Beautiful living room with view of Boboli Garden 15th century wall
Location: Florence, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Near Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Porta Romana) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-5)
This beautiful Florence vacation rental apartment will make you think you stepped onto a picturesque Italian movie set when you enter the neighborhood behind the Boboli Gardens known as the "Bobolino", or little Boboli Gardens. The tranquil Boboli Gardens were the private grounds of the Medici family's Pitti Palace, when this powerful family reigned supreme during the Renaissance. The 15th century wall that encloses these gardens, Florence's only central public gardens, runs directly behind the apartment. It is about an 10-minute walk down to Piazzale Porta Romana where there is a public entrance to the Boboli Gardens. To the east is the glorious walk up Viale Niccolo Macchiavelli to the million dollar view of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Set among a few small quiet streets are two-story residences that were built in the 1920's. This is a very elegant, quiet neighborhood unknown to most tourists. It's an easy walk to all the major sites but lets you escape to a private peaceful retreat with plenty of greenery and a terrace.
Location
The Medici apartment is located on a picturesque lane off a small quiet street. As you walk down the lane you'll see the 15th century stone walls of the Boboli Gardens directly in front of you. The street is less then one block long and dead-ends at the ancient wall. It's a 15- minute walk to the Pitti Palace or the lively Piazza Santo Spirito which has many excellent restaurants and a daily outdoor produce market. The Ponte Vecchio is a 25 minute walk. This is an ideal location if you want to be outside the crowded historic center and don't mind walking. During daylight hours there is a shortcut through the grounds of the nearby Art Academy which shaves a few minutes off the walk. At night, after dinner out, you might want to take a taxi back to the apartment if your feet are crying for mercy after a long day of sightseeing!
For families with young children there is the playground for toddlers on the art academy grounds, something that you won't find in the historic center.
Exterior
The Medici apartment is in a small building containing only two apartments. The Medici apartment is the lower of the two units but is one up from street level. Enjoy meals on the terrace and scenic views of the Tuscan hills from the living room windows. There is ample on-street metered parking in the neighborhood which is very reasonably priced when compared to the high price to park a car within the downtown area of Florence.
Interior
The living room has a very large window that overlooks the lane. In the spring and summer enjoy seeing the neighbor's mature wisteria vine in bloom. In the distance are views of the gentle hills that surround the outskirts of Florence, dotted with stately villas. The lush vegetation and bucolic setting will make you feel like you're in the countryside even though you're a reasonable walk away to the famous sites like the Duomo, the David and the Ponte Vecchio! The living room has two comfortable small sofas accessorized with sumptuous throw pillows. If you want to just sit and relax at home, there is plenty of reading light from the lamps next to the sofas. In the corner of the living room is a dining table and four chairs. Gaze out the living room window and you'll see the ancient walls of the Boboli Gardens immediately to your right.
The master bedroom and bathroom are at the back of the apartment and each have windows opening onto the back garden and patio. The second bedroom has a large window that overlooks the lane. Both bedrooms have large armoires with ample clothing storage space. For a fifth person an extra twin bed can be set up in the living room, upon request.
The eat-in kitchen has French doors that open onto the terrace. Throughout the floors are handsome original polished terracotta tiles. You'll find this kitchen to be a delight to cook in. On the other hand, you're in Florence and on vacation, so chances are you'll be eating out at the many nearby excellent restaurants most days. However, the wonderful selection of fresh seasonal ingredients might tempt you to cook at home. Just at the edge of the neighborhood in the Piazza Porta Romana are a few daily produce stands that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, so handy if you need a few last-minute items. There's even one of Florence's few remaining tripe vendors at this location, if you care try this Florentine speciality!
The bathroom has a large window opening to the terrace, good lighting, and a fully enclosed shower.
A terrace is a "must have" for some of our guests and the Medici apartment has a lovely outdoor space. It's an ideal place to enjoy summer meals. There is a patio table with umbrella. You can just step right out onto the patio from the kitchen and we bet it's the spot where many of you will have some of your most pleasant Florence memories. This is a country where meals al fresco is a way of life and you'll find yourself getting into the swing of things, even if it's just lingering over a cup of coffee and reading a good book outside on the terrace in the mornings.
A DVD player along with a small selection of movies is provided. There is a selection of guidebooks for you to peruse and enjoy.
Please see the link below for more photos & information, map showing the location.
***3 NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD*** 7 NIGHT MINIMUM CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS, EASTER
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer: Combination washer which will also dry.
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Crib: Portable crib available upon request.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Satellite TV receives English-language news channels. Selection of English-language DVD's for guests enjoyment.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Table, chairs & umbrella on patio.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Cell Phone
- Broadband Internet: High speed DSL internet access.
- Other Amenities
- Multistandard DVD Player plays US & European DVDs, combination washer/dryer, terrace, hairdryer, ample on-street parking.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Directly behind the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Ample on-street parking.
Rate Details (In Euros)
Low Season 1-2 people 7 nts €896, 6 nts €845, 5 nts €736, 3-4 nts €691
Low Season 3-4 people 7 nts €1070, 6 nts €1009, 5 nts €879, 3-4 nts €825
Low Season 5 people 7 nts €1195, 6 nts €1127, 5 nts €982, 3-4 nts €922
High Season 1-2 people 7 nts €1020, 6 nts €962, 5 nts €838, 3-4 nts €787
High Season 3-4 people 7 nts €1320, 6 nts €1245, 5 nts €1084, 3-4 nts €1018
High Season 5 people 7 nts €1345, 6 nts €1268, 5 nts €1105, 3-4 nts €1038
3 NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD. 1-week minimum Easter, Christmas, New Years weeks.
High Season March 27-October, Xmas, New Years. Low Season Nov-March 26.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Prettiest Florence Apartment-Terrace-DSL-Absolutely Dreamy!
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Florence
Since 2004 we have leased this apartment from the owner, a family friend. From the first time we saw it, while it was still being remodeled, we fell in love with it and the dreamy location which is a small slice of the Tuscan countryside in a city location: peaceful and quiet yet walkable to hustle and bustle of the city center and the historic sites.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment
The patio is a wonderful retreat from busy days spend sightseeing in Florence. Enjoy long walks uphill for stunning views of Florence from famed Piazzale Michelangelo. The apartment is very comfortable and nicely furnished.
Once the private park of the royal Medici family it is now an historic park, ideal for strolls, picnics. Paid admission, daytime.
Owner's Map of Florence
The Medici apartment is offered exclusively by Italy Perfect. We are a family business with a mission! We want you to love visiting Italy as much as we do. We are sisters Lisa and Pat Byrne who lived in Italy in our youth and now travel there frequently for business and pleasure.
Property Photos
- Beautiful living room with view of Boboli Garden 15th century wall - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Apartment
- Comfy sofas, dining table and soft lighting for relaxing times at home - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Apartment
- Meals al fresco on the terrace are another delightful feature of this apartment - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Apartment
- Elegant queen size bed with hand painted Florentine headboard, terrace view
- Apartment entrance is on a cute, quiet street with charming townhouses
- Fully equipped kitchen with refrigrator, dishwasher, microwave, stove, oven
- Cheerful second bedroom has two twin beds and large armoire
- Kitchen's French doors open to terrace, letting in the morning sunshine
- Sun-drenched eat-in kitchen
- Gaze up at the ancient Boboli Garden walls as you soak up sun on the terrace
- Bathroom has fully enclosed shower, toilet, sink, bidet, hairdryer
- Bathroom has fully enclosed shower with sliding doors.
- Florence Medici apartment floor plan
- Wander up to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy breathtaking views of Florence
- Take leisurely strolls through the majestic Boboli Gardens nearby
- Try your hand at dinner with the wonderful variety of fresh produce available.
Guest Comments (13)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #44590
There have been 28320 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - October 08, 2009
Positive Rating
We spent two lovely weeks in the Medici Apartment in Florence. The charming flat was perfect for us (just 2 of us but could comfortably accommodate 4 people.) We have rented apartments in Italy before--Florence, Venice, Rome and the country side, and the Medici was one of the nicest. Plusses included a very well- equipped kitchen, decent reading lights and peace and quiet--no noise from the motorini as the Medici is located in a peaceful, residential neighborhood with small private lanes and gardens. We woke up with the bird song in the morning and looked out our bedroom window at the old walls and tower of the Boboli gardens. The terrace was an added attraction for dinner (but the mosquitos had their dinner too)! Inside, the mosquito repellant devices worked very well. It was a bit warm in Florence the first week we were there, but the Medici apartment sits on a little hill and gets a beautiful cooling breeze--the apartment was always comfortable. We love to cook, and enjoyed shopping for our dinner at the local vegetable stand, the butchers and fish market on Via Sienese and the lovely alementari in the neighborhood or near Santo Spirito. The neighbors--Allessandro and Allessandra were charming, and since my husband speaks pretty good Italian, we were able to have some interesting conversations and were invited to see the "secret" garden they and their daughter are building. Their daughter lives above the Medici apartment and is a professional flautist with the Florence symphony orchestra--her practice sessions were like having our own private recital--no scales and mistakes, just beautiful music. The only drawback to the apartment is that it is a bit of a walk to the central part of Florence and coming back is up hill--so we sometimes took the bus to save our feet--especially when carrying the groceries. We did walk on most days which was good exercise and helped work off the gelato. The short cut through the park is a lovely stroll. Italy Perfect is a well-run company, the greeter and property manager were very cordial and helpful. The apartment was exactly as represented on the web site and we would not hesitate to use Italy Perfect for our next trip. We may go to Paris in the next year and would certainly explore options with the sister company, Paris Perfect. All in all, a charming and peaceful home away from home. Barbara and Doug Davidson
Positive Rating
The Medici apartment was in a great location – very quiet, in the Bobolini district abutting directly to the wall of the Boboli Gardens. In was a quick walk to Porta Romana, (then onto the Ponte Vecchia) through the grounds of the Arts College, but we enjoyed the route to town along the ‘scented lanes’ and the Oltrano East district. We walked all over Florence, saw all the important churches, but my favourite was San Miniato al Monte, 20 minutes distant from the apartment with incredible views over Florence. Saved half a day for the Uffizi, which was incredible – Renaissance overload. Loved the food, wine and ice cream. Big recommendations are Terazza del Principe for food, Enoteca Bar Fuori Porta for wine and the little ice cream shop on Via Romana opposite the Pitti Palace. Although I forgot to rub the boar’s nose, I’m sure we’ll be back. Darran Lucas, Dallas Texas
Positive Rating
The accommodations were beautiful-well-appointed, roomy, comfortable, clean. We enjoyed retreating to the quiet and cool of the apartment after a day of sightseeing. Although off the beaten track, the apartment provides an apartment to get away from the crowds and to feel part of a neighbourhood. Tip: If at Piazza di Michelangelo, don't go down the hill but follow the road signs for Porta Romana, a most enjoyable and picturesque walk. Our greeter was extremely helpful in showing us the apartment, especially helping us get our laptop on line. Lesley Clement, Orillia, ON Canada
Positive Rating
The Medici apartment was simply wonderful for our 7 night visit to Florence. Thank you Lisa for all your assistance during the planning stages of our vacation and Francesca for welcoming us with a warm smile, the service we received from Italy Perfect was exceptional. The three of us ladies were comfortable in our own beds and we all thought the shower was great! The kitchen had all the tools and even some supplies to cook dinner, we cooked meals twice (fresh pasta with sausages from mercato central, so yummy, and fresh chicken stuffed with herbs another night). There are several little shops all around so shopping is easy, fresh fruit and a market were handy down the road in porta roma. The best part was the beautiful terrace which we enjoyed every evening with vino and cheese. The weather was warm and sticky a few days but our laundry dried in no time with the breezes on the terrace. The neighbors were friendly but we didn’t see much of them. We enjoyed the location, it was very peaceful and yet so close to down town Florence. We had no problem at tobacco shop getting bus tickets, also enjoyed their cappuccino a few mornings. We took a few taxi’s too, in the evening it was 9 euros from piazza della repubblica (taxi stands) to the apartment, it was slightly less during the day. Everything about our trip, the apartment, the neighborhood and the service provided by Italy Perfect was what we hoped, perfect. Thank you for the memories. See our review for the Angelina apartment in Rome (VRBO #101521) where we stayed during out second week, it was also wonderful. Anne, Janene & Mom, Burlington, MA
Positive Rating
Our four night stay in the Medici apartment was everything that we hoped it would be. The apartment itself is lovely - and it is located in a beautiful neighborhood on a quiet street. The terrace literally abuts the old stone walls of Florence. It was a treat to live away from the center of the city and to feel a bit like Italians, even if only for a few nights. The stroll from the apartment up Via Belvedere to the Piazzale Michaelangelo was breathtaking - - the city literally unfolds before your eyes during this walk. We can't wait to return! Amy K. Shaker Heights, OH
Positive Rating
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Medici. Thank you for your excellent service and useful information. C. B. San Antonio, TX
Positive Rating
Our stay at the Medici apartment was just perfect. The neighborhood, Oltrarno, is part of Florence yet because it's just over the bridge, it was much more low key and quiet. We loved the location next to a beautiful garden and ancient brick wall. The apartment itself was very comfortable for us and our two children (ages 10 and 13). They enjoyed all the movies you furnished in the apartment - you'd think we'd be too busy for that - but we would have full days of sightseeing and come back for a couple hours of rest and a little TV time before heading out again. All the information you provided was very helpful.The kitchen was nicely equipped and we had breakfast at home every day and once, we made dinner. My favorite activity was food shopping at the "supermercato" - the one close to the Porta Romano. Your greeter, Francesca, was so helpful and explained everything about the apartment, appliances, etc. As far as restaurant recommendations - in our opinion, you cannot have a bad meal in Florence!! Really, anywhere you walk into will have delicious food. We ate most nights at trattorias in central Florence and had wonderful food always!! One thing that surprised us is how early stores/gelaterias close for the night. We feel that you do a fantastic job managing your apartments and we would love to plan another trip to Florence and stay again at one of your apartments. Marc & Lori R. Dobbs Ferry, NY
Positive Rating
Our stay in Florence was a real highlight - and in a large part because of that wonderful apartment! Peter C. Victoria, B.C.
Positive Rating
We had a delightful time in Florence. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Medici apartment. We look forward to returning again in the not- too-distant future! Thanks for everything. Ann C. Chicago, IL
Positive Rating
Loved the accommodations and thank you for making a cell phone available. We also were thankful to have the greeters there for our check in and out. Both were wonderful and very helpful. Please give them us our best wishes and our thanks again as well. Lisa, you also did and continue to do a fabulous job for those lucky guests who choose your service. While my husband prefers to stay in a boutique hotel, I perferred your flat. I loved shopping by the Arch, just being in Florence and want to come back again someday and bring perhaps my brother or my niece and stay for a couple of weeks. We loved the location and it was very easy for us to get taxi service, which was a real bonus for us. I think you made arrangements for us personally and we thank you and all of our taxi drivers who were kind, patient and best of all, great drivers. Also, I loved all of your materials in the basket for us to review. It helped. We ended up not going to the outlets and instead went to Siena and San G. and I loved that whole day; it was truly an amazing trip. Many thanks again for all you do. Lauren & Bernd K. Sarasota, FL