Description The London Layover: London

A walled courtyard garden ringed by London brick is a rare find this close to the centre – and in an apartment a six-minute walk from King's Cross St. Pancras, it's welcome. Eat outside, then head back in to the bright, connected kitchen and living space where the city's pace starts to fall away. With the Eurostar, the Underground, and a stretch of London's theatres and museums all within reach, this is a practical base that doesn't feel like one.

Home truths:
* There's no air conditioning here – the apartment relies on a fan in warmer weather, so it can feel stuffy during a London heatwave.
* The stairs are narrow and steep – worth bearing in mind if anyone in your group has mobility considerations.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can arrange a cot and high chair in advance – just request them when you book.
* While the second bathroom isn't photographed, expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.