Appassionata 2016 to 2026 - Then & Now - a personal reflection.
Reflections on family, life and what continues to shape Appassionata
It’s funny reflecting back on the last ten years of Appassionata and the Hobbs family. Looking at where we were in 2016 compared to now, a lot has happened.
Many things were different then. I was still married. My mum and my wonderful mother-in-law were both alive. My beautiful chocolate Labrador, Otto, was still with us. India was a hands-on mum to my two young grandchildren, Charlie was successfully managing his first project, and our family home was Palazzo Scarsini.
At the same time, we were in the midst of developing our fourth Appassionata project, Il Riposo. It was still very much a work in progress, shaped by vision, patience and a belief in doing things properly.
Today, Il Riposo is a much-loved home within the Appassionata portfolio, enjoyed by owners who return time and time again.
Il Riposo.. then & now..
On a personal level, I had just started cycling, taken up golf, and was riding my motorcycles at every opportunity. We had our annual trip to Sri Lanka each January and enjoyed another summer with family and friends on the beach in Cupra Marittima.
Looking back at the photos from that year, we were in a good place, making the most of an adventurous life, surrounded by many things that made us happy.
Fast forward to 2026. What a ten years it’s been.
I’m no longer married, but very happy to have found Genevieve, who has given me a new zest for life and so much more to look forward to. My family are all grown up, living happy, independent lives, but still very much a part of my daily life and central to who I am.
I split my time between the UK and Italy, as active as ever and not behaving quite as I should in my mid-sixties. I always joked about growing old disgracefully… well, I am trying my best. I still have a real appetite for life, for pushing boundaries, and I remain as focused as ever on Appassionata and my family.
One of my proudest achievements has been successfully navigating the business through a challenging divorce and coming out the other side stronger and more clearly focused. I am incredibly proud to have India and Charlie standing beside me. It is a true family enterprise, shaped by both youth and experience, with a clear sense of who we are and a shared desire to continue making Appassionata the go-to option for Italian property co-ownership. Our lives and attitudes have helped shape the business, adding authenticity and vibrancy to how we deliver everything we do.
From my point of view, I have created a wonderful balance between work and life. I no longer live to work but work to live. I am in my twilight years, so there is no time to waste. I want to make the most of every day, embracing those I love and living without regrets. I continue to push boundaries and seek out new experiences, while also making time for the things I enjoy most.
I am closer to my children than ever. We make time for one another and keep closely connected. I value our friendship and the trust we have built over the last ten years. It’s different now, but it is a fundamental part of who I am, and I am immensely proud of what they have all become. These principles sit at the heart of Appassionata, a family business built on strong values.
I cycle more regularly these days, having switched to an e-road bike after my left knee replacement. It’s much easier on the body and perfect for the rolling hills of Le Marche. I still love my golf, frustrating as it can be, but it gets me out of the house, and I love our annual Italian golf trips, especially as there are more choices 10 years on.
My motorcycle adventures have become a regular feature of my life. Over the last ten years, I’ve completed many big trips, mainly across India, Italy and Europe. Along the way, I’ve formed a new group of friends who share similar beliefs and outlooks. Riding through the Himalayas or the jungles of Nagaland, testing your skills and strength of character with like-minded friends, is about as exhilarating as it gets. Sitting by a campfire afterwards, sharing whisky, smoking cigars and laughing until you can’t anymore is the definition of cathartic.
In 2026, I am doing something I have never done before. I will be visiting the African continent for the first time with seven of these friends. We’ll be riding from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, crossing several borders along the way. The journey will take us through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, finishing in Zimbabwe on the border with Zambia. Over 4,200 kilometres of excitement and adventure.
All of these experiences have shaped me into the father, partner, friend and businessman I am today. I take what I do seriously, but I never forget that the journey is about shared experiences, laughter, kindness, passion and fun.
Which, in many ways, sums up what Appassionata is all about. An authentic, shared experience that delivers enjoyment, connection and laughter, time and time again.
