• First ever truffles discovered by Appassionata on Montefiore land
• At the same time, first cultivated truffle discovered on UK soil paving way for growing industry
• Le Marche is a ‘foodie paradise’ known for olives, wild game, seafood and wine

12^th March 2015 will always be a date to remember for the Cavanagh-Hobbs family. Henceforth it will forever be known as ‘Truffle Day’ or more precisely ‘Giorno del Tartufo’, for it was the day they first discovered this rare ‘black diamond’ beneath their land in Montefiore dell ‘Aso, Italy.

Having moved to the breathtaking region of Le Marche, similarly beauty-blessed neighbour of Tuscany, from the UK eight years ago to found fractional ownership company Appassionata, Michael Hobbs and his wife Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs wanted to truly immerse themselves in Italian life. Not content with simply renovating stunning rustic and urban properties, the family also purchased a ‘tartufaia’ or truffle plantation in 2010, a site of 7 acres that had had 1,240 trees inoculated with the Tuber Melanosporum fungus – or the Perigord Black Truffle.

Yet, as is the case with all truffle plantations, the Cavanagh-Hobbs family were in for a long wait. Notoriously difficult to farm and calling for a great deal of time and patience, truffles take between seven and twelve years to emerge, if they do at all, hence their status as a culinary delicacy, expensive to produce and purchase. Yet, having periodically searched the land with locally trained dogs over the years, it seems that this was the year the family would stumble upon their very own ‘black gold’.

Michael Hobbs, Founder of luxury property company Appassionata, explains more about their exciting discovery,

“The Appassionata Tartufaia is a magical place, generating an aura and energy that is hard to quantify, it makes you tingle. I have always felt that there was activity underground and the developing brules (burnt brown circles) that formed around the trees were an indication of mycorrhizal activity. We have been working hard while waiting for the truffles to appear and occasionally checked for truffles but it was during our last walk of this season that we found our first ever truffles.

“We didn’t have high expectations of finding them and were really just going through the motions but after 10 minutes of the dogs going from tree to tree, the young dog Balou got excited and started digging at the base of one of the trees near to the fence line. The handler pulled her back to inspect and carefully dug around the disturbed soil and hey presto we had found our very first truffle!”

Like all treasure-troves, the tartufaia, or truffle plantation, soon began to spill forth its jewels, as more and more truffles of varying shapes and sizes were literally unearthed from the dusty soil beneath. With the largest a behemoth weighing some 79g, the joy on the family’s faces could not be hidden as all their hard work was seen to pay off – at long last! With an eventual haul of 370g of black truffles in one small area, covering half a dozen trees, the prospects for the future of the site looks very bright indeed.

Yet March 2015 has not only been a landmark truffle time for this Le Marche family, their discovery also times perfectly with uncovering of the very first cultivated truffle on British soil. Just two days before the Montefiore discovery, Paul Thomas unearthed the start of a batch of the UK’s first ever commercially-produced truffles, in Leicestershire, paving the way for a new, growing industry that could prove highly lucrative. In turn, this could also prove true for the Cavanagh-Hobbs family who plan to develop their truffle sideline by selling both the raw article and investigating the creation of a range of authentic truffle-infused products, potentially utilising locally-produced olive oil and cheeses.

Michael Hobbs explains how he feels their recent discovery helps highlight the region’s gastronomic delights,

“Le Marche really is a foodie’s paradise. Freshly-produced oil from the finest olives ripened under seemingly endless sunny skies, wild game and smoky sausage, fresh seafood, not to mention the wonderful local wines that grace the region, are all part of the distinctive cucina tipica that puts Le Marche on the map and is drawing more and more attention worldwide. At Appassionata we are proud to be a part of this ongoing tradition, producing our very own olive oil, wine, lavender crop – and now truffles too!”

And as the Cavanagh-Hobbs family celebrated by eating the first truffle found, carefully slicing it over a frittata alongside some local salami and 30-month old parmigiana, rounding it off with their very own Marche Rosso, a 2013 Montepulciano, they looked forward to welcoming new owners of their latest project Casa Tre Archi to the gastronomic wonders of the region, including their newly treasured truffles!

Casa Tre Archi from Appassionata is a beautifully unique property of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, built into the ancient town walls of Le Marche’s Petritoli. Featuring a turret wall as part of the lounge, the townhouse also boasts a stunning roof terrace with standout views across the rolling hills of Le Marche and has been renovated to the very highest of standards.

A luxurious yet homely property, Casa Tre Archi enjoys sea views, beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta-tiled floors and is close to a range of local shops and restaurants and a short drive from beautiful sandy beaches. The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme and shares of 1/10^th of the property providing five weeks’ exclusive use annually, are available from £65,000.

For more information, contact Appassionata on +39 33154 13225 or visit www.appassionata.com

• Le Marche registers greater tourism growth than Tuscany, with 6.3% year-on-year growth (I.Stat)
• Le Marche properties 35% cheaper than Tuscany (Magic Marche)
• Casa Tre Archi, stunning fractional Le Marche property from Appassionata, offers affordable luxury

The latest figures from I.Stat, the Italian National Tourist Board, reveal that the previously undiscovered region of Le Marche is now outshining Tuscany in tourism growth.

Tuscany, famed since the 90s as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, registered an increase of 4.6% in foreign arrivals from 2012 to 2013, whilst the far more unknown neighbouring region of Le Marche saw impressive growth of 6.3% year-on-year.

With 389,313 visitors now arriving on Marche soil, more and more people are beginning to recognise that this Italian location has all the benefits of close-by Tuscany, seemingly endless rolling hills, beautiful open spaces and ancient hilltop towns, yet without the hefty pricetag.

A brighter spotlight now being shone on Le Marche as increasing numbers of people learn of its charms: friendly locals on hand to help each other out or savour a delicious three course lunch, longer for formal occasions, with family and friends gathered close. Surrounded by stunning countryside, enveloped by the warm sunshine as joyous gazes fall on ancient architecture and well-worn stones that tell stories of the true Italy of old, reassuring and beautiful; enlightening and eye-opening.

The Marche region is the true microcosm of ‘la dolce vita’, with much to offer to locals and tourists alike and yet somewhat undiscovered, meaning its hidden charms remain protected, its treasures left unexposed and still to be revealed – an exciting prospect for visitors looking to discover the real ‘Italia’, as growing numbers of visitors are realising.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of property company Appassionata, based in Le Marche, explains that they have also noticed an increased interest in the region in recent years,

“When my family and I took the leap to move to Italy seven years ago, we settled on the Marche region for many reasons and the fact that it is very much undiscovered compared to somewhere like Tuscany was certainly a big draw. Over the last few years we have definitely noticed that more people are looking to this beautiful corner of Italy for an escape from the rat-race, with many interested in having the base of a managed holiday property to return to.

“What I loved about Le Marche back then is what I still love about Le Marche today: its beautiful, untouched countryside, the traditional feel of the ancient hilltop towns, the warm climate, and the fact that it seemed to welcome us with open arms, valuing, as we do, family and a sense of community above all else. Le Marche was then, and remains today, a magical place and one I know that anyone visiting will lose their heart to, it is impossible not to.”

And as Dawn references, although increasingly compared to popular Umbria and Tuscany, Marche has far more untapped potential. Property prices, for example, are dramatically more affordable than in other more well-known tourist regions, with Magic Marche claiming that properties are around 35% cheaper than in Tuscany.

Combine this with the low cost of living of Italy compared to many other top holiday destinations, such as France where groceries are almost 14% more expensive and the Consumer Price Index (a general cost of living indicator taking into consideration consumer goods prices such as restaurants, transportation and utilities) reveals France to be almost 6% more expensive (according to the Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2015 report), it is clear to see why Italy is gaining increasing interest overall and why, in turn, attractive and affordable regions like Le Marche are even more so.

In line with this affordability, the recent devaluation of the Euro against the Pound means that British visitors will get even more for their money when holidaying in Italy this year, with the European Tourism Association revealing that holidays across the Eurozone should be around 18% cheaper for UK travellers due to the 8-year Euro low, indicating that the country is likely to see a boost to their tourism coffers that in 2013 stood at an impressive $44 billion, according to the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

With I.Stat showing that tourists from over 50 countries visited Le Marche in 2013, it is clear that it is a region to watch as 2015 continues to evolve, and with an increase in UK arrivals from 2011 to 2013 of 1.5%, it is certain that there is still much further to go for this still somewhat undiscovered region of hidden charms. Jane Smith from Magic Marche concurs,

“Le Marche is Italy all wrapped up in one place… Overall the market in Le Marche has really started to motor again. Every property sector is attracting attention, viewers and buyers – we have not seen such all-round interest since 2008.” It is an exciting time.

One such property that is gaining interest is Casa Tre Archi from Appassionata, a beautiful townhouse in Le Marche’s hilltop town of Petritoli. Built into the medieval town walls, which are beautifully made a feature of as part of the design of the property, Casa Tre Archi also boasts three bedrooms and an expansive roof terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Traditional, yet luxurious, this restored property incorporates wonderful original features whilst providing a comfortable and beautiful setting in which to relax and live the Italian dream. Close to award-winning local restaurants and a short drive from beautiful sandy beaches, and with just five or six non-Italian families living in Petritoli full-time, including Appassionata owners Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and her husband Michael, this really is a slice of true Italy at its finest.

Casa Tre Archi is offered on a fractional basis, with a share of 1/10^th of the property priced at £65,000, providing five weeks’ exclusive use annually.

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225. 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, men (and women) across the country will begin to turn their thoughts to all things love – hearts adorn shop windows, with red and pink displays urging lovers inside, cards are signed with question marks adding intrigue to secret flirtations, and the sale of red roses, in exclusive florists to petrol stations, flourish.

But what do you buy the woman or man that has everything? One man thinks he has the perfect solution, as was proved when he bought the ultimate present for his wife: a holiday home in the country synonymous with love – Italy!

James Mason, a commodity trader from London, was at a loss knowing what to buy his wife Jenny, knowing that as a self-proclaimed workaholic, what she would really like, more than anything, would be more quality time with him, something he found difficult in the shadow of the demands of his successful business.  Yet with three young children and a shared love of Italy, James hatched a plan, a plan that would result in him giving his wife the most amazing present she could ever wish for.

Visiting Italy, James met with Dawn and Michael Hobbs, owners of property company, Appassionata, who have themselves made the region of Le Marche home and today specialise in renovating beautiful traditional properties, available for purchase through their fractional scheme. James explains how he instantly fell in love with the property and region, realising it was perfect for his young family, and it was his love for his wife that prompted the next step,

“I thought my wife would love the property and as I didn’t have a present for her I ended up securing the property before she’d seen it. She would be blown away!”

And James wasn’t wrong. Buying as the ultimate surprise through a company called Appassionata, added even more sparkle to James’ purchase, aptly-named for the most romantic of gifts, yet he did not stop there. He also organised for Jenny to make her first ever trip to the property with three of her close girlfriends, where they could enjoy a child-free weekend in their new home.

As they lazed by the pool, walked along the beach and hit the designer outlets, Jenny reflected on her gift, the share certificate wrapped by Dawn in luxurious paper, trimmed with a beautiful ribbon, granting James many brownie points. She could only keep remarking, “I can’t believe James bought this for me, he’s never done anything like this before!”

In awe of her new lifestyle, made possible thanks to her loving husband, Jenny was as keen on the concept of fractional ownership as her husband. Knowing that their ownership gave them five weeks’ usage a year, she realised that this would mean planning when they would use their allowance, ensuring that they prioritised their family-time together and provide a greater balance to their life and work.

Appassionata’s latest project, Casa Tre Archi, is located in the medieval hilltop town of Petritoli in Le Marche. This three-bedroom townhouse is beautifully unique, being built into the town’s ancient walls, part of the entrance turrets, and featuring a turret wall as part of the property’s lounge!

But what makes Casa Tre Archi the perfect destination for romance? Featuring beamed ceilings, cosy décor of delightful, traditional Italian architecture paired with stunning modern additions make Casa Tre Archi the ultimate romantic bolthole. Not only this, but the property also boasts its very own rooftop terrace, perfect for candlelit dinners and long lazy drinks, whilst marvelling in the exquisite views from the house’s hilltop location, twinkling lights below and stars above. Close to excellent local restaurants, Casa Tre Archi provides a taste of the true Italian life, la dolce vita, and the opportunity for the ultimate declaration of love.

So this Valentine’s Day, it is not just in Napoli where ‘the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie’, Petritoli is THE location for ardour, and Casa Tre Archi is the ideal love nest. A thoughtful Valentine’s gift with a difference – That’s Amore!

A 1/10^th share in Casa Tre Archi is priced at £65,000 for five weeks annual usage. For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225. 

Many people dream of owning a second home overseas where they can spend afternoons basking lazily in the sunshine, filling up on local delicacies and enjoying happy memories with their family and friends. What many don’t consider is the amount of work involved in maintaining a property that is only used for several weeks of the year, or the on going costs.

It’s not just about cleaning, though of course a holiday home will need a thorough spring clean each time it is used. It is the maintenance that catches many people out. The fact that the garden does its best to turn into a rampant wilderness between each use, or that a freak storm took off some of the roof tiles on its way past. Suddenly, the dream of lazing about in the sun for days on end transforms into a reality of sweating in a poorly ventilated hardware store while leafing frantically through a travel dictionary to work out which product will repair that cracked window frame and which will accidentally dissolve it.

For many families, the experience has led to the conclusion that whole ownership has become passé in this day and age when there are alternative options available. Fractional ownership presents a much neater solution, allowing them to enjoy a fully managed property that allows them to relax from the moment they arrive.

Fractional ownership also enables the purchase of a much more luxurious property than whole ownership, as South African Jane Thomas observes,

“We loved the idea of a holiday home in Italy but the logistics of owning from South Africa seemed too difficult. What we wanted and what we could afford didn’t really add up.”

Luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata provided the perfect solution. Jane’s family and their friends purchased a share of the five bedroom Casa Leopardi, set on the pretty Giacomo Leopardi estate in rural Le Marche. The fractional nature of the property means that they can begin enjoying Italy as soon as they have set down their cases. While those who own second homes outright are beginning the process of airing out the property, disposing of spiders and checking for damp, Jane can sip Casa Leopardi’s own wine on a lounger by the pool.

Not only is whole ownership passé, but fractional ownership itself has evolved, with the concept of urban fractional taking off, as owners seek to experience real life in the country of their choice. Appassionata’s founder, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, explains,

“Feedback told us that owners wanted to be a part of Italy’s beating heart, not just observe the country from the side-lines, so we knew we had found the perfect property when we came across Casa Tre Archi. As with all of our properties, it required extensive renovation work in order to turn it from a run-down and neglected townhouse into a luxury holiday home, but we persevered and those who have already bought shares have been delighted with the result.”

The trend for urban Italian properties is one that Jane Smith of local estate agency Magic Marche has also observed. She comments,

“Townhouses have definitely returned to popularity. We have seen the re-emergence of people looking for a pied a terre, somewhere for weekends and short breaks throughout the year; somewhere to immerse yourself regularly, almost at whim, in Italian culture, without the cost of running a big country house with land.”

Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi is located in the medieval hilltop town of Petritoli. Owner Chris Everard from the UK describes the property best,

“The four-storey Tre Archi house in Petritoli, built into the mediaeval wall of this delightful hilltop town, made everyone smile with joy as we walked in to explore and as ever with Appassionata, it exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail, the luxury of a smart TV, broadband and three bathrooms makes the living experience relaxing, fulfilling and a joy to share.

“Turn right out of the front door walk underneath the mediaeval walls and arches past Andrea’s restaurant and up towards the Tre Archi bar. Stop for a cup of tea, a home-made ice cream, coffee with a croissant in the morning or enjoy the evening sunshine with a wind down beer or wine. Carry on into the village centre and you will find 2 or 3 other great bars, a very well-stocked supermarket, pharmacy, bank and a number of other restaurants.”

Casa Tre Archi’s spacious roof terrace allows owners to enjoy views of the beautiful countryside as they dine al fresco, with the chiming of local church bells and the happy noises of town life creating the perfect aural backdrop. Its owners delight in being able to immerse themselves in Italian life and in enjoying a far more luxurious property than whole ownership would allow. As Appassionata’s Dawn concludes,

“Why let your budget limit your second home dream, when with a little imagination you can enjoy owning a share of a luxury property from as little as £65,000. Fractional ownership is the perfect solution for those who want to spend their holidays having fun and let someone else take care of the cleaning, garden maintenance and minor repairs. For many of us, our time on holiday is limited. Fractional ownership ensures that families and friends can enjoy every minute of their time away.”

For more information visit www.appassionata.com, email India on ifh@appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

Michael Hobbs has just returned from India. The property entrepreneur, who founded luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata with his wife and family back in 2005, was part of a team of five friends known as the Bullet Boys.

Together, the Bullet Boys undertook a 2,000 km endurance ride through southern India on Royal Enfield Bullets in order to raise money for the Adventure Ashram charity, which works to help the poorest people living in southern India and the Himalayas.

The aim of the trip was to raise funds and awareness for the Odanadi Charity in Mysore, which rescues children from human trafficking and the Indian sex trade. More than £19,000 was raised in total, which has helped to pay for the construction of a dining hall and kitchens for the rescue home. It was the second such trip to have been undertaken by the Bullet Boys and no doubt will not be the last.

Michael Hobbs, comments,

“2014 was good for me both professionally with Appassionata and personally with the Bullet Boys trip. Being able to finish the year by travelling across India to raise money for charity was an amazing and fulfilling experience.

“The trip certainly took some stamina – 2,000 km often on unpaved roads and mud tracks requires serious grit and determination – but India is such a beautiful and varied country that I felt very lucky to be back there. The Odanadi Charity in Mysore does such incredible work and it was a privilege to be able to contribute to the safe and happy future of the special children with whom they work.”

The trip took the Bullet Boys through terrain ranging from arid plains to dense forests, testing their fortitude and team spirit to the max. There were some exhausting moments, but all five kept in mind their charitable purpose and were able to complete the ride. The next charitable venture is already in the planning stage.

For more information visit www.appassionata.com, email Michael on mph@appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

• Commercial real estate investment expected to rise by 20% in 2014 and again in 2015 (Cushman & Wakefield)
• Foreign developers committed to restoring Italian architectural gems for use as luxury holiday homes (Appassionata)
• Share of sympathetically restored hilltop home with original turret features from £65,000 (Casa Tre Archi)

From commercial property investment to the saviour of ancient Italian architecture, it seems that 2015 could be the year of the new Italian renaissance so far as real estate is concerned.

Just as the Renaissance was in part driven by the foreign influences of Greek scholars and classical texts, it is foreigners who are now driving forward Italy’s property market. Their interest in commercial real estate (led by retail buildings and followed by the office and hospitality sectors) soared in 2014, with Cushman & Wakefield reporting an expected commercial real estate investment volume during the year of around €5 billion – 20% higher than the previous year.

Foreign investors are the most active in the market and are expected to drive forward a further 20% increase during 2015, having tired of other European markets. As Deutsche Bank managing director Massimo Saletti, explains,

“There is a general feeling that other markets have already been explored from a valuation and opportunity standpoint, and Italy is an obvious choice for capital at competitive pricing levels.”

It is not just commercial real estate that is behind the new Italian property renaissance. Residential property is also playing its part. While commercial buildings are bringing in the money and stealing the limelight, a quite movement is underway that is seeing foreign investors becoming the saviours of Italian architecture.

While the Italian government is selling off castles and other ancient assets in a bid to raise some quick cash, factional ownership company Appassionata is taking a different approach by lovingly and sympathetically restoring old properties and turning them into luxury holiday homes.

Casa Tre Archi, Appassionata’s latest project, is a stunning property that is actually built into the town walls of the medieval hilltop settlement of Petritoli in Le Marche – one of the turrets is a feature wall in the property’s living room. Appassionata has breathed life back into the ancient dwelling, as founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, comments,

“Italy has so many fantastic old buildings that are gradually crumbling away to dust. It is heart-breaking to see so much history being lost and I am delighted that Appassionata can play a part in saving some of these architectural gems.”

Casa Tre Archi is the company’s third shared ownership project. They have previously resurrected a cluster of tumbledown farm buildings, transforming them into two luxury country houses, along with a working estate. Dawn and her team have also restored a local palazzo, which has become the family home.

“Restoring the palazzo was such an incredible experience,” recalls Dawn. “The roof was partially caved in and one more winter would probably have been the end of the property altogether. Since we began work there, several of the locals have popped in and thanked us for saving it, regaling us with tales from their youth of lively social gatherings that took place there.”

With work on the palazzo and Casa Tre Archi (shares of which are available from £65,000 for five weeks’ usage per year) now complete, Appassionata are looking for their next project and are determined to show that world that shared ownership holiday homes can be the saviour that neglected Italian architecture so badly needs.

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

• Italian property market saw 3.6% increase in buying and selling in Q3 2014 (Italian Revenue Service)
• City living is leading the market’s revival (Knight Frank)
• Own a luxury urban holiday home for £65,000 (Appassionata)

“Holidaymakers don’t want to see only Italy’s touristy areas anymore. They want to experience real life – to immerse themselves in the country and its way of life, to eat where the locals eat, to feel part of the town they are staying in.”

For Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, this has been a learning experience. Appassionata’s first two fractional holiday homes, where owners buy a one tenth share of the property and use it for five weeks per year, were located in rural Le Marche. The properties offer the ultimate in luxury rural Italian living, including pools, a tennis court and a working estate producing its own wine and olive oil.

“I was surprised by just how much the owners wanted to embrace the true Italian lifestyle,” comments Dawn. “Of course they enjoyed sunning themselves on the beach and skiing in the mountains, but they seemed just as delighted – if not more so – with buying fresh fish from the local fishermen early in the morning and learning how to make pasta with a local chef. They wanted to embrace Italy in a totally different way.”

It was owners’ feedback that guided the location of Appassionata’s third property, the urban fractional holiday home Casa Tre Archi, in the medieval hilltop town of Petritoli. The three bedroom, three bathroom house with large roof terrace is perfectly located for owners who want to experience urban Italy, from sipping coffee in a piazza to the sound of church bells tolling, to heading to the fruit and veg market to pick out locally grown produce that’s bursting with flavour.

The trend is reflected in official figures, with the Italian Revenue Service reporting a sharp upturn in the country’s buying and selling rates in Q3 2014, an increase of 3.6%. The buying and selling of urban properties was the main driver of the upturn, in line with feedback from Rupert Fawcett (one of Knight Frank’s Italian team partners) in November, who commented that, “there has been increased interest this year in city living.”

Fawcett’s observation was that buyers from the UK and US were leading the charge. Certainly this has been the case with Appassionata’s properties, though they also have owners from South Africa, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, France and of course Italy itself.

A one tenth share of Casa Tre Archi can be purchased for just £65,000 and it is this low price point that adds to the property’s attractions, as Dawn explains,

“The beauty of factional ownership is that buyers can get so much more for their money than if they were buying a second home outright. Given that the average second home owner is unlikely to use it for more than a few weeks a year anyway, fractional ownership makes perfect sense. Our owners arrive to find their home ready for use and never have to worry about the upkeep of the garden or minor repairs – it is the ultimate in relaxing holiday experiences.”

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.