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!