Bellisimo Apartment in Florence,Italy/Your Home Away from Home
- Minimum stay:3 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
...Light pours through the skylights and open windows of this very lovely, small apartment in the center of Florence.
Situated on the top floor with a private security entrance, up three full flights, this apartment has been completely restored while preserving the beautiful Florentine high-beamed ceilings and tiles.
The apartment is on two levels, divided by an old stairway of Pietra Serena. On the first floor is the living room/kitchen and full bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. Located upstairs is the master bedroom, with a sitting area with a small bathroom. The apartment sleeps up to four as the living room sofa converts into a very comfortable queen size bed. There is also an option for a small roll-away bed and crib if needed.
The master bedroom is air-conditioned for summer months. We also have many fans, for summer days. The kitchen is fully equipped with all modern appliances such a a Bosch dishwasher, microwave and Braun coffee maker. There is an iron,hairdryer and a clothes washer and dryer, which is unique for Italian apartments. The whole apartment is beautifully furnished with handmade furniture made by one of the leading furniture craftsman of the Mugello, the Land of the Medici. Each piece is specially designed for this living space. The kitchen cabinets are made from beautiful chestnut wood, appointed with Pietra Serena, the stone of Florence. The kitchen tiles are Genovese marble. The floors are warm terra cotta, which mirrors the antique ceiling tiles and rustic beamed ceilings. The apartment is luminous with natural lighting,thanks to the skylights, which imparts a feeling of spaciousness. The apartment is filled with a feeling of old world Florentine charm while maintaining a practical comfort with modern amenities.
Located on Borgo Ognissanti, between Via Santa Lucia and Via Massa Fineguerra, you have just a short walk to the Florence train station of Santa Maria Novella and Sita bus station for your day trips to the historic hill towns. It is a block up to the Arno River, Cascine park (Tuesday market) and the famous bridges. It is a few blocks from Piazza Repubblica, Centro/Duomo and the state museums. This is a prime, typical Florentine location filled with great restaurants, small shops, bookstores, enotecas (wine), and fruit markets. The Teatro Communale, home to Zuben Meta's Maggio Musicale, is a five minute walk for opera and theater lovers. The famous Ognissanti church (the Jewel of Florence) is only a block away. There is a big parking garage nearby, if you come in by car. The street has easy access in and out of the city, which is a plus from the closed historical center.
To give you some background on the history of the neighborhood, this neighborhood was known throughout history as the neighborhood of the artisan as it continues to be today. When one wanders along this famous street, it is amazing to think how the past echoes the present, knowing that famous people lived here and walked this road. Two families stand out above all others, one being the painter Sandro Botticelli who was one of the most illustrious inhabitants of Borgo Ognissanti and the family of Vespucci, the famous explorer. The Church of Ognissanti, just up the street from the apartment, reminds us of the point of contact between the universal art of Botticelli,and the international fame of the Vespucci family.
Another bit of trivia about Borgo Ognissanti is that the once famous ancient Palazzo that now houses the Hotel Goldoni, on the corner of Borgo Ognissanti and Via Massa Fineguerra, was home to Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart when he visited Italy. This famous Hotel Goldoni, was already in existence in this ancient palazzo and it had the honor and the pleasure to be his hotel in Florence during his stay in 1770.
The apartment is available year round. There is a two day minimum stay. Longer stays than a month are available upon request at a reduced rate. I am also available as a consultant in getting around the city, where to go, sights, restaurants, great excursions, general questions and emergencies. I can also make reservations for state museums. Personalized service is included in the rent.
Please email me for more information. -Mary Rose
Keywords: Apartment
Property Type
- Apartment
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, Beds for 2-4
- Bedroom 1
- Convertible bed(s)
Bathrooms
- 1.5 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Cooking Utensils
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Linens Provided
Entertainment
- CD Player
Communications
Pool & Spa
- Jetted Tub
Activities
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Live Theater
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Cycling
- Hiking
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Fantastico!
Fantastico!
- Guest JKH MTH
- Date of stay 10/26/09
- Review Submitted 11/04/09
I can only echo all of the positive comments of previous reviews. This was a wonderful place to stay. The apartment was very comfortable. We loved the cafe next door as well as the market directly across the street. Our favorite restaurant (il Profeta) was just down the street. I highly recommend this place and would definitely stay here on a return trip. Grazie!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 21/21
-
Belissimo Apartment in Florence
Belissimo Apartment in Florence
- Guest Corky
- Date of stay 05/06/13
- Review Submitted 05/16/13
First of all,it was really nice to meet you. The apartment was perfect for the 4 of us. Obviously the location is perfect and once we got our bearings we easily saw everything we wanted to see. We love your city and we will recommend your apartment highly. Next time we come to your beautiful city we will have that cocktail we didn't get to have with you. Thanks so very much!!!!!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Florence apartment
Florence apartment
- Guest Carol
- Date of stay 09/19/12
- Review Submitted 11/05/12
My husband and I stayed at Mary's apartment the last 2 weeks of September and had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the street the apartment was on with its handy market and fantastic pastry shops. We had everything we needed in the apartment including a large bathroom, pleasant kitchen, and comfortable bed. Having the train/bus station close by was great when we had some early morning out of town day trips. Wandering the small streets finding unique shops, eating at family restaurants, enjoying gelato, and exploring small churches was one of our favorite pass times. We walked and walked and walked and it was all fun. The food is the best, never a bad meal, but with all that walking we actually lost a few pounds. We hope we will get to return to Florence again. We recommend this apartment, so email Mary and go enjoy a beautiful city.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
First time in Florence
First time in Florence
- Guest Patti
- Date of stay 09/10/12
- Review Submitted 10/17/12
This was not our first time to Italy but to Florence and this apartment was lovely, charming, had all the amenities including a washer and dryer which is a treat in Italy. Well stocked kitchen and very centrally located. Walking distance to everything and a charming street with all sorts of resturants and shops for groceries, fruit, wine etc. It was nice to have the master air conditioned as it gets hot late summer/early fall. Mary's husband met us there and explained all the workings of the apartment. Thank you!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Autumn in Florence
Autumn in Florence
- Guest akburris
- Date of stay 10/05/12
- Review Submitted 10/12/12
My husband and I had a wonderful stay at this apartment by SMN in Florence. Very comfortably furnished. Mary was easy to communicate with, especially considering we did not have a cell phone during our trip! We were regulars at the tiny coffee bar right next door - be sure to make a visit.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Great location, wonderful hostess!
Great location, wonderful hostess!
- Guest Jen
- Date of stay 06/26/12
- Review Submitted 08/29/12
I stayed for two weeks in this apartment on Borgo Ognissanti. This was a dream trip for me, with a friend joining me for the first week. Mary, who owns this apartment, is so helpful and kind. The apartment is in a perfect location, being a bit quieter but within walking distance to everything in Florence. Especially close to the train station, handy if you are without a car. The apartment itself is full of character and made it feel like I really lived there in Florence. Being unusually hot, I did not use the adorable kitchen. But I certainly used the a/c in the bedroom and the washer/dryer. Which I loved having in the apartment. The main bathroom was more than ample and comfortable while the one in the bedroom was very nice to have. It was very clean and comfortable. I recommend it highly!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Great base for walking Florence
Great base for walking Florence
- Guest Bon Vivants
- Date of stay 06/13/12
- Review Submitted 06/27/12
We arrived via train to Florence around 2:15 and we were able to walk to the apartment within 15 minutes. We were met and let into the apartment. It is a nice space with everything we needed to feel at home in Florence. It is just as described by the owners. Like indicated in previous posts there is a small grocery store across the street. A few bakeries near by. There is a bank with an ATM on the south corner of the block. All a traveler needs to set up house while staying in Florence for several days. There is quite a binder that has been put together by the owners with local business and restaurant info, maps of the local area and also the surrounding area. It was quite helpful. Also the owner was able to make reservations for us to visit the Uffizi and Academia Museums which was great because we were able to "jump the queue". It was very nice to not have to wait in line. The apartment was comfortable for the two of us. The stairs are steep. There are around 50 stairs to get to the apartment from the street. Great for getting those legs in shape :-) We walked all over Florence from the apartment. It is a great location for visiting any of the sites in and around Florence. Also it is close to the train station and bus stops for convenient travel to local towns and beyond. We took a day trip up to Fiesole. Lovely town and a few degrees cooler with a great little museum that includes Roman ruins and across the street a nice collection of renaissance art. Also the town has a great view of Florence. We found the furniture comfortable. I like the bathroom off the upstairs room; so cute and bright. The kitchen was great for making meals at home which was really a blessing because we were tired of eating out by the time we reached Florence. It is also very nice that there is a washer and dryer in the apartment. So nice for those who have packed lightly. We enjoyed our stay here and would recommend it to active adventure seekers.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
Home away from home
Home away from home
- Guest Ann R.
- Date of stay 12/26/11
- Review Submitted 01/05/12
This well appointed apartment sealed our great experience in Firenze. The location was perfect - we could walk to all the sights. After each good night's sleep we went over to the coffee bar next door for our daily treat of pastries and java. The market across the street had the fresh ingredients we needed for all our meals. The host's attention to detail and amenities provided in the apartment provided a very comfortable and hassle-free stay. We would recommend the Bellisimo Apt as "your home away from home." while visiting Firenze.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Your Ideal Italian base
Your Ideal Italian base
- Guest Susan
- Date of stay 10/02/11
- Review Submitted 11/20/11
You won't regret choosing this charming apartment for your base for your Italian vacation. It's location within two blocks of the train station and close to bus transportation means you may not even need a car. We traveled where we needed to go easily. The apartment itself is well appointed, with a large bedroom, main bath with jetted tub/shower, even a unique "night bath" upstairs off the bedroom. Washer and dryer is even supplied if needed. Since we stayed a month, we made use of it. Mary Rose and Fabio greeted us with all the information we needed for our stay, including helpful tips on local shopping and restaurants and "tourist info". When we had questions,or help was needed, they responded quickly and graciously. The four flights of stairs are a challenge, but you can consider it your "gellato tax". As two single women, we need both sleeping areas, and the sofa bed is not ideal for a long stay, needing to pull it out each night. However, both beds were comfortable. The apartment is complete, clean, convenient, and secure, if that is of a concern to someone. We certainly felt we lacked nothing. There are books, a radio/cd player, and Wi-Fi so we could keep in touch with family. Who needs TV when there is a beautiful city to explore!Recommended for: Tourists without a car.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
A Perfect Month
A Perfect Month
- Guest Fred
- Date of stay 09/01/11
- Review Submitted 10/18/11
My husband and I chose this property as our base to explore Tuscany. This was our third trip to Italy and we decided that we would not drive on this trip. The 5 minute walk to the bus or train station was perfect and we were able to visit every place on our list. The location is central to everything you need and just far enough removed to be out of the crowds. The apartment is spacious enough for two and filled with wonderful light, comfortable furniture and is very clean. My husband is an early riser and I like to sleep in, so the having the bedroom upstairs was great for us. It was also surprisingly quiet in the bedroom. Our 23 year old neice come to stay with us for 6 days, and though it's not a private room, she was perfectly happy on the comfortable pull-out sofa in the living room. However, I don't think this would be an ideal solution for a long term stay. The kitchen is fully equiped with everything you need to prepare all meals. The apartment is a 5 minute walk to the Central Market and we loved shopping there but there are three other markets even closer on the street and we used them to fill in as needed. It was unusually hot while we were there and the air conditioner in the bedroom made for perfect sleeping. The fans in the living area provided sufficient relief at the end of the day. We were happy to have a washer and dryer and made use of them every few days. There are plenty of towels and linens. The main bath is large and has a great shower and jacuzzi tub, and plenty of hot water. Having the half bath in the upstairs bedroom was great for the middle of the night and a morning shave. We did rearrange the furniture a little while we were there so we could fully open the dining table and not have to move it every day, and we put it back in order before we left. Mary Rose and Rocco were the perfect landlords, we only heard from them if we asked for assistance and when we did, they responded immediately. We are able to arrange lenghty stays of travel because we can work remotely, and a speedy wireless connection is a must. We found that here. Mary Rose also very graciously accepted and delivered overnight packages for us and helped us to arrange a meeting at the consulate when we need it. The only down side to this apartment is having to carry heavy luggage up the 5 flights of stairs. I guess that would not be an issue if we would learn to pack lighter! All in all, I'd say a party of two could not do better in FlorenceRecommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
€120 | €840 | €1800 | |||
Additional information about rental rates
For the deposit, I accept Visa, Mastercard and Paypal and personal checks.
Final balance must be paid in cash upon arrival.
Additional Fees and Taxes:
80 euro cleaning fee
Taxes are included
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2001
About the owner: Italy is a country full of glittering treasures and Florence is one of its brightest jewels. I am delighted to be able to offer a comfortable and beautiful ambiance to my guests. My husband and I choose to restore this apartment as if we were going to live there ourselves. It is important to us that what we offer ourselves we would offer others. Every amenity and comfort is well thought out and we make sure that the apartment is clean and in excellent condition at all times. I take pride in meeting the needs of my traveling friends while helping to make their stay in Florence a memorable one. As I am a teacher, I enjoy imparting my years of experience through giving suggestions on food, wine and day trips to other Italian cities close by. It is important to me to put the needs and comfort of my guests first and I am honored to say that this is gratefully reflected back to me through referrals and returning guests. My apartment is truly a 'home away from home'.
Why the Owner Chose Santa Maria Novella:
My husband and I chose to buy an apartment is this location because Florence is our home. We understand the historical and international significance of this remarkable gem of a city and feel a sense of pride and privilege to be able to share it with our family and friends.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment:
My apartment is located in a very special neighborhood that is filled with historical significance. I especially enjoy visiting the difference sites, such as the Cascine Park on a Tuesday morning, where one finds the largest and most interesting market in all of Florence. There you will find anything your heart desires, plus the freshest of fruits and vegetables to take back to the apartment to prepare a sumptuous meal. Also, if you are a music lover, this neighborhood boasts of the Teatro Communale, which hosts Zuben Meta, yearly in Operas and concerts, plus ballet and symphonies. This Teatro is only a five-minute walk from the apartment. In addition, Borgo Ognissanti has some of the best and interesting shops, filled with eclectic items for all tastes. Next door is a wonderful home bakery and coffee bar that is a delight for your morning breakfast, as well as many convenient food and vegetable markets nearby. An important benefit of this area is its accessibility and ease to get in and out of the city while still being close into the historical center. As a traveler, this is beneficial and the location of the apartment meets this need.
Contact us
- Primary: +
- Secondary: +
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
-
Light pours through the open windows and sunny skylights........
-
Charming master bedroom with half bath- Air-conditioned in summer months
-
View of the Arno River and bridges near the Piazza Ognissanti
-
Half bath in Master Bedroom
-
View of Skylight from the stairs going to the Master Bedroom
-
Stairs from the living room leading up to the second floor
-
Roof Top View from top floor
-
Fantastic pastry shop and coffee bar next door for your morning breakfast
-
First class appliances are housed in old world charm........
-
Master Bath with Hydromassage bathtub
-
The entrance to the master bedroom
-
window reflections at the top of the stairs
-
Antique Pietra Serena Stairs leading to the second floor
-
Street View of Borgo Ognissanti from front window
-
Quaint food market across the street. Also sells wonderfully prepared food/wine
-
Famous Ognissanti Church...... just down the street
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2002.
Date last modified - Saturday, May 18, 2013
+