Panthéon Poolside

This grand villa, the likes of which you’d usually find in the Loire Valley, is a rarity in the heart of Paris. Dating back to the 18th century, you can picture nobility moving around behind each wooden-shuttered French window. Inside though, it’s decidedly 21st-century – grey velvet in the living room, a slate-coloured kitchen, and perfectly geometric modern four-posters in the bedrooms. Plus, a basement cinema room and several office spaces set up for laptops. Gilded mirrors and the occasional marble bust on book-filled shelves are a nod to the home’s history. The garden is the cherry on top – and immaculate lawn leading down to a heated pool, lined with a wall of trees for privacy. There’s a long balcony overlooking the pool and a terrace set up with outdoor sofas, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. Heading out the door, you’re just south of the Latin Quarter, next to the Panthéon, so lively bars and bistros are all around and it’s a twenty-minute walk to Notre Dame.

Home truths:
* The living room fireplace is only decorative but there's one in the master bedroom that's fully functional
* The home is split across four levels with a central spiral staircase that is a little narrow
*There is no air-conditioning but there are fans in the bedrooms
*There is a parking space provided in the courtyard
*There are two studio apartments accessed across the courtyard from the villa, which may both be occupied during your stay
*The fifth bedroom is a single set up for children, with stars on the ceiling and a selection of toys