Sophie’s World

In enchanting Hay-on-Wye, opposite the town clock, the Seven Stars offers something quite unusual for a British B&B: a heated swimming pool and a sauna. My daughters enjoyed it so much, they refused to get out of the pool in the morning and I had to have breakfast by myself. Their loss. Russell Sime, owner and award-winning chef, serves up a delicious Full Welsh breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, smoked haddock, tea, toast, fruit compote, the lot.

The Seven Stars

Just a few hours’ drive from London, Hay-on-Wye makes a great weekend destination. Skirting the border between England and Wales, this little town is perhaps best known for being the world’s first book town and member of the International Book Towns Movement. Quirky book shops and shelves abound and books are often sold on a trust system. Along the walls of 12th century Hay Castle, brightly coloured books enliven the mysterious Norman citadel. Every year in May - June, the town hosts the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts.

The Seven Stars B&B is in the centre of town, well-placed for the Castle, the book shops, tea rooms and pubs. We liked The Granary Cafe, right across the street, with its cheerful staff and comprehensive menu (including creative vegetarian fare). Next door to the B&B is a large old-fashioned toy shop, where my 7-year-old spent most of her holiday money.

We stayed in a huge bright airy suite: a sitting room and two bedrooms, with brick walls, oak beams and creaky floors. It’s as if history is alive in the walls of the 16th century house. This B&B has a soul.

Prices from GBP 39.95 per person double occupancy or GBP 94 for the suite, including breakfast and free use of the pool.

The Seven Stars
11 Broad Street
Hay-on-Wye
Herefordshire
HR3 5DB
Tel + 44 1497 820886
e-mail: bookings@theseven-stars.co.uk

Photo credits: Anne-Sophie Redisch

Casolare di Remignoli

Located in the hills about 5 kilometres from San Gimignano, Casolare Remignoli is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany. Florence, Siena, Vinci, Monteriggioni and Volterra are all less than ½ hour away.

Italian country roads, especially the small, unpaved ones, aren’t always clearly marked. As a result, I got lost a few times and had some difficulty finding it in the dark. But even though we arrived after midnight (much later than planned), we were greeted warmly. My two daughters and I enjoyed every moment of our 5-day-stay.

A large renovated ancient farmhouse, its rooms are spacious with beautiful terracotta floors, wooden ceiling beams and wrought iron beds. Outside, surrounded by olive trees and grapevines, is a nice swimming pool overlooking Chianti and the towers of San Gimignano. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set after a busy day of sightseeing. Especially with a glass of the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. My girls (a seven-year-old and a teen) were perfectly happy to play with the cat, in the pool or at the ping-pong table. Casolare di Remignoli had all we needed.

View towards San Gimignano

With prices from EUR 80 for a double room (we paid nothing for the extra bed), the Casolare di Remignoli is affordable and family-friendly. In summer, continental breakfast is served outside on a pretty covered patio: cappuccino and delicious Tuscan bread with a fabulous view.

Here, as in most of Tuscany, you’ll need a bicycle or a car to make the most of your stay. The B&B has free parking (often next to a Lamborghini tractor).

Address:
Casolare di Remignoli
Remignoli 26
53037 San Gimignano
Siena (SI) Toscana
Tel. + 39 348 6615984
Fax + 39 057 7094618
info@remignoli.com

photo credit: Anne-Sophie Redisch

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