Paint The Town Rojo

Paint The Town Rojo: Madrid

Make yourself right at home in this inviting apartment and live like a Madrid local. Wooden beams on the ceiling and Juliet balconies on the shuttered windows hark back to the neighbourhood's history, and we can't help but swoon over how light, warm and roomy the living space feels. The colour palette is very natural and earthy – think cream sofas, woven rugs, leafy potted plants and a statement-making rattan lampshade hanging above the table – but the vibrant bursts of red add a pop of personality. Cook up a storm in the kitchen using ingredients from the local market, then tuck into paella and share a bottle of wine as the night draws to a close. When you're feeling sleepy, tuck into the comfortable beds for some shut-eye, dreaming of the next day's adventures.

Speaking of adventures, you'll have plenty to keep you occupied in this emblematic neighbourhood, where age-old buildings and thriving restaurants, boutiques and bars lie side by side. Art lovers will appreciate being a stone's throw from Madrid's best museums – including the Museo del Romanticismo right across the street – while history buffs can visit the Royal Palace and Catedral de la Almudena, just twenty minutes away on foot. Or simply pass the time people-watching in one of the city's many picturesque plazas – one of our favourites is Plaza del Dos de Mayo, walkable in seven minutes.

Home truths:
*To use the lift, you'll have to go up and down some stairs *The dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace *This apartment is in a central spot, so it may get noisy *No parking is provided, but a car isn't necessary in Madrid – Tribunal station is only a short walk away *This flat is in an apartment building with a shared entrance