If you seeking an eclectic experience where you are thrown back in time regarding the 1980s then this palazzo guest house is your place of nostalgic overload. Casa Howard comes from a background of elite fashion and design heritage.
In its hay day, each room was designed by Jenifer Howard Forneris. Who’s father was Luciano Forneris the former director of Vogue and LÓfficiel. Back in the 60’s and 70’s he was one of the main designers and producers of high fashion textiles.
With a heritage as this when you discover the world of Casa Howard Guest House, you will quickly discover that all these experiences were then transformed into each room full of high-end interior design, quality atelier fabrics, and endless attention to detail when it comes to furnishing and photography.
Home is where the heritage is and Casa Howard embraces this philosophy to its core. No two rooms are the same for me it is actually more like a museum of memorabilia which is a rare treat in itself.
It is now under the management of the fourth generation brainchild. Bonifico Leonardi is only 27 years old and can only be described as the forwarding thinking millennial.
Who’s mission and attention to detail trying to find the balance of modernising the guest house without compromising its history. His commitment to continuing his mother’s legacy is an overwhelming sense of love and dedication to her. Therefore as a hotel reviewer, I experienced one of the most unusual stays to date.
Location
The location is great only a ten-minute walk from the station and regarding central Florence, it is literally around the corner. The high-end boutique are a five-minute walk. Gallery Uffizi is less than ten minutes away everything here is at your fingertips.
First Impressions
There is no reception area that instantly gives you an impression of walking into your own home. But when opening the door to what can only be described as stepping back in time. I truly can see the haute couture heritage and passion of generations gone before Bonifico Leonardi. Who left a lasting impact regarding what once was deemed a revolutionary concept regarding hospitality.
There is a small courtyard where I could seat and take in Casa Howard. There is a lot to take in regarding interior design and amazing samples of his great grandfather textiles. The forgotten art of atelier and fabrics one can only dream of now thanks to fast fashion.
The Library Room
It is exactly as it is described I stepped into what is called the library room. Endless shelves of books surrounding me. It reminded me of when this trendy interior design was used way back in the 90’s. I felt like I was back at school but in this case, the books and photography told a very different story.
The large working desk with worn-out leather glued on reminded me of how much money would have been spent to capture one’s imagination. As I discovered each section I instantly felt like I was in a room full of educational history.
The bed linen was lovely and the king-size bed was very comfortable. To be able to peer out of the double glazed windows was nice to. Even though it’s a busy side street it gave me a feel of how Florentine people go out and about in their everyday lives.
One of my favorite art pieces would have to be the Loui Vuitton Classic poster. In its time this would have been bang on trend and super cool to have in the room. As I lied down on a very fluffy fabric I could truly grasp I was more lounging in someone room apposed to a hotel stay.
Regarding role play and photoshoot opportunities, Casa Howard Guest House is an Instagram throwback in time place. I had so much fun pretending to dress up and be in an era I grew up in as a child.
As an editor of my own magazine this room suited me well.
Bathroom Full Of Mirrors
I remember this era where the more mirrors one chose to have in their bathroom the edgier you were deemed.
Riding Through Florence
Florence is a city to explore on a bike. It is a bike-friendly city with endless history overload. Take the time to explore it at your own leisure and don’t forget to drive through the leather markets and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. You can rent a bike just as at reception, the bikes are new and look very funky too.
Conclusion
A hotel stays all comes down to hospitality. In talking to Bonifico Leonardi who has a wealth of heritage to talk about regarding the guest house.
Throughout the guest house take the time to explore the photos, furniture and atelier that can only be discovered here. This place is a quirky one and will not suit the traditional person. You have to use your imagination and accept it’s charm and character for what it is. Home is where the heart and soul is and Casa Howard Guesthouse has plenty of that.
Details
- Room reviewed:
- Website: www.casahoward.com
- Address: Via della Scala, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Phone: +39 055 709 4605
