Episode 05: Coming Home to Polinago: Cherry House Bed & Breakfast

Show Notes

A hidden centuries-old crypt or the Madonna of the Snow church, built from a dream… These may not be places one associates with one of the wealthiest regions of Italy, Emilia-Romagna. Located in North-Central Italy, between the Po River to the north, the Apennines Mountains to the west, and the Adriatic Sea to the east, people are likely to be more familiar with the capital, Bologna. Or perhaps one may know Parma, famous for its prosciutto and parmesan cheese, or perhaps Modena, known for its balsamic vinegar and opera. Of course, there are also other notable places, such as Ferrara, where you can test drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Personally, I always envision the music of Giuseppe Verdi and Luciano Pavarotti, as they both hailed from this region. Along with this rich musical and culinary heritage, the region boasts stunning landscapes and captivating historical sites worthy of exploration.

It is in the small town of Polinago in Emilia-Romagna that we find Cherry House Bed & Breakfast. The owners, Winnifred and David left Australia to make Winnifred’s dream of living in Italy a permanent reality. Designed as a warm and welcoming homebase, Cherry House is picturesque and ideally located. From there, guests experience the perfect blend of the nearly tourist-free Italian countryside with its gastronomic treasures and mountains as well as the lively piazzas and Renaissance architecture of the cities nearby.

The Cherry House; Photo Credit: Cherry House BnB

What You’ll Learn

The friendliness and warmth of Italians; plus understanding their language and openness
Rebuilding and renovating Cherry House
Italian industry, including ceramic tiles, automobiles, cheeses, and more
How Winnifred defines slow travel and sustainable tourism, including how to not just check things off your travel list
A hidden centuries-old crypt
The Madonna of the Snow church, built from a dream
The Wild Kitchen, eating what the land produces
Wide variety of tours, walks, experiences throughout the area, including relaxing with a massage in the woods, listening to the running river
Enjoying ebikes (electronic bikes) to make viewing the region along the winding hills much easier
The seasons of visiting Cherry House
Personalizing your tours with Winnifred and David, combining flexibility and relaxation
Fresh and flavorful breakfasts and dinners
Why travelers should come home to Polinago