Stairway to heaven

No doubt it's the climb.

The top floor is several flights up, for one thing. And there's those breathtaking views, of course. And all that sunshine pouring in through the vast picture windows which line the gables. Not forgetting the fact that air at altitude is that little bit thinner.

That surely explains it. The breathlessness, that is. It can't, it just can't be the building itself. After all, St Clements is deconsecrated ground.

Knock, knock, knocking through heaven's walls

The local fauna

Welcome to modern gothic. Converted some years ago into luxury open-plan apartments, this former Anglican Church takes something the Victorians were terrific at -- grand brick buildings -- and adds a little bit of something at which they weren't: enlightened contemporary design.

Naturally enough, you can tick off the amenities. Natty home entertainment system, Mies van der Rohe chairs, vorsprung durch technik coffee machine...

But what's more astonishing is just how unobtrusive the modernity is. Bold, bright and striking interiors, accent colours that gleam in the streaming sunlight: all are framed in perfect balance by the crisp black lines of the old oak rafters. Like modern art in an antique frame.

Heavenly creatures

While design devotees gaze rapt by the harmonious composition, parents will be delighted to learn that the place is just as well-suited for cheeky little devils.

Indeed the hosts have one of their own. Her bedroom comfortably sleeps two, while a further couple has use of the master bedroom with its enviable ensuite, and still more enviable view of the Emirates Stadium. An extra airbed provides a casual solution for a further couple of occupants.

And because the flat plays second home to a family, there are plenty of children’s DVDs, games and toys, not to mention the local area's amenities.

Finally, because this is onefinestay, fluffy towels, crisp linen and chichi White Company toiletries are all part and parcel.

The North of the Angel

To go with the airbed

When duty calls, Arundel Square is a few minutes walk from Highbury and Islington station, which in turn is just 8 minutes by tube from Oxford Circus.

Not that you'll need to venture as far as the West End to find night life. Upper Street buzzes with trendy urbanites and their young families. There are few urban villages anywhere in the world which can beat Islington for shopping, sipping or just winding down.

And if you do find yourself craving a genuinely religious experience, you're only the shortest of walks from Arsenal's own newly consecrated grounds...