One of the best things about running a bed and breakfast-besides the hodgepodge of guests in and out of your door-is meeting other B&B’ers throughout the world. I’ve exchanged emails with B&B proprietors in Scotland, Spain, Rome, Piedmont and Tuscany and we all have more or less one thing in common.
We like people.
We like to meet new people. We like to listen to their stories. We like to feed them or share a glass of wine with them or tell them about our area.
Well today, I’m going to tell you about a little guest house tucked away on a Tuscan farm.
The owners are American-born expats Martha and Ben Taccarino. After a three-year struggle to secure her Italian citizenship, Martha, Ben and their dog, Siena, set sail for the Bel Paese and landed on a 50-acre farm just outside of Monte San Savino in Tuscany.
In addition to their home, they’ve leased a Guest House, where they welcome friends, family and guests to their little slice of paradise. The rate is $75 USD per night with a two night minimum but they are currently running a special of $60 USD per night when you book at least three nights.
And-breakfast is included.
Imagine watching the sunset over the Tuscan hills with a glass of your favorite red wine, then waking up to Martha’s specially prepared Italian breakfast and really getting away from it all …
Tempting, isn’t it?
Since I am always interested in what makes other innkeepers tick, I asked Martha. She said,
“I enjoy seeing our guests’ reaction when they get out of the car and see the view-which is exceptional from the top of our mountain. When the weather is nice, I make a few appetizers and we all have a glass of wine and watch the sun set. I can visibly see most people relax. For many of them it is a real escape and a ‘little love nest.’
“I think, for many people from the states who might not have traveled in Europe before, just being on a farm, staying in a stone cottage, seeing the farm house which dates from the late 800s-the view, the simple, good produce, cheese and wine makes a whole package that is very memorable.
“We loved coming to Italy so much that we moved here. We just want to share that with as many people as we can.”
I know what you mean, Martha.
If you are interested in visiting their Guest House in Tuscany, you can check out their website, Friends and Family in Italy. If you want more information on moving to or living in Italy, visit Ben’s blog that is full of updates and links for people planning to-or dreaming of-moving to Italy.
Although I grew up in southeast Texas and have seen my share of Texas farms, I’ve never visited a Tuscan farm-and I’d love to! Have you ever stayed on a farm? What was your experience? Would you recommend it?
Video label features new and old Quest.(Suburban Living)
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) March 28, 1996 Byline: Jeff Tuckman Turner Home Entertainment has created a new video label called Cartoon Network Video. The label will feature new and classic cartoons. The Cartoon Network has emerged not only as one of basic cable’s top five rated networks, but as a recognizable brand of cartoon entertainment. No other cable service attracts a higher concentration of kids ages 2 to 11, or ranks higher in average viewing hours per week. The initial release of Cartoon Network Video, will feature specially selected episodes of the original television series, “The Adventures of Jonny Quest.” There are four videos entitled “Classic Jonny Quest,” along with an all-new feature-length movie called “Jonny Quest vs. The Cyber Insects.” Look for these and other children’s videos at local video, department and toy stores. The “Classic Jonny Quest” titles that run 60 minutes, and retail for $12.98 are “Adventures Best Friend,” “An Army Of One,” “Master Of Evil” and “Mysteries Of The East.” The feature movie “Jonny Quest vs. The Cyber Insects,” runs 90 minutes and retails for $14.98. site cartoon network video
* * * The “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Live: The World Tour” has grossed more than $30 million. The production of the show is high quality, and costs more than $3 million. The show has more sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall than any touring family show in history. Kids and their parents who were not able to see the show, can now own the video of the production.
“The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Live: The World Tour” (Saban Home Entertainment, 70 minutes, $12.95) Both parents and kids alike will enjoy this humorous, exciting extravaganza featuring state-of-the-art pyrotechnics, lasers and special effects. Fans are treated to a colorful, kinetic spectacle that incorporates laser lights, video screens, stage illusions and plenty of Ranger-threatening monsters. The show has earned praise from families the world over for its overall production quality.
* * * The latest release in the “Enchanted Tales” series is a new musical adaptation of “Gulliver’s Travels.” It is filled with original songs and comically kooky new characters.
“Gulliver’s Travels” (Sony Wonder, 48 minutes; $12.98):
It’s animated adventure on a gigantic scale as this whimsical new version of “Gulliver’s Travels” spins a musical, laughter-filled story of some very tiny people who learn some very big lessons about life, love and spaghetti. Shipwrecked on an uncharted island, young Gulliver awakens to find himself taken captive by the thumb-sized citizens of the kingdom of Lilliput. Earning the Lilliputian’s trust, Gulliver is soon using his enormous size to good advantage throughout the realm. Before long, Gulliver learns that Lilliput is at war with the nearby island of LaFuscoe all because of a tangled tiff over the proper preparation of pasta. After he employs his size to help Lilliput’s Prince Pesto keep a secret meeting with his sweetheart, LaFuscoe’s Princess Marinara, Gulliver is branded a spy. Now, only an act of humongous heroism can prevent all-out war between the diminutive dueling kingdoms in this delightful, tuneful animated classic. in our site cartoon network video
Jeff Tuckman’s column appears Fridays in Time out! and Thursdays in Showcase. He also may be heard on WGN (720 AM).
Those photo are stunning. Looks like a nice place to get a lot of writing down. hmmmm
Oooh, absolutely. It isn’t *too* far from you, either.
nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..Cy Twombly at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna
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I am bookmarking this for myself and clients
It looks lovely. Thanks C.
Wonderful. I am sure you all will love it!
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Cherrye – We’ve stayed on a farm for vacation both in Italy and in Canada. It was especially great when the kids were little (in Canada) and they could see sheep being sheared for instance, haul in fish from the lake and help with the garden. In Italy it was always a stay amid vineyards and olive orchards, so there wasn’t so much hands-on helping, but always gorgeous surroundings. I’d love to go to that place in Tuscany that you recommend.
They both sound fabulous. I’d LOVE that kind of “get away from it all” vacay!
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That looks lovely. I want to go to Italy one day with Tom and I hope to stay not only at your place but other warm and lovely places throughout Italy.
I can’t wait to meet you and Tom in person!
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I am totally a city girl. I’ve walked around a farm – the one my dad grew up on in Oklahoma, but other than that – nope.
Actually, the next time we’re in Italy and travel further than a day trip, our plan is to stay and a farm B&B or agriturismo. Sounds so relaxing!
Fun! Will you make it as far south as Calabria this go around?
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I have stayed at an agritourismo near Firenze, and it was a wonderful experience, one that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss for anything. Our hosts served the most interesting breakfasts with the fruits of their labor on their farm. Farmhouse architecture is remarkable, and it was almost a struggle for me to leave the relaxing surroundings and make day trips into the city for viewing art at the Uffizi etc.
The photos you shared in this post are stunning.
Oh see … THAT is why I want to go!
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would love to visit! my favorite movie and story of all time is “Under THE Tuscan Sun!” any more pic or info on your guest house? i will like to find out ticket prices and hop on the next plane!! my dream would be to find an old country villa and fix it up but i would need HELP! how hard is it to buy property there? how much up front cash(%) would you need?
Ciao Debbie. I sent your message on to Martha from the Tuscan Guest House mentioned in this post. I’m sure she can help you.
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