Our most popular Florence property is a charming little gem of a house right in the heart of Florence, which a rare find. Many repeat guests return year-after-year for a stay at Casetta Bonsi which set the "gold standard" for location, good value and high marks from our guests. The little terrace is one of the most admired features of this Florence apartment. Stroll two short blocks and you're at the famed Ponte Vecchio. This is an wonderful house in an extraordinary location, close to the action but situated in its own little piazza so that you can escape and relax on the terrace while listening to the sound of church bells tolling throughout majestic Florence. Because it is a private, standalone house, a rarity in a major city like Florence, guests have maximum privacy and quiet.

The Casetta Bonsi della Ruota house is an excellent home-away-from-home very near the famed Ponte Vecchio. Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated, you'll cherish the privacy and convenient access that this house offers. Cross the Ponte Vecchio going towards the Pitti Palace, take a quick left and walk up one steep block and you're home in two minutes after a morning of sightseeing, an afternoon of shopping, a long lunch (siesta anyone?). If you prefer, stroll down the street and enjoy an espresso at an outdoor cafe and people-watch. Just on the other side of the river is the famed Uffizi Gallery, only a five-minute walk from the house. The Duomo, Palazzo Signoria, Medici Chapel are only a few minutes walk away.

One of the most surprising aspects is that this is truly an independent house, on its very own little Piazza, the tiny "Piazza de' Bonsi ". It was built in 1890 by the Florentine Bonsi della Ruota family and was completely remodelled in 2002. As you enter the house, the living room and kitchen are to your right, and the staircase to the second floor is directly in front of you. The house has beautiful Italian terracotta tile throughout the main living area, a brand-new kitchen and bathroom with the latest appliances, as well as charming decorative touches throughout.

The spacious living room has a beautiful antique painted Venetian china cupboard, lovely Tuscan dining table and chairs, and a comfortable sofa that converts into two separate twin beds or a king-size bed (first hand experience attests that these are very comfortable beds!). Enjoy breakfast in the sleek kitchen if you prefer at the little counter that overlooks the private garden of the lovely villa next door. Off the kitchen is a small laundry room with washing machine.

The bedroom is upstairs with a dual king bed and beautiful Tuscan armoire and dresser. The bed can be made up as a king or as twins. Off the upstairs landing is the terrace where you can sip your morning espresso or sip a glass of Chianti as the sun sets over this dazzling city. The bathroom is beautifully appointed, clean white tile and Carrara marble, an enclosed shower, bidet, plenty of water pressure, lots of storage and halogen lighting.

We leave a selection of guidebooks for you to peruse and enjoy when you arrive.
Florence is a great city for walking, especially since car access was severely restricted within Florence a few years ago. Casetta Bonsi della Ruota provides a home for you in the very center of Florence, with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings accented by lovely Tuscan antiques.

The area offers many beautiful walks for exploring the less crowded parts of Florence, including the Forte di Belvedere and the beautiful Bardini Gardens, where Via dei Bardi becomes Via San Niccolo'. The Bardini Gardens and Villa Bardini were once part of the private estate of Signor Bardini, a wealthy antiquarian and have been recently restored.

Only a 5-minute walk is a handy small grocery store, Magi Market, which carries groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies.

The tina Piazza Bonsi directly in front of the apartment is used by local residents to park their motor scooters so you will inevitably hear the sounds of the scooter & motor bikes starting up and coming and going. This is typical in the historic center. Because the house is uphill one block it eliminates noisy pedestrians walking by as you often find in other parts of the historic center. Limited mobility travelers take note of the short hill.

This is a non-smoking house. No pets please.


Click on the floorplan for a larger view

Euros Price:
1-2 People High Season €1170/wk..€1105/6nt..€960/5nt..€905/4nt
1-2 People Low Season €1010/wk..€950/6nt..€830/5nt..€780/4nt
3-4 People High Season €1405/wk..€1325/6nt..€1155/5nt..€1085/4nt
3-4 People Low Season €1210/wk..€1140/6nt..€995/5nt..€935/4nt
4 NIGHT MINIMUM except Christmas, New Years 7 night minimum
Sorry no pets, no smoking

Bedrooms:
Sleeps 4: 1 large bedroom with king-sized bed on the upper floor. This can be made up as a dual king or as two twins. The sofa bed in living room converts to two twin beds; it is extremely comfortable. A portable crib is available upon request.

Bathrooms:
1 bathroom: Located on the second floor (1st floor European designation) off the landing and next to the master bedroom. It has a fully-enclosed shower, sink, toilet and bidet. The bathroom has ample storage space, towel bars and hooks. It is clean and modern with halogen lights and a large window that lets in plenty of light. Hairdryer provided.

No. of Guests:
Up 4 people.

Size:
800 square feet

Terrace:
There is a lovely little terrace off the upstairs landing with a small fountain, patio table and 2 chairs. This is a rarity in Florence; it is a treat to sit outside and enjoy breakfast or have a glass of wine in the evening to take in the skyline and view of the belltower of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Air Conditioning and Heat:
Air conditioning in the bedroom. Central heating.

Views:
Yes! From the upper floor views over the Florentine rooftops and even Arnolfo di Cambio's belltower of the Piazza della Signoria!

Washer/Dryer:
Washer - Yes, Dryer - No. There is a laundry room off the kitchen with a washing machine and utility sink. On the terrace there is a small clothesline and in the laundry room is a collapsible drying rack. Iron and ironing board provided.

Kitchen:
Full refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, combination microwave/small oven, toaster, drip coffee maker and Italian-style espresso pot.

Telephone and Internet Access:
A loaner cell phone is available for guest's use. Internet access is €4/day. Loaner computer upon request.

TV, DVD and CD Player:
TV with satellite receives English-language news channels. Multistandard DVD player and selection of movies in English. Bring your favorite CD's

Linens:
Bed linens and towels are provided.

Public Transportation:
Public transportation is nearby and excellent, but when you are only two blocks from the famed Ponte Vecchio, who needs buses? One block down the street on the Piazza Santa Maria Soprarno is the electric bus stop "C". Any of the major attractions are only a short walk from the house so the bus is not that necessary to get around.

Security:
A hotel-style safe is provided for your valuables.

Neighborhood:
On the southern side of the Arno River as you head towards the Pitti Palace, just two blocks from the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. It is one short steep block up hill on narrow Costa del Magnoli street off Piazza Santa Maria Soprarno leads up to tiny Piazza de' Bonsi where the house is located. Walk up one block and you will see the renowned Uffizi Gallery directly across the river. The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are nearby, a great place to relax and picnic after a busy morning of museums and shopping.

Within two blocks are a small grocery store, bakery, pizzeria, a public parking garage and dry cleaners. In the neighborhood are many wonderful cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops. Nearby is Via Guicciardini which has plenty of shopping, restaurants and leads from the Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. We can also recommend our favorite, not-too-touristy, restaurants where you can sample delicious & affordable Italian cuisine.



Click on the map for the location of La Casetta