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Two brits swap Dubai for La Dolce Vita!
Karen & Grahame used to help organisations in Dubai restructure and improve performance, Grahame running their management consulting business and and Karen heading up a Human Resources practice.
Dubai was a very fast paced life, where the couple grew a very successful business, however, Dubai was also a very transient place and the couple craved something a little bit more European.
So as they looked for a slightly slower pace, where they could have four seasons instead of usual Middle East two (hot and hotter) they narrowed down places that would enable them to be closer to their family and friends in the UK. Having originally short-listed Umbria, it was fate or a case of the destiny, (poor map reading and navigation skills of Karen actually), that they stumbled upon Le Marche and fell in love with the un-spoilt beauty and simplicity of the place.
With the help of Kevin Gibney and Luca Brancadori they found and restored their perfect home. They bought a ruin and oversaw the reconstruction while still living in Dubai running their management consulting company. But with a great team on the ground here, in two years the local team here delivered a beautiful restoration.
The couple opened Bella Vallone – offering beautiful holiday rental accommodation 2 years ago and have shared their little slice of paradise with guests from all over the world. Having lots of open space has also enabled the couple to share their new home with seven local rescue pets, who love running through the open fields.
So it seems Karen and Grahame have changed their fast-paced life in the desert for the quieter awe inspiring countryside of Le Marche. The couple still do have interest in developing new business however, and as they get ready to launch three new interesting businesses here, Karen has says “this time its different, when I take my morning coffee break I open the office door and can soak up some of Italy's most breath-taking countryside – it feels like a good balance to me”
Via Mariano Pallottini
