Uncorked

Uncorked: Catalonia

When you’re staying in the classy and vibrant region of Gràcia, you need an apartment to match. Three minutes from the Fontana metro, and four from the bustling main boulevard, this home is ready to meet your needs. Stepping inside to original tiled floors, exposed brickwork, and rich wooden French doors to the balcony, this is a space where you can relax in style. The interior designer took inspiration from Ribeira Sacra, one of Spain’s most important wine regions. You’ll notice cork detailing throughout the home, as well as other subtle homages to the much-loved tipple – we love the handmade, cork headboard in the master bedroom. If all this makes you thirsty for a glass of vino, your neighbourhood has plenty of options for elegant bars and restaurants. However, we think local sights are in order first. One of Gaudí’s lesser-known pieces, Casa Vicens, is just a four-minute walk. Its chequered tiles and bright colours are as awe-inspiring as you’d expect, without the queues of sights like Casa Milà. Still, when it’s just a sixteen-minute walk, you might as well visit the whole collection.

Home truths:
*Your host does not provide shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom, so you'll need to bring your own
*You'll have your own washing machine, but no tumble dryer (the climate should be warm enough to get your clothes dry though)
*The balcony does not have outdoor furniture or a place to sit, it's more of a balconette for perching and peering over
*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