It's no mean feat creating a pocket of calm in the midst of a bustling capital city, but this effortlessly chic apartment does just that. With a monochromatic style of shiny black and white, plus a few olive green highlights and plenty of natural wood, this home-from-home is the ideal spot to kick back and relax after a day taking in the sights and sounds of Madrid. Making great use of the space, the sociable open-plan living area features a sleek kitchen with high spec appliances, while a dining table with breakfast bar stools is the spot for sipping morning coffees and catching up on the day's news. Cleverly designed, the sliding barn door makes for a seamless transition into the bedroom, benefitting from plenty of natural light, beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. Outside, there's a traditional area filled with life. The vibrant neighbourhood of La Latina is home to tapas bars, cantinas and street-food stalls. Home truths: *There are sofa-beds in the living room and it can technically accommodate a third guest but we think this home is best suited to just one or two *Make use of the excellent public transport links and hop on the metro to get around – the nearest station is just steps away