Brunelleschi’s Neighbour

Piazza della Signoria is a one-minute walk from the front door, and Ponte Vecchio is a five-minute stroll – this seventh-floor apartment in Florence's historic centre puts the city's greatest hits entirely on foot. Getting up there is easy, too, thanks to a modern elevator that's a rarity for buildings this central. The main suite is the headline: a mezzanine perch with direct views over the Duomo and the Baptistery, plus a freestanding bathtub for when the sightseeing is done. Each of the three bedrooms has its own en-suite, so there's real independence for everyone staying.

Home truths:
* The apartment sits within Florence's restricted traffic zone (ZTL), so you won't be able to drive directly to the door. If you're arriving by car, you'll need to use a nearby private garage that registers your licence plate – without this, you risk a fine. The apartment is straightforward to reach by train to Santa Maria Novella, then a ten-minute walk or short taxi ride.
* The master bedroom is semi-open to the space above, so privacy is limited.
* While not all bathrooms are photographed, expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.