Artist Sherrie Russ Levine at work painting in Florence.

Few places in the world inspire artistic creativity like Italy. We’re pleased to introduce our readers to Sherrie Russ Levine, a talented artist captivated by the timeless allure of Italy. As one of the co-owners of the Maestro fractional co-ownership apartment in Florence, Sherrie spends part of each year in Florence enjoying Italian living with plenty of time to seek out inspiration for her beautiful artwork. In this exclusive interview, Sherrie offers a behind-the-scenes look at finding artistic inspiration in Italy and the seamless fit of fractional co-ownership into her creative lifestyle.

 

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What first drew you to Italy and sparked the passion to live here?
I’ve been traveling to Italy for years for painting workshops and artists retreats, and really felt ready to come here on my own to paint. So my passion to capture the golden light of Tuscany and my husband’s love for travel is what drew us here!

How has becoming a fractional owner been the right fit for you?
For me becoming an owner of the Maestro apartment takes away the hassle of finding good accommodations. We also get to know the neighborhood and make local friends as well. Leaving me with quality time to paint spontaneous works in oil that I can only get when painting out on location en plein air.

 

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What do you love about living in Florence in particular? Any favorite spots you’d like to share?
Hands down what we love the most is the food and architecture of Florence. One of our favorite spots to visit is The Rooftop Terrace of Hotel Villani for cocktails with its panoramic view of Florence!

 

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Has the time living in Italy inspired you and/or your artwork?
Absolutely. Just when I think I have run out of new ideas to paint, the second two weeks stay rolls around and I get to go back and search for new vistas to paint in the city and Tuscany!

Enjoy living at home in Italy at the Maestro!

Find more of Sherrie’s paintings of Italy, Paris and other beautiful landscapes on Instagram @SherrieRussLevine and visit her website www.sherrierusslevine.com for more information. Dream of living in Italy? Learn more about fractional co-ownership with Italy Perfect in Florence!

The post Behind the Canvas: An Interview with Sherrie Russ Levine on Art & Italian Living appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Cultivating your home away from home in Florence? You’ve chosen well! Florence is the perfect home base in Italy—not only for its Renaissance gems, rolling green natural beauty and access to the rest of Tuscany, but also for its thriving expat community. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you’ll find it’s not hard to meet fellow Italy enthusiasts who have made the leap to the Bel Paese. To connect with like-minded individuals and make the most of your time in Florence, take advantage of these tips and resources.

How to Enjoy the Florence Expat Lifestyle

 

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Attend Concerts & Local Events

Situated in the Oltrarno neighborhood—and not far from our Maestro apartment—is the British Institute of Florence, which hosts educational, social and cultural activities for Florence’s international residents. Open to all, these include concerts, author meet-and-greets, afternoon tea and Wednesday Lectures on artistic and historical themes, followed by wine. English news magazine The Florentine publishes features on all things life in Florence—from the international dating scene to the city council’s latest moves—as well as about upcoming exhibitions, festivals and special events. Following Creative People in Florence is the best way to learn about craft fairs and local artisans, while The Local is the easiest place to read about Italy’s current events in English.

Spend time with creative pursuits in Florence (credit)

Join a Group Activity

Love fitness? Sing in a choir? Have a knack for arts and crafts? Chances are, the group-oriented activities you enjoy back home are available in Florence. When you’re not walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo, you can stay active in one of the city’s many workout studios. Movement IQ Strength Lab hosts pilates classes in Santo Spirito, San Lorenzo’s KLab offers everything from boot camp to Zumba, and Evolution is a locals’ favorite for group fitness outside of the city center. The Saint Mark’s English church welcomes newcomers to get involved with its choir, and the Florence Book Club meets regularly to discuss recent reads in English (often purchased with a members’ discount at Anglo American bookstore Paperback Exchange). Finally, the Leonardo Da Vinci Art School hosts lessons for all levels in painting, pottery, photography and more. And if you’re not sure how to find your “thing,” post in the Foreigners in Florence Facebook page and start something of your own!

Find your favorite places to shop in Florence. (credit)

Become a “Regular” in your New Home

The best way to foster a sense of home in a new city is to become a regular at a local business. This is wonderfully achievable in Florence, where service workers tend to stay in their jobs for decades and walkable streets make it easy to “pop by” your usual café, fruttivendolo or trattoria. Make a point to visit the same barista, shopkeeper or market vendor (Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio are our favorites!) on a weekly basis. Learn their names and ask them questions in Italian, and you’ll likely have a new friend you can count on for the rest of your time in Florence.

 

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Learn the Language

It’s only fitting that Florence—where Dante Alighieri wrote The Divine Comedy in the very beginnings of the Italian language we know today—has a host of schools for foreigners looking to improve their Italian skills. Join other expats in rolling your Rs and tackling the infamous congiuntivo tense at the Istituto Michelangelo or Parola Language School, and you’ll quickly find your daily interactions with locals to be much richer. These schools also offer extra-curricular cultural experiences (think cooking courses and guided day trips), giving you plenty of chances to get to know your peers and instructors outside of the classroom. And if school isn’t your style, be sure to join the Foreigners in Florence Facebook page. Locals post there on a regular basis to propose English-Italian language exchanges for free—which could be the perfect way to learn a little Florentine dialect.

Invite friends over for aperitivo at the Maestro!

Be Open to Spontaneous Conversation

There’s no limit to where you can “put yourself out there” in dynamic Florence. Still, some places are especially suited to solo revelers hoping to spark up conversation with someone new. If you find yourself alone, pop over to lunch or dinner at Dalla Lola, a cozy trattoria in Santo Spirito where daily specials are written on a chalkboard, and you’ll be seated at a longer table meant specifically for solo diners to enjoy a meal together. The welcoming, convivial atmosphere is similar at old-school haunts like Alla Vecchia Bettola and Trattoria Mario, where shared tables make it especially easy to chat with your neighbors.

Ready to feel at home in Florence? Enjoy the local lifestyle at one of our beautiful Florence vacation rentals or contact us at sales@vacationperfect.com to find out more about the Maestro and Italy Perfect Shared!

The post Expat Lifestyle: How to Make Florence Feel Like Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

When we expanded our popular co-ownership program from Paris to create Italy Perfect Shared, there was one location at the very top of our list. Florence! A true Renaissance gem, Florence is the perfect spot to fall in love with the Italian lifestyle. It’s full of charm and incredible history – and is the most convenient home base for exploring Tuscany. From a vibrant expat community to fine weather, plenty of history and great livability, there was simply no place better for our first co-ownership property in Italy. We’re sharing 5 of our top reasons that you’ll love living in Florence.

If you’d like to call Florence home, contact our team at sales@vacationperfect.com to find out more about Italy Perfect Shared. Let us help make your dream of living in Italy a reality!

Learn Italian in the city of Dante! (credit)

#1 – Language

Florence is a city where English is widely spoken, making it easy for expats to integrate and communicate with locals. That being said, Italian is a beautiful language and learning it in Florence is an excellent opportunity. Just imagine learning or improving your Italian in the birthplace of Dante, known as the “father of the Italian language.” By immersing yourself in the language and culture, you can accelerate your language learning and gain opportunities to practice speaking with locals. There are also plenty of language schools where you can take lessons at whatever level you are at!

Walk up to San Miniato al Monte in Florence. (credit)

#2 – Natural Beauty

Florence is situated in the heart of Tuscany, which is known for its breathtaking countryside views. The rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The best part is that you don’t even need to leave Florence to enjoy fine walks and captivating natural views. One of our favorite Florence walks leads from the center of the city through the Oltrarno neighborhood up to the Piazzale Michelangelo and San Minato al Monte. You’ll be surprised by how many beautiful green spaces there are right in the city!

Every angle of Florence is full of history!

#3 – Rich Cultural Heritage

Florence is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, art galleries and architectural wonders. It has a rich history, which dates back to the Renaissance period. If you’re looking to experience a new culture and immerse yourself in history, Florence is a fantastic home base. Even if you’ve seen the Uffizi and Pitti Palace, there are many fascinating small museums, historic houses and churches full of art and history to discover. Just check out these six hidden gems in Florence for more inspiration!

Experience Florence throughout the year for off season magic! (credit)

#4 – Weather

Florence benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters. While Florence does have all four seasons, the highs during the winter months are still in the 50s F on average. For those seeking refuge from harsh winters and extreme weather conditions, this is an attractive prospect. Imagine having a home base in Italy where you’ll find enjoyable weather throughout the year!

Make new friends from around the world in Florence!

#5 – Community

Florence boasts a thriving expat community, providing newcomers with an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, with the city being highly walkable, you’re likely to encounter new people daily while exploring its streets. Even better, organizations like The British Institute have excellent programs, classes, concerts and opportunities for networking, learning and socializing while you’re in Florence.

Relax at home on the beautiful terrace of the Maestro.

Your Home in Italy with Italy Perfect Shared

If you’ve been dreaming of living in Italy, our co-ownership program, Italy Perfect Shared, can get you there! With Italy Perfect Shared, you physically own a portion of a beautifully remodeled, luxury apartment in the heart of Florence, allowing you to participate in the real estate value of the property. What’s even better? Since shares are fully deeded, they can be sold or passed on to loved ones, providing a secure investment in your future.

Don’t wait any longer to make your dream of living in Florence, Italy a reality! Italy Perfect Shared provides a hassle-free solution to owning a home overseas while allowing you to relish the la dolce vita lifestyle. For further information, please reach out to us at sales@vacationperfect.com or read more about the Maestro and Italy Perfect Shared.

The post 5 Reasons Florence is the Perfect Home Base in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Do you dream of living in Italy? Just as there many ways to travel and experience Italy there are also different ways to live in Italy. Which one is right for you? Italy Perfect founder, Lisa Byrne, sat down with Kathy McCabe from Dream of Italy, the award-winning travel publication, PBS show and podcast, to chat about an exciting new trend in Italy. With our fractional co-ownership program Italy Perfect Shared we have created a hassle-free way to enjoy living the Italian la dolce vita lifestyle. Listen to Episode 13 of the Dream of Italy podcast to learn all about co-ownership and so much more:

• What is fractional co-ownership and what makes it unique
• Why Italy Perfect launched co-ownership in Florence
• What makes the Maestro, our first co-ownership apartment, such a rare find
• Why now is the time to buy property in Italy
• All the perks of living in Florence … plus some of our favorite spots!

You can listen to the podcast directly above or visit Podcast Episode #13: Fractional Ownership in Florence with Italy Perfect for the show notes and more listening options. You can also watch the video podcast on YouTube to see beautiful photos and videos of the Maestro co-ownership apartment and Florence.

For more moving to Italy inspiration, don’t miss Dream of Italy’s How to Plan an Extended Stay or Move to Italy virtual workshop. Italy Perfect’s Lisa Byrne will be joining the workshop on January 21, 3023 to share more about co-ownership in Italy. These virtual workshops are truly perfect for anyone who dreams of spending more time or living in Italy!

Would you like to find out more about the Maestro apartment or fractional co-ownership in Italy? Email us at sales@vacationperfect.com for more information!

Win a Stay in Florence with Italy Perfect!

We’re thrilled to team up with Dream of Italy to offer one lucky winner a four night stay at a select Italy Perfect vacation apartment rental in Florence! This is your chance to enjoy everything we love about the Florentine lifestyle. Enter the drawing here by February 28, 2023 to win!

The post The New Italy Trend: Fractional Ownership + An Exciting Giveaway! appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Italy Perfect founder, Lisa Byrne (right), with her sister and Paris Perfect founder Madelyn Byrne (left) at the Maestro apartment in Florence.

Italy Perfect and our Vacation Perfect family were inspired by the Byrne sisters’ love of travel and experiences growing up overseas in a large Air Force family. Italy Perfect founder, Lisa Byrne, is the youngest of the six (yes, six!) sisters and, together with Pat Byrne, has spent nearly 20 years hand-picking the best vacation rental properties across Italy. We recently sat down with Lisa as she shared her insights and go-to list of Florence favorites. We know you’ll enjoy these tips as you plan a perfect holiday in Florence!

Sweeping Florence views from the Bardini Gardens.

What are your favorite lesser-known museums?

As far as Florence favorites go, there are so many hidden gems and small museums that we’ve shared about on our blog. For no crowds and no reservations required I like the Bardini Museum combined with a visit to the Bardini Gardens. The views are spectacular.

To get a glimpse of what life might have been like in a historic palazzo, visit the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati, a wonderfully preserved home that gives you insights into the life of a Renaissance-era wealthy wool merchant.

A delight for me is the National Archeological Museum of Florence. I wandered into it last year on a wintry day because of a poster I noticed about an Etruscan exhibit. The modest entry and unimpressive front display hall didn’t prepare me for the wonders this wandering museum holds – filled with Etruscan treasures and Roman statues. In my opinion, the Egyptian artifacts and mummies section is even more extensive than London’s British Museum and without the crowds.

Enjoy delicious pizza in Florence. (credit)

Where do eat when you’re in Florence?

I tend to overdo the carbs when I’m in Florence since I’m usually on the go so often make do with simple, quick meals of a slice of takeaway pizza or a panino (sandwich). However, there are so many excellent restaurants in Florence and I do have several favorites when I want something casual with friendly service and that won’t break the bank.

• 4 Leoni: A well-known foodie-favorite restaurant, so be sure to make reservations in advance. The food is excellent and the prices are not astronomical for the very high quality.
• Il Santo Bevitore: A higher caliber of Tuscan fare and the cool atmosphere under the vaulted rooms is nice.
• La Bussola: If you visit Museo di Palazzo Davanzati, it is directly across the street so a handy place for lunch. They have a full menu of pizza, pasta, meat but their pizza is always my favorite choice.
• Trattoria La Casalinga: Traditional Tuscan menu, this restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists alike.
• Ristorante Pensavo Peggio (Via del Moro, 51 r): Tucked away on a small street near the chic via Tornabuoni, I have been going there for years for lunch because of its handy location when I’m dashing between appointments. In the past it was usually just local businesspeople, but it seems to have been discovered by the TripAdvisor crowd. It isn’t gourmet dining but perfectly good Tuscan fare and a cute atmosphere. I am always charmed by the name “Pensavo Peggio” which translates to “I thought it would be worse.”
• Tamerò: Set on charming Piazza Santo Spirito lined with several good restaurants I go back to Tamerò again and again and am never disappointed in the food. The place has zero atmosphere and the service is unpredictable, but the food is good. On my last visit the waiter didn’t know the menu, didn’t speak Italian and forgot one of the entrees we ordered so set your expectations low because the waitstaff seems to turn over constantly but the magic happens behind the counter in the tiny kitchen which turns out delicious pasta, pizzas and my favorite grilled octopus.
• L’Osteria di Giovanni: This is a long time favorite spot. Giovanni, the owner for over 60 years, still presides over the dining room.

Etruscan ruins, beautiful views and historic charm in Fiesole. (credit)

Where would you go for a special meal off the beaten path?

Head to La Reggia degli Etruschi in Fiesole for a leisurely lunch just outside of Florence. It is a short taxi ride or about a 25-minute easy public bus ride that will give you a chance to see the gorgeous hills outside of Florence. The food and the views are fabulous.

La Terrazza del Principe is a reasonable walk from the city center about halfway up to Piazza Michelangelo. It is a lovely retreat from the bustling streets of Florence and has impressive views over the city.

Shopping along the Ponte Vecchio.

Florence Favorites: Where to Shop

Florence is a shopping mecca and you’ll find all the major designers and fast fashion retailers in the city center. I’m not a designer fashion shopper and prefer the smaller boutiques. My recommendations are to head to the trendy Borgo San Jacopo in the Oltrarno neighborhood. There you’ll find Ortigia for fragrance & candles, Ismerelda for luxury linen clothes and several leather goods stores. Via della Vigna Nuova has some interesting small boutiques and leather goods stores. Ottino on Via Porta Rossa for purses. Bojola on Via dei Rondinelli for sporty leather purses, travel bags, backpacks. G.B. Frugone 1885 on Via delle Belle Donne for cashmere. Faliero Sarti for gorgeous, ethereal cashmere scarves. On Via dei Fossi is Epoca Vintage clothing boutique that has some beautiful vintage clothes, especially leather and suede coats. Across the street on Via dei Fossi is enchanting Julia B. Handmade Linens and Tableware, and it is a beautiful store.

View overlooking Florence from San Miniato al Monte. (Ввласенко, CC BY-SA 3.0)

What’s something first time visitors to Florence should know?

Florence is small! You don’t need a car as you can walk everywhere. There’s no need for taxis except on arrival to get to your accommodations. Brisk walks are one of my favorite activities (helpful to work off pasta & gelato indulgences!), especially early mornings before the city comes to life. If I have time and the weather is good, I do a big loop up through the San Niccolo area or up by Forte di Belvedere, into the hills up to San Miniato and then meander down through the Bobolino area behind the Boboli Gardens towards Piazza Porta Romana. It is amazing that you can feel like you’re in the countryside up in these hills just at the edge of Florence. Just follow our Florence walking tour with beautiful views to experience it for yourself!

Enjoy dining at home at a vacation rental in Florence – or truly be at home at our Maestro fractional apartment!

Any other special tips that you’d like to share?

Florence has many excellent supermarkets, and although they’re compact the quality of ingredients is high. I enjoy apartment living in Florence, which means the convenience of having a kitchen and having the option of not having to eat out three meals a day. Too much dining out stops feeling special to me so I eat breakfast at “home” and one meal out and one meal back at the apartment. I rely on wonderful prepared foods from the local supermarkets for light meals such as a quick insalata caprese I can throw together myself with some fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and good olive oil. Other favorites for easy no-cook meals are pre-washed salad mix (I love the bags of valerianella, known a mache in English) on top of prosciutto or bresaola (cured dried salted beef) with a bit of olive oil & a squeeze of lemon. The prepared minestrone soups in the refrigerator or freezer section are top quality but usually need a bit of seasoning with some salt, parmigiano cheese and olive oil. For snacks, check out the unusual varieties of potato chips like lime and pink pepper. For my sweet tooth, I can’t resist picking up a bag of Pan di Stelle or Il Mulino Taralluci cookies.

Share your Florence favorites with us and book a stay in one of our Italy Perfect Florence vacation rentals to have fun finding your own!

The post Florence Favorites from Italy Perfect Founder appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

We couldn’t imagine a better launch for our Italy Perfect Shared co-ownership program than the gorgeous new Maestro apartment in Florence. The finishing touches are complete and shares are now available to purchase for our first fractional apartment in Italy. With its remarkable central Florence location, sunny terrace and designer interior, Maestro is ready to be your home in Italy. The Italy Perfect Shared program ensures you can enjoy the best of the la dolce vita lifestyle in Italy without the hassles or worries of overseas home ownership.

If you’re interested Italy Perfect Shared and the Maestro apartment, contact us at sales@vacationperfect.com. There are still a few shares of Maestro available to purchase, but they are selling quickly!

Welcome to the beautiful Maestro apartment for sale in Italy!

Finding the Perfect Apartment in Italy

With the immediate and continued success of Paris Perfect Shared, launched by our sister company Paris Perfect in 2018, it was natural for us to expand the co-ownership program to other much-requested locations in Italy. Florence was top of the list, but finding just the right apartment that met all of our criteria wasn’t a simple task. Property in Italy is often passed down through the generations, and this is especially so for the best apartments.

The Maestro’s perfect location very near the famous Ponte Vecchio!

On top of this fundamental challenge, we also had list of requirements that had to be met: the location had to be right in the historic center and we wanted an upper floor location in a building with an elevator and, of course, with a large terrace for truly enjoyable Italian living. We were very lucky to find the Maestro, which has a fantastic location just steps from the Ponte Vecchio in the stylish Oltrarno neighborhood. When we stepped inside, we knew we had found a special place.

AFTER: A perfectly framed view.

While we started with a very good base, the transformation of Maestro was exceptional. Let’s take a closer look at the before and after and we think you’ll agree that the Maestro is a masterful remodel!

Living Room & Terrace

BEFORE: The living area opens to a large terrace.

The first thing we noticed when stepping into the Maestro apartment was the large entryway and gorgeous light streaming into the living room from the terrace doors. We knew right away that this terrace view would become the focal point of the room. This idea was so perfectly captured during the remodel by replacing the old doors with impressive double glazed new ones that have a picture perfect view of the terrace.

AFTER: Your new favorite place to relax in Florence – at home!

The terrace is the crowning feature of this apartment and now its beauty is framed to enjoy while relaxing inside. Rich tones and the antique gold mirror create a warm setting that complements the colors of Florence you’ll enjoy from the terrace. The deep green velour sofa, which can convert to a comfortable bed, is the spot you’ll love reading, watching TV or chatting with family and friends. And, even better, simply step outside to continue the conversation al fresco on the large terrace!

AFTER: Step out to your private terrace in Florence.

As a natural extension of the living room, the terrace offered a lot of promise and didn’t require a great deal of work to create a functional and beautiful outdoor living space. The classic terracotta tiles, warm Tuscan yellow paint and green exterior doors are all classics for Florence. It was the perfect blank canvas!

BEFORE: The classic colors of Florence just needed some TLC.

From the very beginning we knew we wanted to create two separate spaces on the terrace to maximize its functionality. On one side we added a seating area for four people around a low table. Comfortable chairs were a must! This terrace beckons you to sit outdoors with a good book, linger over a glass of wine and conversation or simply enjoy the sounds of daily life in Florence passing by below.

AFTER: A tranquil spot to relax in the heart of Florence.

Yet, with such a beautiful terrace, we know our owners will want to dine outside too. So on the other side of the terrace we added a table and four chairs where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning sunshine, a light lunch or dine outdoors after dark. There’s even a shade to cover the terrace so it’s enjoyable all day long on sunny days.

AFTER: Aperitivo at home in Florence.

The beautiful terracotta vases full of traditional plants were the finishing touches. There’s even an olive tree, which is just classic Italy! When we step out onto the terrace at Maestro we know that it was worth the wait to find just the right property in Florence. It’s such a luxury to have this tranquil space right in the historic center of Florence and we know our owners will treasure it too.

Creating an Open-Plan Kitchen

BEFORE: The original kitchen (LEFT) and the large entryway with the kitchen located in the wall behind (RIGHT).

With a beautifully designed living area and terrace, one important requirement of the remodel was complete. But there was still a major issue to resolve. Every apartment—even the most beautiful you’ll see— has challenges and opportunities when you remodel it. The Maestro originally had a very large entryway with a kitchen tucked away behind it in a separate room. Puzzling over possible floor plans, we realized that there was a great option we hadn’t initially considered. By utilizing the spacious entryway, we could create an open-plan kitchen and simultaneously create a more convenient design plus create space for a second bedroom where the kitchen had previously been located. Opportunity!

BEFORE: Big plans ahead for the new open-plan kitchen and dining area.

We’re fans of the open-plan design since it’s just plain easier, but also because we know that when you’re in Italy you want to relax and spend time with family and friends. Or simply enjoy easy access to that fabulous terrace. There are so many reasons why moving the kitchen closer to the dining area and the terrace just made sense. But even we were blown away by how beautiful it turned out. Are you ready to see the big transformation?

AFTER: Yes – this is the same space!

We couldn’t happier with the new kitchen and open-plan dining and living area at Maestro. We removed the arch separating the entryway and dining area, which created a sense of space and better light. The modern L-shaped kitchen has elegant marble counters and a sleek design that both disappears into the stretch of the hallway yet also perfectly complements the decor in the dining area.

AFTER: A modern and stylish open-plan kitchen.

The design naturally draws your eyes to the large doors to the terrace and the similar design of the “eyebrow” window above the kitchen only adds to the integrated design. Compared to the original window, we opened up this narrow and high window to let in beautiful afternoon light. The window can even be opened electronically for fresh air.

AFTER: Dine indoors or outside on the terrace.

We particularly love the dining area at Maestro, which has one of the key design features of the apartment. The gorgeous wallpaper is from a long-established European design company and the classic umbrella pine is just so very Italian. In fact, you can even spot one from the apartment’s back terrace in the master bedroom! Here the contemporary design of the stunning marble table and the round mirror blends so beautifully with an antique Italian dresser found at the antique fair in Parma. Can you spot how the wallpaper design is reflected in the mirror?

A Stunning Master Bedroom with New En Suite

BEFORE: The original bedroom with private balcony. Lots of potential here!

When we started remodeling Maestro, it was a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. However, as soon as we took a closer look we saw more opportunities. We know our owners love having the space to comfortably welcome family and friends, so adding an extra bedroom and bathroom would be ideal. Can you believe we did it? Let’s start with a closer look at how we created the new en suite master bathroom.

BEFORE: There was room for an en suite bathroom in the main bedroom.

The large master bedroom had plenty of space to create a new en suite bathroom while maintaining excellent storage and access to the small balcony. Here the after photos are especially stunning. Look at this remarkable, sunny master bedroom!

AFTER: A stunning new master bedroom.

The design is magic here, with the room full of softness and light. You’ll spot the Maestro’s signature Hermès scarf, which is a design tradition in our Paris Perfect fractional apartments that we are pleased to continue in our first Italy Perfect Shared apartment. The blues and gold in the scarf’s design blends with the wallpaper, antique sconces and chandelier, and royal blue of the headboard. On the bed you’ll find specially made Egyptian cotton sheets with a custom design – a fleur-de-lis for Florence of course!

AFTER: The new en suite bathroom.

The master bedroom has its own private balcony looking out over the Oltrarno neighborhood with a lovely view of the tower of Palazzo Vecchio. You’re right in the historic heart of Florence! Yet, in the distance you’ll see the hills of Tuscany, a beautiful reminder of how ideally situated Florence is for exploring one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

AFTER: Gorgeous new en suite bathroom.

We think with the new en suite bathroom we’ve created the perfect place to start your day in Florence. We’ve carefully selected all the details, including beautiful tiles, large mirror and plenty of storage, so you can enjoy all the comforts of home.

Creating a Second Bedroom

BEFORE: The original kitchen (LEFT) was opened to create a second bedroom (RIGHT).

Moving the former kitchen allowed us to transform that space into a second bedroom. Another opportunity! As you can see in the photo above on the right, there was a great deal of work that went into the creation of the second bedroom. The walls were adjusted slightly to accommodate two single beds as well as the addition of a work space below the window. It hardly seems like the same space when you look at the final results.

AFTER: Tranquil second bedroom with work space.

The room’s decor is perfectly balanced with taupe and gold hues tied together with the statement striped wallpaper. The antique mirror is wonderfully ornate and catches the warm afternoon light from the window above the work space. You’ll love sinking into the same luxury linens custom made in Italy for Italy Perfect Shared.

AFTER: A sunny work space in the second bedroom.

Creating a place for our owners to work from home, if needed, or simply set in a quiet spot to video chat or write emails is an important part of the design process for our fractional apartments. At Maestro, you’ll find a built-in desk area in the second bedroom so you can work from the comfort of home in Florence.

Updating the Bathroom

BEFORE: The main bathroom was transformed.

The apartment’s original bathroom was large and had a nice window for light, but it needed to be completely gutted and redone from the ground up. Even with the light it was a dark space, but we knew just how to make it shine.

AFTER: A completely new bathroom!

The white marble tiles, modern lights and white sink completely transformed the space. The large glass shower door panels and opaque glass on the window ensures privacy while still flooding the room with natural light. There’s also space in the newly redesigned second bathroom for a combo washer and dryer. Even though dryers aren’t very common in Italy, we enjoy the convenience and comfort of having the combo unit. It’s these little details we know our owners love.

Call the Maestro Home

Get the last available shares of Maestro now!

By now you can surely tell that we’ve fallen in love with Maestro. Each one of our fractional apartments is such a labor of love that this always happens. And we know you’ll see in every little detail how our trusted experience has created a welcoming apartment in Florence. Just take a look and read more about Maestro and our Italy Perfect Shared program. If you’d like to call the Maestro home, contact our team at sales@vacationperfect.com to find out more.

(Apartment design by Ann Huff @huffharringtondesign.)

The post Italy Perfect Shared: Creating the Beautiful Maestro Apartment in Florence appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Imagine calling Florence home! (credit)

Living in Italy is a dream for so many, and making that dream come true is one of our greatest joys. With Italy Perfect, we can help you find the perfect vacation rental where you can enjoy the experience of living like a local in Italy. But what if you want to stay longer? We are pleased to announce that Italy Perfect is joining our already popular Perfect Shared fractional co-ownership program launched in Paris with our sister company Paris Perfect. Our next location is one of the most beautiful and livable cities of all – Florence! We are excited to share that we will soon be offering our first fractional apartment for sale in this remarkable Renaissance city.

Enjoy Florence like a local

Introducing Italy Perfect Shared in Florence!

To know Florence is to love it. Often considered Italy’s jewel box, it’s a city with such beauty and history that it overwhelms – in the best possible way. As the cradle of the Renaissance, it’s the perfect place to delve into Italy’s rich history at world renowned museums like the Uffizi or exploring Florence’s many hidden gems. With such an illustrious past, every piazza and street in the city is full of history to discover, whether you’re exploring the Santa Croce neighborhood, stopping in the world’s oldest pharmacy, or strolling over the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s bridge of gold. Add to that the great artisan shops and, of course, the incredible food, and you’ll see why Florence is a city that has made so many travelers want to call it home.

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance

We’ve been asking our current Perfect Shared owners and guests on our waiting list about their dream locations in Italy, and Florence — with its ideal location in Tuscany — was at the top of their wish list. It’s simply one of the most attractive places to live and own property thanks to its amazing history, intimate size and livability year round. With charming Christmas markets, sparkling lights and great off-season vibe, it’s a city where you can enjoy culture, art and food at your doorstop every season of the year. Plus, it’s ideally located to give you easy access to the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, wineries, historic villages and so much more.

Picture perfect Florence

A Dream Apartment in Florence

We have long searched for the perfect apartment and location in the heart of Florence, but prime locations are few and the Florentines pass down their apartments for generations. It takes a real insider’s knowledge to find great apartments, which we have from our nearly 20 years of experience with Italy Perfect vacation rentals. We were amazingly fortunate to have been introduced to a local family selling an apartment that had been in their family for decades and we cannot wait for you to see the results.

This could be your view overlooking Florence!

We are thrilled to have found the perfect apartment for you to call home in Florence. Just imagine sipping a glass of Chianti on the terrace of a gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with skyline views overlooking the historic heart of Florence. Listening to the bells chime and looking out over the warmly colored terracotta tiled roofs of the city will become one of your favorite moments of each day. This beautiful apartment is ideally located very near the Ponte Vecchio in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Florence. Work is already well underway to create a space of dreamy comfort … with a Florentine touch!

Stroll to the nearby Ponte Vecchio

Your Home in Florence

Curious to find out more about Perfect Shared? We’ve crafted this fractional co-ownership program to allow you to step right into a beautifully finished and maintained apartment where all you have to do is relax and enjoy your home in Florence. No hassles with remodeling, decorating or upkeep – simply enjoy your time in Italy each year! Think of it as a worry-free way to enjoy all the perks of living in Italy. You can read more about Paris Perfect Shared for more details or contact us to find out more about Italy Perfect Shared.

We will be welcoming Florence to the Perfect Shared family in the first part of 2022. If you would like to be put on the list to be among the first to receive information on how to purchase a share in our Italy Perfect Shared Florence fractional, please contact us as soon as possible. And as a priority customer, you’ll be the first to find out about Italy Perfect Shared launching in Florence!

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