A real Florence experience
About this house rental
PLEASE NOTE: TWO WEEK MINIMUM STAY. This is the time to visit Florence! The city is enjoying new museums, shops, galleries, the renovated Central Market, great restaurants (both new and classics), hip bars, new bookstores and cafes, entertainment and music, and lots more. This house is for those who want to experience the authentic Florence and do something interesting and adventuresome – from their own comfortable and well furnished home. The house is in the Oltrarno (south side of the Arno River, the same side as the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens), about half way between the river and Porta Romana; near Piazza Tasso. The area is known as San Frediano, originally the crafts and working class neighborhood – today more upscale, but still very genuine and with plenty of character. Time Out recently listed the Oltrarno as one of "the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world," and Lonely Planet says San Frediano (our neighborhood in the Oltrarno) is among the "10 coolest neighbourhoods to visit right now." If you want to sip coffee in the morning while you watch the neighborhood wake up and come to life; if you want to shop locally for the best quality groceries, produce, and meats to make a spectacular lunch or dinner (to be enjoyed on the spacious terrace or in the dining room with candlelight); if you want to come home and unwind away from the crowds after a day of museums; if you want to explore arts, crafts, shops and workshops both traditional and contemporary; if you want to relax like a local over lunch or dinner in some of Florence’s best regarded and liveliest restaurants – then this is the house for you. The house is on a small one-way street, at the juncture of two other small one-way streets, so there is little traffic, and it is quiet, especially at night and on weekends. It is in a real Florentine neighborhood, just outside the tourist center so it is away from the noise, crowds, and craziness, but only a 15-20 minute walk to Piazza Repubblica (the center). The house is perfect for two to four people (or six for a shorter stay). It is approximately 110 square meters (or 1100 square feet), not counting the rooftop terrace. The house is one story at street level, no one above or below. It gets lots of light, and all windows and doors are double-paned. The house has two “regular” bedrooms with doors that close: one with an Italian matrimoniale-size bed (US king bed equivalent), a frescoed ceiling, and French doors; the other has extra-long twin beds. The third bedroom is a small, open, loft bedroom (up ten steps) with a US-queen-size bed. The house has two bathrooms, both with modern fixtures and showers; the larger one also has a tub. The living room has a sectional sofa and two leather club chairs; the dining room has French doors and one wall of rustic stone; the small, but fully furnished kitchen has a dishwasher, four-burner gas stove, oven, full-size refrigerator, microwave, breakfast table and three stools. Walk up ten steps to the office, which has a large desk workspace and lots of bookshelves (with plenty of guidebooks). Up ten more steps from the office, the large rooftop terrace (another 65 square meters – or, more than 650 square feet) is one of the house’s great features: it is partially covered, part full sun, with dining table and chairs for eight, two lounge chairs, and lots of plants (jasmine, two olive trees, a lemon tree, cacti, laurel shrubs, box hedges, herbs) – the perfect place for a book and glass of wine, dinner in the evening, coffee in the morning, a late lunch on weekends, or for soaking up some sun after a long morning of museums and sightseeing. The house is clean and bright. All the furniture and furnishings are in excellent condition. The house has a washing machine; wireless internet access; TV with satellite and universal DVD player, and CD player, in the living room; TV with universal DVD player in the office; both a land telephone and use of an Italian cell phone. All three bedrooms, the living room, and the office have air-conditioning, which can be turned on or off or adjusted independently. The house has marble floors; traditional Tuscan brick and beamed ceilings in the office, the loft bedroom, and the dining room; and many hand-painted touches. The armadios (wardrobes) and some other pieces are attractive old/antiques. The house comes well furnished, with high quality sheets, towels, dishes, pots, pans, and so on. The French doors in the master bedroom and in the dining room have full mosquito screens. Now, for the location: We are a few minutes walk to some of Florence’s best local trattorias and wine bars, like La Vecchia Bettola, which is a two minute walk (and great fun to eat outside on a summer night or indoors by the stove on a winter night); Trattoria del Carmine (also a favorite); the very cozy and inexpensive Sabatino; Antico Ristoro di Cambi (famous for steaks – la bistecca Fiorentina), the popular Quattro (4) Leoni, and the charming Tranvai, all for traditional and delicious Florentine food. Romantic The highly-rated Io - Osteria Personale, and the trendy Il Santo Bevitore offer something a bit more modern. Great pizza is just off Porta Romana, and a bit farther up Via Senese is Da Ruggero – the epitome of a Florentine trattoria (and perfect for Sunday lunch). The house is convenient to several bus lines, including the bus to Siena, the buses that pass along Viale Michelangelo (for great views!), and buses that go directly to the city center, to the National Library, or to the state archives. We are very close (a 5 minute walk) to Piazza del Carmine and the Brancacci Chapel, another 5 minutes to Piazza Santo Spirito with its beautiful church and morning market. Great local shopping, food shops, wine shops, etc. are on nearby Via dei Serragli and Via Romana; Via Santo Spirito for an interesting mix of traditional craft rooms and elegant, modern shops; and Via Maggio for antiques window shopping. PLEASE NOTE: Electricity and gas are charged according to usage. The meters will be read and recorded in your presence, on arrival and before departure. Water usage is charged at a flat rate of US $ 50 per two weeks. Also see our lovely and spacious country house, with gorgeous private pool and grounds, in the best part of the Tuscan countryside: vrbo 120701 Keywords: House, terrace, city house, well furnished, wifi, air conditioning, great location, San Frediano, Oltrarno
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
Hot Tub / Spa
TV
Map of Florence
House in Florence
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsKitchen / Kitchenette, Air conditioner, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
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Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(17 Reviews)
5.0
The Property was everything we expects and more. The Terrace was amazing and the property was very spacious. We quickly felt at home.
The location was perfect. We had quick access to restaurants, a grocery store, bars and gelato.
It was a quick 20 minute walk to the city center.
5.0
Absolutely loved everything about the property!!!
The house was well equipped and comfortable.
Perfect neighborhood, enjoyed it so much might have to do it again.
Vanni is very thoughtful and helpful and the owner
Was wonderful!!!!
5.0
Doesn't Get Any Better
I recently returned from a two-month sabbatical in Florence. The property was ideal for my extended stay. It is gracious and well appointed (for example, the kitchen is actually adequately stocked) and located in a quiet and convenient neighborhood (about a 20 minute walk to the Duomo). The roof terrace is delightful (even with the high temperatures during the summer). And honestly, the photos don't do the place justice.
Dealing w/ the owner and the local property manager was simple and efficient. My only complaint was spotty internet, something that was quickly addressed but was unfortunately an ISP issue. No matter. Still couldn't put a damper on the experience.
If you're looking to be in the middle of the tourist madness, this place is not for you. If you're looking for a taste of living quietly in Florence, I cannot recommend this more highly.
5.0
Living Like the Locals
My husband and I recently enjoyed a spring stay at this charming period property located on the vibrant Oltrarno side of Florence. As the photos and listing attest, this is an immaculate, beautifully decorated house with heaps of character offering all modern conveniences. The spaces afforded by the spacious dining and living rooms, the loft and spare bedrooms, and terrace ensured that we and our guests enjoyed a relaxing and memorable stay.
The location of the property was a great fit from which to visit Florence’s many sites, but it also served our needs as a base from which to explore Tuscan towns, as the house is only a short walk across the bridge to the station. This side of the river boasts the city’s best trattorias, gelaterias, and pizzerias and it also home to great craft and food markets and its fair share of the attractions like the Pitti Palace, the Boboli and Bardini Gardens, and Santo Spirito.
The management of the property is first rate with easy check in and out and with helpful communication and support, if needed, throughout the stay.
We enjoyed living like a local in this authentic Florentine neighbourhood and we have already recommended the house to our friends. I would definitely stay at this property on any return visits to Florence. Highly recommend.
5.0
Great home in good location
Perfect place to "live" in Florence. Close in, but not touristy. Everything you would need or want for an extended stay.
5.0
Family house in Florence
We greatly enjoyed staying in this house for a year. For a small family, it's the perfect size and layout. There's also room for guests and for studying, as well as a wonderful roof terrace. It's very professionally managed and the owner is attentive to every detail. Highly recommended!
5.0
We very much enjoyed our stay in this charming and well furnished home. It really was our home during our two-week stay in Florence. Elegantly decorated and furnished with every convenience, this home provided a perfect respite after long days of visiting churches and museums, and before evenings out eating and drinking in the neighborhood or farther afield (although on a few occasions we cooked at home). Conveniently located in Oltrarno, just south of the Arno River, we hopped the bus to the center of Florence, or simply walked up any of several paths to surrounding hills with spectacular views of the city. Close to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, this location is perfect -- just far enough away from the main concentration of tourists to provide a little room, and close enough to have easy access to just about everything.
5.0
Elegant, comfortable, and convenient Florence home
We very much enjoyed our stay in this charming and well furnished home. It really was our home during our two-week stay in Florence. Elegantly decorated and furnished with every convenience, this home provided a perfect respite after long days of visiting churches and museums, and before evenings out eating and drinking in the neighborhood or farther afield (although on a few occasions we cooked at home). Conveniently located in Oltrarno, just south of the Arno River, we hopped the bus to the center of Florence, or simply walked up any of several paths to surrounding hills with spectacular views of the city. Close to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, this location is perfect -- just far enough away from the main concentration of tourists to provide a little room, and close enough to have easy access to just about everything.
5.0
We stayed in this lovely home for two weeks and absolutely loved it. The house had everything we needed and we really enjoyed the roof top patio for our morning coffee and evening refreshment. It is in the perfect location-wonderful neighbourhood and an easy walk to the Old City and to wonderful restaurants, yet away from the tourists. The property manager was very friendly and helpful and the owner provided us with suggestions for cafes, restaurants and places to visit. We found this very helpful. We highly recommend this rental to anyone who wants a truly wonderful home in Florence.
5.0
Wonderful Florentine Home
We stayed in this lovely home for two weeks and absolutely loved it. The house had everything we needed and we really enjoyed the roof top patio for our morning coffee and evening refreshment. It is in the perfect location-wonderful neighbourhood and an easy walk to the Old City and to wonderful restaurants, yet away from the tourists. The property manager was very friendly and helpful and the owner provided us with suggestions for cafes, restaurants and places to visit. We found this very helpful. We highly recommend this rental to anyone who wants a truly wonderful home in Florence.
5.0
We have had several long-term stays here and have thoroughly enjoyed the house and the neighborhood. The house is lovely - comfortable, well-maintained and well-equipped. On the warm days we particularly have enjoyed the roof-top terrace for lunch, aperitivi, and dinner. The area around Piazza Tasso feels like the real Florence -- lively during the day and very quiet in the evening, with many nearby caf'es and restaurants. We particularly enjoyed be able to easily walk everywhere--Piazza Santo Spirito is ten minutes away, and the Duomo is 25 minutes by foot, via many interesting routes -- so there is always something new to discover on the way! Excellent bus transportation for trips within Florence or to other Tuscan towns (e.g., Greve-in-Chianti, Siena) is a two minute walk from the house. This has become our home-away-from-home in Florence and we look forward to our return.
5.0
A Florentine gem
We have had several long-term stays here and have thoroughly enjoyed the house and the neighborhood. The house is lovely - comfortable, well-maintained and well-equipped. On the warm days we particularly have enjoyed the roof-top terrace for lunch, aperitivi, and dinner. The area around Piazza Tasso feels like the real Florence -- lively during the day and very quiet in the evening, with many nearby caf'es and restaurants. We particularly enjoyed be able to easily walk everywhere--Piazza Santo Spirito is ten minutes away, and the Duomo is 25 minutes by foot, via many interesting routes -- so there is always something new to discover on the way! Excellent bus transportation for trips within Florence or to other Tuscan towns (e.g., Greve-in-Chianti, Siena) is a two minute walk from the house. This has become our home-away-from-home in Florence and we look forward to our return.
5.0
We recently rented this house for the month of July in order to immerse ourselves in the Tuscany culture and visit various cities within a 2 hour vicinity. It was perfect! The rental property was our home away from home, with all the necessary comforts and charm of an Italian location. We enjoyed being a short walk away from the Old City and yet, away from the tourists. The house allows one easy access to the train station, bus stop, and shopping. After long days of walking or traveling, we were happy to return to our comfortable accommodations. Many mornings and evenings were spent
relaxing on the terrace, where there always seemed to be a slight breeze. Hanging our laundry to dry
between the lavender, oregano, and other plants, provided a fresh, wonderful smell.
The local restaurants and corner Gastrononica made us feel like locals. The waiters and clerks waved to us as we made our way back to the house, sometimes weary from the heat or museum overload. We absolutely loved our location, the house, and our dealings with Victoria and her house managers. Everyone was welcoming and our one disappointment was that we had only 30 days! We would definitely recommend this property to anyone wanting to stay in Florence and travel to nearby locations such as Rome, Venice, Lucca, Siena, or Cinque Terra. A+ for this rental property.
5.0
Perfect Location for Italian Experience
We recently rented this house for the month of July in order to immerse ourselves in the Tuscany culture and visit various cities within a 2 hour vicinity. It was perfect! The rental property was our home away from home, with all the necessary comforts and charm of an Italian location. We enjoyed being a short walk away from the Old City and yet, away from the tourists. The house allows one easy access to the train station, bus stop, and shopping. After long days of walking or traveling, we were happy to return to our comfortable accommodations. Many mornings and evenings were spent
relaxing on the terrace, where there always seemed to be a slight breeze. Hanging our laundry to dry
between the lavender, oregano, and other plants, provided a fresh, wonderful smell.
The local restaurants and corner Gastrononica made us feel like locals. The waiters and clerks waved to us as we made our way back to the house, sometimes weary from the heat or museum overload. We absolutely loved our location, the house, and our dealings with Victoria and her house managers. Everyone was welcoming and our one disappointment was that we had only 30 days! We would definitely recommend this property to anyone wanting to stay in Florence and travel to nearby locations such as Rome, Venice, Lucca, Siena, or Cinque Terra. A+ for this rental property.
5.0
My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at this property for a month. The description of the location and house were accurate and the photos, if anything, did not do justice to the beauty of the property. The house was clean and extremely well equiped. Anything we needed was always there. The owner's 42 page House Book is incredible; it contains not only detailed instructions on how everything worked in the house, but also extensive suggestions for local restaurants, sights, food purchases, gellato etc. The House Book was also filled with helpful tips on using the bus system, hiring a taxi, finding a dry cleaner, taking day trips, tipping customs, shops, menu selections and many other bits of information that saved us time and permitted us to feel more like a local than a tourist.
I am now convinced that if one has a week or more to visit Tuscany, the most enjoyable and efficient way to do it is to stay in Florence and take day trips to Siena, Lucca, and the many hill towns within an hour or two away. And, of course, Florence makes the best headquarters because of its central Tuscan location and rich collection of art, museums, restaurants and sights.
We highly recommend this property.
I should also add that the owner was responsive and a pleasure to deal with.
5.0
One month Fall visit
My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at this property for a month. The description of the location and house were accurate and the photos, if anything, did not do justice to the beauty of the property. The house was clean and extremely well equiped. Anything we needed was always there. The owner's 42 page House Book is incredible; it contains not only detailed instructions on how everything worked in the house, but also extensive suggestions for local restaurants, sights, food purchases, gellato etc. The House Book was also filled with helpful tips on using the bus system, hiring a taxi, finding a dry cleaner, taking day trips, tipping customs, shops, menu selections and many other bits of information that saved us time and permitted us to feel more like a local than a tourist.
I am now convinced that if one has a week or more to visit Tuscany, the most enjoyable and efficient way to do it is to stay in Florence and take day trips to Siena, Lucca, and the many hill towns within an hour or two away. And, of course, Florence makes the best headquarters because of its central Tuscan location and rich collection of art, museums, restaurants and sights.
We highly recommend this property.
I should also add that the owner was responsive and a pleasure to deal with.
5.0
My family and I stayed here for two months over Christmas/New Year's and found it to be a quiet oasis from the main tourist spots. However, it is a vibrant neighborhood in its own, filled with native Florentines going about their day. We loved being near the Boboli Gardens and frequented it to run around, draw, and read; it is five minute walk away and one of the beautiful gardens of Europe. We loved the local restaurants and businesses and quickly felt at home. But the apartment was close to everything, and strolling to Uffizi for the afternoon was a simple delight.
The house itself is beautiful, functional, and impeccably maintained. It is marble throughout, and even has a ceiling fresco in the master bedroom. Everything is there to make your stay comfortable and eventful, from (if you're lucky) new oil and spices to a great library of everything Florence. The beds were extremely comfortable, and sleeping was a pleasure there.
The owner was very responsive and friendly and accommodating, and she made every effort to help us navigate Florence and Italy. Her property manager, Lori, was a gem. She answered every question, had helpful suggestions, and we felt we were never alone there.
I can't say enough about the property, the owner and agent, and Florence. You will have a perfect vacation here.
5.0
A quiet retreat
My family and I stayed here for two months over Christmas/New Year's and found it to be a quiet oasis from the main tourist spots. However, it is a vibrant neighborhood in its own, filled with native Florentines going about their day. We loved being near the Boboli Gardens and frequented it to run around, draw, and read; it is five minute walk away and one of the beautiful gardens of Europe. We loved the local restaurants and businesses and quickly felt at home. But the apartment was close to everything, and strolling to Uffizi for the afternoon was a simple delight.
The house itself is beautiful, functional, and impeccably maintained. It is marble throughout, and even has a ceiling fresco in the master bedroom. Everything is there to make your stay comfortable and eventful, from (if you're lucky) new oil and spices to a great library of everything Florence. The beds were extremely comfortable, and sleeping was a pleasure there.
The owner was very responsive and friendly and accommodating, and she made every effort to help us navigate Florence and Italy. Her property manager, Lori, was a gem. She answered every question, had helpful suggestions, and we felt we were never alone there.
I can't say enough about the property, the owner and agent, and Florence. You will have a perfect vacation here.
5.0
Amazing Home Away From Home
We loved every single thing about this property. The decor, the rooftop patio, the space, the amenities, the location, the house book, the bedding, the furniture, the attentive property management... everything! Staying in an Italian neighborhood, shopping at the nearby market, eating at the nearby trattorias, walking out the door and all over the city... our vacation was a dream, thanks in large part to where we stayed. Highly recommended!
5.0
Ditto!
Ditto to what has been said in all of the previous reviews. We would stay here again in a heart beat. The property is exactly as described and the neighborhood is wonderful-markets, restaurants-everything within a 5 minute walk. You can walk to the train station in 15-20 minutes, the Ponte Vecchio in 15 minutes-the center of Florence in 20 minutes-and all the while working off all of the pasta and wine that you have consumed. Could not have asked for a better experience in Florence!
5.0
Wonderful Stay
We had a wonderful experience staying at this home in Florence in October 2010. We have rented vacation apartments in Europe several times, but this was certainly our best stay. The home has everything you could want or need. The property manager met us at the home to show us how everything worked, and provided us with lots of good information on the city. The furnishings and bedding were very comfortable. The rooftop terrace was a nice plus, as was the office. I brought my laptop along and the WIFI worked perfectly. The owner even provides two cellphones as well as a landline phone. The location is also great. It's a nice quiet neighborhood but still within walking distance to the Ponte Vecchio.The neighborhood has trattoria's, bakeries, etc. The Essalunga Supermarket is an easy 10 minute walk as well. The next time we visit Florence we would not even consider staying anywhere else but here.
5.0
An outstanding property leveraging the quintessential Florentine experience
This is, quite simply, the finest property we have rented via VRBO or any other fee-based agency. The property itself, explained in detail in the listing is absolutely true with the exception that it doesn't quite capture how beautiful, well-maintained and unique this property actually is. Words can't convey how beautiful the house is, the high quality linens, antique Vietri tiles, ceiling murals and wall paintings (20th C). The owner provides the most detailed house book I have ever encountered anywhere. The property manager was unavailable when we checked in and out but the book covered all aspects of the house to the smallest items (what to expect from the toaster, how to open a shutter). For those who have lived in Italy, these may be customary (I have and some were, some were not). For those who have not, they can be a challenge but no worries, the house book covers it all.
It's impossible to imagine that a city vacation could be in a property so tranquil and quiet, but indeed it is. When you open the vestibule door, the city noise floods the space. Close it and an oasis of quiet descends. Coming from a country house that is quiet in the extreme and travelling with small children, we didn't anticipate the quiet would meet our expectations. It did and more.
The apartment is located on a small neighborhood square, Piazza Tasso, with a children's park, soccer area, and music for dancing (if you have teenagers - I do). This is not Piazza Santo Spirito with marginal population (drunks, drug activity) -- it is a family park in a middle class neighborhood. Park Slope in Brooklyn or Adams Morgan in DC would be similar in spirit.
The owner's recommendations for restaurants, places to shop, even to join the Friends of the Uffizi, were right on the mark. The Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace were our playground -- with the museum membership we entered with ease almost daily.
When we came to the apartment, it was beautifully stocked with all necessary items, even milk, juice, bread, detergent, etc.
We simply could not have asked for a better experience -- many thanks to Victoria for making our stay memorable and virtually seamless.
5.0
One of the best places I've stayed
Our family spent 8 days in Florence during March and stayed at this wonderful apartment. What a luxurious and well-managed home. My wife and I traveled with our 11-yr old son and my wife's 80-yr old mother. If was really a great place for all age groups.
The accommodations were just what we needed. The loft became my son's "hangout" and the bedrooms were perfect for the rest of us. It is richly appointed, with marble floors, a beautifully painted ceiling in the bedroom, and modern baths and kitchen. The kitchen was very well appointed, and the office was a great surprise. We were able to keep our laptops out of the dining and living areas, and there is even a printer and scanner that we could use! Plenty of guide books and maps as well. The terrace is a treasure. Private and well-maintained, with plants and sunshine ... a great place to hang out when you're weary of museums.
The place is truly great, but the real treasure was the support we got from the owner and the management company. Victoria, the owner, was available for our every question. My family cannot eat gluten, and she did research about places to go before we even arrived in Florence. She even stocked a few gluten free items in the cupboards for us to eat on our arrival! We would send her occasional emails asking for recommendations for various things, and she was always happy to help. The management company is professional and on top of things, and had this great printout of answers to the top 1000 questions. It was a great resource for understanding how to get the most out of Florence. The house also comes with an in-depth house book with clear instructions on how to do everything from hook up the wireless, do the laundry or use the dishwasher, where to empty the garbage, etc. Top-notch service.
We'd definitely go back, and we love the quiet location. We also found out they they have a rental home in the Tuscan countryside, too. That would be fun, and I know it would be well maintained.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Florence?
The average price for a rental in Florence is $151 per night. This rental is $150 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at A real Florence experience. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is A real Florence experience pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at A real Florence experience?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, laundry, and balcony / patio.
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