Spacio Loft

A stunningly sleek and airy loft in a converted 18th century printing house, near the Pompidou in the vibrant Montorgueil area (sleeps 2-8)

Step through the massive old door into the cobbled courtyard, and the teeming streets of Paris yield to an oasis of tranquillity. This vast converted ware-house is open yet intimate, with soaring ceilings and cosy corners; its modular living concept ensures that no area feels closed off, yet privacy is available. It's set over 3 floors, with a gloriously luminous and airy living area at its heart. Above, the central section is cut away to leave walkways, floating on steel girders reminiscent of Eiffel, which lead to the master bedroom and study. A cathedral window spans the 2 floors, flooding the space with daylight, while at night intelligent lighting and home cinema contribute to the ambience. In the basement - which housed a Resistance printing press during World War II - you'll find a gym and sauna.

Once you've soaked up the loft's designer delights, you'll find authentic quartiers a short promenade away: rue Montorgueil for gourmet shops, the Marais for cafés and and culture; and the Louvre and Centre Pompidou are walkable.

Highs

• Pedestrianised streets and courtyard setting make this an extremely quiet location – but the bustle is only a block away if you want it
• At 300 sq.m. (3000 sq.ft), this place is palatial compared to most Parisian boltholes
• Julie McIvor, designer and owner of the Loft, has thought of everything: you could turn up with only the clothes on your back and settle in for a week
• Like Paris itself, it's steeped in history yet stylishly modern and effortlessly chic
• All the luxury of a 5* hotel (home cinema, gym, sauna and concierge), but with the privacy and convenience of your own place

Lows

• Families with young children beware: the upstairs railings might not keep adventurous toddlers out
• It's expensive - but there's really nothing else like it in central Paris
• The 2nd bedroom and the study-bedroom are significantly smaller than the master room (so no squabbling please…); and bear in mind they all have double (not twin) beds
• Don't even think about driving here: public car parks (if you find a space) cost approx €20/day