Navigli Apartment

Unique artist's apartment in the bohemian Navigli quarter, with ship's ladder, loft bedroom and beautiful decoration (sleeps 2-3, self catering)

The former home of an 'interior creations' artist and her sculptor husband, this lovely apartment has osmosed her charming, gentle spirit. Its white walls have been lovingly decorated with golden butterflies, pink designer-silk curtains which hang stiffly like ballgown skirts, polished tree stump stools, and beautiful lamps and mirrors made by the owner Sabrina. Open-plan, the apartment is spread over 2 levels, with a funky ship's ladder rising steeply through a hole in the ceiling to the sloping loft bedroom, which has a firm, wide pallet bed and skylight. Below, there's a plump white sofa (which can sleep 2 children or an extra adult), a long, purple-draped table to dine on, a compact but elegant glass-and-gold bathroom, and a teeny tiny kitchen.

The apartment sits on the second floor of a typically Milanese square of 1950s flats, around a courtyard festooned with washing and accessed from the street by a pair of ancient wooden doors. Step outside and you're in funky Navigli, known as the 'Venice of Lombardy' thanks to its green canals, and home to many an artist, musician and student. This bijou home chimes perfectly with the area's bohemian spirit - snap it up if it's available.

Highs

• The peaceful energy, harmony and simplicity, and Sabrina's unique decorative features - also available to buy or commission
• The location, in one of the liveliest, most colourful and edgy parts of Milan, with many a street market and night-time gig
• The sense of light and space offered by the high ceilings, white walls and open-plan design
• The romance of a loft bedroom; couples will love it here
• The proximity to the Duomo - only 5 minutes by tram, which run regularly along the main street (Corso San Gottardo) just yards from the flat

Lows

• The truly tiny size of the kitchen (though it is fully equipped), and the limited headroom in the bedroom
• The need to climb the ship's ladder very carefully to avoid bumping your head and knees
• The lift is set on the opposite side of the big courtyard, so we had to heave our luggage up and down 2 flights, although you can ask the concierge for help
• Payment is by bank transfer only