THE APARTMENT
When you enter a new place for the first time, what's the first room you check out - the nearest door, the furthest door, the room that's straight ahead?
We're going straight ahead first in our tour of this apartment, which is located on the third floor of a whitewashed, end of terrace house overlooking the Old Brompton Road in South Kensington. That takes us into the bathroom, which gives a hint of the comfort and convenience that awaits across this property with the presence of dual wash basins (vanities), handy if there are two of you staying, as you'll each get to arrange your lotions, gels, creams, soaps and whatever else you're bringing around your own sink. There's only one bath, of course, but it comes with a shower attachment overhead, so you can choose how you freshen up each morning.
THE LIVING ROOM & DINING ROOM
To the left of the bathroom is a space that's ripe for relaxing and dining.
The three-seater leather sofa invites you to laze around like you do at home, perhaps while watching whatever's on the flat screen TV if you get time. The owners have left shelves laden with books that you're welcome to browse while you wait for dinner to be delivered. The two armchairs offer other places to sit and read or browse social media.
If you're planning to prepare some of your own meals during your stay (there are shops and supermarkets nearby), the apartment's separate kitchen has all the countertop space, quality appliances, cookware and utensils you need to make, serve and enjoy snacks and meals. There's even room in the kitchen for a small table and two chairs from where you can take a break from chef duties, sip a coffee and enjoy a view through the window that looks straight down Old Brompton Road.
The dining table back in the reception room seats four and gives you views of the rooftops of other residences in this highly desirable area of London. The table can also double as a workspace, giving you room for a laptop and any paperwork that might need looking at. The whole apartment is served by fast Wi-Fi, as you would expect.
After working or exploring the capital, the bedroom provides a relaxing space in which to call it a day. The beautifully presented double bed overlooks a decorative fireplace, giving you somewhere comfortable to recharge. Two integrated wardrobes provide ample storage space for your clothes and bags, with more cupboard space in the living/dining area and hallway if you need it.
WORTH NOTING:
As this is a top floor apartment, the slope of the eaves reduces the headroom slightly on the window side of the living/dining room.
Also, there is no elevator in the building, so stairs need to be climbed to access the flat. Plus, there are a few stairs from street level up to the front door that's shared with occupants of the apartments on the lower levels.
THE LOCAL AREA
It might be called old, but Old Brompton Road which the apartment overlooks is actually a modern high street with shops and plenty of restaurants serving delicious cuisine from around the world.
To the south of the apartment you have Chelsea and the Royal Marsden and Royal Brompton hospitals - good to know if you are working at either facility or want to stay near someone having treatment. Beyond is the iconic King's Road, still a cool place to browse boutiques and stop for a snack or meal.
To the north is an area of London that draws in visitors by the thousands from all over the world - the museum zone. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are all close to each other. You might want to visit all three on the same day or spread out your exploration over several days. Beyond is Imperial College London, the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and the Serpentine Gallery and Kensington Palace.
Other places of interest nearby include Harrods on Knightsbridge, Stamford Bridge near Fulham Broadway, and the Tate Britain in Pimlico. Here are the approximate distances from the apartment of some of those attractions:
The Museums (7 min walk)
Albert Hall (17 min walk)
Hyde Park (20 min walk)
Kensington Palace (5 min cab ride)
Imperial College (11 min walk)
Royal Marsden Hospital (4 min walk)
Stamford Bridge (7 min cab ride)
Harrods (19 min walk)
Tate Britain (15 min cab ride)
GETTING AROUND
South Kensington London Underground station is the nearest tube stop to the apartment - and it's just 3 minutes walk away.
It's served by three lines on the network - the District Line, Circle Line and Piccadilly Line. Look at an underground map to see how well connected you'll be, with Heathrow Airport, Covent Garden, Tower Hill for the Tower of London, Wimbledon and Notting Hill among the many destinations with direct links from the station.
If you prefer buses, you'll get plenty to choose from along Old Brompton Road and from other nearby roads, and you can always hail available cabs or order an Uber if you need to. But, thanks to the apartment's ultra-convenient location, you might find that the places you want to go can all be reached on foot.
Smoking - not allowed
