They say you should never judge a book by its cover, and this apartment provides compelling evidence as to why that's sound advice. Set within a historic terraced building, you might be expecting an apartment divided into small rooms, with charming period features and wall to wall antiques – we certainly were. However, the reality couldn't be more different – large picture windows illuminate a spectacular open-plan kitchen/diner, with a few steps leading up to a platform with a spacious corner sofa and views over the terracotta-tiled roofs, this home is on the cutting edge of contemporary design. The standout feature is the enclosed mezzanine bedroom, where you can look down over the living area and across the neighbourhood courtesy of a wall of glass. And if you were worried about the levels of natural light, there are additional skylights set into the ceiling to allow it to come pouring in from every angle. Once you've familiarised yourself with your new surroundings, it's time to explore the area. You're well catered for when it comes to top attractions within walking distance, with the city's cathedral and the pedestrianised Rua das Flores within a ten-minute walk, while the waterside promenade of Cais da Ribeira and the imposing Clérigos Tower are no more than fifteen minutes on foot.

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