Let there be light

When you’re done feeding the birds in Trafalgar Square, why not return home to this lofty nest? Putting a long and breathy ‘oh’ into OMG, Naoroji Street is high-rise living at its most utterly spectacular. Sunshine pours in from the triple aspect floor-to-ceiling windows, and with it, a view that takes in nigh on every major London landmark; St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, The Gherkin, The Telecom Tower, Canary Wharf…

Even if splendid vistas were all that was on offer, we’d be screaming our heads off over Naoroji Street. But turn your back on the windows (if you can) and you’ll find two comfortable double bedrooms, an enormous open plan living space equipped with beautiful leather furniture, an ultra-modern kitchen and a collection of rare Lalique glass, each piece agleam with yet more of that wonderful, wonderful light.

Cloud atlas

Our hostess is a rather glamorous type, who having founded a thriving business in the City, is now allowing herself a little time off to jet around the world. She shares Naoroji Street with her best friend Rosie, the cutest of canines, and a collection of artwork that reflects her family’s Egyptian roots. Like her home, she’s charming, cosmopolitan, and quite rightly chooses to keep her head up in the clouds.

Get high

You’ve your own private entrance to Naoroji Street, and, with a lift that’ll shoot you straight up to the fourth floor, there’s no need to brave the stairs. Once through the wide, welcoming entrance, head into the open plan living space and begin your love affair with that view.

Homes as magical as this this often leave one a tad weak at the knees and you'll be glad to sit down, whether you chose to lie back on the couch or on the designer leather recliner. The dining table seats eight, but on warm evenings you’ll want to open the doors and take your plate outside onto the huge balcony.

Modern, minimal, but with some exquisite plants you can watch the sun go down to the coo of pigeons and the gentle trickle from a discreetly charming water feature.

And then, come inside, where two large double bedrooms await you, clad in crisp white linen. Warm wooden floors, wicker and pale muslin soften the clean lines into something very welcoming indeed; once you’ve finished a delicious soak in one of the two ensuite bathrooms, retire to bed, and instead of counting sheep, take an inventory of the stars.

Back down to earth

And when your feet touch the ground again, you’ll discover that you’re right in zone 1. Once, Clerkenwell was where London’s watchmakers plied their trade, now, you can pick up some jewellery in nearby Hatton Garden, or pad over to historic Smithfield for a meal at the Michelin starred St John. Surprisingly serene for such a central location, Clerkenwell boasts a number of historic taverns and eateries, including London’s original gastropub, The Eagle. Pick up coffee and a cake on pretty Exmouth Market before browsing the book and record shops, and then, perhaps on to Angel to hang with the trendy Islingtonites? Or, if you’d rather, a fifteen minute walk can have you glittering away under the bright lights of Covent Garden: the choice is entirely yours.