Well Versed

Well Versed: Catalonia

With Gaudí masterpieces peeping around corners and lining elegant boulevards, Gràcia is one of the most striking neighbourhoods of Barcelona. Not only is the architecture second to none, but its vibrant atmosphere is sure to charm you. After a glass of Catalan wine in a trendy bar, take a stroll past Casa Milà en route back to your apartment, just twelve minutes away.

Despite urban surroundings, this home takes you on a journey back to nature. We love the use of wood, wicker, and woven elements throughout. The earthy tones and organic textures create a sense of calm, which you can enhance even further with some ambient tunes on the record player. While leafy, potted plants complete the natural look, the modern kitchen offers a sleek station for preparing a bowl of olives alongside ‘pa amb tomàquet’.

After nibbles on the balconette (or up on the residents’ roof terrace), step through to the bedroom. The arched feature wall makes the room feel more like a riad than a Barcelona flat, with wall lights and candles adding to the vibe. Relax in this inspiring environment and pen some poetry at the writers’ desk – perhaps an ode to this muse-like home?

Home truths:
*You have a private balconette at your apartment, but the pool and roof terrace are shared
*There's a dedicated workspace, plus laptop-friendly spots like the dining table
*As this home is more like a studio, the bedroom only has a curtain for privacy
*Your host does not provide haircare products such as shampoo
*Parking isn't available, but the Verdaguer metro stop is a seven-minute walk
*The building entrance is shared, not private to your home
*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