I have just enjoyed the best part of two months in Simone's lovely apartment. Having visited in April, I knew it would be ideal as a base for an extended work-related stay. Simone is the perfect host - welcoming, helpful, he bent over backwards to provide what I needed, to advise and to sort out any issues (or his niece Giulia is on hand). When it suddenly got cold, Giulia arrived with a duvet, and instructions for the new heating, which I found tricky at first, although it is straight forward, and a little noisy. Equally as important, you are left to enjoy the apartment. Simone made me feel that it was my home.

The apartment is bright and room, in an ideal location on the Oltrarno, within walking distance of all the major sites. The three flights of steps helped to keep me fit! The Piazza della Passera below is vibrant, with restaurants, including the famous 4Leone and the vegetarian Cinque (the area is teeming with good trattorie); a popular gelateria with unusual flavours (though I confess that Carraia remains my favourite gelateria), and a friendly local bar. It can be a little noisy at times, especially when there is a Festa, but that buzziness is also part of its charm and it never bothered me. The kitchen/living room, overlooking a courtyard and an historic skyline, is tranquil, very comfortable and well equipped. The nearby supermarket and shops offer all you need. There also is a market some days in Piazza Santo Spirito.
I cannot recommend the apartment highly enough, and was very sad to leave. Thank you again, Simone! I look forward to the next time…. a presto!