The small complex of buildings, seen from the Parco delle Cascine just across the river, seems almost like a hamlet originally from the Tuscan countryside, and yet, since the 19th Century it has been a factory, and then a group of artisan workshops, before serving in recent years as the architecture studio of Claudio Nardi, who is himself responsible for this latest transformation into a ‘guest residence’ in November 2006.

Claudio and his daughter Alice have decided to melt their variegated experiences, tastes, and life-styles to create a ‘place’ open to other influences as well; a home that is open to the modern ‘travellers,’ made of a sensitive mixture of materials, settings, furnishings, of antique objects and contemporary architectural details: a cross-sectional landscape for curious minds.

RIVA Lofts consists of 9 suites, each with independent entrance and 8 of which have kitchens. The suites differ in size from 30 to 100 square meters (300 to 1000 square feet) as well as in form and layout, some with private terraces, others opening directly onto the garden. A few have panoramic views toward the Parco or toward the imposing and elegant Cupola of Brunelleschi.

The fixtures and furnishings are also fruit of different combinations of deep, warm natural colors and materials, of refined antiques and austere modernist objects, the sentimental trophies of travels, and select contemporary art. All guests have access to the large cross-vaulted sitting room with bookcases and fireplace overlooking the private garden and the metaphysical swimming pool in white sandstone.

The hotel Riva Loft is located only at one about fifteen minutes the Ponte Vecchio or Fortezza da Basso, historical places going back for the first to the Renaissance and very original by its shops built on the bridge. As for the fortress, it goes up in 14th century and in addition to its historical side, it is a cultural place accommodating local manifestations and workshops, ideal for outings in evening.