Marche
Buying a property in Marche
Lying to the east of Umbria and bordered by Emilia-Romagna and San Marino to the north, Tuscany to the north-west, Abruzzo and Lazio to the south, Marche has the Adriatic sea as its eastern boundary. The Adriatic coast has exercised some influence over the development of Marche (or Le Marche).
Apart from a few river valleys, the relatively narrow coastal strip is the only flat land in an otherwise hilly and mountainous region. As a result the only easy way to travel in a north-south direction was along the coast and even today the alternative is to take the rough roads over the mountain passes. It stands to reason that the countryside heading inland offers a chance to find peace and quiet, unspoilt landscapes where you can still find unrestored farmhouses.
Little wonder that Marche is known the world over for its coastal resorts like Pesaro, Senigallia, Sirolo, Numana, Porto Recanati, Porto San Giorgio, Grottammara and San Benedetto del Tronto. Little wonder too that these coastal plains have the greatest concentrations of major urban centres and economic activity.
Le Marche country homes tend to cost less than in other parts of central Italy - undoubtedly due to the geographical impact on transportation. Yet with growing airports at Ancona and Pescara (close-by in Abruzzo) and a good road to the airport at Forli (in Emilia Romagna), a farmhouse or villa in Marche is a realistic option for many.
