Clarity Nouveau

Trying to speak about this home without mentioning the word 'light' would be next to impossible. Set in a beautifully converted period building on one of Porto's top shopping streets, it's the very definition of bright and airy. On the second floor and boasting a small corner balcony, its spacious living area has towering ceilings and tall windows to three sides – letting plenty of that natural sunlight.

A recent conversion by an owner dedicated to bringing life back to downtown Porto's old buildings, he's used local designers and artisans to create a modern home within the classical structure. All white walls, numerous windows, wood floors and sliding doors are the order of the day, with clever use of space creating a second floor within the apartment and a quirky mezzanine room overlooking the lounge. Two good size bedrooms and two stylish bathrooms make this place just as practical for friends sharing as it would be for a family, and if design is your thing, you'll spot some interesting details.

The street outside is packed with shops and restaurants, and the riverside is just a twenty-minute walk from your door, making this home about as close to the action as it gets. And yet the soundproofing makes it surprisingly quiet.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a cot, high chair and baby equipment for free upon request with prior notice
*There's superfast wi-fi here, and a dedicated desk for remote working
*The building has a shared entrance
*Please note the balcony is very narrow and not large enough to sit outside
*The host owns several homes in the building
*Some of the internal stairs take a bit of getting used to