Coffee Criss-Cross

Coffee Criss-Cross: Madrid

You might be forgiven for thinking this Indonesian-style home is tucked away on an exotic island somewhere, but it stands in the heart of the very creative Castellana neighbourhood, close to museums, restaurants and coffee shops. Its stylish interiors feature natural colours and materials (think browns, whites and greys, along with bamboo, linen and wood), while its comfy furnishings make it homey and relaxing.

It's a pretty special place for a long stay, with space for up to four guests in two dreamy bedrooms. We particularly love the use of strips of wood on the walls of the open-plan living space – creating instant art. If you're cooking at home, there's a perfectly practical kitchen equipped with everything you'll need, and if you're working from home there's even a handy workspace in the bright living room.

Home truths:
*There's laptop-friendly workspace at the desk
*Pets are welcome but there may be an additional fee – check with the host prior to booking
*Weekly cleaning is included
*There is only air conditioning in some rooms
*Because of the location, some city noise should be expected – light sleepers might want to bring earplugs just in case