Musetta's Waltz

Although this attic apartment involves quite a lot of stairs – fifty-two of them, to be exact – the climb is worth it. Up here, the sunlight streams through the skylights and shuttered windows, creating a bright and inviting space to kick back and relax with a glass of wine or two. This flat is set within an ancient palace in the heart of Lucca, so if Tuscan character is what you're after, you've got it – albeit in a slightly more modern way. Warm orange hues, glossy wood floors, timber ceilings and blue tiles in the kitchen feel very traditional, but the trendy open mezzanine (where you'll find the bedroom) and the floating staircase leading up to are as contemporary as it gets.

Location-wise, this is a spectacular spot close to all of Lucca's must-see sights. Indulge your sweet tooth at the gelato shop across the road (it's the best in town), sip espresso in the sunshine at Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (a four-minute stroll away) or tuck into a delicious Italian feast at the local trattorias and eateries on your doorstep. And you can't visit Lucca without a wander along the city's famous Renaissance walls – the entrance at Porta Santa Maria is just five minutes away on foot.

Home truths:
*While one guest could sleep on the sofa bed, we think this apartment is better suited to a couple. You will need to pay an additional fee to use the sofa bed.
*Unfortunately, the floating staircase makes this apartment unsuitable for children.
*The home is located within the walls of Lucca. Traffic is limited within the historic town centre and you might be unable to park near the home.
*The entrance and staircase are communal.
*The home is on the fourth floor with no lift access.