Description Freschissimo: Roma

In most cities, paintings dating back to the seventeenth century are typically looked at from a safe distance in museums and galleries, but in a place like Rome, it's not unusual to live among historic artefacts. Take this studio apartment in the middle of Colonna, the famous shopping district. The building dates back to the seventeenth century and the remains of a fresco from that time have been preserved by the architect on one of the walls. Aside from that, the interior design is heavily influenced by mid-century trends, from the Art Deco crockery in the kitchen and the boldly patterned chairs to the Art Nouveau-inspired mirrors in the bathroom. If your four-century-old home has got you in the mood to see more of the city's illustrious heritage, you're in luck as the central location is excellent. You can walk to Trevi Fountain in seven minutes, while the Pantheon can be seen in just under ten.

Home truths:
*There's no TV but the host will provide you with a tablet to use during your stay
*There have been some drainage issues – the water is slow to drain and the toilet sometimes drips
*While there's a lift to reach the apartment, it's on the small side and might not be big enough for wheelchair users
*This home is not suitable for children or babies
*There's no parking space with this property, although there's paid spots available nearby