To put it bluntly: stay here. Don't hesitate. I looked at every listing in Florence and this was the most beautiful- and the reality exceeded my expectations. Francesca and Claudio are the kindest people you will meet in Florence. I arrived to fresh fruit and juice and fresh flowers in many rooms.
The couple are both architects and specialize in historical restoration, and the Palazzo Wilson-Gattai reflects their talented attention to detail. Somehow they have balanced elegance with warmth, and have respected all the elements of the past while ensuring modern comfort. If you want a chill, bland modern residence, this is not the place for you. But if you want to live ducally, a true Florentine experience, you cannot do better.
Now the practical aspects: there is a lift in the building which is lovely when wrestling baggage; a dishwasher and washing machine and microwave. Also a huge marble tub- ok that doesn't sound so practical but when your muscles are aching from miles of walking all over Florence, a hot soak in this remarkable tub will be just the thing. The mattresses are comfortable an the place is kept spotless.
Tall palatial bedroom windows open over the gem of a walled garden containing lemon trees and, I hear, a tortoise, though I didn't get to make her acquaintance this time.
Children are made welcome here. I stayed alone, but I am a mother of eight so I would stay here with children without hesitation.
The location is perfetto- about a 15 minute walk to the center of things, on a quiet street in a safe neighborhood (Florence is a safe city), and across the street from a lovely park, the Piazza named after Massimo D'Azeglio. Fun and safe playground equipment and nice people.
A grocery store is about a 5 minute walk away. I used RadioTaxi when necessary and they served me well, usually showing up within 5 minutes.
One tip: I had considered renting a car and driving- I am so very glad I did not. I am a solid driver who drives comfortably in New York- but Florence with its narrow, byzantine, and myriad one ways and its fast impatient drivers would have been beyond me. A Taxi from the airport is about 30 euro, and well worth it.
I honestly can't think of any way in which this beautiful home could be improved.
I came to Florence to visit my daughter; I left with two dear new friends. Grazie, Francesca e Claudio! Dio vi benedica entrambi, e arrivederci!