Reviews

The Retreat is truly an inspiring place to be. Immediately, you are confronted by a tremendous panoramic view which sweeps from the snow-capped Sibillini Mountains on the left across a large selection of charming hill topped villages through to the glittering Adriatic on the right. Marvellous. It is most definitely a unique and very beautiful place to be. The food is excellent, the company stimulating and Le Marche retains something of the undiscovered and unexplored – and there is plenty to discover and explore. Certainly, there are few tourists and a wide variety of interesting and charming Italian cultural experiences to be had. A number of delightful towns and villages are within easy reach and offer a range of both unforgettable experience as well as subject matter for artists of all abilities. John is an excellent and inspirational painting and drawing tutor, so leave space in your luggage to enable you to carry your work home! You’ll love it – highly recommended!

M.Chatfield
Teeside University

John and Jana,
Thank you so much for a wonderful week in the beautiful region of Le marche. I enjoyed my stay with you immensely and it has definitely inspired me to explore my creative cravings and hopefully, with practice, discover a medium that I can become competent in.
John, it was amazing to be in the company of such accomplished artists without feeling intimidated. Your
encouragement and tutorage was fantastic and you relaxed, yet informative approach created the perfect balance in the perfect surroundings.
Jana, you are a fabulous chef/host/mum! I was so grateful to you for catering for my current condition...

...I would have no hesitation in highly recommending your courses and tremendous hospitality. Thank you for a great week that I shall never forget.

With best wishes,
Natalie B.

The landscape of the Marche distils uniquely centuries of harmony between man and nature. Small hill towns, fertile valleys patterned with olive trees, vines, fields of grain, wooded foothills and backing every vista the Monti Sibillini, snow-capped for much of the year. For the painter, working in this landscape is a priceless indulgence.

Chris Owens
former English teacher, who now paints full-time and
spends half the year in Le Marche.