Knight Frank Property for Sale in Florence
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Chianti | Western Tuscany | Rome and Lazio | Venice | Perugia | Northern Tuscany
Florence stands as the Renaissance heart of Tuscany with Brunelleschi’s magnificent duomo dominating the skyline. Interesting from a property point of view is the small historical centre of the city of Florence with apartments jostling for position amongst the larger Palazzo’s, museums and shops. Most sought after areas of Florence outside of the city centre are Fiesole, Settignano and Bellosguardo, which are set on the attractive hills surrounding the city.
The Florence area stretches as far as Impruneta and Pozzolatico to the South where the Chianti area starts and Pontassieve to the East. The Arno river runs through Florence, with several bridges, including the well known Ponte Vecchio, connecting the central northern part with the south bank; famous for its antique shops and artisans studios.
Climate
The climate in Florence can be cold in the winter, getting warmer in April/May with temperatures from about 18/22 degrees rising to 30/35 in July and August. The summer season for villa rentals is from May to September.
History of the area
Florence and its surroundings are full of history and culture. Stunning Renaissance architecture and artistry abound. Florence to many represents the birthplace of the Renaissance inspired by the wealthy patronage of the Medici’s who ruled the city for several generations. Palazzi in Florence are found on every corner along with striking reminders of the artists who shaped the city from Michelangelo to Brunelleschi and Leonardo da Vinci to Donatello. The hills of Florence where the nobility built their summer houses were popular with the British in the early 20th century with their striking views over the city. Villas, gardens and olive groves drape themselves over the landscape providing a majestic backdrop to the city below. Florence is famous for its music festivals, art galleries and fashion events.
Unique points
Chianti wine from the Florentine hills is famous including Rufino and Pomino. The famous steak Fiorentina and ribollita, a kind of vegetable stew with bread, are synonymous with the area – delicious in the winter! Florence is dominated by its art and architecture and the unique vibrance that city life brings, yet with the hills of Chianti only minutes away, one can experience the best of both Tuscan worlds!
Types of property available
Property in the Florence area consists mainly of villas and apartments. Most of the Villas are to be found in the hills surrounding the town with apartments for sale in all areas; from the outskirts to the ‘centro storico’. The villas for sale in the Florence hills range from majestic Renaissance masterpieces with fountains, gardens, land and pools, to more modest houses. There are still restoration projects available and those with panoramic views of the city command the highest interest. Finding apartments for sale in Florence with outside space and particularly parking are at a premium.
Market
The city market for property in Florence is predominantly local though with increasing interest from International buyers, whilst the villas, having at one time been owned by foreigners, and then returned to the Italian families, are now attracting the foreign market again. As city life becomes an increasingly attractive proposition for those seeking weekend breaks or a rental investments the demand for the International market is increasing.
Access
Access links make owning a property in Florence an attractive option. Florence has its own International airport and Pisa airport is less than one hour away. Car hire, train and bus services are frequent and provide access to many other parts of Tuscany and Italy. The A1 motorway runs from Milan down past Florence and on to Rome. The Florence/Pisa/Livorno superstrada (FI, PI, LI) runs from Florence to the Tuscan coast and the Florence/Siena superstrada provides access through Chianti.