Toast the sunset on the terrace while you listen to the church bells toll.
Location: Florence, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (2 Blocks to Ponte Vecchio, 5 Minutes to Uffizi Gallery) View Map
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
This is a charming small house in an excellent Florence historic center location, just two blocks from the landmark Ponte Vecchio. Our guests love its charm, little terrace and excellent historic center location. It's even better then an apartment in Florence as it is a lovely private house right in the historical center of Florence.
This is an extraordinary 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.
For even more details see the URL below for our website. Please note the 4 night minimum booking period.
It is tastefully decorated with an up-to-date kitchen and bathroom. 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 up a little street, and you're home in two minutes after morning of sightseeing, an afternoon of shopping, or a long lunch. Just on the other side of the river is the famed Uffizi Gallery, only an five minute walk from the house.
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 " and was built in 1890 by the longtime Florentine Bonsi della Ruota family. As you enter the house, the living room and kitchen are to your right, and the stair case to the second floor is directly in front of you. The house has beautiful Italian terra-cotta tile throughout the main living area, a brand-new kitchen and bathroom with the latest appliances, as well as charming decorator 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 includes a pop-up trundle bed that can be made up into two 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 onto 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 king-size bed and beautiful Tuscan armoire and dresser. Off the upstairs landing is the private terrace where you can take your morning espresso or sip a glass of Chianti as the sun sets over this dazzling city. The bathroom is nicely appointed, clean white tile and Carrera marble, a terrific enclosed shower, bidet, plenty of water pressure, lots of storage and halogen lighting.
Florence is a great city for walking, now that car access has been restricted, you can saunter through the city streets in the heart of town as the streets are now pedestrian boulevards. Since Casetta Bonsi della Ruota is so conveniently located you can walk to all the major attractions.
Please see the link below for more photos & information, map showing the location, guest comments.
4-NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD. Easter, Christmas, New Years 1-week minimum.
Sorry we are unable to reply to inquiries for less then 4 nights.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: A/C in bedroom only
- Washer: Drying rack & clothes line provided
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- King Bed: Dual king can be made up as two twins
- Convertible Bed: Living room sofa converts to two comfortable twin beds.
- Crib: Crib available upon request
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Satellite TV receives some English language news stations
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Toaster, Italian & drip coffee pots
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony: Small terrace with bistro table & two chairs.
- Communications
- Cell Phone: Loaner cell phone, guests pay for their calls
- Computer: Free loaner computer
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Optional WiFi €4/day
- Other Amenities
- DVD Player & selection of English language DVDs, Iron & Ironing Board, Hairdryer
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Antiquing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Tuscan Jewel in Heart of Florence, Sightseeing All Within Easy Reach, Within 1 block are the following, little market (alimentari) with all kinds of provisions including fresh produce, wine, an Il Fornaio bakery, dry cleaners, public parking garage if you arrive by car, excellent pizzeria & also a lovely cafe at the start of the Ponte Vecchio for enjoying a morning cappuccino or an afternoon gelato, Good shopping (where isn't there good shopping in Florence?!) as well, including some of our favorite stores for Italian house wares, purses, gloves and sweaters, The Pitti Palace, with the famous Boboli Gardens, is only minutes away, We can also recommend our favorite, not-too-touristy, restaurants where you can sample delicious & affordable Italian cuisine.
Rate Details (In Euros)
1-2 People March 27-Oct, Xmas/New Years €1170/wk..€1105/6nt..€960/5nt..€905/4nt
1-2 People Nov-March 26 €1010/wk..€950/6nt..€830/5nt..€780/4nt
3-4 People March 27-Oct, Xmas/New Years €1605/wk..€1420/6nt..€1220/5nt..€1010/4nt
3-4 People Nov-March 26 €1390/wk..€1230/6nt..€1055/5nt..€1010/4nt
4 NIGHT MINIMUM except Easter, Christmas, New Years 7 night minimum
WiFi Internet €4/day. Sorry no pets, no smoking.
Includes final cleaning & 15 Kwh/day utilities
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Ponte Vecchio-Sunny Terrace Views-AC-WiFi-Uffizi Nearby
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Florence
Please see our detailed description for more location information.
The Unique Benefits at this House
The location near the Ponte Vecchio is very convenient, walkable to the sites.
Two blocks to famed Ponte Vecchio, historic pedestrian bridge
No trip to Florence is complete without a trip to national treasure, the Uffizi Gallery which is just across the river, only a few minutes walk.
The Duomo with Brunelleschi's remarkable dome is a 15 minute walk from the apartment
Only a few minute's stroll is the Pitti Palace & beautiful Boboli Garden's, once the private estate of the Medici family that ruled Florence during the Renaissance
Owner's Map of Florence
This apartment is offered by Italy Perfect. We are a family business with a mission! We want you to love visiting Italy as much as we do. We are sisters Lisa and Pat Byrne who lived in Italy in our youth and now travel there frequently for business and pleasure.
Property Photos
- Toast the sunset on the terrace while you listen to the church bells toll. - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental - Tuscan Jewel in Heart of Florence!
- Comfortable living room with decorative fireplace, sofa bed converts to 2 twins. - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental - Tuscan Jewel in Heart of Florence!
- Living room view of dining area and French doors. - Florence, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental - Tuscan Jewel in Heart of Florence!
- Buon giorno! Breakfast on the sunny little terrace overlooking rooftops.
- Dual king bed can also be made up as two twins.
- Bedroom overlooking charming Piazza de' Bonsi
- Spacious bedroom with beautiful antique dresser. Terrace is to the left.
- Cozy reading nook in the bedroom for reading & relaxing in the morning sun
- Sunny kitchen breakfast counter overlooking private garden next door
- Cheery fully furnished kitchen with large refrigerator/freezer, microwave.
- Bathroom with tile, marble, heated towels racks, full shower
- Scenic views from the terrace of this charming Florence apartment
- We spotted this lone rower early one morning from nearby Ponte Vecchio.
- Welcome to La Casetta Bonsi della Ruota on tiny Piazza de' Bonsi!
- Wonderful array of Tuscan breads, pizzas at bakery just a 2 minute walk away
- The Oltrarno area has many craftspeople & artisans, like this custom shoemaker
Guest Comments (10)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #27581
There have been 24496 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2003.
Date last modified - November 06, 2009
Positive Rating
Thank you again for your assistance during our stay in your fabulous Florence. We so enjoyed the Casetta, and its wonderful location. All the extra surprises (the flowers and fruit and gelato) were unexpected and lovely gestures of welcome. The house is comfortable, and surprisingly quiet. The large bathroom with roomy shower and plenty of hot water, the selection of firm and soft pillows on the bed, the gorgeous antique furniture throughout the Casetta, the charm of the terrace which was larger than we had expected, and the great local restaurants Maurizio recommended. We just don't want the Casetta to become so hugely popular that we won't be able to get a reservation next time! L Fitzpatrick Bethesda, Maryland
Positive Rating
We were looking for a quiet, clean, cozy, centrally located apartment, and we found it here at Casetta Bonsi. The apartment had everything we needed, from towels to fresh fruit, but most of all it was super quiet (which is very difficult to find in Florence) and right on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio. PERFECT. The only complaint I had was that we couldn't store our luggage in the apartment before check-in, which was pre-arranged, so we had to lug our bags around florence for 3 hours. The service was very thorough and Lisa was very prompt in her responses to my questions. We would for sure recommend this apartment to friends and family. Elizabeth, NY,NY
Positive Rating
Best rental we've experienced in Italy among over a dozen in Rome, Florence, Verona, Naples, Positano and other wonderful locations. Casetta Bonsi is in a wonderful location (just a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio) and is a comfortable, unique two story, one bedroom home. Not any major negatives although the motor bikes can be bothersome at night although the problem is easily solved by closing the window facing the street and opening the one facing the rear. The climb up the hill to the apartment is imposing but one gets used to it quickly. Many trattorie from which to choose within easy walking distance; our favorite was 4 Leoni, particularly if you can be seated outside to enjoy the Florence sunshine. Maurizio was extremely helpful and on-call for whatever problems (there were none) may occur. His kind but unexpected stocking of food (fruit, cheese, wine, pasta, etc) was appreciated. The advance information provided by Italy Perfect was very helpful and was a great way to build positive expectations of our visit to Florence. Everything promised by Lisa was fulfilled. Ron & Camille, Walnut Creek California
Positive Rating
Thank you Maurizio and Italy Perfect for a really enjoyable stay at Casetta Bonsi in mid-April. The house is in a great location, just across the Ponte Vecchio and down one block. Everything was in order as was listed on the website. My husband and I and our 2 daughters (9 & 11) took full advantage of the location and amenities at the house. The girls enjoyed our cooking class one night at "In Tavola" within walking distance from the house where we made pizza and gelato. Close proximity to all the major sights but far enough away to avoid the crowds. Tips for restaurants and grocery stores were right on the money! The house was extremely clean and Maurizio was more than ameniable in preparing our stay. Grazie molto! We would definitely recommend this property and look forward to visiting again and have no qualms about utilizing the services of Italy Perfect in the future. A very pleasant experience. Sarah V., Connecticut
Positive Rating
We loved our stay at Casetta Bonsi! Maurizio very graciously came to meet us when our taxi driver left us off at the wrong place. The house is lovely and very comfortable. It was a great place to start and end very busy days. Thank you also for the little extra touches- wine, pastries, flowers - they made us feel welcome and at home. Joe & Barb Rosario, Littleton, Colorado
Positive Rating
We returned to the Casetta for another visit. The location is perfect, the home comfortable, and the owners truly wonderful. We took advantage of the computer for a slight extra fee and enjoyed the cell phone provided for us. Wonderful restaurants are within walking distance, as are all of the major sites. We loved walking and walking - then resting in our comfortable accommodations. Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, Saint Louis, Missouri
Positive Rating
Casetta Bonsi was perfect for a trip to Florence.The house was charming, its location was so central and there was a perfect bakery just down the hill on the River Arno with the world's best pastries. We enjoyed everything: galleries, museums, great restaurants and excellent food. We would recommend Bordino's and Bibo's which are both close to the Casetta.The service was wonderful although we never figured out how to use the shower until the last day. This was due to our lack of understanding Italian as Maurizio was unable to show us how it worked, as he was in hospital. We were stunned by the high cost of the utilities as we only ate breakfast in the Casetta and used the washing machine once. Can't imagine what it would have cost if we had cooked our meals at the Casetta! This is the first time we have had to pay the utilities after our stay and would much prefer to pay a higher rate and have them included in the original cost as is usually the case both in Europe and Mexico. [Note: Most Italian vacation properties charge separately for utilities since Italy has the highest utility costs in Europe. This is explained in the Italy Perfect FAQ, Rental Agreement & Confirmation. Lisa] This being said I would highly recommend this Casetta to anyone visiting Florence. We had wonderful weather and Florence is such an easy city to walk around and enjoy people watching from outdoor cafes.The service from Italy Perfect was great and the people who met us and welcomed us were wonderful. MARDA J. GROSS, CHICAGO, IL
Positive Rating
We had a marvelous week in Florence. The house is beautifully furnished and we found ourselves spending more and more time there as the week progressed. I just wish I had a bar-tabacchi to get my morning caffe doppio and paste (3- il numero perfetto I was told), a news vendor at the corner, florist and grocery store all down the hill from where we live. Mr. Miranda was disarmingly courteous and helpful. The hill wasn't so bad and the street noise not noticeable. We slept soundly and well (not surprising given the walking we did). Next trip to Europe you can rest assured that we will be checking your website first for accomodations. Your description of the house and neighborhood were complete and exact and we found the material you e-mailed on Italy, Florence and Casetta to be greatly helpful. Thanks To you and Mr. Miranda for a wonderful vacation. Sandy Millholen, Willimantic, Connecticut
Positive Rating
Kinney and I want to thank you both for making us feel at home in your Casetta Bonsi! Needless to say, we very much enjoyed the wine, cookies, fruit, chocolates and the lovely fresh flowers! We couldn't have picked up a better place to stay in Florence!!! Hopefully we will be able to return to your beautiful city of Florence and stay again at Casetta Bonsi! Kinney and Harriette Gause, Beaufort, South Carolina
Positive Rating
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Cassetta! This was our first time "renting" an international place rather than staying in a hotel and we loved it. It will be difficult to go back to staying in hotels. Maurizio was so pleasant and easy to talk to. The welcome gifts from Gabriella were thoughtful. The house is wonderfully renovated but still maintains its old world charm. It was clear that every need was accounted for right down to the bathrobes and the white rose bud on the sink. We've been to Firenze several times before. This time we spent our days enjoying simple pleasures of the city like lingering over breakfast with fresh bread, jam, and coffee. Wandering the narrow streets behind the house up to and past the fort along the old city wall and down the hill to the grocery store and the Arno. Visiting the museums and churches we had not been to before. The location can't be beat. Close to everything, but tucked away from the crowds. The whole process from beginning to end was seamless. We hope to return to Firenze and I hope the Casetta again! Many thanks! Anne Calek & Dave Lockery, La Grange, Illinois