When I first saw this listing whilst surfing the airbnb apartments for let in Barcelona during our six nights in the city I figured that it was too good to be true. A two bedroom modernisma flat at the foot of Park Guell? Steps away from a metro stop? Not to mention the reasonable price? Could it be?

My husband and I didn't need that much room, but as I poured over the pictures, I couldn't resist the idea of staying in a privately owned part of Barcelona's famous architectural history, owned by actual Catalan architects.

We placed the reservation, Sean replied promptly, and we anxiously awaited our time in Barcelona. We climbed the metro steps and recognized the building right away. It was more beautiful than even the pictures could capture, with beautiful stucco, and lovely ironwork.

Sean met us and led us into the apartment via a private marble staircase that led up to the flat. I won't describe more about the flat, only to say that the pictures are more than accurate with their reveal of high ceilings, pristine original modernisma style features, and thoughtfully chosen furniture. I would love for every person who invests time and money into renting this flat to have the same moments of amazement and delight as they receive the detailed tour from Sean, complete with the building and flat's history.

If I had never seen Sean, or visited with his dear family, and even if he had not kindly stocked our kitchen with bread, fruit, jam, eggs, juice, milk, butter, and bottled water, not to mention coffee and every spice and oil known to man, I would implore you to rent this flat. The flat alone is that amazing. It sits at the upper end of Gracia, and you can walk and train it everywhere. We felt completely safe in the neighborhood, and while you can hear the traffic from the street below, it is quiet for being in the city. The beds were soft and the sheets were so comfortable. The bathroom is huge. The kitchen is petite, but as I mentioned, it has everything. We took our breakfast every morning in the gallery (an enclosed balcony with beautiful windows that open); we often cooked at night. We found it hard to leave the flat.

Sean and his family stay in the flat opposite to this one across the hall, and they made our stay very special. They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, and it is their touch and love of the building that gives it an incredible glow and beautiful energy.

I would say that the flat is ideal for everyone, but I might advise that if you have very rambunctious or destructive children, maybe this is not the flat for you. The flat is historic inside and out, and any damage to it would be tragic. However, if your children are well behaved, by all means.

We'll be back, and can't wait.