Slate & Sky

Kensington Gardens sits directly across the street from this South Kensington apartment, with Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall all within easy reach on foot. Inside, the living and dining space is generous enough to settle into properly – a large corner sofa, a round table for unhurried dinners, and everything in one well-considered room. Best of all, there's a private courtyard that makes it easy to forget you're in the heart of central London. Three Underground stations are all within walking distance, too, including South Kensington itself.

Home truths:
* The apartment is on the lower ground floor, reached via narrow stairs from street level. There is a lift, but it's quite small and too compact for a pram – so if you're travelling with a buggy, factor that in.
* Your host can provide a cot for little ones upon request – just bring your own cot linen.
* The third bedroom is quite small and lacks a window. The bed is also pushed against the wall, making it more comfortable for one adult or two children.
* While we love the overall design of this home, it is lacking in natural light since it's a lower-ground-floor apartment.