Country Resort Monsignor della Casa, TuscanyI was just thinking that we probably made the mistake of spending 3 weeks in Tuscany 2 years ago just prior to making the decision to move to Modena. After moving here we felt a little "cheated" for Emilia Romagna is nothing at all like Tuscany, the former being rather ugly (see ceramic, prosciutto factories and badly cut-up farmland...) while the latter is charming (e.g. rolling hills, cypress trees and Tuscan villas...). Or maybe Modena is not that sans charme, but found wanting when compared to la Toscana.
I had those thoughts as we had just spent the weekend in Tuscany. In Borgo San Lorenzo near Mugello and Florence. At the charming country resort Monsignor della Casa to be more precise.
If you think about it, my farmhouse in Modena is really quite charming - but not its surroundings. The Monsignor della Casa Country Resort on the other hand has a view that's a real source of pleasure, extending over 200 ha. with huge gardens, a pool, tennis courts, spa, playground, rooms and apartments housed in former farmhouses, stables, barns and of course the Monsignor's 16th Century Villa. The guy by the way was born Giovanni in 1503 and he rose to fame as the Vatican Secretary of State under Pope Paul IV and as the author of Galateo - one of the world's greatest books on etiquette.
The garden outside our buildingWe slept in a 110m2 apartment named "Fattore". On the ground floor you have a living/dining room with corner kitchen, fireplace, bed settee and bathroom. On the 1st floor there is a double bedroom with bathroom, on the 2nd floor 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Country-style decoration but modern comforts.
The façade of our roomsOur problem though was that we have small children and they didn't like being too far from where the parents were sleeping. So we had a bad night, having ended up with 2 children in our bed at some point in the night. We were also a little pissed off as we were ripped off by the babysitter - paying a good 70 euros for just 4 hours of babysitting. Our fault though for not checking prices beforehand, but still, she shouldn't have abused.
The entrance, dining room and corner kitchenThis would be a lovely place to spend Summer in. They have a gym/Spa with jacuzzi, massage and other beauty services. A golf course nearby. And Florence with its museums, restaurants and boutiques is not far away, not to forget the various fashion outlets e.g. Barberino, The Space and The Mall...
The buffet breakfast was offered in the resort's restaurant and had a nice spread of ham, cheeses, cereals, bread, cakes etc. All in all we have spent a very short but pleasant weekend there and hope to return soon for another stay.
Country Resort Monsignor della Casa
Via di Mucciano, 16
50032 Borgo S. Lorenzo
Florence, Italy.
Tel : + 39 055 840 821
Reading this reminds me of the time we spent a week at a similar hotel in Tuscany. The refurbished farmhouses were amongst a vineyard estate where they produce their house wine. We went back with a crate's worth.
RépondreSupprimerYou are making me long for Italy again!
Is the wine good?
RépondreSupprimerI must say I really feel like buying a farmhouse and refurbishing it myself after that. But no money leh.