El Caballito

Bright and thoughtfully designed, this charming apartment borders the luscious gardens of Real Jardín Botánico and is moments away from Caixa Forum’s vertical growing wall and suspended architecture. This elegant home provides an idyllic base for a family or group of friends seeking a calm retreat with cultural hotspots on the doorstep.

We knew that, if the towering wooden front door with pretty cast iron rosettes was anything to go by, this home would be hiding away some pretty impressive features. From the elegant archway to the hand-painted floral panels, the sweet antique toy horse to the immaculately-tiled kitchen – it's a real gem. There’s a tranquil ambience here, which invites you to wind down in the cosy living space whilst the central dining table insists on a homemade tapas spread for a memorable night with your loved ones.

The surrounding streets are packed with a host of options. Mornings can be best spent altogether walking around El Retiro Park, just a twelve-minute walk away. When it comes to lunch, there’s a whirlwind of culinary offerings so take your pick - a meat-centred affair at Sala de Despiece or hard-hitting small plates at Tripea’s open kitchen in ​​Mercado de Vallehermoso. After your fill, contemplate the artworks in Prado Museum or pop into the boutiques that line the Golden Mile.

Home truths:
* This home can accommodate six guests, but one will be sleeping on a pull-out bed, and two on a sofabed in the living room *This home is in a central spot, so noise is to be expected *This home is located on the ground floor *One well-behaved dog is welcome to accompany you during your stay *Your host may be able to provide a travel cot upon request