Farmers in Cagli once walked down this hill barefoot, carrying their shoes
to the main piazza in order to prolong their usage in the 1950s and 1960s
A view of the side of the guest cottage at Casa Vacanza in Cagli
For the past 14 years, Richard and Peter have owned and rented out a two-bedroom stone cottage, catering to visitors all over the world, though 60 percent hail from the United States. This cottage was built in 1727, when it opened as a church with bedrooms set up as priests' quarters. Now, a cozy circle of patio chairs sit in a backyard enclosed by green vines and tall white flowers behind the stone house. Both innkeepers are fluent in English and Italian, making it possible for them to run a successful and financially rewarding business. Before working in this field, Richard worked in London as a barrister, playwright, and a translator. Peter's strong interest in web design assured the success of advertising Casa Vacanza, and he has created the official Marche region website and the official site for Cagli. The passion and knowledge these men share for travel and tourism is evidenced by the guidebooks they have written. Click here for a list of the publications produced by Peter and Richard. The busiest time of year is between April and May, although they house guests all year round. They do not always provide food, but many visitors befriend the innkeepers and can join them for dinner. Richard chuckles, reminiscing about their American friends who stay at the cottage for weeks at a time every year. Although Richard and Peter own a vacation house, it is similar to a house used for "agriturismo," a hobby rising in popularity, especially in the Marche region.
A brown spotted dog greets visitors upon arrival at Casa Vacanza
A view of Richard and Peter's house. Their guesthouse sits next door.