La Finestra Sul Fiume, Valeggio sul Mincio, near Verona, northern Italy - Explore & Book
"There’s something bewitching about the Mincio river, which meanders languidly though the Veneto countryside, spawning legends of nymphs and sorcerers. It has held magical memories for Pietro Gandini since childhood, when his parents purchased this converted 15th-century mill on its banks, and it instantly cast a spell over us, too. Now an intimate and restful B&B run by Pietro and his wife Mattea, who cannot do enough to ensure you have a perfect stay, La Finestra Sul Fiume sits in lush gardens on the edge of small town Valeggio sul Mincio whose castle crowns the hill behind. There are just three rooms – two in an ivy-clad outbuilding at the water’s edge, another in a self-contained cottage at the top of the lawn – ideal for nature lovers and romantics. By day, dragonflies hover among the lilies while herons and swans pose in the shallows; come evening, aperitifs are served under a flaming sky as frogs croak in the reeds and fireflies glow like scattered embers. If you can pull yourselves away, you can stroll into the pretty village of Borghetto, explore Lake Garda and historic Verona (both less than 30 minutes away by car), or cycle through fields of poppies. But if you find the lure of lazy days by the river too strong to resist, there are plenty of deckchairs where you can lie back with a book and let the birds sing you to sleep. Highs Blissful gardens, with sofas under a large, shady gazebo, deckchairs on a jetty, and little islands connected by stone bridges, all illuminated at nightDelicious breakfasts, tailored to your tastes and served under the willows as swans and geese drift slowly byThe two suites are very spacious, and all rooms have independent entrancesPietro and Mattea (assisted by a troupe of friendly cats) are warm and welcoming hosts, full of insider tips on the region they loveA great area for foodies – Valeggio sul Mincio is famed for its tortellini pasta, and there are waterside restaurants a 10-minute walk away in Borghetto. Cookery workshops can be arranged, too Lows Rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious, with no TVs, and showers only in the ensuitesNo bar or restaurant, but eating out is easy around these partsNo twin rooms, though all can take an extra bed or cot if you’re coming with childrenIt’s best to have a car to explore the area, though taxis and bike hire can be arranged" - Abi Dare
