Locanda Rossa is a gorgeous boutique style converted farm stay located in the Maremma region of Tuscany and only a short one and a half hour drive from Rome (FCO) airport. The tucked away property which consists of 12 rooms, 2 suites and 4 apartments makes for an idyllic stay for both couples and families alike be it a weekend getaway, overnight stay or a week long stay.
I usually tend to book self catering villas for week long stays with my family and they’re great when you’re travelling with another family as well. This time it was just the kids and me and my mother of 81 years young who joined us as well. Not wanting to be completely isolated as kids do get bored of just seeing their mum’s face, I selecting a boutique converted farm stay instead. This still enabling us to have our privacy when needed and the opportunity for my children to mingle and play with other children who were staying. The bonus was that this property was located in the countryside but was close enough to the coastline for frequent trips to the beach and other attractions.
Our Stay – Suite
The Suite exceeded our expectations and was the highlight of our stay at Locanda Rossa. Being in the design profession (Architect) there was nothing I could fault when it came to the room layouts, interior design and mod con features. It really felt like a home away from home with the bonus of having your suite serviced every day which was a pleasant surprise. Having booked the Suite also enabled us to have the flexibility to prepare meals in our own fully decked out kitchenette with dishwasher, full height fridge, gas stove and Nespresso coffee machine.
What we liked most about the Suite
- ground level for easy access and mobility
- our own undercover parking facility for 2 cars
- daily servicing and replenishing of the suite
- modern yet warm interiors
- outdoor undercover patio
- air conditioner ( it was already very hot during our June stay)
- rain shower/bath
- open walk in robe in the master bedroom
- plenty of hangers!
- security safe
- SKY TV great for jet leg
- water sparking and still were replenished daily as were the tea and biscuits.
- retractable fly screens ( lots of mosquitos)
- free wifi
- J Bigelow bath products
For Kids
Ideal for
The property caters to a number of activities to keep children entertained. For me a priority is a pool and everything else is a bonus. With no intention either of spending all our time at Locanda Rossa I was looking for late afternoon entertainment when we returned from our daily adventures. My children enjoyed using the on site trampoline, foosball table, ping pong table and soccer goals although the pool did get the most attention to try and stay cool.
Pool
A separate pool caters for children under 14 years of age with adult supervision required.
Resident Animals
My 6 month old loved visiting the resident donkey and goat during our early morning strolls.
Breakfast
Breakfast isn’t available until 8am. We stopped by a supermarket and bought some basics to bridge the gap.
Getting around the property
Most paths are made up of little stones so getting around with a stroller isn’t ideal. I used our Babyzen YOYO for little trips from our Suite to the Breakfast room. The Babybjorn carrier was perfect for those early morning strolls around the property.
Poolside
Enjoying and aperitivo as the sun sets over the Tuscan countryside, magical.
Breakfast/Dining
I love an Italian style breakfast, a good coffee and a sweet yummy something! Apart from that you can enjoy what the buffet has to offer as well as an a la carte menu for extra dishes prepared in the kitchen. If you have a few troops like me the breakfast room can feel a little tight so best to try and get a table near the entrance doors. My 7 month old timed her morning sleeps to perfection always sleeping before breakfast and then not wanting to participate when I needed to refuel. Most times I’d take my coffee and sweet yummy something and sit outside on the patio.
Activities
Locanda Rossa has put a lovely activity list together on their website. For someone who is time poor and doesn’t get around to doing much research before arriving this will be your bible! For a one day trip I would definitely recommend enjoying a day at Ultima Spiaggia the closest private beach club located on the coast of Capalbio. You can elect to use their facilities like we did, the cost for 4 sun beds and umbrellas costing 100 Euros for the day. They club is also equipped with a restaurant and play area for the little ones. If you don’t require a sun bed you can elect to set up your beach towels in the public beach area.
Things to consider when booking a stay at Locanda Rossa
+Location to Rome FCO
+relaxed vibe
+Beautifully maintained property& rooms
+Lovely food.
+Best suited for couples or young children under 6
+Bikes can be hired
– Not enough shading around the children’s pool area
-Gym accessible above 16 years of age
We think it would be great if….
the property would convert the gym, located in the grounds of the children’s area to a playroom ( staffed during peak periods).
Useful links/ tips
Nearest Beach Club Ultima Spiaggi
- Definitely hire a car for your stay so you can visit all the local attractions.
- Don’t expect first row sun beds on Italian beaches. These are usually booked privately for the entire season for those who live in the local area.
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