Large historical buildings, typically with religious, military or industrial origins, often convert neatly into a collection of boutique apartments, especially in sunny places! Here’s a pick of some in popular European destinations

Bursting with local character and exciting designs, apartments created within the shell of a grand old building are often the most desirable properties in a local area. Most come with original architectural details, quirky features and interesting floor plans, not to mention high ceilings and large windows.

Converted well, they should come with the latest mod cons, cleverly incorporated into the property without detracting from the interior character. More upmarket projects will also have communal leisure facilities for owners to enjoy, which helps makes these types of properties especially lettable to holidaymakers.

Could an apartment in a converted monastery in France’s Pays-de-la-Loire region tick all the right boxes for you? The picturesque property sits in an idyllic setting next to the Mère river in the medieval town of Vouvant, one of ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ and known locally as ‘the village of painters’. All local amenities, including cafés and shops, are within walking distance.

Highlights include airy rooms, oak floors, exposed stone walls and a burner. Communally, owners benefit from a large heated swimming pool, seven hectares of landscaped gardens with access to the river, estate and garden management, secure gated entry, parking, satellite television and a laundry service. All of which leaves you plenty of time to kick back and enjoy your fabulous surroundings!

Meanwhile, a landmark development in Portugal’s eastern Algarve is the conversion of the Bernardas Convent in Taviras. Retaining its striking 18th Century façade, which includes a Maueline-Gothic portal, inside the building has been transformed into a selection of modern apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units.

Each apartment comes fully equipped with internet and telephone entry, and some have private terraces. Communal facilities include three swimming pools, and leisure area with children’s playground. The pretty white town of Tavira, with full range of restaurants, shops and amenities, is a short walk away, and five minutes’ drive is the ferry terminal with services to the idyllic Tavira Island beach.

A more urban option in Portugal could be a warehouse conversion in Lisbon’s trendy Marvila neighbourhood, where regeneration is the current buzzword. With an open-plan loft-design and bedroom and bathroom built over a mezzanine level, our chosen property is just a 10-minute walk from the River Tagus and five-minute drive from the Parque das Nações. For more details, click here.

Italy is famous for its classical architecture and grand old building, in particular from the Renaissance period. A focal point for this is Florence in Tuscany, where we’ve found a three-bedroom apartment occupying the second floor of an old 13^th-Century monastery. Full of character, the property is centrally located a few steps from the city’s famous Duomo cathedral and 300 metres from the station, and currently used as a B&B.

Still in Italy, a more scenic setting could be a luxury apartment in a former monastery overlooking Lake Como. Located just outside the pretty town of Bellagio, owners at this grand property share the use of landscaped gardens with a pool, as well as private lake access and an ancient stone boathouse.

Finished to a high standard and with incredible lake views, only three of the ten converted apartments remain available.

Not many places in the Mediterranean can match the island of Malta, including its little sister Gozo, for stunning and beautifully preserved architecture – the capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

One of the Maltese archipelago’s landmark developments is a converted 18^th-Century fort on Gozo, overlooking the island’s port at Mgarr.

Called Fort Chambray (main picture), the site has been restored and re-developed as luxury tourist residential property, including apartments/duplexes, maisonettes and villas. Communal facilities include gardens, pool, gyms and commercial areas.