MAY 3 – 7 2027 · LE MARCHE, ITALY · ONLY 10 SPOTS
You’ve been dreaming about a home in Italy. Now it’s time to find out how to make it happen.
Perhaps you’ve spent years scrolling through Italian property listings, imagining morning coffee in your own village house or restoring an old farmhouse in the countryside. But when you start looking seriously, the questions begin. Where should you buy? What can you afford? Who can you trust? What does a renovation really cost? And how does the Italian buying process actually work?
That’s exactly why we created the Move to Italy Retreat.
Over five unforgettable days in Le Marche, we’ll take you beyond the property listings and online advice and introduce you to the people, places and practical knowledge you need to understand what buying, renovating and living in Italy is really like.
And because we limit each retreat to just 10 guests, there’s time to talk about your plans, your budget and your Italian dream.
01 · EXPERIENCE THE LIFE
Spend five days immersed in authentic Le Marche – beautiful countryside, medieval towns, long Italian dinners, aperitivo and conversations with people who have already made the move.
Spend five days immersed in authentic Le Marche – beautiful countryside, medieval towns, long Italian dinners, aperitivo and conversations with people who have already made the move.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS
Sit down face to face with the people you’ll actually need – property lawyers, estate agents, renovation experts and a structural engineer, and get straightforward answers about buying, costs, taxes, visas and renovating.
Sit down face to face with the people you’ll actually need – property lawyers, estate agents, renovation experts and a structural engineer, and get straightforward answers about buying, costs, taxes, visas and renovating.
03 · SEE WHAT’S POSSIBLE
Visit real Italian homes selected around your own budget and requirements, from restoration projects to move-in-ready homes, and discover what your money can really buy.
Visit real Italian homes selected around your own budget and requirements, from restoration projects to move-in-ready homes, and discover what your money can really buy.
What’s Included?
✔ Private home viewings with trusted real estate agents
✔ Expert advice from property lawyers & renovation specialists
✔ Hands-on guidance on Italy’s home-buying process
✔ Stunning Italian countryside & cultural experiences
✔ Daily aperitivo & four-course organic meals with wine
✔ Stay in a charming restored farmhouse
From Retreat Guests to Italian Homeowners
Our retreat isn’t about pressuring you to buy a property. It’s about giving you the knowledge, contacts and confidence to make the right decision, whenever you’re ready.
Peter & Linda, Ireland
- Came to the retreat in 2024.
- Nine months later bought a house in the countryside in Marche.
Adrienne & Michael, South Africa
- Came to the retreat in 2023.
- Now own a country house with a pool in Umbria.
Shayne, USA
- Came to the retreat as a single female traveller, unsure where to start.
- Six months later bought a home in Le Marche.
- Now owns two!
NO PRESSURE TO BUY
While not everyone attending the retreat plans to buy immediately, many guests leave with the confidence and trusted contacts needed to begin their search.
While not everyone attending the retreat plans to buy immediately, many guests leave with the confidence and trusted contacts needed to begin their search.
SMALL BY DESIGN
We deliberately keep the retreat small so there’s time for individual questions, personal property requirements and real conversations with every expert you meet.
We deliberately keep the retreat small so there’s time for individual questions, personal property requirements and real conversations with every expert you meet.
CONTACTS THAT LAST
The experts you meet aren’t just there for the retreat. You’ll leave with trusted contacts you can turn to when you’re ready to begin your property search, purchase or renovation.
The experts you meet aren’t just there for the retreat. You’ll leave with trusted contacts you can turn to when you’re ready to begin your property search, purchase or renovation.
Is the Retreat Right For You?
This retreat is perfect if you:
✔ Dream of owning a home in Italy
✔ Want to understand the real costs and process
✔ Feel overwhelmed by conflicting online advice
✔ Want to meet trusted professionals face to face
✔ Prefer learning in person rather than from YouTube or Facebook groups
THIS RETREAT PROBABLY ISN’T FOR YOU IF…
✕ You’re simply looking for a four-night Italian holiday
✕ You’re expecting someone to find and sell you a house during the retreat
✕ You’re looking for a large group tour
✕ You want generic information you could find online
✕ You aren’t genuinely considering owning, renovating or living in Italy at some point
But if Italy has been on your mind for years and you’re ready to understand what’s actually involved, you’ll be among like-minded people.
Dates: May 3rd – May 7th 2027
Day 1 · Welcome to Le Marche
Arrive at our agriturismo & check in for four nights.
Enjoy a welcome aperitivo with David and Gary & hear their story of how & why they moved to Italy, as well as the renovation works they carry out on Italian vacation homes.
Meet fellow guests & learn about the programme for the next few days over a four-course dinner with wine.
Day 2 · Find Your Italian Home
During breakfast, meet our realtors & gain an insight into the Italian property market & how the purchase process works.
Explore a selection of homes for sale that are tailored to your budget. Whether you dream of restoring an Italian ruin, vacationing in your own villa with a pool, or long for a haven in an Italian town, we will line up properties based on your individual requirements.
This evening, meet expats who made the move to Le Marche, Italy, who will share their stories over evening aperitivo and a four-course dinner with wine.
Day 3 · Buying in Italy, Without the Confusion
After breakfast, spend the morning with our lawyer & learn about the purchase process in Italy, including fees and taxes involved, retiring in Italy as well as the latest visa requirements.
This afternoon, gain inspiration by visiting a D&G renovation project before viewing more homes for sale near the coast.
Unwind this evening with aperitivo & a four-course dinner with wine.
Day 4 · Restore & Renovate
Enjoy a free morning to explore the local area or arrange to view more houses with David and Gary or our real estate agents.
This evening, enjoy a presentation over dinner from David, Gary & their structural engineer & learn all about restoring & renovating Italian homes. Gain expert tips and the latest rules and regulations on applications and permissions.
Day 5 · Your Italian Adventure Begins
After breakfast, depart from our agriturismo armed with all the knowledge you need on moving to Italy, as well as contact information of the experts who will help you on your journey to la dolce vita!
Five days. A small group. Personal access to the experts you need to turn your Italian dream into a realistic plan.
Your Hosts · Davide & Gary
We didn’t learn about buying and renovating in Italy from a textbook. We learned by doing it.
After making the move to Le Marche ourselves, we bought an old Italian home and discovered first-hand the realities of buying, restoring and creating a life in Italy — including plenty of things we wish someone had told us at the beginning!
Today, through D&G Design, we help international homeowners navigate their own Italian property journeys, from searching for the right home and understanding renovation costs to working with local professionals and managing restoration projects.
We created the Move to Italy Retreat to bring all of that experience together in one place. Over five days, we’ll introduce you to the trusted estate agents, lawyers, engineers and local professionals we work with, share what we’ve learned along the way, and give you the opportunity to ask the questions that are difficult to answer from another country.
Most importantly, we’re with you throughout the retreat. This isn’t a conference where you listen to presentations and disappear back to your hotel — we’ll view houses together, eat together, share aperitivo and talk about your plans, your concerns and what your own life in Italy could actually look like.
Where You’ll Stay
Nestled in the rolling hills of Le Marche, our beautifully restored traditional farmhouse offers the perfect balance of comfort and Italian charm. Wake up to breathtaking views, enjoy meals on the terrace, and experience authentic Italian hospitality.
Authentic Italian Charm
Sleep in beautifully restored stone-wall bedrooms with wooden ceiling beams, blending rustic elegance with modern comforts.
Cosy & Comfortable
Each room features underfloor heating, perfect for chilly mornings, and a fridge for your personal snacks & drinks.
Private En-Suite Bathrooms
Unwind in your own en-suite bathroom, combining traditional aesthetics with modern amenities.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Enjoy organic, homegrown meals made with fresh ingredients straight from the farm, paired with local wines.
Tranquil Hillside Setting
Escape the noise of everyday life in a peaceful, remote location, surrounded by breathtaking countryside.
A Sky Full of Stars
With zero light pollution, you’ll experience crystal-clear night skies, perfect for stargazing.
Meet the Farm Animals
Say hello to the resident donkeys, chickens, and other friendly farm animals as you soak in the rural Italian lifestyle.
Cool Off in the Pool
Relax and recharge in the outdoor swimming pool, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Close to Authentic Italian Villages
Take leisurely strolls to picturesque medieval villages, where time moves at an Italian pace.
Invest in Your Italian Dream
We deliberately keep the retreat small so there’s time for individual questions, personal property requirements and real conversations with every expert you meet.
PRICES
Our retreat includes everything you need to take the next step in your Italy journey.
- €4,250 couple sharing a private double room
- €2,450 solo guest in a private room
- Payment Plan Available
EARLY BOOKING OFFER
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€3,995 per couple
€2,295 solo guests
Available for bookings made before October 1st 2026.
Secure your place with a €750 deposit.
Includes
- 5 days & 4 nights in a restored Italian farmhouse in a private double room with en suite bathroom
- Daily Italian breakfast & evening meals, aperitivo, & wine
- Personalised house hunting tour with real estate agents
- Legal guidance from top Italian property lawyer
- Renovation insights from experienced restorers & geometra
- Connections & networking with other Italy dreamers
- Course writing materials
- Hosted throughout by Davide & Gary
BOOK NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the retreat for?
Anyone seriously thinking about buying or renovating in Italy — whether you’re dreaming of a vacation home, planning a move at some point, or just exploring the possibilities.
Do I need to speak Italian?
Not at all. The retreat is run in English, and we’ll introduce you to trusted local experts who can guide you through the process in plain language.
Will I see real houses for sale?
Yes! You’ll visit homes currently on the market with local realtors — everything that is suited to your own budget and requirements.
Do people actually buy homes after attending?
Many do. Past guests have gone on to buy and restore their dream homes in Italy, using the exact contacts they met at the retreat. There is no expectation for anyone to do this during the retreat – it’s all about seeing what’s available and making the right contacts who can assist you when you’re ready.
I’m travelling alone — is that OK?
Absolutely. Around half of our guests are solo travellers, and the small group setting makes it easy to connect. This article explains how one female solo traveller found our retreat.
Where is the retreat held?
In Le Marche, a stunning region of central Italy between the mountains and the Adriatic. It’s less touristy than Tuscany but every bit as beautiful.
How do I get there?
The nearest airports are Ancona and Pescara (with flights from major European cities). Rome is also an option, about three hours away by train or car.
How big is the group?
We keep numbers small — usually 8–12 guests — so everyone gets time with the experts and the chance to ask plenty of questions.
Is this like an online workshop?
Not at all. This is in-person, hands-on, and full of real Italian experiences — food, wine, property visits, and local experts. No pre-recorded videos, no generic advice. Read more about why an online event doesn’t compare with our in-person retreat.
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