In the very heart of Gallipoli’s historic centre, this apartment embraces the ancient and feels like a piece of history itself. The walled old town of Gallipoli juts out from Italy’s heel into the azure Adriatic where fishermen fix their nets and Italians flock here in summer for the sultry southern heat. This apartment sits in the narrow streets, where family-run restaurants have been serving fresh seafood for centuries and chi chi little cafés have cropped up in between ancient churches.

French doors open straight from the narrow street into the living area, which still retains ancient stone archways and barrel-vault ceilings. A design palette of bright white and honey-brown matches the historic touches of this apartment and slipping off to sleep in the boho-chic bedroom is a delight. The kitchenette may not have an oven, but there’s enough here to accommodate breakfast, quick meals and morning espressos. Besides, the charming restaurants of the old city are on your doorstep, so who wants to bother cooking anyway?

Home truths:
*The kitchen has a two-ring hob but no oven so those that want to cook full meals should look elsewhere
*You step straight from the street into the living room
*The television is in the bedroom rather than the living room
*Although there is a sofa, it is a small, design-led piece rather than a squishy spot for two
*There is no parking with this home and, being a preserved old centre, street parking is by permit only