Spanish filmmaker Albert Moya’s Unlikely Home in Florence
Two years ago, Spanish filmmaker Albert Moya found himself in Florence, visiting a friend who had unexpectedly become the caretaker of a large family estate left empty after the passing of a famous Italian writer. What started as a casual visit turned into a unique living situation for Moya, who stumbled upon an unusual residence in the southwestern Florentine hills.
Moya, known for creating videos for luxury brands like Loewe and Louis Vuitton, had originally come to Italy to work on the script for his debut feature film. However, after discovering a 2,475-square-foot apartment in Florence, he decided to stay and write in solitude.
The apartment, situated on the second floor of a 14th-century Tuscan estate once owned by the Medicis, was filled with unique architectural details and a rich history. The previous occupant, an Italian soccer player with a keen eye for design, had left behind a space adorned with shiny wood paneling and Renaissance-era frescoes.
Moya, known for his minimalist aesthetic, decided to keep the apartment free of furniture and adornments, opting for a pure and serene living environment. With the help of architect Guillermo Santomà, the space was transformed into a productive oasis, with areas dedicated to work, relaxation, and creativity.
From a conversation pit surrounded by wool-covered pillows to a bedroom with a low mattress covered in alpaca fur, every corner of the apartment was carefully curated to inspire focus and tranquility. Moya even installed a large editing station in the living room, resembling a futuristic movie set.
Despite the cinematic quality of his Florence abode, Moya plans to shoot his debut feature in a summer house on the Costa Brava. However, the serene atmosphere of his Italian home has provided him with the inspiration and solitude needed to bring his creative vision to life.
As Moya continues to write and work in his unique Florentine residence, he finds solace in the quiet hills overlooking the historic city. With the sun setting behind the hills and a floating plexiglass light sculpture illuminating his space, Moya has found a sense of peace and creativity in his unlikely Italian home.
