We heard from Francesco and his mum (looking after the apartment while he was away) before we set off, and when we arrived she helped direct us to the apartment and met us along the way. There is a private beach just below the apartment which is beautiful and so convenient, although Taormina town is a 40 minute walk, or 10 minute bus ride away.
We had a couple of small issues when we arrived (we weren't sure how to use the wifi, and then found the router didn't have a charge cable included) however when we told Francesco's mum she was round to help us out within 20 minutes! So helpful!
All the appliances in the apartment are new and work perfectly (the shower is fantastic!), and the apartment is really spacious and is much bigger in real life than the pictures appear
Overall, great value for money and I'd definitely recommend the apartment and the hosts!