I have been back in the USA for over a year now, a year filled with many changes, challenges, and rewards. Since returning here we have lived in three different locations, I have had two different jobs (well, actually they were both with the same company but one was as a consultant and now as an employee) and a third coming in the near future. I have had a close encounter with the US health care system. And, on the rewarding side, I have been able to spend time with my son and his family and to get to know my two young grandsons. All, in all, my husband and I have made the decision that at this point in our lives, it is important to return to the US.
Of course, a decision to abandon our Italian life is filled with sadness and regrets. We are sad to be leaving our very dear friends and the Italian life style. I really miss Masimilliano's sparkling verdicchio as well as a number of other wines; Italian lessons with Cristina; our young friends from Osimo; weekly dinners at Alessia's country house, Vittoria Il Graditempo in Rosora; and dinners at Graziella's. I regret that we did not have the opportunity to do more traveling both within Italy and throughout Europe. But that, I think, is my only regret. Living five years in Italy was an amazing experience and one to be savored for a life time. And there will always be vacations to return to friends and favorite places.
Unfortunately, now that we have made the decision to return to the US as our primary place of residence, it is time to sell our beautiful old stone farmhouse in Le Marche. It took us five years to find the house of our dreams. Once we closed on the house, it took several months to restore it and furnish it to be just what we wanted. Then there was planting the olive trees and fruit trees. It was a labor of love.
Of course, a decision to abandon our Italian life is filled with sadness and regrets. We are sad to be leaving our very dear friends and the Italian life style. I really miss Masimilliano's sparkling verdicchio as well as a number of other wines; Italian lessons with Cristina; our young friends from Osimo; weekly dinners at Alessia's country house, Vittoria Il Graditempo in Rosora; and dinners at Graziella's. I regret that we did not have the opportunity to do more traveling both within Italy and throughout Europe. But that, I think, is my only regret. Living five years in Italy was an amazing experience and one to be savored for a life time. And there will always be vacations to return to friends and favorite places.
Unfortunately, now that we have made the decision to return to the US as our primary place of residence, it is time to sell our beautiful old stone farmhouse in Le Marche. It took us five years to find the house of our dreams. Once we closed on the house, it took several months to restore it and furnish it to be just what we wanted. Then there was planting the olive trees and fruit trees. It was a labor of love.
My beautifully restored stone farm house in Poggio San Marcello
The house is perched on a hill with panoramic views of hill towns, olive groves, vineyards, and the Apennini mountains. It is in a very tranquil position but not isolated. Francis Mayes said in one of her more recent books that if she were buying a home in Italy now, she would buy in Le Marche. It is truly Italy in one region. For me, it is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy.
The view from the front of the house
Here is my tribute in photos to Casa Luca. It is now on the market for $450,000 US dollars. It is available fully furnished. If you have any interest in a beautiful home in Le Marche near Jesi, you can get in touch with me by responding to my blog or by writing to me directly at mareechurch@gmail.com.
For now, I will just have to enjoy my Italian wine drinking in California. Sigh!
