1 There's No Place Like Home - The Battered Black Book

There’s No Place Like Home

Curators of exceptional short stays, Domus Stay on unlocking London’s design-led properties and what makes a house a home.

Our homes are our castles, or so the saying goes. Places that provide sanctuary and escapism, for many people their property is also their primary financial asset – although we’d argue that the value of a home comes down to much more than its price per square foot.

At Domus Stay, we curate memorable short stay experiences by pairing dedicated guest services with design-led homes in London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. One-of-a-kind properties are our bread and butter. Chelsea townhouses, Notting Hill maisonettes and Mayfair mews homes reimagined by leading creatives, we seek out backdrops that spark inspiration, induce relaxation and elevate the everyday. Beyond striking interiors, our guests can expect to find conversation-starting antiques, libraries filled with first editions and chef-grade appliances.

Among our most unique spaces, there’s a Grade-II listed Mayfair apartment that has counted royals and the literati among its former residents, an expectation-defying Fulham lodge house that featured on Grand Designs, and an artist’s studio turned penthouse of impressive proportions in Notting Hill.

Like us, the owners of these extraordinary homes share the belief that considered design adds value – and not just in a financial sense. Beyond monetary gains, thoughtful interventions can enhance our wellbeing and the way we live. As a result, leading architects and interior design studios have had a hand in many of the homes in our portfolio, from Blyth-Collinson Interiors to Lonika Chande and Simon Gill Architects. Sometimes though, the visionaries in question are the homeowners themselves, who are arguably best placed to bring out the intrinsic worth of a space through the experience of living in it.

One of our homeowners told us that she wanted to share her place for short stays because she was a “custodian”, and that has always stuck with us. So much so that we carry forward this sentiment in all we do. We strive to look after our homes as if they were our own. As well as maintaining them to the highest standards, our diligent approach to inventory checks, guest vetting, security and housekeeping offers peace of mind for everyone. For every new property we handpick to join our collection, we also undertake a thorough preparation day to familiarise ourselves with each element in detail – so we understand the nuts, bolts and quirks of every space.

Ultimately, whatever gives a home its unique appeal – from celebrated mid-century modern furniture to an art collection amassed over a lifetime – owners can trust us to showcase it to the most suitable individuals. That’s because we connect likeminded people: those with properties that don’t just look good but feel great to live in. And discerning guests with an appreciation for considered design.

With a background rooted in luxury property and hospitality, personal service comes naturally to us. Whether a home is available for two weeks, two months or more, our experienced team takes the stress out of the short stay process, for homeowners, guests and bookers alike.

We might not have any castles in our portfolio (yet), but for everything else, get in touch.