Renaissance Spires

A private terrace in the centre of Florence is a rare find, and this ground-floor home has one accessible directly from both bedrooms – ideal for morning coffee before the city wakes up. The parquet-floored living space is also an inviting place to unwind, with a kitchen set up for everything from a quick breakfast to a proper Florentine feast – a great excuse to visit the Mercato Centrale. Step out the door and you're instantly immersed in Renaissance Florence – the Santa Maria Novella church is just around the corner, and it's a ten-minute walk to the Duomo.

Home truths:
* You're on the ground floor in central Florence, so the courtyard and both bedrooms will be at street level. This home stays pleasantly quiet despite its proximity to Santa Maria Novella station, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're a light sleeper.
* The twin beds in the main bedroom can be pushed together to make a king-size bed – ask your host in advance if you'd prefer that configuration.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair on request.
* Your host asks you to respect quiet hours between 11pm and 7am.