The Medusa

Striking architect-designed townhouse in the midst of trendy Darlinghurst, well placed for the city sights and the vibrant Eastern Suburbs

Likened to New York's Soho, Darlinghurst is Sydney's most fashionable urban village. Colonial terraces vie with art deco mansions, restaurant openings with designer homeware shopping. The vibe is hip, streetwise and bohemian, and the cappuccino strip is the place to be seen.

The Medusa embodies this creative, fun spirit to a T. It's a Victorian townhouse given a quirky and daring refit by architect Scott Weston, and the first thing you'll notice are the bold colours. The exterior is shocking scarlet, the hallway has baby-pink anaglypta walls with plaster angels, its carpet is pillarbox red. 17 bedrooms have waxed walls in bold primaries, while the Miami-style courtyard is in tranquil lavender and primrose. Furnishings are no less outlandish: custom-made chaise-longues and 'capsule' kitchenettes in the rooms, a vast paper chandelier in the hall, Medusa motifs throughout. This is an ultra-stylish home in Australia's most vibrant quarter, and just 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre.

Highs

• Great position in trendy Darlinghurst between Oxford Street and Kings Cross - close to sights, shopping, restaurants, bars and people-watching
• Fun and funky rooms with custom-made details and all mod cons
• Design concept of seduction and drama which would make Medusa herself turn to stone
• Good transport connections with plentiful buses and taxis, and Kings Cross train station 5 minutes away

Lows

• No bar or restaurant but that's what Darlinghurst is for: a wealth of clubs, eateries, cafes, pubs and gourmet takeaways on your doorstep
• The Deluxe rooms are not spacious
• This is a 24 hour city renowned for its partying, so expect some street noise at night - though most rooms face the tranquil courtyard
• The laid-back, gay-friendly, youthful vibe is not for everyone, and certainly not suitable for families