Episode 36
Chasing Crazy Dreams: Ashley Bartner's Journey from New York to an Organic Farm in Italy
Welcome to another episode of New Life in Italy! I'm Samantha Wilson, and today, we’re diving deep into the power of chasing big dreams—especially the dream of moving to Italy and building a meaningful life here.
In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Bartner, the co-founder of La Tavola Marche, an organic farm, inn, and cooking school tucked away in the stunning countryside of Le Marche. Ashley and her husband, Jason, took the plunge 17 years ago, leaving their fast-paced lives in New York to start fresh in rural Italy. They didn’t have all the answers—just a dream, a lot of courage, and a willingness to figure things out along the way.
Ashley opens up about what it was really like to make such a big move, from learning the ropes of farming and hosting guests to teaching cooking classes and navigating life in Italy. She gets honest about the challenges too—like dealing with unexpected power outages in the middle of a Thanksgiving dinner for their neighbors—and how those moments helped them grow.
One of my favorite parts of our chat is hearing Ashley talk about the mindset it takes to follow a dream, even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Her story is such a great reminder that the only person who needs to believe in your dream is you. We also dig into the realities of running an agriturismo—the hard work, the surprises, and the moments that make it all worthwhile.
As we wrap up, I challenge you to think about your own dreams. What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t taken the leap yet? Whether it’s moving to Italy, starting a new career, or stepping into something completely unknown, I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step.
And don’t forget—if you’re serious about making Italy your new home, check out all the resources waiting for you at SmartMoveItaly.com. I’ve got guides, tips, and expert advice to make your move easier.
Stick around until the end of the episode, too! I’ll be answering listener questions about energy ratings for properties, pet passports, and the process of applying for a Permesso di Soggiorno.
So grab your espresso (or a glass of wine!), and let’s get inspired together. This is your New Life in Italy. Let’s make it happen!
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Until next time!
Ci vediamo!
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