Description A Long, Long Way: Valletta

Curated by its owner-architect, this designer apartment in Valetta is chock full of bespoke and vintage pieces sourced from local workshops and markets. It sits in a building over 100 years old, within Valetta’s shambling old streets packed with restaurants and sultry bars. Head to the old harbourfront where colourful wooden boats bob in the water for a cocktail at sunset.

Concrete and terrazzo floors in dove-grey and smooth cement walls give an industrial edge to this apartment and pops of colour come courtesy of towering pot plants and vibrant modern art. The 1960s-style curved kitchenette has everything you need to whip up a quick breakfast and French double doors open up to a slender little balcony overlooking the street. The bathroom is particularly sumptuous in marble and with a free-standing soaking tub in the centre. A wall of French windows bathes this place in natural light. Come sundown, head up to the shared rooftop terrace for a cold drink and watch the sky tinged pink and purple over the sea.

Home truths:
*This home is on the third floor of a historic building so you may need to climb some stairs to reach it
*The rooftop terrace with sea views is shared
*The kitchen has a four-ring hob but no oven or microwave