Poetic Form

Freshly renovated, this beautiful apartment is the kind of Lisbon home we daydream about. In a period building typical of this ancient part of the city, it's been lovingly brought into the 21st century by owners who clearly care about the quality of the finish. The characteristic Pombalina wooden cage of the stone building shows itself in the open-plan living space. Invented after the great earthquake of the 1750s, it's an architectural structure to ensure stability. It also happens to look really cool. You may also spot some other historic features in the home – an old salting trough in one of the bathrooms, a huge stone fireplace in a bedroom and antique recovered tiles made into large panels that adorn the corridors. At the same time, it's a smart, modern home with luxurious furnishings, and an on-trend black and marble kitchen. We love the views over Lisbon's rooftops from the balcony too. When you're ready to explore you'll be a five-minute walk to Praça do Comércio, which opens up to the Tagus river. The stylish neighbourhood of Chiado is a ten-minute walk away, as are the Ribeira Market and Campo das Cebolas.

Home truths:
* Paid parking is available (speak to the host), but everything is within walking distance
*There's a lift in the building, but there are a few steps too
*The single beds in the second bedroom are pushed together
*The balcony is narrow, so you won't be able to sit there
*There's no washing machine here, but there's a laundrette next door
*The dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly space
*Lisbon Airport is just over a fifteen-minute drive away