Staying in this Kentish Town flat feels like sleeping over at your best friend’s place. Dense bookshelves, DVD piles, herb jars and local leaflets tacked to the fridge all add to the lived-in character. There’s also a bright white bedroom and, despite the slightly small size, a bathtub. Best of all is the oh-so-amenable host, Stan, who we rate highly. Camden Town and its canal-sides are easily accessed along tree-lined Georgian backstreets, as are lots of grocery stores and restaurants.

Home truths:
* It's a genuine home filled with a few personal items and possessions