Top-Floor Apartment, Vyvyan Terrace

Vyvyan Terrace is one of Clifton’s calmer addresses, a run of cream stucco set back behind plane trees a few streets from the village. This apartment takes the top two floors, which is why the light is so good. By mid-afternoon it moves right across the main room.

The living room sits at the front under tall sash windows, with the kitchen opening off it and room enough for a proper table. Both bedrooms are genuine doubles, each with its own bathroom, and the second works equally well as a study for anyone who has stopped pretending they will commute every day.

It is a five-minute walk to the independent shops, restaurants and the Clifton Arcade, and not much further to the Downs. We think it suits a couple, or a buyer downsizing who is not ready to give up the stairs just yet.