Magic Touch

With incredible attention to those little details that make for an excellent stay, this LA home is bold, colourful and ever-so-comfy. A good-size duplex that can sleep up to eight, it's in a historic neighbourhood, a ten-minute drive from the Science Centre, Exposition Park and Downtown LA.

Inside, it's immediately clear that it's been designed by someone who cares about the home – there are warm tones like corals and purples throughout, and they fit right in with the Spanish style of the building. We love the huge arched window in the living room and the period fireplace. There's a really well-equipped kitchen making cooking at home a breeze, and a cosy dining nook (or why not eat outdoors on the patio?).

In the evening, pull up a chair in the wine room and rifle through the great selection of books and board games to suit all ages. The bedrooms each have a character of their own and we think you'll love the mix of vintage furniture and high-quality linens.

Home truths:
*There's no on-site parking at this home, but on-street parking is available
*Although parking nearby is quite easy in the mornings, it can be trickier in the evening
*You’ll check yourself in with a lockbox
*With only one full bathroom, there may be some queuing for the shower in the mornings with eight of you
*Just so you know, the garbage collection day is Tuesday
*This home has a no shoes indoors policy
*Quiet hours are enforced from 11pm
*This home is accessed by stairs only