This two-bedroom apartment is located in the center of one of Europe’s most exciting cities – Barcelona. One of three apartments in the same building, it was built around 1900 and renovated in 2014 with exquisite attention to detail. The owners retained the lovely high ceilings, beautiful tiled floors and large windows, with balconies overlooking the city streets. However, the apartment has been updated to make it as eco-friendly as possible.      Furnishings and fittings have been re-used, recycled or upcycled. Bathroom fittings are recycled, shelving units have been constructed from re-used pallets, and furniture is either vintage or locally made by designers like Arrels Fundació, Curro Claret, AOO, Santa & Cole and Faro Barcelona. New additions are VOC-free and recyclable. While the design is pared down, comfort has not been sacrificed. Beds are 100% natural but luxurious, and the kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances.   The apartment has one double bedroom with a balcony and twin beds that can be combined into a king, as well as a smaller double room. The living room has a balcony and open-plan kitchen.   ADDITIONAL FEATURES   The apartment has recycling bins, as well as smart water and energy-saving devices. The owners use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products and provide complimentary filtered tap water.    The property is energy efficient, with cooling fans as well as air conditioning and heating. A home automation system switches off the AC/heating if a window is opened. Guests are asked to use the on/off switch in the entrance when leaving the house to switch everything off (except the fridge and kitchen plugs in case something needs charging).    AROUND   Guests are encouraged to feel at home and not like tourists – and this is a great location for getting to know the city. The apartment is within easy distance of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), the old city center, much of which dates back to medieval times.   The city is of course famous for its Catalan modernista architecture, developed between 1885 and 1950. This includes the famous work of architect Antoni Gaudí, the best known of which is the still-unfinished church Sagrada Família.    The city also contains countless municipal parks, several of which are close to the apartment. Parc de la Ciutadella houses the Parliament building, Barcelona Zoo and several museums including the Museum of Natural Science.   And don’t miss Barcelona beach, which was chosen as the best city beach in the world by National Geographic and Discovery Channel. The city actually has seven, covering a total of three miles.   LOCATION   Barcelona, Spain. Nearest airport: Barcelona International (12km).   BEST TIME TO VISIT   Winter is less touristy. May and June are great for cultural events. July and August is when the locals are away, making it perfect for the beach. And it’s pretty hard to beat autumn.

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