Forget Gaudí. Alex Villar is my favourite Barcelona architect.

This place, which the host himself designed, is spectacular. The photos do not lie. It was ideal for a couple; it would be comfortable for four, though it's open-concept and so privacy in bedrooms is limited.

The location in Gracia was pitch-perfect; we were surrounded by narrow streets, packed with bars, cafés, vintage shops and, on our block, cooking schools.

We saw Alex briefly; he seemed great. Fortunately we had little need to communicate with him – everything went smoothly.

It's places like this that make AirBnb so great. Top marks.