In a city full of ancient buildings such as Rome, there has to be a balance between respecting the architectural heritage and providing people with modern, livable spaces. This apartment on the noble floor of a sixteenth-century building is a great example of how to achieve this. While some antique features have been retained, such as the marble sink in the kitchen, the tiled flooring and wooden coffered ceilings, there has been substantial renovation work to bring it up to date. The stainless steel kitchen behind glass doors feels restaurant-standard and there's an interesting selection of artwork from different times and places dotted about the stark white walls. Outside the front door, some of Rome's most iconic sights are easily reachable. You can stroll to Piazza Navona in under a minute and marvel at the fountains that sit at either end. Alternatively, the Pantheon sits just a seven-minute walk away.

Home truths:
*The host offers flexible check-in and check-out times to accommodate guests flying in from overseas
* There is no air conditioning, but fans are always available and the home's thick stone walls keep the interior cool
*A cot and high chair can be provided if required
*There's an elevator in the building that means you can get from the street to the lower level of the flat without any steps