Why Le Marche?

After what felt like a hundred property visits across Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, you could say we were getting a little… well, picky. We’d seen rolling hills, ancient farmhouses, and picturesque villages, but nothing clicked completely. There was always a “but.” Too crowded, too remote, too manicured, too…

The number of clickable options on the Idealista map became smaller after each (virtual) visit and we were suggested properties towards the Adriatic every time when we logged into our account. Then, one day, with a shrug and a “why not?”, we booked flights to Ancona, a region previously completely off our radar, on the other side of the majestic Sibillini mountains. It felt like a fresh chapter to explore in our property search. And that, dear readers, is when we found our why.

Le Marche, for those unfamiliar, is Italy’s hidden gem. As soon as we landed, there was an instant connection, a feeling that this was different. The air felt fresher, the light more vibrant, .. and the landscapes were still undeniably Italian. Beyond the promise of our future homestead, it was the region itself that truly captured our hearts and cemented our decision to become Marchesiani.

A landscape of contrasts

For us, the draw of Le Marche came down to a few key ingredients. The first, and perhaps most captivating, is the incredible proximity of sea and mountains. It’s not just a matter of having both; it’s how effortlessly they coexist and complement each other. One moment, you can be gazing out at the shimmering Adriatic, its turquoise waters calling you for a refreshing swim, the vibrant energy of the coastline buzzing around you. Think of mornings spent strolling along the uncrowded beaches, feeling the sand between your toes, or evenings dining al fresco with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack. All at a 10-minutes drive from where we are.

The next, just about 45-minutes by car, you can be winding your way up into the dramatic peaks of the Sibillini, their rugged beauty a stark contrast to the gentle coastline. These mountains offer a playground for nature lovers, from challenging hikes to tranquil walks through ancient forests. The air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and there’s a profound sense of peace that settles over you.

This duality offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and experiences, allowing us to seamlessly transition from beach life to mountain adventures. It means we’ll never tire of our surroundings, always finding a new vista or a fresh perspective to explore. It’s an active lifestyle paired with immense beauty, a combination we simply couldn’t find replicated with such ease anywhere else.

One of the visited properties we liked a lot, close to Macerta, Le Marce

A gastronomic paradise

Then there’s the incredible produce, a true cornerstone of life in Le Marche. We’re talking about wine and olive oil that are, simply put, exceptional. (OK, .. one can argument that ITALY is exceptional in wine and olive oil.) Every sip of the region’s robust reds and crisp whites and every drizzle of its golden olive oil, speaks of the rich soil and the passionate hands that cultivate it.

But the culinary delights of Le Marche extend far beyond wine and olive oil. The region boasts a rich tapestry of local ingredients and traditional recipes. Obviously, there’s the fresh seafood from the Adriatic. Then, there’s the incredible variety of cured meats and artisanal cheeses from the land.

The idea of being surrounded by such agricultural abundance, and eventually, contributing to it ourselves with our very own organic grown vegetables, is incredibly appealing. It’s a return to a more authentic way of eating, where food is celebrated for its flavour, its provenance, and its ability to bring people together. A healthier lifestyle. Without pesticides.

This gastronomic richness wasn’t just a bonus. It was a significant pull, promising a lifestyle deeply rooted in delicious, honest food.

Our very first property that we visited in Le Marche

An old soul, but young at heart

But perhaps the most compelling factor, the one that truly sealed the deal, was Le Marche to feel “real”. It’s not just a postcard-perfect scene. It’s a living, breathing region with a strong sense of local identity and a welcoming spirit. We found it to be more lively than Umbria, which, while undeniably beautiful and peaceful, sometimes felt a little too quiet for our tastes.

And crucially, it felt gloriously less busy than Tuscany. While Tuscany is undoubtedly stunning, its popularity means that many of its charming towns and villages are overflowing with tourists.

Adding to this sense of perfect balance is Le Marche’s excellent accessibility.

We discovered the proximity of three (!!) international airports: Ancona (which is roughly an hour’s drive from where we are), Pescara (to the south, also about an hour away) and Perugia (to the west, approximately an 1.5 hours drive). This makes travel incredibly convenient for family and friends visiting from abroad, and offers us plenty of options for our own adventures.

And speaking of adventures, being in central Italy, that means that many of the country’s highlights are within easy reach. We’re just an 1.5 hours drive to the historical heart of Perugia, Umbria’s charming capital. The Eternal City of Rome is easy to reach within a 3-hours drive. Bologna, Firenze.. They all are feasible for a day or weekend trip.

So, why Le Marche?

We chose Le Marche because it felt like our new home, even long before we are starting to build it.