Post the lengthy, rose-filled evenings of summer, autumn delivers an understand appeal like no other. Burnt-orange landscapes, crisp sunlight and wood-smoked aromas invite cosy days when we can be extra indulgent and take on a new form post summer’s hangover. It’s also a time to explore destinations anew that inimitably rock autumn’s appeal. And so, farewell for now the Balearic Islands, South of France and all you Aegean delights! Hello, Europe’s culture-rich cities, alpine treasures and expansive rural treasures…
Our attention is therefore to Tuscany in line with House of Kip’s founder and director Henry Hopcroft’s own recent Italianate exploration to Florence and beyond.
“Rolling landscapes, vibrant sunsets and with Florence as a capital city, I can’t think of anywhere better in Europe to visit come autumn”, comments Henry. “From its food, sophistication and obsession with design, everything about Florence is sensational. It’s fair to say I fell in love.”
Nothing rang truer than Henry’s own discovery of Riva Lofts – a fabulous boutique hotel oozing with modern design and rustic elegance. Located discreetly on the riverbanks of Florence’s Arno River and a stone’s throw from the Oltrarno area, Riva Lofts is a collection of buildings, once home to the Alinary family collection. Thought once to also be a factory dating from the 1880s, the land was later transformed into a group of artisan workshops, truly evoking Florence’s cultural history, character and craft.
Brought to life by visionary Italian architect Claudio Nardi of Claudio Nardi Architects in 1999, Riva Lofts still remains one of the most-beautiful illustrations of revived, contemporary design. Light-filled spaces and double-height proportions deliver notes of grandeur whilst its history is ever present by raw brick and reclaimed-stone walls, paired with locally sourced Italian marble. Contemporary form is further exemplified by contrasting ‘floating’ staircases that effortlessly connect the hotel’s spaces.
Modern-day artworks, statement antiques and a magnificent furniture collection complements the interiors. Particularly so in the communal lounge space, boasting pieces that range from Louis XIV to Mies van der Rohe. Against a scene of roaring fireplaces and extensive, the hotel is undoubtedly a masterpiece in its own right for its guests to enjoy.
With ten suites in total, each room has been designed with its own character. Our own favourite is Room 4, comparable to the expanse of a small apartment. With floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the Arno, it’s a delight and undoubtedly romantic. The theme of good design is ever-present here with chic grey hues and statement modern furniture. Across all rooms, luxury is abound with gorgeous Replica by Maison Margiela bath products and AquaFlor fragrances… Could it be more Italian?
Outside, a hedge-lined secret garden awaits to invite guests to relax and simply be – whether lounging, enjoying its spectacular sandstone pool or divulging in its fabulous honesty bar. Riva Lofts also has partnerships with the very best local therapists and stylists should pampering be the order of the day. If action is more your thing, the hotel offers guests use of their 1950s bikes to explore Florence and surrounding localities, just as the Italians do.
There are many words for Riva Lofts, however, if we were to give just one, it’s undeniably, bellissimo!
Riva Lofts, Via Baccio Bandinelli, 98, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy
rivalofts.com
Photography by Daniela Marchi, Elena Fabris and Lavelli
