January 27th, 2021 by London Perfect

One of London’s much-loved outdoor spaces, Kensington Gardens is beautiful to visit any moment of the year. While many visitors only think to visit the gardens in the summer, locals in London know what an incredible gift it is to have Kensington Gardens right at their doorstep. Join us on a tour through Kensington Gardens to savour its beauty throughout the seasons! … Read More

January 27th, 2021 by Italy Perfect

These days while we’re all dreaming of being able to return to Italy, there’s one place that’s especially good at capturing our hearts and imagination: Tuscany. Isn’t there just something magical about those picture-perfect landscapes of rolling hills dotted with towns, vineyards, and rows of cypress tress? To inspire your future travel plans and keep Italy close to your heart, we’re sharing 5 of our favorite hill towns in Tuscany. … Read More

January 27th, 2021 by Paris Perfect

The main tourist attraction of Paris is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. One of the joys of the 7th arrondissement is being so close to the Eiffel Tower that you can catch a glimpse of it while strolling down the street shopping, relaxing in the park, or even unexpectedly when turning a corner. If you’re looking for the most photographic views, here are best spots around the 7th to admire the Eiffel Tower’s beauty. … Read More

January 11th, 2021 by Paris Perfect

Several years ago, my husband and I, fulfilling a lifelong dream, bought an apartment in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, with a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower. I knew it was going to be hard, but had no idea how hard! On a whim, but feeling pretty good about how it the apartment remodel came out, we invited Maddy to stop by for a glass of bubbles. To our great relief, she walked in, loved it! Since then, we’ve worked on a number of projects together. … Read More

December 17th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

Philippe has survived the lockdown by recording 52 operas and eating some of his favorite French foods. I enjoy eating with him, but leave the opera watching to the fanatic. There’s wine, Champagne and gougère, the light cheese ball that goes so well with Champagne. Here’s our recipe for easy gougère. … Read More

December 13th, 2020 by London Perfect

When our kids were growing up, my cooking goal was to stuff the maximum number of vegetables in a single dish. Philippe, however, loves meat and his goal was to make a roast/stew/steak or other into the main ingredient. We compromised, but I usually won out on the vegetable part. … Read More

December 9th, 2020 by Italy Perfect

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a simple and delicious pasta dish considered a signature dish of Rome and made even more popular by lively debates on the most authentic recipe and its origins. Truth or Fiction? When we were children in Rome in the 1960s the story was that the dish is a simple preparation of … Read More

November 12th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

It’s been nine months in the making, but we’re excited to introduce you to our latest Paris Perfect Shared apartment – the Vivant! A true labor of love, 10 of the 13 shares were sold prior to this public launch! … Read More

November 12th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

With Paris Perfect, we made our mark through renting luxury short-term vacation rentals in Paris’ best locations, and after 20+ years in business and thousands of guests, our business has naturally evolved. Thanks to our stellar reputation in vacation rentals and property management, many of our guests have shared with us their dream of owning an apartment in Paris. … Read More

November 9th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

The lock downs due to the pandemic and economic uncertainty meant that real estate transactions fell 28% in Paris during the second quarter. However, prices themselves  strengthened.  The overall annual increase in central Paris was 8%. We’ve correctly predicted price trends over the past five years; correctly calling a terrific buying opportunity in Paris. Prices have risen double digit in the top neighborhoods, and we don’t believe it will stop there. … Read More

September 14th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

The French have mastered the art of joie de vivre (joy of living). Take the very French ritual of l’apéro. This is the time of day after work that is celebrated with a drink and snack before dinner. It’s not just about the food and drink (though those are certainly important). It’s about relaxing with friends and taking a moment to reset and appreciate life. Here’s how to create a French apéro at home, when you can’t get to Paris. … Read More

September 7th, 2020 by London Perfect

Whether your tipple of choice is a pint of British ale, an icy gin and tonic or a refreshing Pimm’s cup cocktail, London’s version of happy hour is very happy indeed. Recreating a British happy hour experience at home couldn’t be easier, especially because there are no hard rules around it—it’s all about personal preferences. Like other apéro/aperitivo rituals around the world, drinks and nibbles are involved. … Read More

September 5th, 2020 by Italy Perfect

With a little creativity—and a little alcohol—la dolce vita can certainly be experienced just about anywhere. In fact, with some prep and planning, it’s easy to put together an Italian aperitivo at home. … Read More

August 18th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is filled with most of the main tourist attractions. The Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Musee d’Orsay – and the list goes on. But did you know that the 7th arrondissement also has some incredible streets that are absolutely worth wandering, end to end? … Read More

July 25th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

So you’re staying in the 7th arrondissement, and you’re hankering for a cup of coffee – a proper coffee though, the delicious kind that’s still quite new to the Paris café scene. … Read More

July 21st, 2020 by London Perfect

I love before/after remodeling stories as much as I love introducing guests to Paris and London. Readers keep asking for more of our remodeling stories, and I’ve been working on this one for a long time! … Read More

June 8th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

Are you longing to be in the City of Light? Well, never fear–we have a great solution! We’re bringing Paris to you with a slew of ideas for your home. Whether it’s a little pick-me-up or a full meal worthy of the finest restaurants in Paris, we’ve got some suggestions to help stave off your Paris cravings, until you can hop a plane bound for CDG. … Read More

March 3rd, 2020 by Paris Perfect

Did you learn to speak French in school? Have you been taking online courses or doing Duolingo? All of that is great preparation for any trip to Paris. The locals definitely appreciate when foreigners make the effort to speak their language, but attempt any conversation further than ordering dinner or asking for directions and you might find yourself thinking, “It sounds like the French phrase I learned… almost!” … Read More

March 2nd, 2020 by London Perfect

Oh, to be in London now that spring is here! And Kensington and Chelsea are among the most magical areas in the city in which to enjoy and marvel at the floral extravagance. Here are some of our favorite locations where you’ll be certain to witness the glories of spring blooms. … Read More

February 25th, 2020 by London Perfect

A day devoted to eating pancakes? Yes, it really is a thing! All across the United Kingdom—and other Commonwealth countries—Pancake Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is celebrated by eating pancakes. Here, we’re taking a look at the history and the story behind this fascinating feast-day tradition and showing you how you can enjoy it today. This is everything you need to know about Pancake Day in London. … Read More

February 23rd, 2020 by London Perfect

The British love of flowers is on passionate display throughout London in its charming flower shops and their exuberant displays, which spill out onto the pavements and street corners. Rainbow shades of luscious cut flowers in tall zinc buckets, bouquets wrapped in bright ribbons and miniature house plants entice passersby to stop for a closer look and, of course, a photograph! Here are four must-see flower shops in London. … Read More

February 20th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

While Paris is the city of luxury handbags, iconic brands Louis Vuitton and Hermès among them, who are the new designers crafting the soon-to-be most coveted bag collections? As a local handbag designer creating my own label for the past ten years, I took to the Parisian streets to meet the women and men behind these exclusive labels. … Read More

February 19th, 2020 by Italy Perfect

Italy certainly has flair for the dramatic. It makes perfect sense that opera has its origins  here. Verdi and Puccini wrote stories filled with melodrama and heartbreak. The first opera was produced in Florence in 1598, with the original charter being developed in the actual room that forms part of La Camerata Fiorentina apartment from … Read More

February 18th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

If you love art and culture catch the best museum exhibitions in Paris this year. Treat yourself to an inspiring trip in 2020, with a chic Paris Perfect vacation apartment on the side. Here are 10 of our must-see exhibitions. … Read More

February 17th, 2020 by London Perfect

With a bustling fashion scene that ranges from high street to haute couture, London Fashion Week is one of the most important dates on the global fashion calendar. Taking place twice a year (in February and September), London Fashion Week features the work of over 250 designers, but you don’t have to be a fashion-world insider to enjoy all the action. In London, the public is actually invited to join in via citywide celebrations and special ticket packages. Here’s how to make the most of London during its most stylish week. … Read More

February 11th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

The French capital is full of surprises, even for seasoned travelers. We’ve rounded up 12 offbeat things to see in Paris, from urban vineyards to kooky clocks, pet cemeteries and even the Statue of Liberty! … Read More

February 10th, 2020 by London Perfect

With cute, cozy pubs and gorgeous parklands designed for hand-in-hand strolls, London is the perfect city for romantics. There’s no better excuse than Valentine’s Day in London to plan a night on the town or just a lovely day out (there are plenty of sweet activities to enjoy like afternoon tea and river cruises). Whether you’re pushing out the boat at one of London’s most romantic restaurants or just cuddling up on the couch in the perfect apartment built for two, these salons and spas will have you looking and feeling your best. … Read More

February 5th, 2020 by Italy Perfect

There is so much information to plow through when you are planning a trip to Italy. Do you head to your local library or bookstore for a pile of guide books? Maybe you prefer Instagram, saving posts that catch your eye. There are blog posts to read and podcasts to listen to. Now you can … Read More

February 4th, 2020 by Paris Perfect

According to luxury real estate agency Knight Frank, Paris is expected to lead global cities in terms of price increases, predicting a 7% rise. If you scan our analyses over the past four years, we called it. Importantly, Paris is not becoming unaffordable, because much of the price increases over the past three years are playing catch up with other major cities in the world. … Read More

February 3rd, 2020 by London Perfect

One needn’t to wait for April to experience breathtaking displays of spring blooming flowers in London. As early as the first week of March, cheery yellow and white daffodils, dramatic crimson camellias and luscious pink magnolias are brightening up the city’s parks and streets. From Buckingham Palace to Regent’s Park, from The City to Kew Gardens and residential areas in between, the stark tones of winter are replaced with bursts of color. … Read More