Gilded Kensington

Period grandeur and a prime Kensington address make for a compelling combination – and that's exactly what's in store at this apartment. The main living room – soaring ceilings, open fireplace, gilded cornicing – is as comfortable as it is stylish, and the spa-style main bathroom brings a quieter kind of luxury to the everyday. Outside, Hyde Park's 350 acres are a twenty-five-minute walk away, and Kensington High Street is right on the doorstep, putting some of the city's best shopping, dining, and green space within easy reach.

Home truths:
* At full capacity, one guest will sleep on a sofa bed in the main suite's upstairs snug.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair.
* Parking here can be tricky, so we recommend sticking to easily accessible public transport where possible. High Street Kensington station is a short walk away.
* While there's no air conditioning here, your host can provide fans for the warmer months.
* There's a small flight of stairs to access this home from the street level. Once inside the apartment, there are small steps and changes in floor level, plus additional flights of stairs leading to the walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom, and the snug area.