The Riposo apartments are located in the Oltrarno area of Florence, a very picturesque area long known for its small workshops that continue the Florentine traditions of fine handiwork, meticulous design, skilled craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. Gilded Florentine furniture makers, picture framers, jewelry makers, upholsterers, leather bookbinders and custom shoemakers are fine handiwork crafts still carried on in the many small boutiques and workshops. Even today apprentices from around the world come here to learn from the masters: when the actor Daniel Day-Lewis took a break from acting to learn to be a cobbler, he apprenticed at a famous men's custom shoemaker's in the area. The neighborhood abounds with excellent restaurants and is only a few minutes walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge to reach the other side where the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo and train station are located, all very walkable.
You would never guess from the outside the surprise that awaits behind the large wooden doors that face the street. From the moment you step into the building's lobby you are transported into a chic, calm retreat. The long hallway leads you towards the rear of the building, up and then down five steps and up one level in the elevator to the back outside garden area where they are several apartments. Once a family's private compound behind their furniture factory, complete with little vegetable gardens that had fallen into disrepair then completely renovated to a very high level of quality a few years ago.
It's hard to believe that Florence's bustling streets are only steps away.
A handy feature is the building's underground garage which guests may use temporarily for loading and unloading luggage. The garage is not available for guest parking however.
Step into the tranquil living room which is furnished in a restrained, sophisticated color palette of taupe and camel, complimented by pale wood floors. A sofa bed can accommodate two people. A carved wood armchair provides additional seating. There is a television which receives local Italian channels and a CD player.
Pass through the living room to the short hallway, straight ahead is the bedroom furnished with a queen size bed. A wall of built closets and shelves provide ample storage space. A window overlooks the terrace. Night tables on either side of the bed and a lamp for reading on one of these.
The bathroom is very nice in earth toned tiles, with a step in glass walled shower, sink, toilet, bidet and towel racks that are heated in winter. These heated towel racks are also handy for drying laundry since few Italian homes have clothes dryers.
The fine design esthetic continues in the large eat-in kitchen. The dining table seats six, attractive tinted concrete countertops, nice lighting, a wall of storage for dishes, pots, pans and a very pleasant view out to the terrace.
The private terrace is the icing on the cake! Imagine the enjoyment of morning coffee outside in the sunshine planning the day of sightseeing ahead. Or the welcome tranquility at the end of a busy day in this beautiful city, listening to all the church bells toll at dusk while you toast the sunset with a glass of prosecco. It doesn't get much better than this!
Most requested apartment
10% Discount + Big Terrace!
Historic Center Yet Very Peaceful
