Casa Howard Firenze - Residenza D'Epoca

Themed bedrooms are reached via a lift, all elegant with antiques (mostly bespoke or sourced from around the world), family history, books and photos, all with air-conditioning and heaps of style. You don’t need to budge for breakfast, which is brought to your room:  freshly-baked croissants, homemade marmalade, honey from the owners’ farm in Tuscany, homemade yogurt, local cheeses, 36-month home cut Parma ham and organic eggs – all served on Ginori china with silverware.

You’re looked after by enthusiastic Bonifacio who carries his artistic mother’s legacy – and Dad Massimiliano is still in the wings. Private cookery lessons can be organised, as well as massages, rental bikes and wine tours. You’re half way between the Arno river and the magnificent church and square, Santa Maria Novella, so within walking distance of everything in the historic centre, including the railway station for days exploring further.