A secret hideaway in Italy's magical Marche

The region
The Marche is a wonderful, unspoilt area of Italy. It is rural and - while not as 'chocolate box'  as Tuscany or Umbria - this real working feel is part of its charm. Here you will meet farmers going about their work, alongside chic town-dwellers. And everyone is extremely helpful and friendly.

During your time, you might want to stay close to the house and investigate local towns, markets etc.
Market days are: Saturday in Comunanza, Wednesday Amandola, Thursday Sarnano

Local specialities are: truffles, mushrooms, game and pecorino cheese. Local wines are verdicchio and montepulciano

Shopping opportunites at: Shoe valley. Check out the bargain quality leather goods in the 4,300 businesses in the area dedicated to the production of shoes. You will find numerous workshops/outlets on the border between Ascoli Piceno and Macerata. Top designers such as Dior, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana , Prada, Versace and Hermes outsource production here. You'll pick up stunning bags and shoes for a third of the price you'd pay on Bond Street. Try Pelletteria Valentino Orlandi, Zone Industriale, 62014 Corridonia (MC); Pelletteria di Tolentino, via Giovanni XXIII 69, 62029 Tolentino (MC) or Les Tropezienne, via Fratelli Bandiera 89, 62012 Civitanova Marche (MC). Happy shopping!

Why not explore the evening antiques market in Fermo every Thursday in July and August (5pm till midnight)?

Best beach: Conero or Sirolo, and Porto San Giorgio is the best place for freshly caught fish

Local towns
Monte San Martino (MSM) is a beautiful village, with a population of less than a thousand. It dates back to medieval times, and life revolves around the pretty piazza. It also has its own small shop, Post Office and coffee bar as well as the exceptional Priori restaurant.

On the road going into MSM, there is an excellent agritourismo restaurant run by Paolo. It is called Le Querche (the oaks) and is open every night except Tuesday. There is no real menu here but the food is delicious – vegetarians can be catered for – and good value.

Don’t miss the incredible 15th-century paintings in the village church. You may have to ask for it to be opened for you – ask in the Comune above the bar. Pierpaolo will be happy to escort you and all for a small donation to the church.

The nearby towns of Amandola and Sarnano are both extremely pretty and you won’t regret putting a few hours aside to wander through both, exploring the winding cobbled back streets or just sitting in one of the cafes watching the locals go about their daily business.
  
Other places of interest in the vicinity
The walled town of Servigliano is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon. Why not treat yourself and visit the beauty therapist here. You might need a bit of help translating what you want though and we can arrange this for you.

Dezi’s vineyard in Servigliano often puts on art exhibitions. All his wine is organic – and we guarantee if you go for a wine tasting, you won’t leave without buying a case. He also makes good-quality olive oil.

Il Piceni restaurant in Ortezzano – this is a sophisticated but relaxed restaurant. A hour’s drive seems a long way to go for dinner but you won’t regret it. Take a cardigan though as you may sit outside on the terrace which has stunning views but can get chilly.

San Marco restaurant in Servigliano. Romolo the owner will spoil you with fantastic seasonal vegetable dishes, melt in the mouth fresh pasta and meat cooked on the open fire in front of you. A place for a civilised lunch favoured by local businessmen.

There is the homely Trattoria Nella in Comunanza on the other side of the valley, and don't miss a trip up to Smerillo for dinner. The views are stunning. Mind the winding roads on the way back though!

Other information
There is a fantastic free phone service for tourist info that works when you are calling from Italy. Try 800 222 111 and multilingual operators will answer your query. Very useful.

A good website on the area is:
www.le-marche.com
www.holidayinmarche.com is another good one.
www.lizandbarry.com is also has some useful information