Campden Street II

Twinkle twinkle

Notting Hill is fashionable London, there’s no doubt about that. Stylists rummage Portobello Road Market for vintage Pucci, while the joggers circumnavigating Kensington Gardens range from city slickers to members of the Hollywood A List.

But while this part of town may be on trend, its edges are never cutting. From cupcakes in the Hummingbird Bakery to pastel houses and cobbled mews, we know you’ll be cosily comfortable. Modern, relaxed, pretty and private, here’s a home that’ll warm your heart.

Golden eye

Your host is half Italian, and he and his wife have spent much of their married life living abroad. She’s a teacher, while he’s an economist, and now that their two sons are grown up, they’re getting ready to travel the world.

Glow with pleasure

There’s a golden aura to Campden Street II. Honeyed wooden floors, gilded picture frames and lashings of sunshine combine to give this house a wonderful glow. Downstairs, there’s a harmonious sitting room, with an original fireplace and designer sofas. Then it’s on to the well-equipped kitchen diner, with seating for four beneath the glass ceiling.

Head out into the garden for a nightcap, or go up to the master suite on the top floor. Here, the intricate bedstead and toil de Jouy curtains give the room a cottagey feel, while next door, the en suite holds a walk in shower and a deep freestanding bath. There’s a further sunny double down on the first floor, and another bathroom with a walk in shower.

See the light

You’re between two parks, Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, and if it’s raining, there’s an arthouse cinema only five minutes away. You’ve all sorts of bars and restaurants, and if you’re shopping for groceries you’ll find some of the most fabulous delis and fishmongers in London. And on Saturdays there’s even a farmers’ market. Browse for antiques on Portobello Road, or head into town. The tube from nearby Notting Hill Gate to Oxford Circus takes only eight minutes.