Side Trip to Italy
How we discovered this gem in Italy ...
Years ago, on our first visit to Florence we had nowhere booked and it was already 9pm. Just when on the point of despair we saw a sign on the road pointing to PENSIONE BENCISTA. Why not try it? Stepping over the labrador sleeping across the main entrance, we were presently greeted in English by the loveliest Italian lady : Beatrice - the proprietor.
“Of course we have a room !” she gaily cried and added,
“Have you eaten?”
We hadn’t. Dinner time was well and truly over but, being the very soul of hospitality, she rushed off and prepared a delicious Tuscan meal for us herself. She and her family have made us feel so at home there that we’ve been back every year for the past 25 years. Sadly, Beatrice is no longer with us but her soul lives on in this wonderful place. Everybody we have sent there just loves it for its peaceful location, beautiful grounds and rooms and its lovely hosts. It has its own restaurant or you can enjoy one of the many excellent eateries just a short distance away in Fiesole or San Domenico.
Just a short local bus ride into Florence, this is a far better place to stay in our opinion than in Florence itself.
All our French Cottages guests who have been there agree with us!