Candlenut & Sage

Candlenut & Sage: Madrid

Cool, stylish and modern, this apartment in Madrid's Almagro neighbourhood delivers in spades. Step inside, and you'll feel instantly at ease, with the neutral colour palette, hemp furnishings and green houseplants. Relax with a glass of Spanish wine in the bright open-plan living space while the record player serenades your afternoon lounging. We particularly liked the crittall-style window finish that cleverly divides the kitchen up, while keeping things sociable. Through to the bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, where this home really becomes a sanctuary of rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to an indulgent bubble bath in the freestanding tub or wrap yourself up in a soft throw and enjoy a sneaky siesta. Those keeping one eye on work during their stay will find the dedicated office spaces perfectly suited for client catch-ups and quiet moments.

But the real highlight of this home is upstairs on the building's communal roof terrace, where you can cool off with a dip in the pool while looking over the city's terracotta-hued skyline. Pre-dinnner drinks go down a treat up here too – we recommend gathering together for jugs of sangria and sunset views. Below, it's only twenty-six minutes on foot or seventeen minutes by public transport to the Plaza Mayor, lined with centuries-old buildings and traditional architecture. When you're not taking in the cultural attractions or tucking into a paella at one of the restaurants nearby, both El Retiro Park and the Prado Museum are under thirty minutes away by metro or on foot.

Home truths:
*The pool is quite small and designed for gentle swimming, rather than up-and-downs *The gym consists of a few exercise machines *The building's entrance is shared with the other residents *Remember to pack your shampoo, as toiletries are not provided *Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is seventeen minutes away by car or forty minutes away on public transport *There is only air conditioning in some rooms *Because of the location, some city noise should be expected –  just in case