Thursday, September 8, 2011

Our Rental in Vienna

First a little background......Since we'll be in Vienna, Austria for a short time (9 months) we needed to find a furnished place.  When I first realized this I was disappointed because I really wanted an unfurnished place.  Why?  I wanted to decorate it, silly!!  I already had the vision created and it was going to be cool, urban and funky.  

But, reality kicked in, and with a newborn and a toddler (and not to mention only 9 months) and how realistic would this be?

Everyone told us to look outside of Vienna mainly because it's better for families, more space, more land and it'll be cheaper.  I was attracted to cheaper part, but, we won't have a car.  And, I didn't want to be stuck in a house all day.

Besides, I'm a city girl at heart.  I mean we have a chance to go to Vienna and I want to be where all the action is!!

While searching, I found Viennese apartments that were suitable, but I have to say they were so poorly decorated I just couldn't bring myself to even consider them.  I guess you can say I'm a snob that way.  But, I wanted it all - great district, walking distance from everything, true Viennese character (herringbone floors and high ceilings), and large windows with potential for a lot of light.

I know a pipe dream.

Then, one day I found it!! It was like the clouds opened up and choir started to sing!!  It was over our price range, but we decided to talk to owners hoping that a longer rental of 9 months would be a bargaining chip to negotiate an affordable price.  It turns out that it was!  The owners are incredible (American and Austrian) who live in Maryland, but spend their Christmas and summer holidays in Vienna.  They have two small children and it all just clicked.

The kicker??  The location is killer (6th district right - one block from the 1st district) in the Museumsquartier next to Naschmarkt (most popular food and flea market) and three blocks from my son's school and walking distance to the University (my husband's work).  I mean - does it get any better??

Our apartment is in a historically protected building and has a elevator.  This was important (not a deal breaker) but since I will have stroller, a baby, a toddler and groceries to carry this will make life easier.  This is the foyer of our apartment building....


Aren't the details gorgeous?  A little different from the cape cod that I'm living in right now! :)  The first thing that attracted me to this apartment were the floors - yes, ladies and gentlemen, the apartment has herringbone floors!!


This is the living room.  And, below is the other side of this room which is the eating/dining area.  Love those large windows!!


Below is the master.  I like how everything is sparsely decorated and not cluttered.  You really enjoy the architectural elements of the apartment.  How about those french doors leading on to the living room!


The children's room.  This will be Luke's room - he nearly fell off his chair when he saw the playscape in the bedroom!!  


And, the kitchen!  This kitchen is considered quite modern and large for a european city! I am so happy we have a little table and chairs where we can have breakfast in the mornings!


So, those are all the pictures for the moment!  I'm just so thankful we found this apartment in such a great location (walking distance from everything).  I'm looking forward to sharing our time over there with you all!!  Can't wait!

16 comments:

  1. I cannot believe how perfect this is Fran! You must be over the moon with excitement now that the biggest decision has been made (where to live). So happy for you!!!

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  2. Oh my goodness Fran, it's perfect! Isn't it amazing how things just "click" sometimes. I cannot get over how gorgeous the foyer is...and the herringbone floors, lucky girl.

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  3. wow, that place could not be more perfect!! So....when are you taking guests? Can I put my name on that list :)

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  4. Fran, it looks like it just couldn't get any better! Gorgeous place, great area. I'm glad you went for city living. So worth it to be able to walk everywhere. (I wouldn't give it up for the world!)
    Camille

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  5. P.S. you are not a snob! I'd feel exactly the same way.

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  6. You are a girl after my own heart. I'd surely sacrifice space to be able to live in the heart of the city, especially if my space looked like THAT! I'm so glad you were able to get everything you wanted and more!

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  7. Amazing! I can't wait to follow along on your adventure!

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  8. WOW!!! These photos look like they could be out of a magazine. The foyer is amazing, the living room, the kids room - it's beautiful. Can't wait to see and hear more about it - what a great opportunity. I also gave your hallway update a little shout out today. Hope you have a great weekend.

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  9. This place is insanely beautiful! Those floors are amazing! And so much space! It really looks roomy! I must say, I'm with Luke... that playscape in his room is awesome! So darn excited for you and your family!
    -ME xo

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  10. Wow- how exciting! This apartment is gorgeous. The floors are stunning and the details and history are amazing! What an exciting time for you and your family! :) Happy weekend!

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  11. OH MY GOSH, Fran! This is such a gorgeous space! Congratulations! Clearly this was fated!

    And Luke is excited, but I would be too over that playscape! Imaging swinging the day away. How fun!

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  12. Fran, the place is just gorgeous. I am dying over the entry and the floors (and that playscape too)! And I'm just so happy that it met all your needs. It really was meant to be, and I'm so excited to "follow" you on your adventure there!

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  13. How exciting! Can't wait for all those posts to come!! Congrats on finding what you wanted:)

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  14. It's amazing Fran, I'm so happy for you. What a dream come true to have this adventure to look forward to.

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