Villa Belfiore

The Belfiore farm property certainly stands out among a very bland choice of bed and breakfasts in the area between the well-preserved Renaissance city of Ferrara and Ravenna with its extraordinary mosaics. The flat countryside is characterized by marshland and the National Delta del Po Park, a paradise for birdwatchers and bikers, where many excursions are organized. The Bertelli sisters, Fiorenza and Daniela, from Ferrara, transformed their farm into a country restaurant with 18 bedrooms on the upper two floors. They are identically appointed with rustic wooden beds painted with a floral motif and matching armoires. Guests can feel right at home in the spacious living room with antiques and enormous open fireplace. The restaurant, where locals come for excellent local fare based on organically produced fruits and vegetables, is divided among several beamed dining rooms and guests are invited into the kitchen for a demonstration of making various types of pastas and breads. Italian lessons are also offered free of charge. A neat garden surrounds the simple rectangular-shaped house with burgundy shutters and a swimming pool sits invitingly in one corner. A mini-spa center includes facial and body treatments, sauna, and massage.