There is never just one reason why someone chooses Italy. Sometimes it begins with a landscape, sometimes with a memory, sometimes with a feeling that is difficult to explain.
Over time, we have learned that the search is rarely about a property alone, but about recognising a place where life feels more aligned.
When Claudine & Torben contacted us to help them find their second home in Italy, they were looking for far more than a property: they were imagining a new chapter centred around nature, ease, and time shared with family and friends.
In this conversation, they reflect on what led them to Le Marche and why this particular corner of Italy felt so naturally right.
What first drew you to Italy and why did you feel that Le Marche was the right place for you?
What first drew us to Italy was the lifestyle, the beauty of the countryside, and the connection to nature. Le Marche felt like the perfect fit because it offers such a unique balance: mountains and the sea within a short distance, stunning landscapes everywhere, and a peaceful atmosphere.We also loved that it is still relatively untouched and not overly touristy, which gives it a much more authentic and relaxed feel. It immediately felt like a place where we could truly slow down and enjoy life.
At the beginning, what were you searching for, beyond the idea of a property?
Beyond simply looking for a property, we were searching for a new adventure and a different lifestyle as we move into retirement. We wanted a place close to the sea in the south of Europe, where life feels more relaxed and enjoyable. Most importantly, we were looking for a new home that we could share and enjoy with family and friend. A place to create lasting memories together.
What were the key features that made this specific home the right choice for you?
The key features that made this specific home the right choice for us were that it required no renovations and was ready to enjoy immediately. Having a pool was also very important, as well as being close to the sea. We also wanted a location that was practical and comfortable for everyday life: close to an airport for easy travel, with shops and a hospital nearby.
Was there a moment when you realised it was the right choice?
After having seen many houses, this was the one that fulfilled most of our criteria. There was a feeling of comfort and ease from the moment we saw it, and we could immediately imagine ourselves enjoying life there with family and friends.
How does the property meet your lifestyle expectations or long-term plans?
The property perfectly matches our lifestyle expectations because it is functional, the right size for us, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It offers the balance and comfort we were looking for at this stage of our lives. It also provides an ideal central base from which we can explore the surrounding areas, discover more of Italy, and enjoy its culture, history, and way of life.
What aspects of the buying process in Italy did you find most surprising, either positively or negatively?
The actual buying process went surprisingly smoothly, which was a very positive experience for us. We found the process more straightforward and efficient than we had expected, and we appreciated the support and guidance we received along the way.
Would you recommend buying property in Italy to other international clients, and if so, why?
Absolutely, especially for people who share similar criteria and expectations to ours. Italy, and particularly Le Marche, offers an exceptional quality of life, beautiful surroundings, a relaxed lifestyle, and a wonderful balance between nature, culture, and everyday comfort.For us, it has been the opportunity to start a new chapter and create a place where we can truly enjoy time with family and friends.
If you had to describe this experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Buying our home in Le Marche has been the beginning of an exciting new chapter, offering us the lifestyle, peace, and balance we had been searching for.
