Lonely Planet Review

Rose Villa is a one-off experience in hospitality and looks. The former is courtesy of an affable owner who has lived here for over 50 years, while the latter is the result of a turn-of-the-21st-century redecoration of an Edwardian villa that would make a baroque interior decorator blush.

The small dining room is encrusted with elaborate wallpaper, brass fittings and gilt-edged paintings. Cooked breakfasts are served amidst this old-style grandeur, and are often candle-lit and accompanied by the soft strains of classical music. The large main guest room is a landscape of floral designs that blanket the walls, bedspread and artworks. Located at the back of the house, it has its own private entrance, an en suite (shower only, no bath) and a bank of windows looking out to a peaceful garden. A second, smaller room is also available, though you'd be sharing a bathroom (with separate bath and shower) with the owner. This lovably chintzy place is set on a quiet suburban sidestreet only 3km (1.9mi) from the city centre.