Green Diamond

Green Diamond: Catalonia

The bustling barrio of Eixample is home to plenty of stylish boutiques, kerbside cafés, and tasteful restaurants. It’s also a hotspot for some of the city’s most incredible architecture, with Gaudí’s Casa Batlló just a five-minute walk from this (almost) equally beautiful apartment. A masterclass in art deco design, the first things you’ll notice when entering the vast living space are the archway and enormous windows. With hardwood frames in a typical early 1900s style, preceded by tasteful green and white patterned diamonds on the inner arch, this unique space transports you back in time. From here, take a glass of Catalan wine out to the balcony and gaze out to city views. And for an extra touch of vintage elegance, why not stick something on the record player while you’re at it. Earthy greens, natural fibres, and wooden highlights create a calming atmosphere throughout the home. But if you're looking for a thrilling and vibrant environment, you can stroll to the Gothic Quarter in fifteen minutes. Spend an evening winding through the maze of cobbled streets, past the 13th-century cathedral, stopping in at various cocktail bars or nibbling tapas en route.

Home truths:
*Your host does not provide shampoo and conditioner, so you'll need to bring your own or head to a nearby shop
*There is a washing machine, but no tumble dryer – the warm climate should suffice though
*As this home is in one of Barcelona’s most popular areas, some city and street noise is to be expected – light sleepers may want to pack earplugs just in case
*There is only air conditioning in some rooms