Oh my!!! Our family of eight has just finished a three week adventure to Italy and our stay at Angeli Maison was the most amazing of our accommodations (though it was a tough choice…we were very blessed.) We had never booked through Air BnB, but if this is indicative of their quality, we’re hooked. This is a most definite case of the pictures, though beautiful, not doing justice. (The price was so reasonable that we thought there must be some confusion!) Super fun and convenient neighborhood near San Spirito and was an easy walk to the historic center, even with kids. (Word to the wise though….if you are trying to rush your family to San Miniato for a Gregorian chant Mass on Sunday morning, very doable but give yourself closer to 45 minutes for the walk. We’re on our kids’ hit list for this one!)

This apartment is stunning, historic, and you may feel like you are in a dream. (Those painted walls and chandeliers are breathtaking!) The entry hall is magnificent, the bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect, the kitchen very workable and easy to use. (In fact, we were very tired and ended up eating in each night and relaxing in the charming living room and dining room. This was not a chore, but a gift. It is air conditioned so that helped with the warm Florence weather. Quite helpful also to have a washing machine.

However, as gorgeous as this apartment is, I need to get to the highlight: the most gracious welcome by Elly! (…and wonderful preceding communication by email.) As well, we had got turned around trying to avoid the ZTL zone and were late. We felt badly, but she would hear nothing of it and made us feel as if we were long awaited family. Elly offered to have a private chef prepare dinner for our arrival. We feasted on bruchetta, pork, pasta, sautéed zucchini and carrots and ice cream for dessert. (And the wine was chilled!) It was so generous in proportions that we used this as a basis for our dinners the next two nights. Very, very reasonably priced. (By the way, the owners of the apartment also have an agriturismo so their wines are set out for you to purchase on a beautiful cabinet and you just leave the money in a little box. They were only 5 to 10 euros per bottle and just delicious!)

If you can imagine this, she had our family enter the apartment together to a beautifully set table and more than a dozen lit candles. Elly and her friend, who is a chef, were the most lovely, beautiful, warm ladies. This will be a memory we will cherish forever.

If you are considering this apartment, do not hesitate….you do not want to miss out. The only possible way it could have been better is for us to have been able to stay longer☺ We will be back….thank you so much Elly and friends!