I have been coming to Florence for decades and always look to stay just outside of the Oltrarno/Porta Romana area in the Poggio Imperiale residential area because of its proximity to the historic center but just beyond the tourist crowds. When I saw this listing with the beautiful photos, I knew exactly where it was and knew it would be an incredible place to stay. I wasn't disappointed. The location was ideal and the place was a dream. The photos don't do it justice.
Lara's apartment, on the third floor of a magnificent Signorile villa perched above the road leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo can be seen dramatically looming from below as you drive up the winding via Machiavelli from the Porta Romana.
The family's friendly and helpful caretaker Nonelon arrived to welcome me, help bring up my luggage and show me around the apartment. The apartment is newly furnished and appointed with everything you would need for a long, comfortable stay. I was there for three weeks and had everything I needed and then some. Nonelon gave me his cell in case I needed to contact him for anything.
The kitchen was stocked with water, soy milk, an expresso/cappucino maker with plenty of coffee pods, lots of cookies, biscuits and cereal for snacks, bottled water, a bottle of wine, other nice welcoming touches, and included a dishwasher. The bathroom had strong hot water, large fluffy towels, two windows and was nice and bright. The very large living room with a large TV had a sofa that looked brand new and turned into a large sofa bed. The bedroom also had a large TV, a large comfortable bed and plenty of closet space. I could see the city of Florence while lying in bed.
The vast grounds and gardens outside were lovely and there was a place for my car. It was still too cold for the pool and tennis court to be open but I wasn't there for that. It must be gorgeous in the summer though.
Getting to the Porta Romana was an easy, straight downhill ~12 minute walk where I would enjoy my morning cappucino at the Bar d'Angelo in piazza della Calza which is where the Boboli Gardens end, before heading into Florence for the day. In the piazza there is also a fresh fruit market. It is also right next to the Scuderie, a large park for children and dogs. It is the former Medici horse stables, now an art school.
Some days, I would walk back up the hill but if I was tired, I would take the bus that would leave from the other side of the piazza Porta Romana. The bus drops you off at piazza Galilei which is about 50' from the villa. Either way, the villa's location is very convenient.
All in all, if you are looking for a very special place to stay and live like a real Florentine, this would be for you. I can't wait to stay there again.