This week’s Expat in Italy interview is with IRG member Ashley Bartner in Le Marche. Ashley and her husband Jason are American expats living the dream in the Marche countryside where they run an Agriturismo (organic farm, inn) and Cooking School.
“La Tavola Marche Agriturismo and Cooking School is a 300 year old stone farmhouse inn, set on 500 acres of organic farmland, rolling hills and truffle rich woods. Guest accommodations are spacious apartments with private bedrooms, en-suite bathroom, kitchen, dining room, wood beam ceilings, tile floors and stone fireplaces!
La Tavola Marche combines the almost untouched nature with local cuisine and modern accommodations. The produce is all grown in their organic garden. They cure their own meats as well as make their own liquors, preserves & jams. Their meat is from local farmers and hunters. Taste local cheeses, wines and other specialities that you’ll discover on organized tours with local bakers, farmers and wine makers”.
The Questions and Answers:
How long have you been living in Italy?
Since Christmas of 2007
Who came up with the idea of living in Italy?
After our honeymoon in Italy I was consumed by the idea of moving here! But it wasn’t a hard-sell for Jason. We loved the idea of moving to the countryside (after NYC) and starting an organic farm, inn & cooking school. We wanted to slow down in life & were ready for a complete change.
How are you getting on with The Italian language?
Good we still take lessons with a local weekly during the winter. I think we get more Italian out of our English lessons though! (We offer complimentary classes for locals once a week in the winter)
Do you miss your home and family?
I miss my family but before Jason & I moved we did a ‘farewell America tour’ driving from NYC down south to Georgia, Nashville & Oklahoma over to the west coast & ending in Seattle! We told our family that after that they’ve got to come visit us!
Did you buy, or are you renting the place where you live?
We have a long term lease with an option to buy.
What do you think about the Italians?
LOVE them! I truly feel at home here & part of the community.
5 Good aspects of living in Italy?
1) Italians are wonderful neighbors & great teachers
2) Eating seasonally & locally
3) Pride of the garden, homemade salami, liquors & pasta
4) Rich traditions in food, art, music
5) Great day trips: Siena, Bologna, Adriatic Sea, Assisi – all under 2 hours from our farmhouse!
5 Bad aspects of living in Italy?
1) Operating hours are flexible
2) Bureaucracy
3) Lack of ethnic/diverse foods
4) Distance from family5) No American football
5 Top tips for our readers about living in Italy?
1) Learn Italian
2) Be open for anything & everything
3) Read books by expats for a real slice of life feel
4) Participate in the community – get involved
5) Ask for ‘sensa fattura’
Thanks Ashley, for your time and answers and a little insight into life in Le Marche…
Drop by Ashley’s blog or catch Ashley via her La Tavola Marche’s Facebook fan page and/or Twitter @LaTavolaMarche
Ashley can also be reached by email: info@latavolamarche.com
La Tavola Marche’s Website: www.latavolamarche.com/
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