We have used AirBnB to travel A LOT, since the years of blow-up mattresses in someone's spare room.
But I believe what we experienced at Martina's was the true spirit of what the platform was meant to be; it was an intimate look as someone's personal space, their art, books, interests and well, that was just SO COOL. We get weary of the sterile decor and cookie-cutter places. Not so here.
The communication was wonderful start to finish, and when our times to meet and check in didn't align, our host found a solution. The building - frescos on the stairwell, architecture with a central courtyard. The apartment was old Tuscany, and new - a converted building hosted by a person who really lived there. With deep stone and deep heavy beams, it was comfortably decorated with books, books, books, and it was likely that our host read them all, posed for the sculptures and knew the artists who created the paintings. It was just NEAT. A stove where you had to shut the gas off at the wall (a first time for me, and I cook), a rough-hewn dinner table build for a family. A L-shaped floor plan with delightful cubbies and mysterious indenting (what WAS that used for hundreds of years ago? The mind flies!) Big windows with a view of the roofs, large white linens that would blow in the afternoon breezes shading from the sun. So just, Tuscany.
What a treat for anyone who remembers what AirBnB was like when you went places, made friends, and got to know locals. And that BATHTUB, after three weeks of showers...priceless. Thank you Martina. Your support and joy fueled the last days of our trip with authenticity. Thank you for sharing your graceful home. (Ciao!* friend)