Planning an extended stay in Berlin? Well isn’t everyone, but if you’re lucky enough to make it happen, may we humbly point you in the direction of Gorki Apartments in the Berlin Mitte district. The development has 35 individually designed apartments of various sizes, and two penthouses on the way, and while you can stay for the night like a hotel, it’s especially geared towards medium and long-term residents who like to fly under the radar.

The place is great for Cold War enthusiasts. The apartments are not numbered, instead each is identified by a fictitious name, and guests remain anonymous under a pseudonym, with their own mailbox (a bit more convenient than a park bench dead-drop). Franco-German interior designer Sandra Pauquet collaborated with architect Kim Wang on the development, mixing contemporary items, classic pieces from the likes of Knoll and Eiermann and vintage stuff from local flea markets. We particularly like the bathrooms which mix beautiful yet subtle frescos with glazed brick tiles harking back to the building’s turn-of-the-century origins. There’s a high attention to detail throughout; a couple of examples are the pillow cases exclusively designed by fashion label Odeeh, and the complimentary bikes from Finnish firm Pelago.