Master at Work

Dating back to 1722, this beautifully preserved building is enjoying a new lease of life as a desirable place to live in the Netherlands' capital. The furnishings take influence from the Scandinavian nations lying a few hundred miles away across the North Sea, while the kitchen and bathroom showcase pristine minimalism at its simplest. Elsewhere in the building, you'll be glad for access to a shared fitness centre and a communal lounge, and there are even well-maintained grounds to take advantage of during sunny days. Located in the Plantage neighbourhood, this is one of the more leafy corners of Amsterdam. Hortus Botanicus gardens can be reached in seven minutes on foot, while the city's zoo only takes four. The famous Rijksmuseum is a twenty-five minute wander along the canals, too.

Home truths:
*The host looks after several units in the same building, so the apartment might differ slightly from what's photographed in terms of layout and furnishings — the style will be the same, though
*There's a lift in the building and the apartment itself is step-free