Right in the heart of Little Italy – one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – this apartment is just a three-minute wander from the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market. But it doesn’t quite look like a traditional Italian home. This standout villa was built in the 1930s, an excellent example of art-deco-inspired architecture. Pale, mint-green garage doors, roofs, and columns sit at jaunty angles on the cream painted exterior. It truly looks like something right out of the history books. You’ll also have a private patio outside, with a barbecue, bright-pink flowers, and fairy lights to create a Mediterranean atmosphere. Inside, the decor offers a nod to the city’s waterside location – a beach hut vibe. We love these traditional themes, making the home feel truly warm and welcoming with its rustic, family-friendly feel. In the lounge, thanks to rich wooden floors, shell-like embossed cabinets, and woven dining chairs, the space feels reminiscent of driftwood and the seaside. In any case, you are just a seventeen-minute walk from the Maritime Museum of San Diego, right on the waters of the bay.

Home truths:
*You'll need to climb a flight of external stairs for access
*The entrance is private to your home
*As this home allows for self check-in with a smartlock, you won't meet your host
*The host has beach gear that you can borrow, such as towels
*Onsite parking is not available, but there is paid parking across the road, or street parking is free for two hours (except Sundays and public holidays when it's free all day)
*The dining table is suitable as a workspace
*This mini-villa is part of a complex of three similar homes
*Each bungalow has its own outdoor gathering place, but guests are kindly asked to respect quiet hours from 10 pm
*The laundry facilities are shared with residents onsite (but they are free to use)