We loved the old-world charm of this gracious family apartment in an ancient palazzo (with elevator) a couple of blocks away from the crazy tourist congestion near the Ponte Vecchio. Sitting on the terrace with a late afternoon drink we relished the lush garden view. The two-tiered, high-ceilinged living room was comfortable. The master and second bedroom were large and well-proportioned. The third bedroom was small, but pretty. Pillows and mattresses were typical for Italy and not terribly cushy. Three bathrooms allowed four of us welcome privacy. We could have cooked(but didn't) full meals in the well-appointed kitchen (though it's time to replace the temperamental microwave). In our four-day stay the water heater stopped working twice. After we messaged Antonio at 1:30 pm he came at 5 and fixed it. The next day when it went out again we were able to follow his instructions and fix it again. Cristina and Antonio are superb and friendly hosts with excellent English. In early October Florence is intensely busy with tourists ( forget the weather and come in non-holiday winter if you really want to enjoy the art), but staying in this apartment offered a feeling of really living in a present imbued with the beauty of the past.