In contrast to my rather lavish colleagues, I’m choosing a single room to occupy: the Octagon Room of Orleans House. In all honesty, the reason I am only getting a single room in this fantasy is because the rest of the house sadly no longer exists, and it was only the baroque beauty of the Octagon Room that survived dereliction over the 20th century. Thank goodness, because it a thing of beauty and the unique shape makes the rather small – though very lofty – room seem endless. It’s a grand room, that’s for sure, and it was designed in the early 1700s to be a place where James Johnston, joint Secretary of State for Scotland, could entertain on a large scale and impress the royal court. It worked, but that’s not what drew me to it. There are windows on five on the eight facets, a huge marble fireplace, gilding and the most perfect chequerboard floor, all of which work within the scale of the room to make it feel utterly, totally peaceful. It helps that it is set on the Thames and surrounded by trees, so everywhere you look, you see nature and feel removed from daily life. Now, however, it forms part of Orleans House Gallery and so is frequented either by those seeking culture or the very smart in-the-know people who marry in the opulent setting. I’d happily kick them out, put an antique futon in the middle of the room and keep it as my space to think.

Ruth Sleightholme, Style Director

I know I am not the first person to say that I think I could lead an excellent life in Villa Necchi Campiglio, a city-centre Villa, built in 1930s Milan, which balances classical layouts with a modernist sensibility. For me it shimmers with romance, whilst never feeling stuffed with stuff; the living feels modern, easy and convenient, and yet the materials and finishes are beautifully precious and antique. Maybe the most internet-famous room is the veranda, with large, brass-framed windows, heavily planted up from the outside; green, curved sofas and geometric marble floor. But what stays in my mind – beyond the rosewood lobby – is the layout of the first floor, where each of the original residents has their own apartment, with bathrooms that I adore. Each bathroom has its own style and materiality, but are all laid out in the same way: one cubicle for showering and one for a loo, with a bathtub stretched between the two, opposite double sinks and a dressing table: all laid out in mirror and marble. Even the housekeeper’s bathroom is understated but chic, with black, gloss tiles and a porthole mirror. The breezy gardens and swimming pool will help me lead this beautiful life, for sure, but in every room this house gives absolutely flawless living. One thing though – lacking staff, I just might need to move the kitchen up from the basement.