My wife and I spent 5 nights at La Mela Rosa as a base for day hikes in the Sibillini mountains. From La Mela Rosa a variety of gorges, lakes and mountains can be accessed within a 30 to 40 minute car drive - our favourites being Mount Sibillini, Lago Pilato and the Finestrone Gorge.

La Mela Rosa ticks all the boxes and more:

• large rooms with excellent showers

• hearty breakfasts

• packed lunch options

• an idyllic and relaxing location

• a knowledgeable and friendly host and hostess

One of Pauline's big pluses, apart from her willingness to help in any way, was her knowledge of the restaurants in the surrounding area and the obvious regard she is held by the restauranteurs. The restaurants and trattorias of Le Marche offer outstanding value and customer service when compared to their Umbrian neighbours.

Pauline and Rob have a large restored house in lovely countryside near Amandola. Our room was large by any standards but we also had our own sitting room with books to browse. Breakfast on the patio was excellent- even including bacon and eggs! And the pool was all you needed. In case we couldn't find the place Rob met us in town and guided us to La Mela Rosa. What more could you want? Make sure you make the pleasant walk to the nearby lake.

It was good to find such a gem so close to the charming town of Amandola. Pauline and Rob were perfect hosts, always offering us a glass of wine after a long day out in the countryside. The place itself is immaculate and really beautifully restored, with nice spots to chill out and a great pool area. We were both quite jealous of their life there... If you're looking for a place that has charm and people who can give you tips on everything there is to do around, go there. Pauline and Rob were like locals, except they spoke perfect English! Oh, and they know where all the good restaurants are too!

Rob and Pauline are just the best hosts. The B&B is the most comfortable and the position magnificent. We just loved being there, away in the beautiful hills and without the tourist. For once I felt I experienced a place rather than seen! Can't recommend enough

We only had two nights at la Mela Rosa but it was an excellent experience. The breakfast was perfect with the home made ingredients. The room and bathroom are perfect and large and the bed is perfect to sleep in like home!

We had perfect weather to enjoy the swimming pool and the pleasure of hearing nothing but the animals around the house. The house is not near any village or city so it's very quiet, we loved it! The hosts are perfect and can give a you lot of information.

In the surroundings you will find those old towns where it's like time has been standing still for years and everybody seems to know each other.

I hope this region will long stay as it is, and not be spoiled by many tourists! So don't tell anyone about it but go and see it yourself.