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Our Story

A Family Adventure

Appassionata was born from the hearts and minds of successful entrepreneur Michael Hobbs, his wife, established interior designer, Dawn Cavanagh–Hobbs and their family. They created this business as a way of sharing their love of Italy with a discerning and select group of people. Travelling to the beautiful Le Marche region of Italy in 2004, Dawn and Michael discovered a combination of unspoilt countryside, sea, mountains and an incredible quality of life – they instantly knew that they had found a part of the world that they adored and wanted to call home.

Buying Estate Giacomo Leopardi, near the gorgeous medieval town of Montefiore dell’Aso in 2004, the Hobbs originally intended to renovate and sell. After hearing of numerous nightmares from people purchasing and maintaining property overseas, the Hobbs looked into Fractional Ownership, from this Appassionata was born. The design of the estate was created with shared ownership and delivering a complete Italian lifestyle experience in miind. Owners of Appassionata not only gain a stunning Italian property, but a share in the estate’s vineyards, olive groves, lavender plantation and newly planted truffle plantation.

Michael Hobbs spent over 25 years in the retail industry, as the Chief Executive of a large international retail fashion business, he led a Management Buyout to great success. His extensive international experience helped him to undertake a number of Chairman and Non-Executive roles within both public and private companies over the years. In his spare time Michael is often found on his Motorcycle. 2011 saw him take to the road on an adventure of a lifetime; the Enduro India Challenge, where he travelled 2000km across India on a classic 1950's Royal Enfield bike, all for charity.

Dawn Cavanagh Hobbs has been developing, renovating and designing property for over 20 years and is a qualified interior designer. Having raised four children you cannot question her stamina, determination and sense of humour. From her past expertise completing various different projects she knows how to create a stunning and unique home, furnishing these to a very high standard. Working with a combination of antique and modern furniture, original art, handmade lighting and cosy but light colour combinations, Dawn’s designs create perfect, luxurious homes. Whilst not creating breathtaking property, Dawn adores horse riding and her collection of dogs.

In 2007, Michael and his family decided that they wanted a complete lifestyle change. Utilising Michael’s business acumen and Dawn’s love and understanding of design and renovation, the couple combined both their life and business experiences to create lifestyle enterprise, Appassionata. Working alongside their eldest daughter India and her husband Charlie, with the occasional help of Dawn and Michael’s three year old grandson, Lucas, the Hobbs’ aim is to create the perfect retreat for lovers of Italy.

Taking professional business skills and marrying them with style, creativity and passion, Appassionata offers you something unique; a boutique and luxurious, family owned and run fractional ownership business with various lifestyle ventures of your own to enjoy!

Please contact us today...