This amazing space is a rare chance to stay in one of a handful of top floor balcony spots in a major piazza in Florence. Having lived in Florence for many years I doubted the accuracy of the pictures. But in fact pictures couldn't possibly capture the beauty and rare confluence of tasteful decor and devastatingly amazing location and views.
The interior itself is out of a magazine: impeccable choice of furniture, fixtures, beamed ceilings, delightful interior stairway and charming eccentric layout. But then the stunning piece: multiple double doorways leading to a full-floor balcony with one of the most stunning views to be had. It is directly diagonal (with no structure separating them, just a narrow alley) from one of Florence's major architectural, artistic, cultural, and historical landmarks: the gorgeous and immense facade of the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Santa Croce is the Westminster Abbey of Italy, housing the funerary monuments of many notable Italian artists, politicians, authors and scientists. To be directly next to and have the luxury of a full top-floor balcony is a rare opportunity and visual delight. Like the interior, the balcony is well appointed, with a full dining table for six +, a sofa and two easy chairs, lamps, stone columns, historic steel railing and even large brackets for torches. Breathtaking views of the facade, piazza down below, hillside (itself full of historic build units and towers) and sweeping views to the Palazzo Vecchio and town center opposite the facade.
The apartment is spacious and well laid out. There's a kitchen and bathroom down a hallway and small comfortable bedroom off the living room. Privacy is optimal, though be advised the piazza down below is loud and kids will party down there till early morning. Inside with the doors closed I screened it out and it didn't lessen my amazement at the chance to live in such an upscale and jaw dropping place.
Ginevra and Lorenzo were ideal hosts, there to greet and available to give advice and recommendations but off site otherwise, leaving me to enjoy their intimate and special space.
All I could think to say when I first walked in and met them was "Oh my god... you aren't charging enough!" It's that beautiful.