House in Florence, Florence

A real Florence experience

A real Florence experience

Photo gallery for A real Florence experience

Terrace (65 square meters) with lots of plants.
Living room - with sectional sofa, leather armchairs, antique cabinet, tv
Living room.
Living room.
Living room.

Overview of A real Florence experience

10 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6102 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Florence, Florence
  • Popular LocationPitti Palace8 min walk
  • Popular LocationHistoric Center - Downtown11 min walk
  • Popular LocationUffizi Gallery9 min drive
  • AirportFlorence (FLR-Peretola)24 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

A real Florence experience

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

Property manager

Victoria Belco

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Fireplace

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Adults only
Not suitable for children under age 7.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in on weekdays only, during office hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 2 week minimum stay.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Florence

This vacation home is located in Oltrarno, a neighborhood in Florence. Uffizi Gallery and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Historic Center - Downtown and Pitti Palace. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Visarno Arena or Stadio Artemio Franchi.

What's nearby

  • Pitti Palace - 8 min walk
  • Historic Center - Downtown - 11 min walk
  • Basilica of Santa Maria Novella - 19 min walk
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 8 min drive
  • Uffizi Gallery - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Alamanni - Stazione Santa Maria Novella Tram Stop - 17 min walk
  • Florence Santa Maria Novella Station - 18 min walk
  • Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • Le Volte - 5 min walk
  • Circolo Aurora - 6 min walk
  • Trattoria I Raddi - 8 min walk
  • Trattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi - 4 min walk
  • La Sorbettiera - 4 min walk

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bruce M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Local living in Florence
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.
Stayed 21 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angelyn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
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!!!!
Stayed 19 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Louis D.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anne R., Quispamsis. New Brunswick, Canada

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brett W.

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.
Stayed 16 nights in Oct 2016

About the host

Hosted by Victoria Belco

Host profile image
This is our home - not just a rental property. We are here every year, even if only for a few weeks, and we care about its condition, furnishings, and upkeep. Florence is our children's second home, and the city is a part of our lives. Until now, we have been renting it out by the academic year, but now that we can be visiting more often, we have decided to rent it short term - by two weeks or more.

Why they chose this property

We have been coming to Italy for more than 30 years - both for pleasure and for historical research. Having our own place in Florence was something we imagined for a long time before finding our ideal home: an independent house (neither apartment nor condominium); a big terrace; lots of light; a quiet street; and a real Florentine neighborhood.

What makes this property unique

Walking distance to almost everything, including lots of great restaurants. The terrace! Being just outside the tourist center, and in the real Florence - which is now among the coolest neighborhoods anywhere. Heading to a nearby favorite caffe for morning coffee and brioche, or coffee and breakfast at home to watch the neighborhood from the kitchen window. Having a glass of wine on the terrace while watching the sunset. We provide an informative House Book that tells not only how to work the appliances, but also offers lots of suggestions on museums, attractions, shopping, and dining, both in the neighborhood and throughout Florence. Our friendly, bilingual (English/American and Italian) property manager in Florence will meet you, orient you to the house, and be available for any problems.
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