Property 10251 - Florence

2 Double bedrooms

Palazzo Lungarno is situated on the south side of the river Arno. On one side, it overlooks Via de' Bardi, and on the other it enjoys spectacular, if not unique, views over the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Cathedral. The building' s original structure dates back to the 15th century, when a myriad of little cobbled roads branched off from the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno, one of the city's most charming and typical quarters.

The Arno's banks were flanked by buildings belonging to wealthy aristocratic families (e.g. the Bardi family) - for this reason their residences were known as palazzi. Palazzo Lungarno was modified until the mid 19th century when an architect called Enrico Poggi was asked to draw up an architectural and landscape plan to turn Florence into a capital city (a role which it maintained for five years, between 1865 and 1870, following Italy's unification in 1860). Poggi wanted to give Florence a look of uniformity and subdued elegance without creating a violent contrast with its Renaissance architecture. He therefore decided to maintain the Renaissance colour palette of cream plaster and grey pietra serena stone, which is visible in so many buildings throughout the city.

Lungarno Torrigiani was included in Poggi's plan and it is easy to see how he drew inspiration from the more ancient buildings on the river's opposite side. The lungarni together with the viali leading up to the Piazzale Michelangelo were meant to be a place where Florentines could enjoy afternoon strolls and socialize in the open air.

Property 10251 Description (110 sq. m. - sleeps 4)

This elegantly restored converted loft is located on the top floor (5th floor) of a building a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio. The careful refurbishing has enhanced this apartment’s versatility, making it a warm place of welcome for both vacationers, with or without their families, and for the busy business person.

The elevator will take you to the top floor, and through a small entrance hall with a convenient pantry, the stairs will lead to the living space. The cozy sofas face the large windows opening on the terrace looking onto to the church of San Miniato. A wall-to-wall built-in wardrobe separates the living space from the large, fully-equipped kitchenette, opening onto another spacious terrace. The large dining table is just outside the kitchenette.

Two wide double bedrooms, both with large adjacent bathrooms equipped with spacious shower corners, are both elegantly furnished. The breathtaking view over the Ponte Vecchio may be enjoyed from the cozy niche in the master bedroom.

Wrought-iron steps will let you gaze at the wonderful landscape from the terrace of one of the bedrooms, amid well-tended flower boxes.

Another smaller room with built-in wardrobes may be used as studio or guest room.

The wooden floors and the several pieces of furniture decorated with the trompe l’oeil technique enhance the warm beauty of this wonderful apartment.