Description Key to the City: Barcelona

There's a real mix of design influences in this apartment in the northern section of Eixample. Against the contemporary backdrop of pastel grey and shiny wooden flooring, you'll find a few eye-catching vintage pieces, including the weathered dining table and television stand. By contrast, the minimalist kitchen is far more contemporary in style, as is the monochrome photographic artwork on the walls.

We're of the opinion that these different strands all work rather well together and there's another large perk in the shape of the home's large balcony, which can be accessed through the living room or both of the bedrooms. Some seating out in this space lets you enjoy breakfast accompanied by a spot of people-watching on Barcelona's streets.

In the local area, you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you busy, as well as some of Gaudi's most famous buildings within easy walking distance. Casa Milà is closest at ten minutes away on foot, but you can see his first project, Casa Vicens, in just over a quarter of an hour.

Home truths:
*There's a lift in the building to reach this single-level apartment on the first floor — there are stairs to climb before reaching the lift, however
*The building has no private parking available, but Diagonal metro station is five mintues' walk away