Heels on Herringbone

Twenty minutes or so on foot from the Clérigos Tower, where the historic bells of Porto ring proudly on the hour, this minimalist apartment is a far cry from its ornate, historic surroundings. But while you run traditional errands like picking up fresh produce from the neoclassical Mercado do Bolhão, your home offers a more modern side to life in the city.

After arriving in style by airport transfer arranged by your host, step into the lift and whizz up nine floors to the apartment. As the streets below buzz with colour and activity, you’ll be welcomed by a more subdued character in the decor of your living space.

Stylish and chic, this huge open-plan space is lit up by three large sets of windows, ushering in the Portuguese sun. Understated yet elegant furnishings sit atop a glossy, herringbone parquet floor, with a muted colour palette creating a zen-like feel – ready to make the most of it?

While you sink into the sofa with a glass of Duoro wine, your host is on hand to arrange outings for you, as well as sort out your grocery shopping and even deliver breakfast every morning. It certainly beats the wake-up call from nearby bell towers.

Home truths:
*Your host provides plug socket covers for the safety of little ones *Only paid public parking is available, but the Trindade metro stop is a short walk away *The building entrance is shared, not private to your home *At full capacity, there's also a sofa bed in the lounge if you don't want to share rooms – please request this to be made up in advance *There's a dedicated workspace, plus plenty of laptop-friendly spots like the dining table *There are no laundry facilities – your nearest laundrette is a two-minute walk *Guests are kindly asked to respect quiet hours between 10 am and 10 pm *This home is in a central spot, so noise is to be expected