East is East

This apartment sits more or less on the dividing line where central London ends and the east side of the city begins. You'll see that it's a clash of two cultures — in one direction, you have glass skyscrapers housing financial institutions close to Liverpool Street and on the other, it's reclaimed industrial space, street art on nearly every surface and the buzzy bars and clubs of Shoreditch. There's no doubting it's an interesting location, but this penthouse home is equally noteworthy. The standout feature here is the private wraparound balcony — south and west-facing, as well — which offers a wonderful setting for pre-dinner cocktails and even a glimpse of the Shard. Back inside, we're also big fans of the large open living area, decked out with bare wood flooring and fashionable grey furnishings. Prepare for negotiations over the bedrooms — one has direct access to the outdoor terrace, but the other has an inviting-looking bathtub in the ensuite. However, squabbles can wait until you've seen a bit of the city first. If you’re heading out for an evening meal, the famous Brick Lane is just four minutes' walk from your front door and boasts an impressive number of Bengali restaurants, as well as vintage stores and all-night bagel joints.

Home truths:
*The balcony has a safety guard rail but children should be supervised at all times
*There is no on-site parking, although Aldgate East station is five minutes' walk away
*There's a lift in the building and the home itself is step-free
*A cot can be provided upon request
*The lead guest must be at least twenty-five years old