Appreciating the Little Things in Le Marche
All of the everyday wonders that make this enchanting region so special
Often described as "all of Italy wrapped up into one region", Le Marche is a breathtaking Italian escape and it's one we're lucky enough to have found.
Travelling to this beautiful region of Italy in 2004, We discovered a combination of unspoilt countryside, sea, mountains and an incredible quality of life, and we instantly knew that we had found a part of the world that we wanted to explore and invest in.
Now, we’re lucky enough to have made this place our second home. And 6 properties, 60+ owners and 15 years later, we feel privileged to have brought a select group of homeowners along with us on this life-changing journey in Le Marche.
Still curious about how this small, relatively unknown, area captures the hearts of all those who visit? Keep reading to discover the everyday wonders that create a truly immersive “La Dolce Vita” experience.
Friendly Locals
You’ll arrive in Le Marche as tourists, but you’ll leave as family.
Whichever charismatic hamlet you choose to spend time in, you’ll soon find that it only takes a couple of visits to your local cafe before the owner knows your order on arrival and won’t let you leave without trying their latest aperitivo or discussing their latest fabulous lunch experience.
Ian and Carol Gray: “On our first stay as owners, we were tourists; on every subsequent trip we have been welcomed as neighbours. We go to Italy to live there each year. When we want to become tourists, we venture farther out in any direction.”
Delicious Restaurants
Le Marche is small in comparison to its better-known neighbours, however, its ratio of high-quality restaurants is one to admire.
Take Palazzo Scarsini and Casa Tre Archi in Petritoli, for example. Just a stone’s throw from the front steps are several restaurants that offer a dining experience that will persuade you to book your next holiday before dessert, just to guarantee your next meal there.
For example, you’ll be sure to find us at Cantina Antisociale, Re Squarchio and Osteria de la Cornacchie at some point over the weekend.
The Scull Family: “What to do today… Cycle along the beach at Grottammare, go wine tasting in Offida, stroll up to Montalto and visit the bakery, opera in Macerata, the market in San Benedetto or maybe chill by the pool in Patrignone? Tough choices!”
Stunning Beaches
It’s not likely that you would associate the ocean with medieval, hilltop Italian villages. But the magic of Le Marche extends right down to its shores, with the stunning turquoise waters of the Adriatic just 10 to 20 minutes away from all of our homes. With an abundance of blue flag beaches along the coastline it is a real hidden gem, and one italians head to for their summer holidays.
Choose to spend your days lounging in luxury at a beach club like La Baia or opt for a more laid back, authentic approach and create your own relaxing set-up on the sand at Sirolo.
The Harrington Family: “In the summer we normally spend our days, all day at the beaches. We love the beach clubs, the vibrancy of Grottammare and the adventure of Numana.”
Bustling Markets
Get all of your souvenirs in one afternoon, treat yourself to something special or spend the day wandering the cobbled streets, browsing all of the lovingly handmade wares that locals have to offer. Here are a few of our personal favourites:
Fermo’s collectors market every Thursday throughout July and August.
Ascoli Piceno's antique market on the third weekend of every month.
Sarnano’s market every Thursday has something for everyone.
Katie and Toby: “Le Marche has so much charm and with both the beach and hilltop towns it offers choice. The restaurants are amazing and the markets a must.”
Incredible Views
Our homes benefit from locations that offer unparalleled views. Sat hundreds of metres above sea level, the position of all the towns where we have placed our houses provide amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and, or the Sibillini mountains.
The Tesslone Family: “This is truly heaven on earth. To one side the coastline beaches on the beautiful Adriatic Sea and then a blink away to the other side the wonder of the Sibillini Mountains and in between the rolling green hills, olive groves, farmland and medieval hilltop villages all surrounding you.”