Latest News
In this section you'll find recent news about Villa Borghetti and the local area. Keep coming back for updates!
2009
Book direct
2008
Homes in Le Marche,
Gola dell'Infernaccio,
Sarnano estate,
Frescoes of Tolentino,
Unsung Italy,
Relegation blues,
Le Marche magazine,
All yours,
Summer prices held again
2007
Make the move to Le Marche,
SS Sarnano 0 Trodica 3,
Where to relocate,
Frasassi le Grotte,
Castello della Rancia,
Senza glutine,
Nature and art,
Fly the Blue Flag,
Mostra and mulberries,
The best of Italy,
The Italian El Greco,
Eating out in Sarnano,
Dog sled racing,
Scrap the tax
2006
La dolce vita,
Italia! visits Sarnano,
Ticket to ride,
Both houses now available
2005
You've seen Jamie's Great Escape,
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Spick and span,
National antiques and crafts fair,
Swimming al fresco,
A good night's sleep.
Today's Daily Telegraph contains an eight page pull-out guide to holidays in Italy, with tips on how and where to find the best value in 2009.
Last year, Telegraph readers again voted Italy 'Best European Country' in their annual travel awards.
However, travel agency rental prices were relatively high even before Sterling's decline against the Euro.
The Telegraph lists '20 ways to save' and number one is Book direct with holiday owners. It claims that you can save up to 30 per cent on agency rental rates.
Villa Borghetti is not available through an agency but comparable properties in the region cost well over 30 per cent more than our rental prices.
Where else could you rent a fully renovated three bedroom country house in the height of summer for £595 per week? With accommodation for five adults, that works out at less than £120 per person. And there's a cot too, so baby comes free!
That's just the larger house (Noce). If you decide to book both houses together, you'll have accommodation for up to nine adults plus a baby for just £990 per week.
When you consider that electricity, heating, hot water, bed linen and bathroom towels are all included in the price, we hope you'll agree that Villa Borghetti represents excellent value for money.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
17th January 2009
The October issue of Italia! magazine, out now, carries a feature on buying property in Le Marche.
Describing it as 'a physically blessed place' and 'a kind of rural paradise', Fleur Kinson says the only thing Le Marche doesn't share with its neighbours Tuscany and Umbria is their high property prices.
House prices have risen substantially over recent years, but they are still roughly half those of Tuscany. As elsewhere in Italy, Le Marche's prices are currently static, but if you're looking for a reasonably priced home in the Italian countryside, this is definitely a place to consider.
If you need somewhere to stay while you're looking, Villa Borghetti could be your ideal solution. Situated in the so-called 'golden triangle' between Sarnano, San Ginesio and Gualdo and on the doorstep of the Monti Sibillini, it is right at the heart of arguably the most beautiful part of Le Marche.
We are always happy to reduce our rates for longer term lets, so please contact us for details.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
6th September 2008
The three of us plus Sam’s friend Lizzie have just returned from a glorious week at Villa Borghetti, enjoying temperatures well into the 30s and (apart from one spectacular storm) wall to wall sunshine.
We chanced upon a little chapel in a cave (called Eremo or Grotta di Soffiano) amid spectacular scenery en route to
However, the biggest highlight was probably the Gola dell’Infernaccio or ‘Hell’s Gorge’ near Montefortino, carved by the River Tenna. This wild and magnificent gorge is almost 4km long. In the first stretch it is only two or three metres wide but it opens up further along before narrowing again between sheer rock faces until it reaches a lake surrounded by woods. A further climb of around two hours takes you to the source of the Tenna.
However, we didn’t bother with any of that! We ambled a couple of hundred yards beyond the end of the road and played Pooh sticks from the little bridge or dared each other to brave the icy stream.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
7th July 2008
Not a country estate or even an estate car, but the Italian word for summer. And what a summer it promises to be!
The programma manifestazioni published by Sarnano’s town council contains no fewer than 74 events in and around Sarnano between June and October.
Here are just a few to whet your appetite:
- Taverna della Luna – dining al fresco in the old town, served by waiters in mediaeval costumes.
- Cinema all’aperto – open-air cinema at Monte Sassotetto.
- Sarnano beer festival – with live music.
- Omaggio a Puccini – opera at Sarnano’s own little theatre, the Teatro della Vittoria in the Piazza Alta.
- Notte fitness – music and sport show organised by the ‘Palextra’ gym club.
- Freedom saxophone quartet – in concert at Piazza Perfetti.
- Summer disco contest – in the Parco delle Terme.
For full details, visit www.sarnano.com/images/Locandina%202008.pdf.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
14th June 2008
The July 2008 issue of Italia! magazine, out now, depicts one of the remarkable cycle of 14th century frescoes that adorns Tolentino’s Basilica di San Nicola. The artist’s identity remains a mystery, although it is widely thought to be a painter of the
The large, colourful Tolentino fresco is the most impressive example in this region and dates back to around 1325. This was shortly after the death of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas), who was known as Patron of the Holy Souls and spent the last 30 years of his life in Tolentino.
Tolentino is less than half an hour away from Villa Borghetti and there are spectacular views of it on the way from the airport.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
7th June 2008
The property section of today’s Telegraph carries an article by Anna Tyzack on ‘unsung
One of her ten ‘real Italian beauties’ for buyers on a budget is Le
If you are thinking of buying a place in
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
31st May 2008
Well, it had to happen. Società Sportiva Sarnano is well and truly sunk, relegated from Campionato di Calcio Dilettanti Prima Categoria as the bottom team in Girone C, along with Visso and Francavilla who lost their playoffs.
The last remaining chance was the encounter with rivals Cingoli on 12 April, billed in posters around the town as ‘the most important match for the salvation of the club’.
Frank joined a larger than usual throng at the Stadio Maurelli to cheer on the Biancoblu. Unfortunately, the match ended in a 0-1 defeat and all hope was extinguished.
So next season, SS Sarnano will be playing in Seconda Categoria, Girone F. But at least there’s a fine view from the stadium.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
27th April 2008
Free with the April issue of Italia! is a 28 page Le Marche magazine. This is Italia!'s first regional supplement, reflecting the unique appeal of the province.
Editor Amanda Robinson comments: 'This enticing region used to be one of Italy's hidden treasures, but as its secrets have slowly unfolded in recent years, it is becoming an increasingly popular destination.'.
With sections on history and events, the property market and food and wine, the supplement provides a useful introduction to Le Marche.
It also highlights the unexpected fact that Le Marche is a shopper's paradise, with factory stores for designer goods scattered throughout the region. For example, outlets for Prada and Byblos can be found in Ancona, Armani in Matelica, and Tod's Shoes in Sant'Elpidio a Mare.
As the supplement says, the enchanting Sibillini range in the southwest of Le Marche is widely agreed to be the most beautiful in the entire Apennine chain. Walkers and mountain bikers will find plenty of suitable paths through the Sibillini, including 14 circular routes suggested at www.sibillini.net.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
9th March 2008
More good news for our guests in 2008 - we've decided that, if only one house is booked, we won't let out the other house at the same time.
This gives you complete privacy and unrestricted access to the whole garden. Crucially, it means that if you are staying in Noce, the larger house, you will be able to make full use of the lovely terrace adjoining Fico.
Of course, there is a chance that we may be there at the same time as you - but we are considerate neighbours and will leave you in peace!
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
17th February 2008
Having held our rental prices at the same level since 2005, we have had to make a few changes for 2008. However, the good news is that prices for the popular summer period have been kept unchanged!
Unlike many other holiday properties, our prices include gas and electricity. The cost of gas and electricity has rocketed in recent years, especially for non-residents like us, and we are unable to charge separately for them as both houses share the same meters.
We have therefore taken the decision not to let out Villa Borghetti during the winter period (1st December to 29th February) and operate one simple pricing structure for the rest of the year. As a consequence, mid season prices have increased slightly, but prices for the peak summer period (1st June to 31st August) remain unchanged for the fourth year running.
Our summer prices remain very attractive compared with many similar properties in the area, especially those with pools. For many visitors, a pool is an expensive luxury, especially when you consider there are excellent public pools in both Sarnano and San Ginesio.
If you are looking for an inexpensive holiday in the heart of beautiful Le Marche, you have come to the right place. For full details, check out our rental prices.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st February 2008
The January 2008 issue of Italia! magazine, out now, contains a Property Focus on Le Marche. Editor Amanda Robinson reports that she was enchanted by the beautiful hilltop villages at the foot of the Sibillini mountains and received such a warm welcome that she would certainly be going back.
As the article says, Le Marche is coming out of the shadows of its more famous neighbours, Tuscany and Umbria, and rightly so. The fourteen properties featured range in price from €100,000 to €1,000,000 and many are situated close to Villa Borghetti.
Kevin Gibney from Marche Homes Direct says 'Think of everything you love about Italy and it's here - mountains, beaches, culture, food and truly great people... it's even home to those great Italian shoes the world loves!'.
If you're considering Italy for your place in the sun, look no further than Le Marche. And if you're looking for somewhere to stay while you check it out, look no further than Villa Borghetti.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
20th December 2007
Our latest trip to Villa Borghetti coincided with a football match between Società Sportiva Sarnano and another local side, Trodica.
It was a brutal encounter between two highly committed sides in which both portieri (goalkeepers) went off injured. The arbitro (referee) was kept busy, flashing umpteen yellow cards and one red, leaving SS Sarnano down to 10 men for the whole of the second half.
The match finished 0-3, and a subsequent glance at the table showed SS Sarnano rooted to the bottom of the Campionato di Calcio Dilettanti Prima Categoria, Girone C with just three points.
Two days later the allenatore (manager), Piero Giancamilla, left the sinking ship, citing 'troppi episodi negativi' or 'too many negatives'. Contrary to speculation, the new manager is not the strange Englishman who attended the Trodica match!
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st November 2007
Many visitors to Villa Borghetti, and this website, are thinking of following in our footsteps and buying a place in Italy. Some are considering the even bigger step of relocating.
In the November 2007 issue of Italia! magazine, a reader asks about the suitability of Le Marche and Abruzzo as places to set up a Bed & Breakfast and creative courses business.
In reply, Italia!'s location expert Andrew Whisker says that '... compared to other Italian regions, Abruzzo and Le Marche have few tourists, lower prices and local people who are more open as they are not swamped with the mass tourism much of Italy suffers from.'.
He goes on to say '... both regions are blessed with very diverse landscapes compared to other Italian regions. Their geographies are marked with sublimely beautiful national parks, nice beaches, stunning countryside and hill towns.'.
In conclusion, he says 'All in all, you have done well to choose two very suitable areas to consider as locations for your new home and business. Congratulations and good luck!'.
Several people have enquired whether Villa Borghetti might be available for an extended stay so they can get to know the region before buying a place of their own. We are always willing to consider long lets so if you are interested please contact us to let us know.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
14th October 2007
Frank's latest trip to Villa Borghetti with his father Brian and his friend Dorothy afforded a rare opportunity to visit the famous Grotte di Frasassi, one of Italy's largest and most spectacular cave complexes. Nicki is claustrophobic and Sam can't stand guided tours, so it was never going to happen with them!
Some 13 km of limestone caverns have so far been explored but it is believed that they may run for up to 35 km. Only 1.5 km is open to the general public, but this includes the awe-inspiring Grotta Grande del Vento, Europe's largest single cavern, so vast that Milan Cathedral would fit comfortably inside, and some of the most impressive stalagmites and stalactites you are ever likely to see.
In contrast to most of Le Marche, Frasassi is geared up for tourists and the large car park and food and souvenir stalls come as quite a shock. The prices are also relatively expensive at 15 euros per adult plus three euros for parking. However, don't let this put you off as the caves are well worth it.
There is a short bus trip to the caves themselves and each guided tour takes around an hour. We arrived just in time for the 1230 tour, which was just as well as the next one wasn't until 3pm. In our haste, we failed to spot the audio guides for hire so Brian and Dorothy had to rely on Frank's loose translation of our Italian guide.
The temperature inside the caves is a constant 14 degrees centigrade throughout the year so you should dress up warmly. The terrain is easy and the passageways so wide that even claustrophobics like Nicki should be able to cope!
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
5th October 2007
Frank, Brian and Dorothy visited a number of places both familiar and unfamiliar to Frank. The latter included the Frasassi Le Grotte (see next story) and the fascinating Castello della Rancia to the east of Tolentino. This solid square castle was built as a Benedictine abbey in the 12th century and transformed into a castle in 1357 for the ruling Da Varano family.
The Castello della Rancia has been the scene of many battles, the last of which was the defeat of Giocchino Murat, King of Naples, whose first bid to unify Italy in the 19th Century was thwarted by Austrian troops in May 1815. This battle is re-enacted each May with hundreds of extras.
Frank and Dorothy took photographs of the castle and some of them display what appear to be 'orbs' or balls of transparent light, associated with allegedly haunted places. Frank is sceptical and thinks these so-called 'orbs' might just be particles of dust. However, it is interesting that they were captured by both cameras - and the castle houses the Museo Civico Archeologico di Tolentino, which contains the contents of a necropolis from the 6th Century BC!
As if that wasn't enough, the castle currently hosts the prestigious 24th International Biennale of Humour in Art. Works from around the world interpret this year's theme 'Che fine ha fatto il maschio?', or 'Whatever happened to men?', and are on show until 21 October.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
5th October 2007
Frank has just returned from a glorious trip to Villa Borghetti with his father Brian and his friend Dorothy. As is often the case at this time of year, it was blue skies all the way with temperatures touching a balmy 30 degrees centigrade.
Dorothy has coeliac disease and must therefore avoid gluten. This might seem quite a challenge in the land of pasta and pizza but actually proved remarkably easy. In most cases, we simply missed out the primo piatto and went straight from the antipasto to the secondo piatto or main course. This was an added pleasure for Frank who is normally so full after the primo piatto that he has no room for the secondo!
We ate at three of our favourite ristoranti in the Sarnano area: Il Colle, La Marchigiana and La Castellana. On the Tuesday night, we tried La Belle Epoque, a pizzeria with a separate gluten-free menu, where Dorothy was able to eat pizza for the first time in several years.
If you are on a gluten-free diet, have no fear. Simply ask for senza glutine at any of the local restaurants.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
5th October 2007
Nature and art
In the October issue of the Sunday Times Travel magazine, Dana Facaros visited Le Marche, in search of olive all'ascolane. Creating this gastronomic delicacy involves taking the plump, green olives grown near Ascoli Piceno, stoning them, stuffing them with minced beef, pork, turkey, chicken, egg and parmesan, then breading and deep-frying them.
The trouble is, she started her journey in northern Le Marche, where olive all'ascolane are rarely found. In Senigallia, she was advised to stop looking and wait until she got nearer to Ascoli, 'where they will be an epiphany!'. We can vouch for this, having sampled olive all'ascolane locally.
Italy has long understood the importance of local food. In Le Marche, as elsewhere in Italy, dishes tend to be very regionalised, using only fresh ingredients grown or reared nearby. Consequently, the menu may differ markedly from province to province or sometimes between one town and the next.
What Dana Facaros did discover was the breathtaking landscapes of Le Marche. She describes the region as 'a lot like Ascoli's fried olives: a lovely collaboration of nature and art, but practically unknown to the outside world.'.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
15th September 2007
Le Marche boasts twelve Blue Flag beaches, more than almost any other region of Italy.
The prestigious eco-label is awarded only to sites that meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, environmental management and other services.
The award is granted annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education to well-kept beaches throughout Europe. Le Marche's twelve Blue Flag towns for 2007 are, from north to south, Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano, Senigallia, Sirolo, Numana, Porto Recanati, Civitanova Marche, Porto San Giorgio, Cupra Marittima, Grottamare and San Benedetto del Tronto.
All are within easy reach of Villa Borghetti. For more details, visit our section on the Adriatic coast.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
25th June 2007
We've just returned from a short trip to Villa Borghetti, where we enjoyed Sarnano's 26th, and our 5th, Mostra Mercato Nazionale.
As usual, the Mostra combined antiques with modern art and crafts and provided an opportunity to see inside the fascinating buildings of the mediaeval town. The special events included a performance at the Teatro della Vittoria of Arsenico e Vecchi Merletti, a translation of the black comedy by American playwright Joseph Kesselring.
We also found a Pesca Sportiva, where our next guests can fish legally, and visited the Roman settlement of Urbs Salvia near the modern town of Urbisaglia.
Back at Villa Borghetti, our Mulberry tree was full of delicious fruit. Our Common or Black Mulberry is a handsome tree, about 25 feet high, with a dense, spreading head of branches springing from a short, rough trunk.
The oblong, short-stalked fruit which, when ripe, is about an inch long and an intense purple colour, is really a fruit-cluster, very similar in appearance to a loganberry.
The Black Mulberry is also found in Britain, thought to have been imported from Italy by the Romans. In 1608, James I, being anxious to further the silk industry by rearing silkworms in England, issued an edict encouraging the cultivation of Mulberry trees. The attempt proved unsuccessful, apparently because the Black Mulberry was planted instead of the White Mulberry, on which the silkworm flourishes!
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st June 2007
Today's Telegraph carried a supplement called 'The best of Italy'. Reporter Ellie Levenson writes 'If you like Tuscany... try Le Marche'.
She goes on to say that although Umbria is the obvious alternative to Tuscany, it is fast becoming as well known as its neighbour. So, if you're looking for somewhere new to visit but with the charm and scenery of Tuscany, try Le Marche - a mainly agricultural region with just an hour between the Adriatic coast and the Sibillini mountains.
As Ellie Levenson says, the Sibillini national park is ideal for walking, gentle cycling, mountain biking or horse riding. The region is dotted with caves including the famous Grotte di Frasassi. The wines are little known outside Italy but are a joy to discover while the food, like the region, is a mix of sea and land with regional dishes of both fish and game.
In our opinion, admittedly biased, Le Marche is more beautiful than even Tuscany and all the better for being largely undiscovered. Mediaeval gems such as Sarnano are just as special as Tuscany's and often with a more authentic atmosphere.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
26th May 2007
A major exhibition of works by the 16th Century Marche painter Simone De Magistris runs until 30th September at his birthplace, the hilltop town of Caldarola 19 kilometres from Villa Borghetti.
The dream-like quality and moody mannerisms of his paintings have led art historians to compare him with the great El Greco.
The exhibition, entitled Simone De Magistris - un pittore visionario tra Lotto e El Greco, also includes works by Lotto, Tintoretto and El Greco himself, and is housed in the architectural jewel that is the Palazzo dei Cardinali Pallotta.
Visit www.simonedemagistris.it (in Italian) for more information on the exhibition and Caldarola.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
20th April 2007
We have just returned from nine glorious days at Villa Borghetti. Every time we visit, it gets harder to leave.
One of the joys of visiting this area is the extraordinary quality and value for money of the local restaurants. We took full advantage, eating out every night.
Sarnano offers a fantastic array of eateries: relaxed pizzerie such as Da Marino, Il Pincio and Il Borgo, atmospheric ristoranti in the old town such as Il Vicolo and Da Zio Emilio, undiscovered gems such as Il Colle and the extensive menus of La Marchigiana and La Castellana. You will find a guide to some of our favourites in the information pack at Villa Borghetti.
Otherwise, we had a relaxing time, watching the dog sled racing (see previous article), visiting the ski resort at Monte Sassotetto, enjoying a picnic by the Lago di Fiastra, strolling around the old towns of Sarnano, Amandola and San Ginesio, enjoying the wildlife at Villa Borghetti and celebrating Nicki's birthday with a delicious Bauli chocolate cake.
A personal highlight for Frank was reading Joe McGinniss's The Miracle of Castel di Sangro, about a tiny, impoverished town in Abruzzo whose football team had risen miraculously from the lowest depths of amateur leagues to the mighty Serie B.
The holiday ended not far from Castel di Sangro, at Pescara's Abruzzo International Airport. Although we normally prefer to use the local airport at Ancona, Pescara provides a viable alternative and it is well worth comparing prices at www.ryanair.com.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
8th April 2007
Dog sled racing comes to Sarnano!
This weekend, dog sled racing arrived in Sarnano for the first time. The event was scheduled for 3rd and 4th February, but the lack of snow this winter forced its postponement. It was therefore decided to hold the competition on land, with the sledges fitted with wheels.
The teams were presented on Saturday at the Campo Sportivo della Vittoria, where plans were announced to take part in the next world championship to be held in Sweden in 2008. Among the participants were local hero Paolo Tombolini and his team of six huskies.
The competition itself took place today on a four kilometre circuit at Pian di Pieca, just north of Sarnano, with film crews from satellite TV stations Adventure One and Marcopolo in attendance.
The dogs, mostly huskies and Alaskan malamut, were desperate to get started. As well as the serious competitors, the event was open to all comers, including runners or cyclists pulled along by a single dog. One elderly gentleman and his bicycle were dragged all over the place as his dog was less interested in racing than following his nose!
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st April 2007
Air Passenger Duty was doubled today from £5 to £10 per flight. In our view, this is just a cynical move by the UK Government to profit from the current hysteria about air travel and global warming.
At £10 on the average Ryanair fare of £28, ordinary passengers will be forced to pay over 35% in tax. The £1bn that Gordon Brown is expected to collect will do nothing for the environment.
There is no justification for doubling taxes for British holidaymakers when the Stern Report confirms that aviation accounts for just 1.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
At the 10 Downing Street website (http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/AirTravelDuty/) you can sign a petition to scrap the newly imposed Air Passenger Duty. We urge you to do so now. If enough people petition against this unwarranted stealth tax the Government will be forced to take notice, just as they have been with road pricing.
In spite of increased Air Passenger Duty, now could be a good time to book your holiday at Villa Borghetti. As well as the popular London Stansted to Ancona route, Ryanair has extended its service to include regular flights from Liverpool to Ancona and London Stansted to Perugia. In addition, Easyjet will start a new service from London Luton to Rimini in May.
Off-peak prices are currently very low with many Ryanair flights at just one penny (plus airport charges and the dreaded APD). Even at peak times, prices can still be reasonable if you avoid weekends - and at Villa Borghetti we book from Friday to Friday.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st February 2007
We have just returned from a glorious eight day trip to Villa Borghetti. With six full days at our Italian idyll, we found it a real wrench to return to England, work and stress.
One of the most magical experiences came after a delicious evening meal in old Sarnano. As we strolled back towards our car through seemingly deserted streets and alleys, we heard the sound of music. We traced it to Piazza Perfetti, where we found a lone musician, singing and playing the electric organ. We decided to stay for the performance and bought a drink at the Circolo Bar.
Suddenly, a couple emerged from the shadows and started dancing, followed by another and then another. Soon the square was full. Every age group was represented, from schoolchildren to old age pensioners, and all were having the time of their lives. One older gentleman and a younger lady (presumably his daughter?) gave a perfect demonstration of what the Italians call 'smooth dancing'.
Other highlights were our first trip to the elegant city of Ascoli Piceno, a sagra della birra and rock concert in Amandola, and discovering several new places to eat. You will find our guide to local restaurants when you stay at Villa Borghetti.
Closer to home, we saw plenty of wildlife, including a close encounter with a wild boar. We discovered pear and plum trees in our orchard, and Frank got hopelessly but happily lost trying to follow the footpath to Sarnano.
We also purchased a television and DVD player for Noce (casa 250) in case we or our guests ever run out of entertainment. We don't have an aerial yet but will keep adding to the DVD collection on future visits.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
4th August 2006
Italia! visits Sarnano
Le Marche has often featured in Italia!, a leading British magazine for lovers of Italian holidays, property, food and wine. However, the magazine has never before visited the undiscovered jewel that is Sarnano.
In the August 2006 issue, out now, is an article devoted to Villa Borghetti’s local town. Appropriately enough, it centres on one of the highlights of the local calendar, the annual Mostra Mercato Nazionale. This national art and antiques fair is now in its 25th year and we have been fortunate enough to visit the last four.
Describing Sarnano as ‘this picture-perfect mediaeval hilltop village’, the article includes photographs that will look very familiar to anyone who has visited our photo gallery.
As in previous years, the 2006 Mostra combined antiques with modern art and crafts and used local homes as exhibition spaces. The comune sponsored a programme of festival events including performances of The Magic Flute and Orpheus and Eurydice and a street concert by hilarious local band La Racchia.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
1st July 2006
Here’s some good news for visitors from the North of England, North Wales and
The flights are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We book Friday to Friday so, unless you are able to stay elsewhere on your first and last night, you will need to arrive on Saturday and depart on Thursday. In this case, we will offer a reduction from the published price. Contact us for details.
Flying to
To check out the latest flight availability and prices, visit www.ryanair.com.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
5th April 2006
We have just returned from a short break in Le Marche, during which we made the finishing touches to the smaller house (which we have called Fico, after the fig trees at Villa Borghetti). So now you can choose to stay in either or both houses, with accommodation for up to nine people (or ten if one of you is a baby!).
The twin bedroom and bathroom of Fico are both on the ground floor, so this house could be ideal for anyone who has difficulty getting upstairs. Another attraction of Fico is the lovely terrace. It faces slightly West of North, so it stays cool through the day and catches the late afternoon sun. The unexpectedly warm and sunny weather of the past week allowed us to make good use of it.
We are already looking forward to our next trip at the end of May and in particular the 25th Mostra Mercato Nazionale in Sarnano. This national antiques and crafts fair runs from 20th May to 4th June 2006 and both houses are currently available (from Friday 19th May) for the first week of the event. Book now to experience one of the highlights of the Le Marche calendar.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
5th April 2006
You’ve seen Jamie’s Great Escape – now experience the real thing!
Chef Jamie Oliver visited Le
The programme attracted controversy by showing Jamie killing and butchering a lamb. However, it also gave a glimpse of the landscape and traditions of this unexplored region of
Jamie entered a pasta making competition at one of the hundreds of sagre that take place in Le
If you visit Villa Borghetti in summer or early autumn, look out for posters advertising local sagre. You’ll have a wonderful time enjoying great local food and seeing how people really live in rural Le
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
10th November 2005
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
We have just returned from our latest trip to Villa Borghetti. We love this time of year, when the leaves turn and the trees and bushes are full of nature’s bounty. We picked hundreds of figs from our trees but still left plenty for the birds. There are few things more delicious than a sweet, ripe fig, fresh from the tree.
We also collected a big bag of walnuts. However, the sloes were disappointing compared with last year so there will be no sloe gin at Christmas.
It was pleasing to see good progress in the garden, which had been rotavated and seeded. The fencing and parking area had also been completed, paths built and a seating area created for Noce (Casa 250).
For us, it was the usual busy week, scrubbing and sealing the floors in Fico (Casa 250b) and buying beds and sofas. The second house is now looking as lovely as the first. However, our carpenter has a couple of small jobs to do and we want to see the results with our own eyes. We have therefore decided not to let Fico until Easter 2006.
Meanwhile, this is excellent news if you want to book Noce. Not only will you have the whole garden to yourself, but you can also use the lovely terrace adjoining the smaller house.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
2nd November 2005
Spick and span
Villa Borghetti is looking gorgeous and all set for our first guests arriving in August.
We have just returned from an action-packed week in Le Marche. It was hard work as we made all the finishing touches to Noce (Casa 250) but well worth it as the place is looking wonderful.
During our stay we bought sun loungers, a table and chairs for the terrace and a wooden bench for the front of the house. Our little library is at last housed in a bookcase. We also bought furniture, rugs, pictures and lighting for Fico (Casa 250b) and hope to finish the job on our next trip in October.
On Friday, 3rd June, we came back from a long day shopping to the welcome sight of beautiful iron railings around the terrace outside Fico. The blacksmith had installed them in our absence.
It was a real wrench to leave but at least we had the satisfaction of knowing that the place is looking its beautiful best.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
11th June 2005
National antiques and crafts fair
The 24th Mostra Mercato Nazionale took place in Sarnano’s historic centre between 21st May and 5th June. It provided a rare opportunity to explore Sarnano’s mediaeval buildings, many of which are usually closed to the public.
This year’s fair featured 37 exhibitions from all over Italy encompassing books, maps, ceramics, jewellery and paintings as well as a wide range of antiques including a fascinating collection from Tibet. Concerts and theatrical events took place throughout the fortnight.
We love this event, which takes place every year and fortunately tends to coincide with Whitsun half term. We’ve been lucky enough to attend the last three and have enjoyed them all immensely.
It’s another good reason to stay at Villa Borghetti outside the peak summer period.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
10th June 2005
We made a great discovery on our latest trip – a fabulous open air pool. What’s more, it’s just up the road from Villa Borghetti.
San Ginesio’s piscina comunale is our side of San Ginesio. Take the first turning left to San Ginesio off the SS78 from Sarnano, then left again by the town walls and first right.
The pool is open from 0900 to 1900, seven days a week, from early June to late September. We were lucky enough to find it on this year’s opening day. The price is just €6 each plus €1 for a season’s membership and for that you can stay all day. You’ll also need to wear a little lycra hat called a cuffia, which costs €3.
We had the whole pool to ourselves, although we can’t guarantee that will always be the case. After a hard day working at Villa Borghetti, it was wonderful to cool off in this lovely big pool, sharing it with the martins who swept down for a quick drink before flying off again.
If the weather is less clement, or you have young children, Sarnano has a tremendous indoor pool with a separate paddling pool.
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
8th June 2005
Civilisation has arrived at Villa Borghetti. After sleeping on mattresses during our last two trips, we finally have the luxury of proper beds. On arriving at Ancona airport on 31st March, we drove straight to the bed shop in Comunanza and ordered three single beds and a king size iron double for Noce (Casa 250). They arrived first thing Monday morning.
We also bought a cot and, after an extensive search, a mattress, sheets and pillowcases to go with it.
We bought other furniture to supplement the contents of the Ford Transit van we drove from the UK last summer and now have almost everything we need for Noce. We’re particularly pleased with the large extending kitchen table and a three seater sofa for the sitting room. If only we could find that bookcase…
Frank, Nicki and Sam Blighe
9th April 2005