My wife, adult son and I just returned home after spending an incredible week at Casa Brown and surroundings, located up in the hills between Polinago and Monchio in the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy. Caroline and Stephen ensured that our stay in their beautiful home was perfect, right from the beginning. Before arriving at their home they quickly responded to our questions about the home and the area via email. Several days before leaving for their home they sent a very detailed set of driving instructions, including where to get some groceries and supplies. Upon our arrival we were warmly greeted by Caroline and Stephen and shown to the spacious, comfortable and very clean apartment on the upper floor of their newly renovated farm house. We were very thankful to find a fridge stocked with some basics to get us started, including eggs, milk, a bottle of the local rose frizzante, a cold beer, and some delicious homemade cherry jam, chutney, and limoncello. This was such a wonderful surprise after a long day of flying and driving! During our stay we explored the nearby bigger towns of Modena, Verona, and Bologna, as well as some smaller gems, such as Brandola. While the area is steeped in history it is also a food lovers paradise and Caroline and Stephen had plenty of advice for some local trattorias and pizzerias! We were never disappointed! They have organized several binders for their guests which help with everything you might want to know about their home, where to eat, and what to see. Of course, they are also very accommodating and were more than happy to share their time and their love and knowledge of the area. We spent a fun morning with them both on a tour of the local parmigiano-reggiano factory! We also enjoyed spending some time relaxing by the pool and looking out over the valley from our perch on high. It being the end of July, the valley bottom got very warm, but up at Casa Brown there were always cool breezes in the evening. We always slept very well. Caroline and Stephen obviously love their home in the hills and they are very gracious, friendly, and helpful hosts. We will be highly recommending their home to all our family and friends. And, if lucky enough, we would love to return for another stay in their home. Thank you Caroline and Stephen for your hospitality and your friendship!