The Arnolfini Portrait

Take an eighteen-minute stroll from Plaza Mayor to end up at this chic apartment in the vibrant barrio of Malasaña. With plenty of wine bars and tapas restaurants to discover, wandering the streets is a delight in itself. As well as this, the Gran Vía runs past the area, so you can join this fabulous shopping boulevard in just eight minutes. When you need to rest up on your quiet street, the ornately carved, rich wood of your front door stands out. Step inside to find traditional monochrome tiles and an original wooden staircase, welcoming you into this 19th-century building. Inside, the decor features a stylish mix of modern and traditional features. A sleek, white kitchen sits at one end of a bright, open-plan space. At the other, find chunky timber pillars supporting the ceiling, and vintage leather dining chairs below an art-deco-style lampshade. As well as elegant interiors, you’ve also got a private patio with a balconette where you can take in the sun. We can’t think of anything better than perching here with a glass of tempranillo and watching the world go by below.

Home truths:
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host
*Guests are kindly asked to respect quiet hours after 11 pm
*The bed in the second bedroom is two singles pushed together, rather than a double mattress
*If you're bringing the family, your host can provide a cot and high chair upon request in advance
*Paid parking is available both on and off the premises, but the nearest metro is a three-minute walk
*Air conditioning is only available in the bedrooms and in the living room, but it should feel pretty breezy throughout
*To reach the home, you'll need to climb the original wooden staircase, which is fairly worn so might feel uneven to some