Description The Shuttersmith: Porto

Between two beautiful parks – Jardim da Cordoaria and Jardim das Virtudes – and set in a pretty period building, this studio home is quite the little charmer. With high ceilings and stripped-back woodwork to its trio of Juliet balcony windows, it's full of character, and its recent refurbishment has added a big helping of modern styling and clever design.

There's a bespoke kitchen packed with everything you'll need for cooking at home, along with a comfy sofa, a little dining area and even a desk. And while this is a studio, the addition of a sleeping platform up a few steps divides the space neatly – creating storage beneath. Step out of bed and straight into your in-room rainfall shower, before making a cup of coffee and opening up the shutters to gaze across at the park.

With wine bars and cafes on your street, you won't have to go far for a true taste of Porto, and the riverside is just a ten-minute walk.

Home truths:
*Your home is on the first floor of a building with a shared entrance and no lift
*As a studio, there's no separate bedroom here
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request, with prior notice
*You're likely to hear some noise, particularly at weekends, from the wine bars on the street
*While the shower is open to the room, the WC is tucked away behind a door for privacy
*The area is easily walkable but it is quite hilly