Europa House Apartments

Low-key luxury in leafy West London: family-friendly self-catering apartments with 1-3 bedrooms, ideal for short breaks or longer stays

Staying at Europa House is like having the keys to your very own London home - and an elegant, tasteful one at that. Inside this smart stuccoed townhouse are 12 vast apartments, all with airy living rooms, 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms and swanky kitchens, and all impeccably furnished. The sophisticated décor blends neutral tones with bespoke pieces sculpted by Tom Dixon and Mark Brazier-Jones, and the discreet ambiance has been known to attract many a Hollywood A-lister. But this grown-up place also offers a warm welcome for families: child-friendly trappings include toys, games, lots of baby equipment and a helpful shopping service.

Set amid the tranquil canals, tree-lined avenues and lifestyle boutiques of Little Venice, Europa House is away from the madding crowds yet only a 10-minute Tube or taxi hop from the central sights. There are supermarkets and delis if you want to self-cater; restaurant delivery menus and local eateries if you don’t. Best of all, you get access to London’s largest private garden square - 3 beautiful acres of enclosed lawns, complete with a kids’ playground. It’s all so stylish and serene that some guests have been known to move in for several years - after a night here we wished we could, too.

Highs

• You get space, style and plenty of privacy so it's ideal for families or groups of friends - the 2-bedroom apartments have a double and twin bedroom, plus 2 bathrooms
• Little Venice is peaceful and picturesque with lovely walks along the canal, and is a good base for exploring London - the apartments are 5 minutes' walk from Maida Vale on the Bakerloo Line
• The enclosed grassy garden is perfect for picnics and games
• There’s a 24-hour telephone concierge service to help you get the most out of London living
• A secure underground car park on site (a rarity in London)

Lows

• Not for anyone seeking the central London buzz - there are pubs and restaurants nearby, but nightlife is a taxi or Tube ride away
• Our bathroom was a little chilly
• Be aware that you'll need to pay a security deposit on arrival
• Staff are only on site until 5pm (if you arrive after then you'll be given a code to access your keys from a safe box outside)
• The 3-bedroom apartment is normally only available for long stays (90+ days), but shorter visits will be accommodated when possible