Just a glance at the gorgeous terrace views of the Duomo and Bell Tower will convey that Carlotta's place is special. Photos cannot convey, however, the airy size of the apartment. The ceilings soar. The floor plan is huge.
Little touches like lovely bed linens, vin santo wine (from her own vineyard!) and homemade biscotti, bottles of wine and Coke and water, coffee and sweets to get our days started, and even the fresh rosemary, bay leaves and other herbs were like something your best friend might leave for you.
And that is what Carlotta will become, if you're there for a little while. She checks in with you on the first day, after having introduced you to the house and terrace - just making sure you understand the WiFi password, how to turn on the mood lighting up in the atelier, if you would like her to make an appointment for dinner or a driver (and even a haircut for our 18 year old son!).
As our days extended, she still occasionally dropped a text to see if we needed anything, but she was not intrusive at all. She and the gentlementat the Osteria dell Olio restaurant downstairs have a great relationship. They spoiled us, even delivering meals - on crockery plates! - to the apartment.
My husband and I rented this large space for our college boy and ourselves, but it would be ideal for two couples traveling together. The girls could share the large bath with the amazing bathtub and ample counter space and storage. The guys would be fine with the shower-only bathroom. It was wonderful to have room to stretch out, and in rooms with sky high ceilings. That said, you will never want to leave the terrace or that upstairs atelier room! Perfection!