Barbara's place is a real gem hidden in the heart of Florence. You have access to basically everything (restaurants, cafés, a supermarket, etc.) you could ever need on a trip. Finding the place with Barbara's instructions went smoothly, and gaining entry into the flat was simple, too.
The building is pretty old, with the hall and stairs leading up to the flat a bit on the musty side. You need to understand and embrace the fact that all the original buildings in Florence were built ages ago, so you mustn't expect something totally modern. Flats like hers give you insight into how buildings were once built.
About the flat... TOTALLY remodelled, so it is the exact opposite of the stairwell. Immaculately clean, equipped with all the basic necessities, proper heating (we stayed there the end of November) and lovely décor, leaving you with the feeling that you are not staying in someone else's home, but your own home instead. The flat radiates the character and personality of both the host and her husband, thus lending it a real cosy feeling.
About the host...Sadly, we weren't given the chance to meet Barbara or her husband. If we had met them, we surely would have given them a big hug to thank them for their hospitality, their thoughtful touches (for example, a bottle of wine on the dining room table) and readiness to answer any questions we had about the area and flat.
We stayed a total of 3 nights to take part in the Florence marathon and celebrate the birthday of a dear marathon runner friend of ours. I highly recommend staying at Barbara's "hidden gem" if you wish to get a much more personal touch and homey atmosphere on your trip to Florence.
Jessica Placz (originally from the US, but living abroad in Hungary)