Once Upon a Dream
8 guests
-
3 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
You’ll agree this place looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook. So, if you’re sitting comfortably, we’ll begin. Deep in the wooded Romagna hills, where dappled trees give way to the picture-perfect town of Santa Sofia, winding backroads lead to a large rustic gate. Behind it, you’ll find a lovingly restored and painstakingly renovated Byzantine church. And this is just the introduction. Inside, stand in reverence as you absorb the cavernous living space where towering columns support thick stone walls and vaulted ceilings. Up in the rafters, you’ll find the bedrooms, with antique beds that are ‘just right’ – waking up in them feels like another lifetime. Outside, enchanting gardens await – there's an old wishing well, luxurious infinity pool with waterfall features and a romantic alfresco dining nook – perfect for twilight meals. Settle into the hammock during balmy afternoons or find a spot overlooking the immaculate landscape. There’s nothing but the sound of the wind dancing through the trees and bees humming in fragrant petunias, where you can stay, happily ever after.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights

Gaze upon the Emilia Romagna countryside from your garden

Bask in the views from the edge of your private infinity pool

While away the hours in the hammock

Enjoy casual dinners in the courtyard

Admire the original features and vast spaces of this deconsecrated church

Sink into ornate beds
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
There’s a loft bed in the communal space that’s accessed by a wooden ladder – this might not be suitable for all guests
We'd recommend hiring a car if you want to explore the local area
There is only air conditioning in the bedrooms
Pets are allowed by request only, and depends on the number of animals, size and breed
About this stay
Amenities
Outdoor seating
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Air conditioning
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Outdoor pool
Bedrooms & bathrooms
3 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms
Extras
VIP services
Airport pick up
Additional fees
The pool can be heated for an additional fee of €350 per week
City taxes are not included in the price of the stay and will be collected in person upon check-in
There may be some extra fees to pay here, such as charges for utilities, final cleaning fees, city tax and security deposits – all of which you may need to pay in cash to the homeowner. Please reach out during the booking process to confirm.
Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About Florence East
Machiavelli, da Vinci, Botticelli, Michaelangelo, Galileo - it’s hard to concisely capture Florence’s monumental impact on the arts, science and philosophy, but a swift run-through of some of the main names active in the Republic during the Renaissance era gives you an idea of just how influential it really was. Today’s tourists will be only too happy to learn that much of the Tuscan city’s historic centre remains unchanged since...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Relax at Ròseo Euroterme Wellness Resort
A refined establishment with a spa, thermal pools, and an elegant restaurant. Enjoy the comfortably hot indoor/outdoor pool and indulge in the spa's rejuvenating treatments.

Explore the enchanting Casentino Forests
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna. Discover ancient beech forests, scenic rivers, stunning waterfalls, and enjoy hiking and biking adventures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the fiery wonders of Vulcano Monte Busca
Nestled in the wilderness of Tredozio, this hidden gem offers an amazing panoramic view and a perpetually burning fire.

Experience the cultural effervescence at Poderi dal Nespoli
Immerse yourself in a unique and stimulating environment at Poderi dal Nespoli. Indulge in fantastic wine and beautiful food while exploring their beautiful cellar and learning about the fascinating story behind Pagadebit vine.

Explore the enchanting Valbonella Botanical Garden
Immerse yourself in the well-curated beauty of Valbonella Botanical Garden. Discover an infinite variety of plants and trees, picturesque paths, and small waterfalls. Enjoy a relaxing walk among nature with your family.
Get around
Airport
Federico Fellini International
2 hr 14 min
Amerigo Vespucci
2 hr 57 min
Train station
Stia
1 hr 25 min
Local shops & services
Convenience store
20 min
Cafe
20 min
Pharmacy
19 min
Points of interest
Beach
Bilancino Beach
2 hr 31 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Air con
Wifi
Cancellation policy
Up until
60
days
Cancel at least 60 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 60 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Emma
This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. As well as looking after top-quality homes, this wonderful team are more than happy to help arrange extras that will take your stay to the next level.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
The Plum Promise
- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.