A change of plans found us unexpectedly arriving in Florence a couple of days before Christmas and by great good fortune, we found this astonishing apartment. Simply the most beautiful place we've ever stayed -- and we've stayed in a lot of lovely places in a lot of different countries. These rooms with their fine old decorations and furniture made us feel like we were living in a dream of another age (except with wifi and hot running water!). Wonderful comfortable bed, modern bathroom, a small but perfectly adequate kitchen and good heating add practical comforts to the glorious chandeliers and painted ceilings. Oh, and the lift -- a boon for getting our heavy luggage upstairs. The area has lots of amenities -- San Ambrogio Market offers abundance daily, plus a choice of supermarkets etc nearby -- and is a short walk to the Duomo, Uffizi, etc. I cannot speak too highly of our hosts Francesca and Claudio, their friendly kindness and patience. Truly a unique experience!