Immersed in the Notting Hill vibe, this apartment is within minutes of Portobello Market and the brunch paradise along Westbourne Grove. The facade is typical of West London on a tree-lined street, and inside it’s a romantic retreat perfect for a couple or solo traveller. Book-filled shelves surround the sofa in the living room, where the sash windows throw beams of sunlight across this cosy reading nook. The home has been decorated to perfection, with magenta and rose-red, velvety accents against a deep grey backdrop in the bedroom. The kitchen is compact, and comes stocked with basic groceries, but since the restaurants, brunch spots and cafés of Notting Hill are mere footsteps away you may not need to fire up the cooker. Though the fresh produce markets might tempt you into cooking.

Home truths:
*There's only one proper bedroom for two, so extra guests would be on futon mattresses in the living room (more suitable for two children or one adult)
*This home is located on the second floor of a townhouse and there is no lift - be prepared to bring your bags up a few stairs on arrival
*The bathroom is a little tight
*There's no washing machine - probably only an issue for longer stays