The story of 'The Garden in the Valley' (re)starts in 2006 when Paola and Alessandro, after a research that lasted 3 years decide to renovate an abandoned and decaying country house in Belvedere Ostrense to transform it into an agritourism. The country house is from the late'800 and it used to host the Gerini's family which farmed the surrounding fields; this lasted until 1980, year in which the country house was abandoned and the farming left in the hands of a third party. 

Much earlier (some researchers talk about 1290) there used to be a little country church  looked after by some hermits whose name was Santa Maria della Valle, later renamed Madonna del sole(http://www.madonnadelsole.it) after 1471 Andrea Di Bortolo's fresco, representing a shining sun on Mary's breast (http://www.avventuramarche.it/dettaglio_scheda.asp?id_scheda=255).

In 1666, given the turnout of devoted people coming for the miracles performed by the Virgin Mary, the church was moved to the nearby hill, and the place was run as a herm thanks to the quiet of the valley.

Alessandro's family roots are in Marche , Jesi and surroundings;  a unique place, where time still moves slowly.

Alessandro and Paola live in London with their sons Niccolo' and Sebastian but have committed themselves to their project.

The main house is partially knocked down and re-built with modern technics but re-using the original materials hand-picked (argyll bricks for the walls, roof tiles) so to restore its original beauty. Fotovoltaic panels are installed on the roof for electricity needs. The land (ca. 2 hectars) is farmed to produce sunflower seeds and wheat. 50 new olive trees are planted near the house together with 10 fruit trees and grape plants. 

It took about 9 years and we are still improving it; but from 2015 the countryhouse is ready to welcome its guests!

Alessandro, Paola, Niccolo' and Sebastian Vecci are the lucky owners of "Il Giardino nella Valle".

After many years spent travelling in Italy, from Belluno to Palermo and abroad, to Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Scotland an England, we have decided to build our Italian house in Belvedere Ostrense.

Our families live in Italy, in Rome, San Daniele del Friuli, but also in the nearby Jesi, Chiaravalle and Ancona.

The farm is still developing, but it already produces wheat and sunflower seeds; and olive oil, fruit and vegetables too.

Besides Italian we also speak English and German, but we are ready to challenge ourselves with French too!