York’s historical intrigue is a dominating force in this small city. An ancient castle, York Minster Cathedral, well-preserved City Walls, and the Jorvik Viking Centre are just a few reasons why people love to visit. But there are some hints of modernity in these surroundings. This studio apartment, an eight-minute walk from the medieval streets of The Shambles, offers a 21st-century vibe on the waterside of the River Foss. You’ll be impressed from the offset – it’s set in a huge converted warehouse-style building, made entirely of red bricks, and with original sash windows. Upstairs, this unique home is not part of the main block, but in its own tower. Of course this means you’ll get glorious views of the river and beyond. The decor is modern and eclectic – a velvet Chesterfield in bright teal matches the curtains, and you can find mirrored furniture throughout. We love the art-deco-style wall mirror too, bringing even more glamour to the living space. After making a proper Yorkshire brew and admiring the scenery from the huge window, we recommend heading into town to check out the local pubs and sample a few of the finest ales.

Home truths:
*As this is a studio apartment, the bed is wall-mounted and can be pulled down when you need it
*The entrance to the building is shared with other residents
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host in person
*You'll need to bring shampoo along, as your host doesn't provide this in the studio
*An onsite bike store is available, or you can pay for public parking nearby
*A weekly cleaning service is included if you're staying at the home for a while
*There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly surfaces like the dining table