Our first BB in Florence
Our first BB was Florence Grand Tour, in 2000
We always loved ancient houses, rich past history, houses where you can feel that many people have lived there before you. Every single person who lived in the past has left us a trace and it is important to preserve and improved.
That’s why, Giuseppe and I, when we travel, prefer to stay in special places where we can think and travel with imagination: it could be an ancient monastery in Umbria or Abruzzo or the Four Season in Istanbul gathered from the ancient prison of the town.
When in 2000 we started to think about opening our first guest house in Florence any places that we saw was the right place until we discovered this theater in the garden completely abandoned for years in the historical part of Florence between San Marco and San Lorenzo square.
This place hosted in past years several acting companies, then little by little families, a big ball room, a political party, a school, and a society in defense of animals.
I still remember the first time I saw this space and the fear that I had: in front of me broken windows, ruined walls and it was impossible to imagine that there was a pavement under the so many things left on the floor during years. Giuseppe instead has the gift to look forward and to imagine that we could do something with it…That space would have host not only the Relais Grand Tour but also our house.
Four years of restoration between pollution, noises, difficulties, but at the end I remember also the friendship with the workers, the so many friends who helped us and lastly our guests who appreciate this place very much.
Cristina
Ps: If you want to read further more you will discover why we opened our second B&B, Mr My Resort