Forever friends
Put the kettle on and have the biscuits ready, for here is a home that instantly puts you at ease. As cute as a kitten and sweeter than the ripest of strawberries, this pretty house is perfect for grown ups and little ones alike. There’s a cottage charm to these interiors, with distressed wood, colourful fabrics, and, for younger guests, oodles of toys. Visit Peter Pan in nearby Kensington Gardens, go for a rummage at Portobello Road’s antiques market, or linger over brunch in Westbourne Grove. Happy families? We think so.
You and me
Your hostess writes books on interior design. She’s from London, and she shares Chepstow Road with her gorgeous little girl. When they’re not raiding the dressing up box, they can be found visiting their friends in the countryside.
Sleep tight
Bedtime is no chore when there are bunk beds to scramble into, and for you, there’s a French-style double bed in white wood and wicker. Cherry-red bedside lamps and a magnificent oil painting complete the look, and next door you’ll find a family bathroom full of White Company toiletries.
Downstairs, the eat-in kitchen’s modern, with everything you’ll need, whether you’re just popping some bread in the toaster or showing off your apple pie. The sitting room’s large and bright, with its original windows and fireplace, and a cottage dresser that might have been dreamed up by Beatrix Potter. The rose-pink sofa’s the perfect spot for curling up with a hot chocolate, and, perhaps a treasured tome from your hostess’ fantastic collection of books.
Soft play
Picnic in Hyde Park, sail a boat on the round pond and feed the squirrels, or, if the rain threatens, you’re close to Queens Ice and Bowl, an ice rink and bowling alley which counts Madonna among its customers. Hang out in the boutiques of Westbourne Grove, pick up a cupcake at the Hummingbird Bakery, or nip into town. The tube from Notting Hill Gate to Oxford Circus takes eight minutes.
