Valdirose | Florence, Italy
After our stay in Venice came to an end, we traveled by high speed train to Florence. I had been dreaming about visiting Valdirose for what seemed like the longest time and was thrilled we had the chance to spend a few days at the incredibly charming bed and breakfast. If you follow Irene or Paolo on Instagram, everything you see is just what to expect. Their breakfast sunroom is straight out of a movie set, evoking warm fuzzies and instant "I want to live here forever" feelings.
The natural light that streams through the glass ceiling and windows floods every square inch of the room. Each morning when you come down for breakfast you are greeted with freshly baked cakes or pastries, yogurt topped with homemade preserves, granola or cereal, fresh juice and authentic cappuccinos, espresso or lattes.
As a prop stylist, I found her dish collection enviable. Aren't they so pretty stacked up in the blue cabinet? And I love that they're used daily for guests and family.
The outside grounds are just as gorgeous with pea gravel lined pathways and old stone steps flanked with rosemary leading you to the small grove of olive trees.
It's easy to see how captivating the entire place is but to be honest, the most memorable part of our stay was the kindness of the family. We were greeted with warm cups of coffee and conversation of stories about traveling, family, and creative endeavors. It was wonderful to learn about the history of the home (Irene grew up here) and how they transformed it by adding the sunroom and turning it into an inn for guests. They use the home for family gatherings during the holidays and it's where Irene creates delicious recipes (and stunning photos) for her books.
Something I always find fascinating are the connections you make with people half way across the world. The commonalities you share as humans. My husband and Paolo were so much alike -both Italian, love to build and repurpose things, bring home old "junk" to fix or make new, talk endlessly about construction, make a great cup of coffee, why they even unknowingly dressed alike every single day. We joked that they could easily be brothers. Those are the memories you take with you and tuck in your heart so you'll never forget.
On the morning we were leaving, I came down to find a gift from Irene of her charming cookbook. It was so beautifully wrapped that to this day I still have that dried hydrangea. My husband had tucked it away in an antique box he found at the flea market and carried it in his backpack our entire remaining journey. Now when I open her book I'm reminded of both their thoughtfulness.
If by chance your travels bring you anywhere near Florence, do yourself the good fortune of staying with the Moretti's. You will leave refreshed, inspired, and immensely grateful for having had the opportunity that your path brought you to Valdirose.
Valdirose Charming Rooms Via val di rose, 35 50055 Lastra a Signa Florence
