This address might not be among Oxford's dreaming spires, but ten minutes in the car will get you into the heart of the university city, after which you can wander about the college grounds to your heart's content. This surrounding local neighbourhood is residential by conparison, filled with smart family properties just like this one. We've only got kind words for the interior design, which is simple but unfussy and effective. The garden is another big plus, with plenty of room for lawn games and alfresco dining.

Home truths:
*The home is spread across two floors and there are no bedrooms on the ground level
*There's free on-street parking available for guests, although this isn't guaranteed, especially during busy periods
*Your host can provide a travel cot for free upon request, but guests need to bring their own linen
*The fireplace in this home is not operational
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Your host can offer a 20 per cent discount on the food menu at The Alchemist Westgate