OUR STORY
AN EXCITING LIFESTYLE ADVENTURE
APPASSIONATA WAS BORN FROM THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR MICHAEL HOBBS AND ESTABLISHED INTERIOR DESIGNER DAWN CAVANAGH.
The business was created as a way of sharing their joint love of Italy with a discerning and select group of people.
Travelling to the beautiful Le Marche region of Italy in 2004, Michael and Dawn 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 wanted to call home.
They share a vision to create something magical, reflecting their life experiences and incorporating some traditional family values.
Michael is an experienced and successful entrepreneur, with over 40 years working in consumer based businesses. As the Chief Executive of a large international retail fashion business, he led a Management Buyout to great success.
His extensive international business experience has been a great foundation in helping him develop the Appassionata business, and in undertaking numerous Chairman and Non-Executive roles within both public and private companies.
In his spare time Michael is often found hanging out with his grandchildren, watching rugby, cycling, riding one of his motorcycles or pottering around the truffle plantation. He loves the open road and visiting new countries, adventuring through rarely visited parts of the world, where he enjoys pushing out the boundaries and living life to the full. Michael provides the leadership, entrepreneurial, financial, strategic, marketing, sales, planning and legal expertise for the business.
Dawn 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 a variety of 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.
When not creating breath-taking property, Dawn adores horse riding and her collection of dogs. She is a ‘natural horse’ woman rescuing and re-habilitating abused animals with amazing success.
In 2007 Michael and Dawn decided they wanted a lifestyle change. Utilising Michael’s business expertise and Dawn’s love and understanding of interior design, they combined both their life and business experiences to create lifestyle enterprise, Appassionata.
Working alongside their eldest daughter India and her husband Charlie, the Hobbs’ aim is to create the perfect retreat for those that love Italy.
A key strength of the Appassionata model is that they not only create the homes they also look after them. Charlie is an experienced builder who, overseas the development process, runs the maintenance team and ensures that the houses are always in great condition. Always on hand to make your holiday experience as stress free as possible. He oversees the renovation projects and works with a group of local artisans and builders to ensure the most beautiful homes are created.
India is a natural and engaging communicator, easy going, efficient, and a wonderful young mother. She provides ongoing owner liaison and runs the management company that overseas all of the properties. Her aim is to ensure you have the best possible experience as an Appassionata owner and is a wonderful asset to the business.
Taking professional business skills and marrying them with style, creativity and passion, Appassionata offers you something unique; a boutique and luxurious, family owned co-ownership business.