We bought a house recently (in Gualdo, Le Marche) but declined to buy the vendor's furniture. Really interested to find good quality solid timber furniture when we return to fit out the house. Have seen a number of new furniture stores, some stuff suits and a lot doesn't. Any tips on how to locate good second-hand furniture would be most appreciated.

Not sure about the Le Marche but I'm in the throes of something similar and have identified a secondhand furniture market near Lucca called Mercatino dell'Usato. I realise that this is probably much too far away for you but during my research I was told that there is also a Mercatino dell'Usato in Perugia (still no good for you, I know!!). The reason I'm telling you about this is that it leads me to think that maybe there are other Mercatino dell'Usati dotted around Italy.........?! If you have a local magazine or community website you could try posting a query there. Just in case you're interested, the website for the Lucca one is www.mercatinousatolucca.it and I found another site in the Milan area - www.mercatinodellusato.it. Buona fortuna!!

Thank you Liz83 for your reply -- took a look at their web sites plus a couple of similar, this was a good tip. Much appreciated. John

This website should help you find a mercato in your area.

Good luck