A Historic and Contemporary Home

By Editorial Staff - 2 October 2025
Vimar has participated in the project

Overlooking the Arno and a stone’s throw from Florence’s famed Old Bridge, this building was the final residence of Giuseppe Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon and former king of Naples and Spain. But its history actually predates the Napoleon family, stretching back to the 16^th century, when the powerful Medici court ambassador Lorenzo Serristori had it constructed. As is probably clear, the palazzo was named after him, becoming a repository of memories and traditions, having been designed for his family by Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo. Across the centuries, its splendid rooms have welcomed distinguished guests in countless different historical eras – from Pope Leo X to Giacomo Puccini, Queen Elena of Savoy and Lord Byron, as well as composers Gioachino Rossini, Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner.

After years of standing unused, Palazzo Serristori has been brought back to life through a sensitive and masterfully executed restoration by architect Adriana Novelli of AnDesignTeam. Spanning five floors, the former residence now houses 12 luxurious apartments, all within a lush park extending more than 3,000 sq. m. A splendid spa and a series of elegant pools add to the complex. Here, past and future blend idyllically, thanks to an innovative restoration that honors history while embracing modern living – preserving exquisite wall and ceiling frescoes, the majestic marble fireplaces, a rare, glazed terracotta stove and elegant Murano glass chandeliers.

Una dimora storica e contemporanea © Courtesy of Vimar

For the electrical systems and materials, the design team for the restoration turned to Vimar, an established Italian brand celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year and recipient of the prestigious Marchio Storico designation in 2021. At Palazzo Serristori, Vimar’s influence is most evident in the lighting solutions, including the sleek Eikon Exé line with minimalist traditional and Flat controls, chosen as it easily echoes the refined hues of the frescoed walls. The selected finishes alternate between gold, satin gold, matte white and anthracite gray, always chosen to ensure the required balance with the setting. Preserving the frescoes was paramount, which led to the addition of a KNX home automation system to optimally manage the lighting and climate control, with Vimar’s technology integrated seamlessly. The brand’s role did not stop here. It also outfitted the complex with a comprehensive security system, pairing the By-alarm Plus intrusion system with Elvox CCTV surveillance. Linked via a dedicated app, such a system allows for remote monitoring and real-time alerts, even tracking movement in various areas of the building.

Palazzo Serristori really embodies Vimar’s design philosophy: a contemporary touch that elevates a space without ever disrupting its spirit of place.