Scacchi Apartment Italy
Holiday Home Rental Description
Scacchi Apartment is a modern abode located in the San Frediano neighbourhood, a local-favourite and authentic area of Florence, one of Italy’s most picturesque cities.
Step into the light-flooded living room with two large windows overlooking the meandering Arno River. The cosy space is tastefully furnished with a striking green sofa and two armchairs, providing a comfy spot to enjoy an evening aperitif prepared from your own bar cart. The room spills onto a white-washed kitchen highlighted by marble countertops and a dining table facing the river below – you’ll love having a stroll along the riverbank as the sun rises. The three bedrooms are tucked at the rear of the building, away from the hustle and bustle of Florence’s busy streets, for maximum comfort. Each boasting en-suite bathrooms, they’re designed with love for elegance and privacy in mind.
Those who love to get immersed in local culture will enjoy strolling around the trendy neighbourhood of San Frediano, full of cute cafes, independent art studios and shops selling everything from homeware to Italian delicacies. This lesser-known area is not as popular among first-time tourists, meaning that the alleyways will be less crowded and ideal for those Instagram-worthy holiday photographs. Florence is rich with artistic and architectural wonders, so you’ll be pleased to know that all the world-renowned landmarks are only an idyllic 20-minute walk away. Visit as many Renaissance buildings as possible and admire the enchanting architecture on every corner before finding a comfy spot for people-watching in one of the many wine bars.
If you’ve got some spare time to take day trips from Florence, you shouldn’t miss the splendid Tuscan hilltop villages such as San Gimignano and San Miniato. These small but mighty towns offer an authentic Italian escape and are full of vineyards and charismatic hidden corners worth exploring.
During the summer months, consider escaping the heat by visiting Tuscany’s coastline, with the closest shores just over an hour’s drive away. Notably, Livorno is perfect for splashing in the lapping waves and has many popular beaches wonderful for cooling off. The port city is also home to a modern harbour with fabulous seafood restaurants and a modern cruise ship port.
True connoisseurs and aspiring wine lovers will love visiting the nearby Chianti vineyards and medieval villages in the same valley. Known for the Sangiovese grape variety, the prominent wine area is historically associated with a unique type of wine bottle called a fiasco. It is filled with the most charismatic wine bars as far as the eye can see.
Other notable cities such as Pisa, Livorno and Bologna are conveniently a ride or drive away, ensuring plenty of options for a culture-filled day trip.
The lovely San Frediano neighbourhood located east of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio bridge – a historic bridge which connects the city’s two sides – is the ideal area for those who like to stay away from the crowds without being too far from all the main attractions.
Full of ambient cafés, wine bars, restaurants and artisan shops, this up-and-coming neighbourhood is loved by locals and curious tourists. The closest trattoria is virtually at your doorstep, while many delis and markets selling fresh produce are also a short walk away. Although the closest supermarket is less than a 10-minute walk away, you can always shop for your groceries at a nearby farmer’s market for the most authentic Tuscan finds.
In only 20 minutes by foot, you can reach the main event – Florence’s romantic old town displaying a plethora of ancient buildings, frescoed churches and enchanting palaces alongside winding streets. After a wholesome stroll and stop for a typical coffee and pastry combo, head to one of its many museums – the Tuscan capital is just one big stifling museum, after all. Notably, the Pitti Palace is a Renaissance residence and combines a museum alongside a botanical garden inviting you for a lush picnic beneath its swaying trees and aromatic bushes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, the famous Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio and the 13th-century Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore should also be on your itinerary.
Italy is well known for its world-class wine, so tasting as many local grape varieties as possible should naturally be on your bucket list. If you also like quaint locations, a trip to the nearby Chianti countryside is an excellent option for a day trip. Full of dipping hills and olive groves, you can get lost in the sun-kissed vineyards or walk through one of the six valleys that make up the Tuscan hills. Val d’Orca has a UNESCO-listed countryside that attracted and inspired Renaissance painters worldwide.
Alternatively, the port city of Livorno can be reached in 70 minutes by car and boasts more architectural fortifications to admire. Take a walk along the harbour and observe the majestic cruise ships or gather at the checkerboard promenade before watching the sun slip behind the horizon from a lantern-lit terrace bar. If you’re visiting Italy during the peak summer months when the sun is at its highest, you can discover more beaches along its sparkling yet rugged coastline.
The closest seaside in Versilia in the northwest province of Lucca can be reached in just over one hour by car and is perfect for catching sun rays on a parasol-lined sandy beach. Pack your beach accessories and hop in the car to start exploring.
At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request from below or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Housekeeping- Change of linen- Chef- Grocery service
Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!