Location: Santa Croce, Florence, Firenze (Florence) Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (the best location in town!) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
Our apartment is the only furnished apartment of this size on the market in Florence. Ideal for family gatherings !!!
It is large (3000+ sq fts), sunny and beautiful. It is the only one of its size to be offered short term in central Florence and it is for instance the perfect place for family reunions, with lots of amenities for all ages! It sits on the 2nd and 3rd floor of a very beautiful classic XVII century building in the center of Florence. The building was built by my family when (1867) Florence became the Capital of Italy and it is still mostly owned by my family. My parents and one of my sis live in the building, too. It is our own main house in Italy; however, since we are only there a couple of months a year, we offer the possibility to selected few to fully enjoy Florence by staying in our place. If you want to live in Florence like Florentines do—and do it in the most wonderful setting!— this is the perfect place for you. We give you our home as if it was a home exchange rather than a rent and we expect you to be respectful and treat it as your own home.
Let’s begin with the living room, a favorite of ours: it’s very large, comfy and sunny. We love sitting there next to the library and the books I have inherited from my great-grand father one - of the main historians of his own time. The living room is furnished with a mix of antique and modern. Some of the furniture have been in our family for centuries, like the XVII century “double sided” sofa. The living room also has a 42’ plasma TV, a no-zone DVD reader, Apple TV (use your iTunes account just like at home!), international SAT-TV, CD player (with plenty of CDs). The whole house has access to the fast WiFi network.
From the living room one enters the dining room. It seats up to 14 people: the (very long) table has been in the family for a long time. This room also displays beautiful paintings and some historical records from my family. Porcelain dishes from the renowned Florentine factory “Ginori”.
Our place has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (one with Jacuzzi, all with shower). All have bed mattress comforters that were brought in from the US.
The living room leads to the White Bedroom, it is in fact yellow but we call it white because of the huge white wardrobe, a part of which contain our own stuff and another part is completely free to use. The white bedroom leads into our son’s bedroom and playroom. The bunk bed was imported from the US and features a US-size twin on the top, and a queen size on the lower level . Kids are welcome to play with the toys but NOT to break them and even less so to bring them back home as a souvenir…
The Pink Room has an Italian King size bed. The ceiling has original frescos from the XVIII century and original 1920s furniture. It also has its own TV with VHS reader that it’s supplemented by a large collection of English-speaking movies. There is also a little crib in case a baby or toddler comes along.
Next is the Blue Bedroom, aka the Study: check out the original Derby Desk that my great grandfather imported from the Boston a century ago! The Blue Room has its own TV with Apple TV and Wii . You can also find a HP B/W laser printer should you need to print something. At night, it transforms back into a bedroom.
Let’s go upstairs to the Red Room, the most romantic room of the house, right on the roof and with its en-suite bathroom. It has a (Italian) king bed . Facing the bed there is a fresco displaying the actual Florence view from that point. The Red Room also has a sofa bed in case you need extra space.
Next to the Red Room there are the short stairs to the balcony – a little but most romantic place on Florence’s roofs with an amazing view on the Synagogue (check it out when it is illuminated at night, it is just amazingly beautiful!!) and a bit farther away the Old Palace, aka Palazzo Vecchio.
Let’s enter the gourmet kitchen. It has anything you may want, huge fridge and freezer, BBQ (though beware of the smoke…), traditional and microwave ovens (I actually only use this last one as it can both grill and crisp, too), your very own coffee and cappuccino (and much else) machine etc. Supplies for coffee, cappuccino etc are on the house!!!
Adjacent to the kitchen there is the laundry room with 11kg mega washer and dryer.
The dishwasher is the only extra size one on the market. No need to buy mineral water, the small fountain on the right in the kitchen dispense drinking water.
Renown yummy Sant'Ambrogio day market is a few hundred yards away, so is a great 7/7 grocery market. The area is also home to a number charming little restaurants. The world-renown ice-cream shops Vivoli and Procopio are around the corner too. The area is also renown for its antique shops and monthly Flea Market (last Sunday of the month). There are also shops of all sorts nearby – Yet, the area is very quiet and away from the main tourist mainstream.
The whole water system is filtered and the big filter is also in the laundry room.
KNOW BEFORE YOU COME AND BE HAPPY
1. Our place is STRICTLY NON-SMOKINGING!
2. There is NO elevator: though the stairs are mild, travel light!! (more space for shopping!).
3. Unfortunately, it is NOT a place suitable for physically handicapped people.
4. We rent our max 12 weeks/year because we do not want it to be worn out. But we still ask you to please be respectful.
5. A friend is paid to act as house manager and to assist guests, but please remember that this is NOT a professional rental business (and it is part of its beauty…).
6. Linens, towels etc are provided; the housekeeper normally comes half day in the middle of the week, if you need a change please ask her! Linens and towels are NOT guests souvenirs, if they are missing you’ll be charged for them...
PLEASE NOTE OUR PLACE IS STRICTLY NON-SMOKINGING - I'M SEVERLY ALLERGIC TO IT!!
Keywords: apartment in family-owned home; very quite and yet very central, fully furnished; terrace; fully equipped kitchen
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Parking Off Street : Upon request (30Eu /daily)
- Clothes Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Air-Conditioning
- Washing Machine
- Beds
- Queen
- King (3)
- Child Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Baby Crib
- Entertainment
- Stereo System
- DVD
- Music Library
- Videogame Console
- VCR
- CD
- Jetted Tub
- Satellite Or Cable
- Video Library
- Videogames
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : the best gourmet kitchen ever!! with filtered delicious drinking water as well
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Dish Washer
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone : Local calls only andto be called. for long distance calls please use a calling card.
- Broadband Access
- Wireless Broadband
- Other Amenities
- We haveLaser print, Full equipped profession Kitchen, with huge frudge and frezer (separated), irononing and wasing room, all sort of Cooking Utensils, porcelan dishes, designer cuttlery, ADSL wireless internet connection, help yourselves bar, wirpool, Private Car Parking (upon request), Terrace, view over Garden, NO-Smoking imperative
- Suitability
- Minimum Age Limit For Renters : no groups of students please
- Non Smoking Only : ABSOLUTELY NOT ALOWED!!!!!
- Children Welcome
- Activities
- Fitness Center
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Shopping
- Golf
- Tennis
- Cycling
- Horseback Riding
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Live Theater
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Apple TV, Wii, the best area in town, walking distance from everything and most especially to the fresh daily farmers market, to Vivli and Procopio ciecream shops, to Cibreo restaurant and much more..
Rate Details (In Euros)
The house comes fully furnished w/ linens, towels, hairdryer, kitchen tools etc JAN, FEB, MARCH, OCT, NOV, DEC: 2300Euros / 3000$ per week (not aviable for Xmas) APRIL, MAY, AUG, SEPT: 2800 Euros / 3700$ per week JUNE & JULY: 3300 Euros / 4300$ per week Wire or check either to the US or Europe
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1867
Why the Owner Chose Santa CroceThis is NOT a vacation rental, it's OUR HOME!!!! We are NOT professional renters, we love our place and we rent it essentially to pay for the expences since we are now living abroad. here are some comments from previous renters: jane(rochester, new york): My family stayed at this lovely apartment last month. We were eight altogether (4 couples). The entire experience was without flaw. The owner was very helpful and communicative during the process of deciding on dates and other logistics. The apartment itself is very, very nice and just as represented; comfortable, welcoming, and well-equipped. It is big enough for everyone to have their space, but with lots of room to gather in the dining and living rooms. The location is without equal--everything is within easy walking distance, and the proximity to the neighborhood market and shops was terrific. I highly recommend this apartment. Roland K: I highly recommend this apartment for people wishing to experience Florence outside the tourist mainstream. The apartment is old, large, comfortably furnished, cool even on hot days. The neighborhood is quiet, near a park and a wonderful market, an easy walk to Sta. Croce or the Duomo. The rooftop terrace is a tiny gem. Federiga made a great effort to ensure our comfort. Guest: Bryan Scott(-) Date of Stay: 07/31/07 Review Submitted: 07/31/07 Ciao Federiga-My family and I are safe and sound back in California, and I’d like thank you for allowing us to use your Florence home for the month of July, 2007. The apartment was everything I expected it to be. It has close access to the historical sites, and I was surprised by the friendly nature of the local Florentines. The restaurants, wine stores, and shopping all made our extended stay more enjoyable. I feel like I got to know the community, and only wish I didn’t have to leave.Let’s stay in touch.--Bryan Bryan Scott 925-484-2025; bryanATppi-cadotcom
The Unique Benefits at this ApartmentLOCATION: the best in Florence - 3 minutes walking from Santa Croce, the Duom, Uffizi etc, yet away from the usual tourist crowd and very Florentine. the area is filled with amazing mainly local great restaurants of all types, grocery stores (a great one in our street) and most of all an amazing open air market - the reknown Sant'Ambrogio market round the corner not to mention Vivoli and Procopio ice-cream makers! SIZE AND CONFORT: family gathering? no problem, we have space for all! our place is vast, airy, calm, full of light, confortable and well appointed. An amazing little terrace on the roof will allow for romantic aperòs in the evening... IN FLORENCE, ACT LIKE A FLORENTINE: You'll be HOME, like in a home exchange rather than in a rent and we please ask you to consider it that way. my family lives on the 1 and 2nd floor. A friend acts as house manager while I am away and will assist you during your stay.
Owner's Map of Santa Croce
We are a family of 3: a university professor, a diplomat and a son in K. We are originally from Florence but we have been living in Washington DC for the last few years. We travel back home twice a year and generally spend one-tow months each time. We plan to go back to live in Florence some day in the future.
Property Photos
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- The living room
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- Another view of the very spacious living room - have a drink on us..!
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- Dining room
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- The Bue Room
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- Blue Room - TV, wiil, laser printer etc
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- Particular of the cieling fresco in the Blue Room
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- the pink rook
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- Our son's bedroom and playroom - personally decorated by him!
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- The romantic red bedroom, right on the roof...
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- the fresco in the red room
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- .. relax in the roof terrace benefitting of the view...
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- en suite bathroom to the red bedroo
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- one side of the kitchen: micro, traditional owen, BBQ, diswasher, etc
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- kitchen2: double sink, coffee machine, fountaine w/ purified water
Traveler Reviews (13)
Wonderful property in the Old Section of Florence
Guest: Derek
(Ottawa, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 01/21/12
This property is exactly as it is described. It is spacious, generously furnished and equipped, and has the sort of old-world atmosphere that is just what I and my family were looking for. We brought our family of 9 children, wives and grandchildren from various parts of the world to Florence. The airport was 15 minutes away by taxi. There was more than enough room for us all, and everyone had their space and privacy. There was a very kind English-speaking property manager who patiently answered all our questions and who helped us when we needed it. What was best for us about this apartment is its location: it is within 12 minute's walk (with toddler grandchildren who don't move quickly) of the Duomo, the Ufizzi, and the Ponte Vecchio. We could easily make forays all over Florence and never be more than a short walk back for lunch, snacks, a nap, or whatever was required. The apartment is located in a nice, old world neighbourhood with a grocery store very close by. Around the corner is a large, vibrant market; in another direction is a nice leafy park. I wouldn't hesitate to come here again, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who asks. This is a wonderful place.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Live like a (very fortunate) Florentine...
Guest: Steve
(Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 12/26/10
Review Submitted: 01/21/12
If you want to be in the centre of Florence but away from the tourist crowds then this is the place for you. Having stayed in Florence numerous times this is a very rare and special apartment, you just can’t rent apartments of this quality and size. You are 10 minutes stroll to all the major sights but also have the delights of the local neighbourhood (Saint Ambrogio) including it's fantastic market, bars and restaurants just 2 minutes down the road. I'd highly recommend this apartment for people wishing to experience the real Florence.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Great Neighboorhood - Apartment Needs Work
Guest: Loveitaly
(San Jose, California)
Date of Stay: 06/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/24/11
I will say this apartment is in a great location. However the apartment really needs work. The beds in 3 bedrooms are very bad. There is mold in the only bathroom that really has a shower. There is not a dryer so washing the towels for 10 over a week can be a challenge.When we were there the couch in the living room did not have cushions, then they brought over cushions that never fit the couch and the couch cover and the covers on the chairs in my estimation where dirty. The massive book collection also makes the place very dusty. Not to mention that there was scaffolding across entire front of the building. I was never told that the building was under construction. I feel that the photos were not accurate and I could never recommend this apartment. I have pictures if anyone is interested in seeing what I am talking about.
Owner response:Dear Phyllis, you will be happy to know that in the past months our place was completely remodelled and repainted and partially refurnished! brand new bedrooms, 2 bathrooms remodelles, new appliaces in the kitchen and washer room including new giant washer and YES dryer!! check out the new pics, I am sure you will like them! thank you for your comments, they did help us bring about the long needed changes! and in order to thank you - if you want to come back for a week I will be happy to offer you a second week completely for free, yes!!!!!! all the best Fed
Recommended for:
Live like a (very fortunate) Florentine...
Guest: Steve
(Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 12/26/10
Review Submitted: 04/16/11
If you want to be in the centre of Florence but away from the tourist crowds then this is the place for you. Having stayed in Florence numerous times this is a very rare and special apartment, you just cant rent apartments of this quality and size. You are 10 minutes stroll to all the major sights but also have the delights of the local neighbourhood (Saint Ambrogio) including it's fantastic market, bars and restaurants just 2 minutes down the road. I'd highly recommend this apartment for people wishing to experience the real Florence.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Guest: bev
Date of Stay: 09/30/10
Review Submitted: 04/15/11
Hello Fed, David and I are now back in Ottawa. We very much enjoyed Florence and hope to spend more time there when we are next in Europe. Your description of your dear and kind mother-in-law could not have been more accurate. We all fell in love with her charm and gracious hospitality. Our choice of Blucar Services was also a good one. On time, polite and excellent drivers! Sending you our best regards, Bev and Dave
Recommended for:
Wishing we could go back this year...
Guest: jane
(rochester, new york, usa)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10
Review Submitted: 04/14/11
Our group of 8 was recently reminiscing about our wonderful stay in this apt. last August. I was surprised to read the negative review, as our experience was just the opposite. The owner and her family were extremely accomodating and flexible about the dates, and we all found the home to be very comfortable and ideally located. Don't forget, this is a home, not a hotel. It has a wonderful, lived-in feel and so much room. After a day or two there, you will feel as if you are part of the lovely neighborhood in which it is located.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Perfect Visit in Florence at great Home
Guest: Phil
(Knoxville, TN/ USA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10
Review Submitted: 04/14/11
I returned to Italy in September with my wife, two daughters, their husbands and four grandchildren aged 4 and under. We spent weeks trying to find just the right house to rent that would accomodate our needs with 10 people, tons of luggage and baby strollers. We found it at Federiga Bindi's #36896! The communication was great with Federiga to arrange the rental and then her family in Florence were easy to work with. Her family lives in the house therefore, keeping it clean and nice. The price was very good for what we received. The apartment was larger than we expected which worked out great since we had six adults and four children spread out throughout the house. The furnishings were beautiful and very comfortable. The apartment was spacious with a huge dining room, living room and the bedrooms were excellent. We have visited Italy several times with a lot of family members and were never as happy with the accomodations as we were with Federiga's. The kitchen was fine, the views of the city were spectacular (especially from the rooftop) and the location was great. Thye bathrooms were very adequate for our needs. We walked to anywhere in the city we wanted. We only took cabs to and from the airport. It is just down the street from a wonderful square where you can sit on the steops of the church and just talk or eat or drink. Several good restauarants are close by and a small store on the corner was visited by us daily. We walked with the kids and strollers all over Florence, sometimes for miles. The location was especially quite at night as we did not have loud talkers or sirens going at al hours. The children slept wondefully every night. I run a large company in the U.S. and deal with many different people and groups. Federiga and her family were a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to rent the apartment again on our next visit. Phil Zacheretti, Knoxville, TN U.S.A. I can highly recommend the apartment and would not hesitate to rent it again on our next family visit.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Danger! Mold!
Guest: Matt
(Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10
Review Submitted: 12/21/10
This apartment was a major disappointment. We requested the apartment for three months and put down a deposit. When we arrived in Florence we learned the apartment had been double booked for the first week and we had to scramble to find a place to live. When we did finally move in a week later, the apartment was very dusty, the beds were not made and the kitchen wasn't clean. Three of the bedrooms have very uncomfortable futons, not beds. The apartment also has a mold problem. There is mold growing in the books, there is mold around the bathroom windows and there was mold growing on the ceiling in the hallway. We left the apartment early due to this. Do not rent this apartment!
Owner response:I learned my lesson, when people creates problem since he beginning and/or act wierd, never let them use our place! this man has phisyically aggressed my brother in law, has not finished to pay his fees and was a bother from the beginning (he was suppoused to stay 3 months). VRBO resolved the issue in my favour - see mail below - but their policies apparently do not allow for the deleting of the guys' message - which I find unfair bc any wierdo could post on our pages. anyway, this is the way it is. there is of course no mold whatsoever, everything is througly cleaned up and the bed are always made for you. the apt was clearly too big for his needs and he was just trying to find an excuse to leave (without paying). VRBO response: Dear Federiga, Thank you for your email! We appreciate your prompt response. We have made thorough notes of your comments and explanation of this unfortunate situation. We now consider this case to be closed, and we are grateful for your cooperation in resolving this issue.
Recommended for:
The perfect place
Guest: jane
(rochester, new york, usa)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10
Review Submitted: 09/16/10
My family stayed at this lovely apartment last month. We were eight altogether (4 couples). The entire experience was without flaw. The owner was very helpful and communicative during the process of deciding on dates and other logistics. The apartment itself is very, very nice and just as represented; comfortable, welcoming, and well-equipped. It is big enough for everyone to have their space, but with lots of room to gather in the dining and living rooms. The location is without equal--everything is within easy walking distance, and the proximity to the neighborhood market and shops was terrific. I highly recommend this apartment.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #36896
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