Description Shaftesbury Sophistication: London

Sitting on Shaftesbury Avenue near Seven Dials, this apartment puts the West End on your doorstep in the most literal sense – Soho is a five-minute walk, Covent Garden's piazza the same, and Theatreland's stages are ten minutes on foot. Back inside, leafy street views and minimalist design make it easier to switch off than you'd expect at this address. A study offers a flexible extra sleeping space, and three Tube stations nearby keep the rest of London well within reach.

Home truths:
* At full capacity, the fifth guest will sleep on the compact sofa bed in the study. The study can be enclosed from the lounge with a sliding pocket wall for privacy.
* Air conditioning is available in both bedrooms and the main living areas.
* You're right in the heart of the West End on Shaftesbury Avenue, so some city and traffic noise is part of the deal here – even with the extra glazing. It's worth packing earplugs if you're a light sleeper.