"Just metres from the buzzy shops and cafés of Calle Arfe, between the Gothic Cathedral and riverfront, this four-storey townhouse looks out to a tiny square lined by Seville's iconic orange trees. An open-sided metal staircase topped by a high skylight links the four floors at one end of the building, maxing both space and natural light. The ground floor serves as a vestibule, the first floor embraces a sitting room and small kitchen, while the second and third floors house the two bedrooms - one of which features a lovely shaded terrace facing the square and the city skyline. Grey-blue doors and windows and polished cement floors are juxtaposed by snazzily upholstered chairs, brightly-coloured cushions, paintings by local artists, framed posters and unusual mirrors. The feel is both stylish and homely. It's a rare treat to have so much space in the city centre. Two couples or a family with teenage kids would be very comfortable here. And even though this is a self-catering house, the young, English-speaking owner Alejandra lives just around the corner and is always happy to share her insider’s knowledge of Seville. This part of the old town feels far less touristy than most - we felt like sophisticated Sevillanos living our best lives! Highs Having your own house plum in the city centre feels like a big Andalucian treatPerfect for self-catering with delicatessens and traditional food shops close byYou’re close to masses of bars and restaurants yet this part of Seville feels far less touristy than the adjacent Santa Cruz areaYou get a lot more space for your buck than in many of Seville’s small hotelsPersonalised guest information and tips from owner Alejandra can lead you to the best of the city’s shops, sights and restaurants Lows You can’t park outside but there are three public car parks close by, whilst taxis can drop you at your front doorSeville gets madly hot in midsummer, though the house's A/C and exterior blinds help keep the heat at bayYou're bang in the centre of a very lively city so expect some noise from the streets at nightNo children under 12" - Guy Hunter Watts