The small city of York has two sides to it. While ancient historical landmarks are everywhere you turn, its 21st-century sensibilities are also very apparent. Castles and cathedrals sit alongside high-street shops, fine-dining restaurants, and all sorts of bars – would you prefer a fancy cocktail or a traditional pint of pale ale? And where history and modernity collide, this home sits somewhere in the middle. An eight-minute stroll from the medieval walking streets of The Shambles, this studio apartment is set in a converted warehouse-style block on the edge of the River Foss. Red bricks and sash windows make this building stand out, and the delights keep on coming as you step inside. With space-saving innovations like the wall-mounted bed, this studio can be quickly changed to suit your needs, whether you’re entertaining or relaxing. We love how the huge arched window, set in original red brickwork, illuminates the space from the royal-blue velvet sofa, all the way back to the classy kitchen. With a colour palette of understated greys and creams, it’s an elegant space with a modern glass dining table where you can enjoy a Sunday roast (or a gin and tonic).

Home truths:
*The entrance to the building is shared with other residents
*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 such as the dining table
*You'll need to bring shampoo along, as your host doesn't provide this in the studio
*This is a studio apartment, so the bed is wall-mounted and can be pulled down when you need it
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host in person