Casal dei Fichi Newsletter January 2011

Happy New Year from Casal dei Fichi.

2010 was another fantastic year at Casal dei Fichi, we were delighted to welcome a record number of guests and to host 3 weddings.  The good news is that we are holding our 2010 prices for 2011. Marche remains a very reasonably priced part of Italy, the strengthening pound and budget flights to Ancona, Rimini and Pescara – as well as Rome, Bologna etc. means that Casal dei Fichi with its pick your own gardens and fully equipped kitchens represents excellent value for money. And don’t forget that returning guests or friends are automatically entitled to a discount.

We already have quite a few bookings for this year but still have availability for most weeks.

Spring Breaks

If the weather and vat rises are making you think of a spring  getaway don’t forget that even if the weather here isn’t perfect we still have apartments with cosy log fires and if the sun is shining you’ll have the beaches to yourselves for a lovely long walk and a well deserved lunch.

A newly planted weeping willow.

Weddings

For those whose budget won’t quite stretch to Westminster Abbey and gilded carriages why not let us organise your wedding here in Francavilla d’Ete. Last year we were delighted to host Lucy and Andrew, Lisa and Lee and in September Karen and Neil and help them celebrate their special days.
We have revamped our weddings page where you can see photos and comments.

Not just weddings

Obviously we would also be delighted to organise a party for any special occasion, civil partnerships, birthdays or just a group or family get together.

Budding Artists

Many of our guests are inspired to pick up a brush and capture the views from Casal dei Fichi. This year we have been asked to put a painting course together which includes visits to the studio of a respected local artist and a fantastic art club, naturally there is also guidance and tuition from a local artist and teacher. Please contact us if you would like any further information.

Hattie and Balzo enjoy a Christmas walk

Environment.

Last year we set ourselves 10 environmental objectives. We're giving ourselves 8/10, we missed the opportunity of getting the chickens by spring so that’s been put back to this year. So if you visit this year expect fresh eggs on demand as well as the veggie plot and orchard! Generous neighbours and an excellent and low priced local vineyard have persuaded us to abandon the idea of a vineyard and instead we have used the land to plant an extra 20 trees bringing last year’s total to 30. We're still working on this year's targets but we will put in at least another 10 trees, mainly olive, and look to take another chunk out of our electricity consumption.

Gourmet Olive Breaks

Last year we hosted 2 more Gourmet Olive Breaks and were delighted to (re)introduce people to the delights of Marche countryside, food, wines and hospitality. The November weather was truly fantastic reaching 20C at times. While we can’t guarantee that this year we can promise a great escape from the gloom of autumn. For all of you who have been saying they fancy coming one year why not make it 2011. Again we are holding 2010 prices.

.Tour of Umani-Ronchi ageing cellars.

Calendars

Due to on oversight in our quality control department a few calendars were dispatched without December’s page. If you received one of these please let us know within the next 10 months and we’ll make sure you get it in time! We’re always pleased to receive photos that we can use on the website or calendar – or just enjoy the memories - and this year thanks go to Debbie & Paul, Sarah and John and Stephen & Eva for their contributions. And in case you’re wondering – yes we did get permission first!

.Painting, photography and relaxing - take your pick.