passa.tempo

The name itself is an invitation to let go and take a deep breath. It literally means “pastime”, but it could just as easily be translated as “unwind”. Where better to do this than in this dreamy spot in the Italian Marche region? Where once an old farmhouse slowly fell into disrepair, there is now an architect’s house with panoramic windows, offering views of rolling hills and fields as far as the Monti Sibillini. But there’s another big star here apart from nature. Anyone entering the family-run bed & breakfast will immediately notice the huge steel staircase, which seems to float, connecting communal areas—it looks like a sculptural work of art. The open concept exudes an airy and spacious feel, while the clean-line Nordic design featuring plenty of steel, concrete, glass and wood is simplicity at its finest. The famous Italian “lightness of being” comes to mind—at the latest when looking out over the cacti, rosemary and palm trees in the garden with the evening bathing everything in a soft, warm light. Fortunately, a vacation like this is designed to give you that feeling. It’s the time to gather around the saltwater pool with an ice-cold Spritz, some olives and grissini and watch the sun go down. But that’s just one of the many ways to relax here. The swing in the middle of the living room, the cozy spot by the wood-burning stove or the woven rocking chair in front of the panoramic window are just as delightful. At passa.tempo, we remember to celebrate the little moments: The first cappuccino in the morning sun, a good book in the shade of old trees, gazing at the stars—and, above all, having plenty of peace, quiet and time.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How the design concept combines modern minimalism with traditional and vintage pieces, such as a midcentury sideboard, a record player or an old milking stool in the kitchen
• The open common room on the first floor, airy and beautifully flooded with light. You immediately feel at home here.
• The successful combination of cool exposed concrete, warm wooden fixtures and textiles made from natural materials
• How the simple lines of the house are inspired by traditional farmhouses in the region. Inside, the original layout of a ground-level stable, living area on the second floor and pitched roof is broken up and cleverly restructured.
• How the large windows bring nature inside
• The suspended wood-burning fireplace in the living room, which is an eye-catcher even without the flames
• The pretty ceramics, which make fresh Mediterranean dishes taste even better than they already do
• The location in “undiscovered Tuscany”, as the Marche region is often called. Things are still pristine here.
• At certain times, you’ll find sunflower fields glowing in rich yellow, and, at others, wheat swaying in the wind—the region is charming at any time of year.
• In the morning, guests can enjoy a lovingly prepared, regional breakfast with home-baked bread rolls at the long dining table. Often, guests wake up to fluffy homemade cakes that are so beautifully decorated that they could easily pass for art.
• Melanie and Rodolfo, who opened the hotel in 2024, positively radiate passion and warmth. They have great tips for things to do and know where to get the best “moscioli” (wild mussels).

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The B&B has six spacious double rooms with WiFi, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms—all with panoramic views.
• The house is designed to offer guests a place of peace and quiet. Single travelers and couples who long for relaxation, nature and Italian cuisine feel particularly at home here.
• The focus is on sustainability. Regional materials were used in the construction and a solar roof was incorporated in the design. In addition, attention is paid to “Kilometro Zero” when it comes to food, so fruit and vegetables, cheese and sausage are sourced from small producers nearby.
• The accommodation includes an indoor whirlpool and a 15-metre outdoor saltwater pool. From fall 2025, there will also be a sauna, a yoga and relaxation room and individually bookable massage and beauty appointments.
• The hosts are committed to social responsibility: The accommodation works with a laundry that only employs refugees and people with disabilities.
• The passa.tempo is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, yet it’s centrally located between Ancona and Macerata. The coast can be reached in 25 minutes, restaurants with very good local cuisine in about 10 minutes.
• There are also some lovely excursion destinations not far away: The coastal village of Portonovo with its white pebble beaches and crystal-clear water, the Monte Conero nature reserve and wineries that offer wine tastings. Great for sightseeing: Medieval villages, the cathedral in Loreto, the grotto of Frasassi or the Renaissance city of Urbino
• Active vacationers can enjoy hiking, swimming, gravel biking and road biking in the area.
• The nearest airport is Ancona, 40 minutes away.