Just 10 minutes from the tourist madness of the Ponte Vecchio, you can slip behind high walls into a calming green space of ancient trees and romantic follies. Giardino Torrigiani, which AdAstra overlooks, is the largest privately owned city garden in Europe. This unique guesthouse occupies a floor of the Marchese Torrigiani’s 16th-century family home, but while the 14 rooms have kept their aristocratic history - frescoed ceilings, carved double doors - they’ve been styled in a witty, contemporary manner, with retro and recycled furnishings and bold colours.
The treats of this place - design aside - are an enormous terrace overlooking the garden, and the wonderfully relaxed vibe. Plus you’re in the Oltrarno, a real locals’ neighbourhood, with genuine artisan shops and some of Florence's best eateries. If you're here for a few days, spend at least one just lazing on the terrace with your book and that tranquil view.
Highs
- Gorgeous, romantic bedrooms with super-kingsize beds and in-room tubs; 2 are secreted away in the Giardino Torrigiani
- The beautiful terrace with plenty of room for everyone; several rooms have direct access
- Friendly and welcoming staff love to share their local knowledge of where to dine and shop
- Peaceful garden views; great for unwinding after the clamour of the city
- Incredible attention to detail throughout - and very well priced for such high standards
Lows
- Although the Giardino Torrigiani is tantalisingly close, it's not open to guests unless you take a pricey guided tour
- No meals served except breakfast, though there's an honesty bar and great eateries nearby
- No twin rooms
- Staff aren't around 24/7 (emergencies excepted) and the entry-code system can be tedious
- A 20-minute walk from the city’s great sights
Best time to go
Florence will always be busy with tourists, but it's quieter in late autumn and early spring. High summer is hot and humid - with mosquitoes - and best avoided. The guesthouse is open all year - note, prices will soar during Christmas, fashion weeks and Pitti Fairs.
Our top tips
On the first Sunday of each month there’s free access to many of the city’s museums and galleries, including the Uffizi.
Piazza Passera, in the Oltrarno, is a small but lively square where locals of all ages meet up. It has a couple of excellent restaurants, a little gelateria and a boho café, Caffè degli Artigiani, with pretty alfresco tables squashed in the side street.
Piazza Passera, in the Oltrarno, is a small but lively square where locals of all ages meet up. It has a couple of excellent restaurants, a little gelateria and a boho café, Caffè degli Artigiani, with pretty alfresco tables squashed in the side street.
Location
AdAstra is on a quiet residential street of the Oltrarno district of Florence, discreetly hidden behind big iron gates.
By Air:
There are a few flights to Florence Airport (5km) but most people fly into Pisa (79km). You can either hire a car from the airport and park at the guesthouse, or take the train from Pisa to Santa Maria Novella (Florence's main train station, a 70-80 minute journey), then walk (20 mins) or jump in a taxi to reach AdAstra.
By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence and Tuscany quite easily from London. See the excellent Seat 61 for details.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Florence Peretola 5.0 km FLR
- Pisa Galileo Galilei 79.0 km PSA
Other:
- Beach 70.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Fantastic building and facilities, although breakfast a little limited and a bit samey after 3 days, made up for the view over the private garden from the terrace. Location slightly away from the main tourist centres, although close to Boboli gardens, so you will need your walking shoes.
The setting of Adastra is lovely and our room had a terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens. It was really lovely to stay in Oltrano which is a great area - quiet, residential and stuffed with great restaurants. Don't miss the Brancacci Chapel which is also south of the river and its exquisite early renaissance frescoes.
It was wonderful.
A definite florentine star! Beautiful in both surroundings and service with a room that was more apartment than the simple bedroom we expected. Grazie mille AdAstra!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape