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Anne and John must be mind readers. I would love a porch to put down outdoor shoes and wellies, before you come into our tiny hallway (would like a large hallway) and then fall down the step into our kitchen, which is as Anne descibes, a room 14x14 with a wood burner, an armchair (for the cats) and is a place in winter where we cook, eat, read, do crosswords and entertain. It has internal shutters on its small window, and as it is slightly below the level of the terrace, it is cool in summer as well.I sometimes think that a large open plan space would be good, but the heating bill would be huge and anyway we spend as much time as we can all year round outside,on the land or on the terrace. (where we have just built a huge woodpile, against a hedge, so its only a short dash to get it when the weather is bad...which it will be again....sorry!)A

Doubt if we will be picking this year either S&J after the glut of last year, we pruned back hard on the advice of our neighbour and there are very few olives on the trees now, just hope our oil lasts another year.A

I do agree with Fox that you price according to what you have to offer and also have an idea of the client group you want to attract, especially important if you are living on site yourself. Our guests this year have been 50% "middle class" English, the rest German Dutch and Danish, all with a love of Italy and especially of Marche, all had researched before they arrived so there were no nasty surprises and they all said the holiday exceded their expectations.They wanted a rural and if you like more rustic holiday, for me some of the high end rental accomodation could be from the interior shots anywhere in the world that pandered to a wealthy client group which is fine, but perhaps for a taste of the more "real" Italy a lovingly restored property with a more rustic feel is more authentic?A

Pat has made a good point, its a good clear website apart from the fact you have no idea other than Marche as to where the properties are situated, which seems very common with estate agents here. My friend tells me its so that the less honest buyer doesnt identify the property and then do a private deal with the owner. But some indication of proximity to nearest town would be helpful.A

Thanks Ram!A

Not sure of your point re immigrants, arent we all if we are not ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ?. Perhaps you could explain.A

Can I have a gold star too!. And if you want to meet for lunch at Sebastianos we would be happy to join you!A

Morning SaverinoI am no expert on tax!, even trying to read the forms in English gives me a headache.Which is why we use a commercialista, perhaps you could consult one regarding what you see as unfair treatment.?A

I can see you dont like the Inland Revenue , but actually from another point of view,they are also there to help and advise, and it is never very helpul to argue from a weaker position. They are there to apply the rules of double taxation, which some of us here have to pay, better to make a "friend" than an enemy, as many of us now living in Italy have found.And why should we not pay tax for the services we receive?. Not sure why you should think that people of "humble origin" should be exempt?A

Hi Chris, welcome to the community and the ever growing Marche fan-club!A