Numero Venti

A 16th-Century Palazzo is Transformed into a Live/Work Space for Artists

Working in collaboration with interior designer and editor of Openhouse magazine, Andrew Trotter, the owners of this vacation home rental in Florence have transformed this 16th-century palazzo into a live/work destination with three individual apartments for travelers, an exhibition space, and an artist in residency program that encourages creative expression and development.

Skillfully incorporating a modern Scandinavian inspired aesthetic that lightens the majestic features of the building, Trotter has crafted bright, open, and dynamic spaces to inspire guests. Each of the apartments has soaring 16-foot ceilings and large windows that allow in luminous natural light highlighting the remains of historic frescoes, original fireplaces, and decorative period detail.

Read more about this former palazzo in our Stories section here and an interview with Andrew Trotter here.

Pairing vintage finds with contemporary Scandinavian furnishings and pieces sourced from Italy, Spain, France, and the UK, the spaces are comfortable and stylish with a quiet and atmospheric mood. The artist-in-residency program allows artists to apply to work, live, and exhibit here with an in-house space for photoshoots, exhibitions, events, workshops, and meetings. Proceeds from the rental are reinvested into the Numeroventi Residency program to fund artists and artistic development throughout the city. 

A place of inspiration, creativity, and historic beauty, this is a unique concept that draws on the artistic heritage of this ever-fascinating city. 

Loft 1: This 40-square-meter studio (king-sized bed upstairs; 1 bathroom) with its frescoed wall takes you back in time, though there’s plenty of contemporary art, too, giving it a true art studio look and feel. A daybed in the sitting area can be made for additional guests, and there’s a writing desk, coffee station, and fridge, with access to a fully equipped kitchen.

Loft 2: A 60-square meter space with walls of windows and a king-sized upstairs sleep space and one bath, this loft’s contemporary décor and abundance of work spaces—large table desk, kitchenette table—make it great work/play retreat. The living space is anchored by a marble hearth and modern furnishings, and a day bed can provide overflow sleeping. The kitchenette has a fridge, sink, and microwave, plus access to a full kitchen.

Loft 3: With its floor-to-ceiling windows and mix of natural stone and contemporary resin floors, this industrial-inspired, 60-square-meter space artfully combines past and present. There’s a cushy living area, writing desk, and a coffee station with a fridge that has access to a full kitchen.

Loft 7: A 15-square-meter single-occupancy apartment, this charmed, top floor stay is ideal for solo travelers. It has a small desk, and a bathroom with a view on Santa Croce equipped with a waterfall shower.

Loft 8: A two-room, 30-square-meter suite on the top floor, this view space overlooks Piazzale Michelangelo’s hills. It has a king-sized bed, separate office space, coffee station with a fridge, and a bathroom with both a tub and a shower.

Loft 10: The palazzo’s most luxurious suite, this 65-square-meter, fresco-lined loft features a classic king-sized bedroom with an exposed beam ceiling, private dining and lounge area, a living room with a single daybed and a coffee station with a fridge.

Around

Tuscany’s capital city is at the heart of Italian identity. Birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s an enchanting and timeless city and a feast for the senses, the palate, and the spirit. Compact and densely packed with some of the world's greatest masterpieces of art and architecture, the city’s character and appearance has changed little in hundreds of years. 

A UNESCO site richly blessed with some of the world’s most iconic and priceless works of art, no visit is complete without a pilgrimage to The Galleria dell'Accademia for Michelangelo’s “David,” or The Uffizi Gallery for a view of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

The river Arno snakes through town, where the famed Ponte Vecchio divides the town into two distinct halves. The less crowded Oltrarno on the left bank includes the Palazzo Pitti and Piazzale Michelangelo from where you’ll have breathtaking views of the city. The apartment is centrally located near the magnificent Duomo that dominates the skyline and Santa Croce Square in an area full of excellent restaurants and traditional taverns at the center of one of the most fascinating and important cities in Italy. 

Location: Florence, Italy. Nearest airport: Florence (10km) 

Best Time to Visit: Florence is fascinating year-round