One of our recurring themes is to enjoy your travels like a native. We were therefore intrigued by the Ulivo Rosso, in Sesto Fiorentino, as it is a farmhouse in the Tuscan hills just a few km outside of Florence. We arrived with friends and to say we were not disappointed is an understatement. This place was built in the 1300’s but lovingly cared for by its various owners throughout the centuries, including the current owner, “Mariarosa”. Her greeting when we arrived set the tone for our entire visit: “This is your home.”

We found that, sadly, her father had just passed away just prior to our arrival. We offered to find alternate accommodations, but she would not hear of it and assured that home it was, with whatever information we needed readily available and assistance in anything we wanted. There are 4 quaint rooms, some with beamed ceilings and all with antiques that took us back years to simpler times.

But the goodness did not stop there, because Mariarosa has seen to it that all the latest needs are cared for with an up to date bathroom, adequate power points and a flat-screen TV that even included BBC News! The breakfast was good and included anything we might have needed. It was served either in a cozy kitchen area or on the beautiful patio, surrounded by the Tuscan hills and abounding with flowers. The restaurant down the stairs and below the hotel was quiet but very popular with the locals.

The Ulivo Rosso is a place not to be missed if you want to experience life in an old Tuscan farmhouse. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

Location of the Ulivo Rosso:  Via Le Catese, 250019 Sesto Fiorentino, ITALY

See this review on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.