Host, Antonio, welcomed us in a warm and friendly way and told us about the history of the ex-laboratorio. The residence is well-located in the Santo Spirito area (Oltr’arno) in walking distance to a lively piazza and an array of eating and drinking venues to suit most tastes. It is situated on the ground floor of an aged apartment building so we were able to easily carry our luggage into the residence. Once inside the residence, there is a small step. The residence is cool, spacious and open- plan with reception and living rooms, combined dining and kitchen and two distinct bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is tastefully and comfortably furnished and beautifully curated with antiques, curios, books and interesting artefacts that speak of the host’s worldliness, cultural knowledge and broad life experience. Among the little extras that Antonio provided was an array of teas, coffee capsules, conserves and drinks trolley. The kitchen is compact but well-equipped for short stays and includes a Lavazza coffee maker. The bedrooms have ceiling fans. The rear of the residence faces onto an inner courtyard equipped with table and chairs which provides light and ventilation to the rooms facing towards it.
I would be less than honest if I did not mention that the residence lacks cross-ventilation due to the lack of windows on three sides. It also has a chiaroscuro ambience that may not suit some. However, we had no issues with these aspects of the space given the access to the courtyard, the rear windows and the ceiling fans. The chiarscuro ambience provided character and uniqueness to this artistic space. Overall, Antonio’s residence was the quietest, most tranquil and well-curated space in which we have stayed in our many years of travel to Florence to visit family.