Hotel of the Week: La Réserve Firenze Transforms an Elegant 15th-Century Palazzo
Tucked away in Florence’s artisan enclave, the brand’s first Italian address boasts ornate traditional interiors filled with art and antiquities
Located in Florence’s historic Oltrarno district—an enclave cherished for its aristocratic heritage, artisan workshops, and energetic, bohemian pulse—La Réserve debuts its first Italian address: La Réserve Firenze, which officially opened on October 16. Set within a magnificent 15th-century palazzo on Via Santo Spirito, the residential-style retreat marks a thoughtful expansion for La Réserve founder Michel Reybier and his Private Homes collection.
The project is a deeply personal endeavor for Parisian entrepreneurs Olivia and Grégory Marciano, who acquired the property in 2022 after relocating to Tuscany with their family. Over four years, the couple partnered with acclaimed French design duo Gilles & Boissier to restore the structure of the building, balancing five centuries of Florentine architectural heritage with elegant living spaces designed to feel warm and lived in. “For us, this restoration was about honoring the soul of a building that has stood on Via Santo Spirito for five centuries, while making it feel truly like our own,” reflects Olivia. “Every decision, from opening up the light-filled volumes to placing each piece of art, came from that same instinct: respect for history, balanced with something deeply personal.”
The six expansive, one- to three-bedroom apartments (ranging up to 2,260 square feet) feature coffered ceilings, hand-restored frescoes by master Florentine craftsmen, traditional terracotta floors, and Siena travertine-lined bathrooms. One suite even boasts its own private rooftop terrace with sweeping views over Santo Spirito, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Arno River.
Adding to the personal, domestic feel is the Marcianos’s personal art collection, which is woven seamlessly throughout the spaces. Here, historic tapestries, antiquities sourced from the Fiera di Parma, and minimal, contemporary works are all interspersed together. “Our collection is really an extension of our life together,” notes Grégory. “It’s our way of sharing something of ourselves, and of Florence, with the people who stay,” adds Olivia.
Elevating the residential experience, shared spaces include a private library, a game room with billiards, a gym, and a lush, shaded garden patio. Guests can also enjoy hotel services, from house managers and bespoke Tuscan excursions to in-apartment dining served in partnership with the neighborhood trattoria Cammillo.