This penthouse apartment in central Florence is an excellent base for a family trip. It’s a short stroll from Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce, and boasts incredible views of the city and the surrounding hills from two terraces. The views come at a price, though – this historic building, the 15th-century home to the embassy of the Duchy of Milan, has no lift. The central location puts you within a stone’s throw of some of the best restaurants in Florence, but if you’d like to recreate some top-notch cuisine a casa, your host has prepared a folder of family recipes for the well-equipped kitchen.

Home truths:
*Well-behaved pets are welcome to join you.
*This apartment is on the fourth floor of a building with no lift. There are eighty-six steps to reach the entrance of the home, so it may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. The apartment is spread over two floors.
*Bedroom two can be set up with a double bed or twins – just let your host know which you’d prefer when you book.
*Your host provides a full maid service. They can provide luggage storage on arrival and departure days. They’ve also arranged complimentary wine for your arrival.
*There’s a chance that there may be ongoing construction work in the area.
*The gardener visits on Thursdays from noon-1pm to tend to the plants on the terraces.