What is the name of your accommodation? 

Villa Bella Sorpresa

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

We are Edwin and Odette, and we have been living in the lively Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam for more than 20 years. Three years ago, our cat Kees also joined us. As much as we love the city, we dreamed of having a place where we could occasionally escape the bustle and the thousand tourists peeking into our home each day. It had to be in Italy, a country we have loved for years. And so our adventure began: searching for a holiday home we could not only enjoy ourselves but also share with others.

Le Marche is our favorite region. The nature, the beautiful green landscape, the picturesque villages, and the tranquility all felt perfect for us. We knew immediately: our house had to be there. During one of our trips to Italy, we spent a week visiting houses. It was a crazy, rainy, but unforgettable week. In just a few days, we viewed no fewer than 26 houses, each more run-down than the next. But then we saw it: once an old farmhouse, now rebuilt with original materials. Only the outer walls stood, everything else still needed to be done. A huge challenge, but also a chance to create something truly special.

Luckily, that was made for us. Edwin had been a contractor for 25 years, and Odette works as a fashion and interior stylist for magazines and commercial companies. This house was the perfect adventure: turning an empty shell into a dream place. And it worked! Today, the farmhouse has been transformed into a warm and unique holiday home. We want our guests to feel at home right away. The thick walls, authentic wooden beams, terracotta tiles, and colorful, creative interior give the house a character that radiates both luxury and coziness. Each space has its own atmosphere and surprise element, with great attention to design and comfort. In addition to the holiday home, we built a private little house on the property, where we spend our summers. It is positioned so that our guests’ privacy is 100% guaranteed.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

It took six years to complete the house. We wanted to keep as much control as possible and do much of the work ourselves. Since Edwin is a contractor, that was possible. He spent about three months each year in Italy working on the house. Most of it he did himself, though some larger projects, such as the swimming pool and the foundation of the smaller house, were carried out together with our Italian builder.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

The location is especially meaningful to us because, in the Netherlands, we live in one of the busiest areas of Amsterdam (the Jordaan), while our house in Italy is wonderfully secluded. We hear birdsong, see deer, foxes, hares, wild boar—there is so much greenery, and the views stretch far beyond what we’re used to in our narrow Jordaan street, where the neighbor across the way is the only view. She’s lovely, but it doesn’t compare to this.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

We renovated and furnished the house as if it were a home to live in. We wanted our guests not only to come on holiday but also to feel as if they were living here for a while. Odette has worked as a stylist for many years and loves contrasts. She calls it “from Gucci to HEMA.” That’s exactly how the house was designed: new & second-hand, designer & simple, expensive & affordable, but always cozy and luxurious.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

The house was built using the original materials of the old farmhouse. We have solar panels and try to use electricity as much as possible during the sunny hours. Thankfully, there are plenty of those in Italy! We also buy a lot of second-hand and vintage pieces.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

After years of working in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, we wanted to try something different. Ideally, spending summers in Italy and winters in the Netherlands. Renting out the house seemed like the perfect, fun, and fitting way to make this possible.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

The great thing about Le Marche is that there is so much to do, explore, and discover. Located in the heart of Italy, between the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic coast, it’s a region full of charm, peace, and pure Italian beauty. Here you’ll find the very best of Italy without the crowds of mass tourism: picturesque villages, sprawling vineyards, breathtaking nature, lively markets with fresh fruit & vegetables, antiques & vintage finds, and a coastline with stunning beaches.

There’s something for everyone: medieval villages like Sarnano, San Ginesio, Belforte Del Chienti, and Macerata, where it feels as though time has stood still. Wander through the narrow streets, discover local delicacies, and enjoy an espresso on one of the beautiful squares. For nature lovers and adventurers, there’s the magnificent Monti Sibillini National Park, where you can hike and even climb Monte Vettore. Within 30 minutes you’re at the beach, where you can relax, swim in the azure waters, or take a long walk along the shore.

The region is also famous for its pure, authentic cuisine. In the countryside, trattorias serve the best pastas, pizzas, and meat dishes with seasonal vegetables from the area. Along the coast, you’ll find restaurants offering delicious fish dishes. 

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

We hope guests will feel at home immediately, able to relax and enjoy the peace and the many cozy spots around the house—whether lying by the pool, lounging, sitting, swimming, reading, or simply doing nothing at all. We have a large, fully equipped kitchen and hope they’ll use it to prepare delicious meals. We also hope they’ll go on fun outings to restaurants, beaches, markets, villages, cities, mountains, lakes, and, of course, enjoy at least a thousand gelatos. But above all, we hope they feel truly comfortable in the house and that, for a little while, it feels like it’s really their own home.