Guests can decode ancient maps of safe houses from their beds

Further Afield, the hand-picked, gay-friendly accommodation website, is now featuring a new boutique B&B with rare medieval frescoes that show the location of safe houses for crusaders heading to the Holy Land. These coded maps have been uncovered in Cancello Est, a newly opened guesthouse in Italy now available to book through Further Afield.

The frescoes were discovered by owners Ivan Kruger and Marc Spendlove during their renovation of the golden sandstone palazzo. Parts of Cancello Est date from the 11th century and the guesthouse is named after the fact that it was once part of the east gate of the ancient walled town of Gualdo di Macerata in Le Marche. A corner stone on the building identifies it as a safe house of the Knights Templar.

The colourful pictures decorate the domed ceilings of four of the five guest suites. Three depict crusader symbols such as Templar Roses, illustrations of houses to be found further south, and landmarks in the port of Bari. Guests can admire and decode the exquisite and intriguing decorations from the comfort of their sumptuous beds.

The frescoes were the subject of a year-long expert restoration, part of the transformation of the palazzo into a boutique B&B. Each of the five luxurious suites has south-facing views to the mountains of the Sibillini National Park, and guests can also access a library, lounge and dining room, and a garden with a marble swimming pool and sundeck. Thoughtful touches include deep baths, extra-long beds and a pillow menu, while complimentary extras include local wine, beer and spring water and gelato by the pool. Room service and free wifi come as standard.

Like all Further Afield's hand-picked accommodation, one of the reasons Cancello Est was invited to join the collection was because of the people behind the property. Ivan and Marc are welcoming hosts, who previously ran a highly regarded luxury guesthouse in Cape Town. They are great ambassadors for Le Marche, ready to share their intimate knowledge of the area, whether guests want a restaurant recommendation or ideas for enjoyable day trips.  

From €120-€190 per night, including breakfast. Guests booking through Further Afield will get four nights for the price of three between 1 October 2014 and 31 March 2015. Go to www.furtherafield.com or call 00 39 366 532 1989 and quote Further Afield.

Follow Further Afield on Twitter @gofurtherafield and at www.facebook.com/FurtherAfieldEscapes.

To request images or further information, to enquire about press trips, and to arrange interviews with Simon Forrester and Andrew Craven, please contact Little Black Book Creative: Simone Kane on 07811 161839 and simone@lbbcreative.co.uk, or Kate Simon on 07939 526109 and kate@lbbcreative.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Further Afield is an independent collection of small boutique hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes that champions accommodation with personality and flair and welcomes everyone – gay, lesbian and straight. The owners of the properties featured are trailblazers – the first to open in a new neighbourhood, break the moulds of design and hospitality, or simply breathe new life into a familiar destination. Guests booking through Further Afield get the best rates – no extra fees – because they are booking direct with the owners, and often benefit from exclusive deals, too.

Further Afield was launched in the UK in 2010 by Simon Forrester and Andrew Craven during the furore around gay couples being turned away from B&Bs. They saw the need to respond to the growing demand for places to unwind and relax without fear of prejudice. During the past four years, the collection has grown from 30 places in the UK to more than 270 in 23 countries, including Britain, France, Italy and Spain. Meanwhile, Further Afield has found favour not only with the LGBT community but also many straight travellers in search of discerning and honest recommendations.

Simon and Andrew and their small team of trusted reviewers have carefully selected every hotel, B&B and holiday home in the collection to ensure quality, comfort and a friendly and professional service for everyone. Tight quality control is key to Further Afield, which turns away many more establishments than it takes on.