A modern monastery

Given the choice between living in a historic building and a glass-and-metal penthouse, I'd probably plump for the former. And I'm always interested to see places that have managed to convert their period buildings in a modern way that's still sympathetic. Take a look at the Convent of Loios in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora. The bedrooms have been made by converting the original nuns cells and use every architectural detail (check out the reading nook created in an old fireplace!) to make what were originally sparse rooms containing nothing into comfortable places to stay. Pretty original!