera festival; the coastal towns of Fano and Senigallia; and Pesaro, the 2024 Capital of Culture.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The accommodation offers space for eight guests in four double rooms (on request, up to 10 can be accommodated, as there’s a smaller room with two single beds).
• Three stylishly designed bathrooms combine contemporary convenience with nostalgic flair; high-quality toiletries are provided.
• The fully equipped kitchen in the loft-style apartment can be used for communal cooking.
• Just right for hot summer days (and nights!): Air conditioning is available in almost all rooms.
• The south-facing terrace, decked out with seating and parasols, is a favorite place for guests to relax. 
• Varied landscapes and quiet roads make the region one of the best-kept secrets for cyclists of all levels (but especially for those who like a more challenging ride or have an e-bike).
• Gently rolling hills, dense forests, and spectacular panoramic views are also a good reason to go discover the Marche region on foot. From walks through olive groves to challenging mountain tours, there’s something for everyone.
• The nearest airports are Rimini (67 kilometers), Ancona (68 kilometers), and Perugia (98 kilometers).
• The minimum booking period is usually three days.