The Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio: Catalonia

Family-friendly city breaks to Barcelona don't get much better than this gorgeous fourth-floor apartment, situated a block from the elegant architecture and upmarket boutiques of the iconic Paseo de Gracia. In fact, you'll find some of Antonio Gaudi's masterworks little more than 200m away.

Your hosts are professional photographers with a meticulous eye and have overseen every detail of its extensive 2022 renovation. The result is nothing short of spectacular – a home that combines the best of modern minimalism and late 19th-century features to create something totally unique. We loved the elegant design of the mid-century furniture contrasted against a state-of-the-art kitchen and ornate plaster mouldings lining the ceiling.

Children are sure to love the dedicated triple room, equipped with books, toys and costumes, while the ladder up to the bunk bed adds a sense of adventure to bedtime that should eliminate some of the struggles of persuading them that it's time to get some shut-eye.

Step out into the street, and you'll find yourself a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, where the Eixample neighbourhood meets the old city. From here, you can enjoy a stroll along the bustling Las Ramblas before diverting off into the narrow lanes of the atmospheric Gothic Quarter and making a beeline for Barceloneta Beach. However, when little legs grow tired, the apartment is conveniently located to access the city's extensive metro and bus network, which will whisk you home in no time at all.


Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, tableware, bed railings, books and toys are available.
*The second bedroom contains a single bunk bed accessible via a ladder, plus two further singles – it's best suited to children.
*There is a lift up to this home – however, there are a couple of steps to negotiate to reach it, so it may not be suitable for guests with more limited mobility.
*Given its central location, some street noise is to be expected.
*Barcelona has excellent public transport links so we wouldn't recommend hiring a car.
*This is a lived-in home. You should expect some of the host's personal belongings to be present during your stay.