The Prizewinner

The Prizewinner: Île-de-France

There's a thoroughly polished feel to this Parisian apartment that was recently modernised by an interior designer. The kitchen is a chef-worthy space with its high-end appliances, marble countertops and striking gold light fitting, while the open-plan living space is ideal for evening drinks and socialising. We also love the elegant freestanding bathtub in the main bathroom that would be where you'd find us after a long day exploring the French capital. This level of sophistication only feels right considering what awaits you as you leave the front door. The home sits in between the neighbourhoods of Palais Royal and Le Maris, and it takes around ten minutes on foot to visit either the Louvre or Centre Pompidou — depending on what sort of head space you woke up in.

Home truths:
*This lively neighbourhood is not for those looking for a more tranquil and residential locale
*Some street noise that can be heard from the dining room
*The bedroom curtains here don't fully block light – you might want to pack an eye mask
*There's a lift in the building to reach this home
*There's no parking space at this property, although you are only six minutes' walk from Châtelet–Les Halles station
*Expect to see some signs of general wear and tear here