We had the privilege and luck to be Valentina’s second guests here. We came to Florence for two weeks and stayed a month. The apartment is gorgeous in one of the best locations in Florence.

Valentina is a kind, considerate and wonderful host. She says her English is poor but she is a communicator and we never had any trouble understanding one another, although our Italian is non-existent.

The apartment is downstairs from Valentina, but completely separate with only a shared entry and hallway. It is very secure from the street, with entry through huge typical Florentine double doors.It has a marvellous large terrace (the only one in the building) with pot plants. Pleasant in November it must be wonderful earlier in the year. The terrace overlooks the garden of a four star hotel and it is very quiet and peaceful here. The apartment is a generous size with a sitting room/bedroom: the bed screened off. There is a large kitchen (the original main kitchen, well-equipped) and an adjoining dining room with rustic table and chairs. Full length double doors with antique fittings open from here and the bed area onto the terrace. The view out to the garden is delightful making it a pleasure to be at home even when there is so much to see

The spotless bathroom offers modern fittings with interesting old pieces to charm and delight. The toilet is separate, small but functional. The bed is a matrimonial and very comfortable.

Valentina has a design flair. The apartment is newly renovated. The furniture is old but quirky and cleverly selected and the decorations are exquisite and tasteful. The photographs show the apartment as it is but still don’t do it justice.

The location is perfect. We decided on Santa Croce because of its renown as a food and wine area, but the apartment is also very close to all major attractions. The Duomo can be seen at the end of the street: walk to the Bargello, the Palazzo Vecchio or the Uffizi Gallery. Local fresh food, morning market and flea market shops, with good shoes, clothes, ceramics, jewellery and art all nearby.

Couldn’t recommend this more highly, particularly if you are staying for a while. Certainly we’ll be back.