The location couldn't really be any better. Considering that you have a pool, it is located very near to the centre. We walked into town every day and it took about 20-25 minutes into the centre.

The accommodation is clean but rustically basic, but it had all the facilities to cook simple meals and eat them in the surrounding gardens.

The mosquitos are absolutely vicious so if you come bring plenty of repellent!

The pool is a good size for dipping into with a fair bit of shade and it got sun until 7pm.

Only downside was that it wasn't clear who would be meeting us when we arrived, as we didn't have a mobile number for the gardener (who let us in), and also paying the vendor was a bit confusing as they weren't there most of the week. But this is a minor downside.

I think this property is being undersold on the website - the visitors book is packed with rave reviews and helpful bits of advice on buses and local places to shop and eat. The cottage is tucked away in the huge gardens away from any noise or bustle of the city - you would think you are in the countryside it is so peaceful. It's not luxurious or modern (so go to a modern hotel if you want that) - but cosy, tranquil and romantic.

The owners are really helpful but leave you to your own devices once they have shown you round, and you can come and go as you please and use the pool and walk in the huge gardens whenever you like. It has everything you need to make simple meals (fridge, microwave, 2hot plates for pans, crockery) there is a little outside table to eat overlooking the gardens. There's a shower and twin beds, italian tv and a tape player, even some magazines.

My only warning is about the mosquitos in summer which are probably prevalent due to the gardens and pool, although there are sprays and repellents provided in the cottage too. There are a few dogs on the property and I'm not a big fan of dogs but they were really well behaved and I didn't worry about them at all.

You could walk into town but if you are sightseeing all day it is probably too much - the bus stop is 5 mins away and they are quite reliable, every 20mins or so, and go to town and the main bus and train station in about 10mins - perfect for trips beyond Florence. In the evenings we often got a taxi back from town which was about 14 euros, although there is a night bus too. Buses worked for us well as my husband had a leg injury so couldn't do much walking - he was fine but I think it could be awkward for anyone with a wheelchair as you need to go up steps and the bedroom/bathroom wouldn't be big enough.

I wouldn't hestitate to book this cottage again if I ever return to Florence.

(If you are looking at the other property (studio) I didn't see inside but it seemed bigger - but less 'tucked away' as it's right on the driveway and although you have the same access to the gardens and pool, you probably feel less like they are your own.)