We lived in Florence for a year and stayed in an apartment for two, six week periods in the 1980's and 1990's. We know and love Florence and, without a doubt, staying in Elena's apartment for five weeks was one of the best experiences we have had. As mentioned in all of the other reviews, the location could not be better. We could easily visit all of the museums and churches, which are all an easy walk from the apartment, and even return for lunch and a nap before heading out in the afternoon. In other words, the location makes a visit to Florence easy and relaxing, two words not often used when describing a visit to the cultural center of Italy. While we were there we had several house guests and often had as many as four people for dinner or lunch and the space and the adequate kitchen worked very well. We consider ourselves to be fine cooks and the famous San Ambrosia and Central food markets, as well as many very good, small food and wine markets, are an easy walk from the apartment.
The best thing about the apartment is that it is built on the roof of the Palace with wonderful views of all of Florence from San Miniato al Monte (by looking around the corner) all the way around to Santa Croce the Duomo, Campanile, Orsanmichele, the Badia, the Bargello and the Palazzo Vechia. The terrace is comfortable and is dominated by Brunnelleschi's dome and the wonderful variety of the bells of Florence. Although the elevator only goes to the floor just below the apartment, we, being older and having some knee problems, had no trouble, whatsoever, negotiating the easy stairs to the apartment.
And, of course, Elena was the perfect host, not intrusive, very helpful and always available. She is a gentle spirit and we hope that we have made, in her, a long term friend in Florence.