It's those show-stopping balcony views of Funchal's charming rooftops and glistening sea beyond taking all the glory at this luxurious apartment perched right in the heart of the city. But there's much to be admired inside this high-style bolthole too.

Set in the city's former School of Fine Art, there's some serious design wizardry at play here. While historic features nod to the building's grand past and bring the wow factor (that sweeping staircase and marble-clad foyer are a case in point), everywhere else is a masterstroke in modern living.

Free-flowing and light-filled, the space is cleverly zoned into living and sleeping spaces with a high-spec, marble-clad bathroom at its heart. Sunny mornings call for lazy breakfasts at the bistro table for two with the balcony doors flung open wide. There's everything you could need to rustle up brunch and mimosas in the designer kitchen with a view. Or keep things easy and do like the locals with freshly brewed coffees and obligatory pastel de natas.

When it's time to stretch your legs and explore, you can easily wander to all the city's hotspots from here – starting with the charming marina for a dose of fresh sea air. Then the rest of the day is yours to lose yourself to the city's atmospheric streets, stumbling across Fado bars for live music and Poncha cocktails along the way – just like you imagined.

Home truths:
*Parking in Funchal can be tricky, so we recommend sticking to the easily accessible public transport where possible – though we think the best way to see the city is on foot *Your host owns multiple homes here, so the exact view, layout, furnishings and sleeping arrangements might vary slightly from the photos *The entrance and lift access to this home are shared *There are internal steps to access this apartment which may be unsuitable for guests with restricted mobility *Your host can provide a cot, high chair and baby bath for free upon request *This home is in a central spot, so some noise is to be expected