Beautiful, peaceful Le Marche is often described as the secret of Italy. Life here revolves around food and family, while mile after mile of unspoiled countryside (snowcapped mountains, rolling meadows, sandy beaches, crystal clear lakes) are waiting to be explored. Picture-postcard medieval hilltop villages complete the idyllic scene.

Casa Lucciola is situated on a flat farm road, surrounded by fields with distant views of the Sibillini Mountains. The pretty town of Mogliano is just 5 minutes away by car, putting you in easy reach of local shops, cafe bars, restaurants and the wonderful weekly market. Mogliano offers great views of Le Marche (best enjoyed with an ice-cream from the local gelateria). Other highlights include:

• The beaches and the view over the Adriatic from Monte Conero
•  Feasting on delicious seafood at Porto San Giorgio
•  Swimming in Lake Fiastra set in the Sibillini Mountains
•  Hiking, skiing or mountain biking in the mountains
•  Outdoor opera at Sferisterio, Macerata
•  Designer outlet shopping in the shoemaking heart of Italy
•  Wandering through the picturesque old towns
•  Visiting village festas and markets
•  Discovering the art and architecture, from local piazzas to The Ducal Palace (plus an original Lorenzo Lotto in the town)

You'll find a full list of places of interest at le-marche.com

The Sunday Times has described Le Marche food as better than Tuscan. True to form, Mogliano is foodie heaven. There's a great choice of artisan butchers, bakers and other specialist shops (not to mention decent supermarkets) stocking fresh pasta and groceries. Every week sees a lively market come to town selling traditional meats, fish, cheeses, garments and homewares. On weekends or during festivals, be sure to join the queue at the popular Porchetta stand.

There are many delicious restaurants on our doorstep. Menus change daily according to what's in season; pizzas are always incredible. Mogliano also boasts some lovely bars and cafes, frequented by old farmers playing cards and just the place to stop during the day for a coffee, pastry, aperitif or ice cream. Go back in the evening and you'll find the tables laden with antipasti to pick at over a glass of wine.

Le Marche produces some impressive wines. 13 have achieved DOC status, including the excellent Conero and Rosso Piceno. Vineyards line the approach road to Casa Lucciola - our local farmer produces a lightly sparkling red, delivered in large plastic lemonade bottles, but that's another story. In short, if it's food and drink that excites you, Le Marche does not disappoint.