Azienda agricola Scerba, rooms and country cooking
Azienda agricola Scerba is a country property in Casalguidi, near Pistoia, with rooms, a garden and a restaurant serving seasonal food. Guests enjoy the greenery, the calm and the homemade dishes, though some groups report slow service. Best for a relaxed Tuscan break.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Azienda agricola Scerba.
Where Azienda agricola Scerba is and how to get there
Azienda agricola Scerba is in Casalguidi, in the province of Pistoia, Tuscany, along Via Montalbano. It is a rural setting with a garden and greenery all around, designed for people who prefer the countryside to the city centre. You arrive comfortably by car, as there is private parking.
The description notes that Florence and its sights are easy to reach from here, for example the Fortezza da Basso and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and that Florence Peretola airport is not far away. To me it seems a sensible base if you want to sleep in silence and do your sightseeing during the day.
What the rooms and spaces are like
The accommodation at Azienda agricola Scerba has air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower and toiletries, as well as free Wi-Fi. Outside there is a well-kept garden. Guests who have stayed here describe the rooms as welcoming and well equipped.
Other details from the reviews.
- A pool to cool off in during summer, also used for evening aperitifs.
- Outdoor games for children.
- Views over the greenery and the sounds of nature.
- A well-restored building, with a romantic atmosphere according to one guest.
An honest warning. Most reviews talk about the restaurant rather than the rooms, so I have less information about sleeping than about eating. If the room is your priority, ask for photos and details before you decide.
The food, the main reason many people come
The restaurant inside is the real strength, judging by how guests talk about it. It serves Italian cooking with a menu that changes every month, vegetables from the gardens, handmade pasta and homemade desserts. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options are available, the latter on request.
Dishes that keep coming up include cheese boards served with jam, cured meats from the grey pig, ravioli made with chestnut flour and a pizza made with ancient grain and baked in the wood-fired oven. One vegan guest enjoyed the spaghetti and the cardoons. For guests with particular dietary needs this is a real advantage, which you rarely find at a farm stay.
What guests say, the good and the less good
On Google Azienda agricola Scerba has a rating of 4 from 101 reviews. Most people are enthusiastic, but there is a minority of very harsh judgements, and it is worth understanding why.
Among the positives, many people praise friendly, helpful staff, run with passion by a family business. The view, the cooking with zero-kilometre produce and the commitment of the people who work here are all appreciated. One guest also writes that the place is still being finished, but makes the most of what it has.
The criticisms mostly concern set-menu group lunches. Some people complain of small portions for the price, slow service and dishes that were not always available, and one person did not find the fish up to standard. These are isolated episodes, but with large tables they seem more likely.
What to know before you book
Before you book Azienda agricola Scerba in Casalguidi, keep a few things in mind. The real drawbacks are not about the rooms, which are little discussed, but about how the restaurant copes at busy times.
- If you come with a large group, ask in advance what the menu includes and how big the portions are.
- The menu changes every month, so do not assume a dish you read about in a review will be there.
- Vegan and dairy-free options are on request, so let them know beforehand.
- I have no data on breakfast, opening times or accessibility. If they matter to you, ask.
Who it suits
I recommend it to couples and families who want a quiet weekend among greenery, with a good dinner without moving far, and to anyone who loves local produce. The games for children and the pool make it pleasant even with younger ones.
I would avoid it if you want flawless, fast service at all costs, or a hotel with all the usual services. Here what counts is the place, the food and the family atmosphere.
What to do nearby
From Casalguidi you can head out into the Pistoia countryside or towards Florence, where the description cites the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the Fortezza da Basso. I would spend the days out and keep the evening for dinner at the farm. If you would rather sleep in town, B&B Cavour 10 in Florence is one option. Other places to look at are Agriturismo Gli Arancini in Montorio and Hotel Locanda degli Artisti in Borgo San Lorenzo.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
