Ad Astra Hôtel Particulier, in Florence.

I recently wrote about our weekend winter break in Florence and said at the time that I would share with you where we stayed.  It was such a special place and such a great find I wanted to show you more.

Ad Astra is an incredible family ancestral mansion hidden behind a wall on an unassuming street in Florence.  It is well hidden from pubic gaze and the large unimposing metal gate through which you enter gives no clue to the treasures which hide behind it. We knew it was going to be special from the moment we arrived and were welcomed in by a square shaped dog called Whiskey, had our first glimpse of the extensive grounds.

We were taken past statues and sculptures via a red carpet, stone stairs and the eyes of some distinguished looking subjects captured in oil paintings as we made our way to the first floor which houses the hotel.  The reception area is bright and filled with flowers and opens up on to a huge room adorned with an enormous chandelier.  The chandelier hangs from a ceiling painted with celestial angels, its impossible not to gaze up at it.

This room serves as the dining room, sitting room and general communal area for the guests.  Despite its vast size, the arrangement of comfortable chairs around a fireplace with books and games makes this a very pleasant area to relax in. In the warmer months the large doors would be opened up onto the terrace and breakfast or evening drinks could be quite happily taken there.

Ad Astra has is home to seven rooms on the main first floor of the villa, and two immersed in the Torrigiani gardens.  There were very few guests when we stayed so were given a choice of rooms.  We were very tempted by one of the garden rooms, but being winter, dark by early evening and relatively cold we opted for the easiness of being within the main house.  All of the rooms are individually designed with a mix of styles from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s with lots of Florentine influence.

Our spacious room of pale blue walls was adorned with stars and tiny plates. Thick heavy curtains and sumptuous blue velvet chairs, and a large an very comfortable bed made it very cosy despite the very high ceilings!  Surfaces were filled with books and snow globes and vases and bottles made from paper. Each room has its own roll top bath and ours was no exception, a large cast iron bath took pride of place.  The bathroom was in a turret.  I’m annoyed with myself now for not taking a picture it, because it was really quite unique, large sinks, luxury toiletries and walls covered in dark grey wallpaper and brilliant hydrangeas.

 

Breakfast is a delight.  On our first morning we were the only guests and we were spoilt with mellow, freshly brewed coffee, sweet pastries, fruit, yogurts meats and cheeses. Everything tasted just as delicious as it looked.  One of the lovely touches of the hotel is that cakes and fruit are left out with coffee and tea for guests to help themselves to throughout the day.

 

I love quirky and Ad Astra is full of quirks, not least the many paper sculptures and creations in the communal areas and the bedrooms.  One of the owners of Ad Astra is Betty Soldi an internationally accomplished calligrapher and graphic designer.  Her work is evident throughout the house with words written in her unique and sweeping feature on all Ad Astras branding.  She has a shop not far from the hotel which unfortunately was closed when we were there but should I go back to Florence would definitely make sure I visited.

For us Ad Astra ticked all the boxes we look for when staying away from home.  A little bit of luxury, unusual and quirky, delicious breakfasts and situated in an area with local restaurants and other places within easy walking distance.  We would happily return.

 

 

To find out more about the fabulous Ad Astra, visit their website here.

 

 

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