We stayed in quite a few different accommodations during our multi-city family trip through Italy, and this was one of our favorites! The unusual, quiet and secure location is an excellent example of the amazing experiences you can have staying with locals. This apartment is in a large, historic building that wraps around a walled courtyard garden. The owners, Anna and Isabella, are slowly restoring the garden in accordance with local historic ordinances. The garden itself is peaceful and totally secure, so I felt safe letting my 10 yr old daughter run around to play with the cat as she is normally able to in our big yard at home (the cat should be listed as an amenity!!!) Because of the historic ordinances, the only way to access this garden to sip espresso at your own personal cafe table in the shade is to book it on AirBnB. I’m a garden designer, and this was absolutely the perfect way to experience Florence!
This location is ideal, in a sort of garden district across the bridge from the center of the old town. The garden gates open literally right across the street from the side entrance to Boboli. You can skip the ticket line at Pitti Palace and access Boboli directly at this entrance, particularly on Monday when Pitti and all the museums are closed, but Boboli is open.
We were there in June, but the tourist crowds were already quite thick and we found this peaceful side street and garden to be both close enough to easily walk to all the historic sites across the river, as well as just far enough that the shops and restaurants right around the immediate area weren’t too crazy. There is some unique and delightful shopping right on this street as well. It is also a short walk to Torriggiani garden, which is accessible through private tours arranged in advance.
The hostesses are warmly welcoming, speak very fluent English (and garden, if you’re interested in plants) and were immediately responsive when we had questions about the A/C and checkout. The *only* caution I have about this location is accessibility: the apartment is on three levels, so there are definitely some stairs involved. But the character of the place can’t be beat. I would not hesitate to stay here again, and plan to recommend it to other garden designers I know who may be thinking of visiting Florence.