Casal dei Fichi Newsletter Autumn 2010

Super-highway comes to Casal dei Fichi.

Finally we now have a high speed internet connection. This means that we are able to offer a wireless internet connection to our customers and soon we’ll have the additional routers in place so that it will be available throughout the building.

Also, maybe not a super-highway, but we have had the last stretch of road coming down to the house concreted, this has made a huge difference – particularly to those trying to get a run up on the hill in an under powered hire car. Since we had hired a concrete pump for the day to do the work Rosario and his team worked late into the night to make sure the work was finished.

A beautiful place for a wedding and a great place to party.

At Last

Like us, many people have missed the good food and lively company of Madre Tierra, the restaurant in Francavilla. The latest news is that a new restaurant, Colle dei Ceci has just opened. With great views on a hill just outside the town this osteria, serving typical local dishes – and great pizzas it is a very welcome addition to the Francavilla scene. In its early days it struggled to get the food from the kitchen to the table but they are clearly getting themselves organised and the service has improved dramatically.

Try your hand at local specialities, and savour them.

Winter Getaways

Apart from a few weeks in February we are open all year round. If you want a winter or Christmas / New Year break remember our apartments are fully centrally heated and most have log fireplaces, perfect for either a cosy escape or a group / family getaway. With the Sibiline mountains an hour away you may even have the opportunity for a spot of skiing.

Our private getaway also makes a perfect party venue.

Once again we are indebted to those of you who have submitted reports to TripAdvisor and helped us to maintain our position as the highest rated holiday destination in Marche out of almost 800. If anyone's been meaning to post a comment and hasn't quite got around to it the link is above. Also, for our frequent visitors - a new facility is that TripAdvisor now allow you to make follow up comments.

Autumn Reading

Our friend and teacher Lisa has published a historical novel set in Milan in April 1945. The thriller mixes a love story with a fascinating insight into the final stages of the war in Italy. Download for Kindle or other formats.

The first of many concrete deliveries for the road.

Party Time.

In the spring we hosted 2 weddings, first of all Lucy and Andrew came all the way from Sydney to celebrate their marriage in Francavilla d’Ete and a few weeks later Lisa and Lee chose a beautiful spring day for their wedding. There seemed to be universal agreement that this area of Marche is the perfect destination for a wedding with its stunning scenery, great food and wines and friendly hospitable people. We’re looking forward to Karen and Neil’s marriage in a few weeks and are planning some events for 2011. If you would like us to organise your wedding, a celebration for a civil partnership or any other special occasion, please take a look at our celebrations page.

 Views of Francavilla from the new restaurant.

Gourmet Breaks.

This year we are running our popular gourmet breaks once again. These short breaks give a wonderful insight into Marche food, wines and the region based on the theme of the olive harvest. As well as the opportunity to indulge yourself you can learn local cooking techniques see the harvesting itself and visit an olive press. They are the perfect antidote to November. You can see more about them at casaldeifichi.com/gourmet2010.php.

Just an hour from Casal dei Fichi and the slopes are all yours.

New Space.

Visitors in the last 2 years will know that we’ve been having our out-buildings transformed. This is now complete and this summer we have a fantastic modern room opening onto our own private terrace and gardens. The pleasure of being able to step straight out and enjoy meals al fresco is indescribable. The big room is also a perfect party space, as our Italian friends demonstrated by cooking and serving a wonderful seafood dinner for 30 people there.

 New Friends.

This summer it has again been a delight to welcome back familiar faces and make new friends from all over the world at Casal dei Fichi. The award for travelling the farthest to get here has to go to Horst and Rita who came all the way from Tasmania!

2011.

We already have a wedding and some holidays booked and several enquiries for next year. We are holding our 2010 prices for all bookings received this year and don't forget we offer a discount to returning friends.