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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Florence Review 5364: Sleep In Italy, Santa Reparata Garden House
2bed/2bath apartment near Santa Maria Novella, Florence 
When2-6 July 2012, 4 nights LocationThis little house was a gem. Situated at the end of a garden in the middle of the city, it was very quiet and peaceful. The house was reached by entering a street door on the rather featureless via Santa Reparata, walking through a corridor with some apartment doors off, and then out into the garden through a metal(lockable) gate. The house looked out onto the patio and garden and, from upper floors, down into other gardens either side. There were some apartment windows facing the house but it felt very private. Nearby AmenitiesIt was about five minutes walk to the Mercato Centrale, where we shopped for delicious fresh produce for our breakfasts and lunches on the terrace. There was a bakery with lovely bread sold by weight on the next corner and a small Spar supermarket for essentials about five minutes walk. There were plenty of restaurants within a short stroll. The House/ApartmentThe building was entered through double French windows at the front. This led straight into a dining/lounge area and there was a semi-open plan kitchen to the right. A flight of open stairs led to the next floor, with a bathroom (with tub with shower over, bidet, toilet and sink) off the landing and another door leading to a double bedroom (with a balcony overlooking the garden). A slightly steep flight of stairs ran from this landing up to the second, twin, bedroom. There was no door to this room - it was galleried to the upper stairs but was still very private. Sound did not carry much between the floors. There was an en suite shower room with toilet and sink in this upper room and large 'porthole' windows to the front. You can view the property directly: Santa Reparata Garden House. GardenThe property description included a private patio. There was a patio, with a table and benches, but also a pretty and private garden with flowers in bloom. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe apartment was very clean and well furnished. The furniture was practical rather than stylish but adequate to our needs. There was a convertible sofa in the living area and two other comfortable chairs plus a dining set seating four. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe beds in both rooms were firm but comfortable and we all slept well. There was adequate storage for clothes. There were air conditioning units in the two bedrooms. We closed the shutters when we were out which helped to keep it cool and there was a fan for occasional use in the living area. The bathrooms were clean and tiled with adequate towels supplied. KitchenThere was a good fridge and separate small freezer. We used the hob for coffee making but did not use the oven. There was adequate and good quality crockery. Agency and Representatives (and price)This is the second time I have used Sleep in Italy and it was another efficient, painless booking procedure. I had given our projected arrival time via Pisa to the agency, then texted Cristina, the owner, when we were on the train from Pisa to Florence. It is about 10 minutes walk from the station. Cristina was waiting at the street door for us; she showed us the house and told us about the supermarket. I paid €150 (€140 base rate plus €10 for the extra person) in July plus an end of let cleaning fee of €48. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?I would happily stay here again and recommend the property. It was ideal for out party of myself and two teenage girls - they had the top floor as their private domain. It is a wonderful house for the summer - my only qualification may be that as the back wall is solid (i.e., no windows), it might feel a bit dark in the winter months. The second flight of stairs may be a challenge to those with mobility issues. Things to do in this areaIt was wonderfully placed for all the sights with a short walk to the Accademia or to the Duomo yet very peaceful and quiet. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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