Brian Nichols’ lifelong dream was to retire
to the Italian countryside where his ancestors once
lived.
But his wife, Susan, was not convinced.
So in 1995, the South Florida couple toured Western
Europe for more than three months searching for a
place to spend their retirement years. After seven
weeks in Italy, including time spent in the Marche
region, Susan finally consented to Brian’s ultimate
fantasy and agreed to search for a home in Italy.
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The front
porch of Ca' Nicassio |
“The Marche region covers all bases,” said
Brian, 60. “It is a wonderful region for fresh
foods including grapes, olives and grains.”
The structural condition of the home was just what
they were looking for. It offered three upstairs bedrooms
with a common bathroom, each with pristine views of
the Serra di Burano mountain range, which separates
the southwest
Marche region from Umbria. There is a comfortable living
room to accommodate guests, and a spacious side apartment
for the Nichols to seek their own solitude.
However, the Nichols made drastic renovations including
new flooring, electrical wiring and a new plumbing system.
Their typical Italian kitchen was remodeled for Susan
to cook for herself and her husband, as well as preparing
delicious breakfasts for her guests.
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A single
sized bedroom |
Since their adjustment, they now find themselves using
this time the way the Italians do and find time for
longer lunches, afternoon naps, painting and cleaning.
The Nichols find that Cantiano offers most everything
they need for their daily lives. They have made some
friends and have improved their language skills by taking
Italian classes at the Atrium, an Italian language and
culture institute in Cagli. Occasionally, they travel
to neighboring cities — up to an hour away — to purchase
necessities.
The Nichols said they miss their family and friends
left behind in the United States. However, their lovely
home provides much incentive for their family and friends
to visit Cantiano and experience the life the Nichols’
love.
Ca’ Nicassio, named after Brian’s grandfather,
has received guests from all over the world. The bed
and breakfast, operating from Easter through October,
costs only €25 per person per night, including
a filling breakfast with local meats and cheeses, yogurt,
cereal, pastries, coffee, and a hot specialty dish homemade
by Susan.
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Susan
and Brian Nichols |
Story by: Meghan Mullen
Photos
by: Charles Duva
Video
by: Maggie Mednikoff
Web
Design by: Christen Grasso
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The
Bed and Breakfast |
The Nichols purchased their white century-old home
with traditional red roof just two years ago and now
operate a bed and breakfast for those who would like
to escape from their busy everyday lives and relax in
the serene Italian countryside.
Originally, they were attracted to Urbino, the well-restored
Renaissance town that Brian, 60, calls a “marvel
to the eyes.” But after searching for a year while
real estate prices skyrocketed around Urbino, they decided
to look elsewhere. At the suggestion of a realtor in
the nearby town of Cagli, the Nichols stumbled upon
their treasure in Borgo di Palcano, a small village
within the Cantiano district.
Nestled on top of Monte Petrano in the virtually untouched
Marche region, their home is a treasure hidden from
both local and tourist eyes.
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The living room
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The Nichols agree that they enjoy everything about
the Italian lifestyle. They enjoy the interaction
with the friendly people of Cantiano and have learned
to slow down and enjoy what the area has to offer
them.
“Life is sweeter here, and every moment is
savored,” said Susan, 54.
After working as a car salesman for 36 years, Brian
found himself continuing his very structured lifestyle
for the first six months of his time in Italy. The
Nichols were not accustomed to the less hectic lifestyle
and did not know what to do with their time from the
hours of 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., when all the shops
close down during pausa, or afternoon break.
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Complimentary
Robe |
Brian and Susan run the bed and breakfast without relying
on any other wait staff.
Cantiano and other nearby towns offer an array of activities
for the guests of Ca’ Nicassio, including
multiple hiking trails, horseback riding and mountain
biking. Ca’ Nicassio also offers wireless
Internet access, a gazebo with a grill, and a nice terrace
for relaxing with a glass of wine and enjoying the serene
landscape.
“We have the beautiful Adriatic coast to the east,
the mountains to the west,” Brian said, “and
the rolling farm hills in between.”
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