Inside London’s most exclusive AirBnBs, from Hackney houseboats to penthouses in Mayfair

A chic bohemian hideaway in the shadow of the Shard. A 19th century Gothic Revival chapel in Putney. A Chelsea art studio that was once home to the lead singer of The Noisettes.

These are just some of London’s most exclusive AirBnbs — yours to rent for £150 a night, if you know where to look. From secret lofts to unique penthouses with rooftop hot-tubs, here’s our edit of the best.

The Borough artist school

A dreamy stay south of the river (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Host Natalie manages a couple of enchanting properties in London, including this chic bohemian hideaway in the shadow of the Shard. The exact location is a secret (it’s a “stone’s throw” from Borough Market) and guests have to apply and be approved for a stay. Natalie spent five years renovating what was an old workhouse dating back to 1907 and the attention to detail is exquisite. The flooring is salvaged from a nearby factory and the vintage furniture makes you feel like you’re in a doll’s house. The exposed brick and antique copper roll top bath add an immense amount of character and there are plenty of other whimsical touches to explore and uncover, such as hidden passages and rare art pieces adorning the walls.

Up to 2 guests, £304 per night, Southwark SE1, Airbnb.co.uk

The Shoreditch party house

Entertain like a celebrity at this modern penthouse in Shoreditch (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

In lively Shoreditch, this ultra-modern penthouse has an exclusive outdoor party terrace for popping bottles and soaking up the skyline from an eight-person hot tub. Guests can live out their celebrity fantasies with more space than a yacht in Monaco to entertain friends. Possibly the most exclusive feature of this east London property is the free on-site parking garage (a true rarity) and there’s a sauna for sweating out the alcohol after a wild night.

Up to 8 guests, £1,200 per night, Old Street EC1V, Airbnb.co.uk

The chic Soho loft

Designer interiors and bespoke furnishings in Soho (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

In a city where location is everything, it doesn’t get better than this swanky loft in vibrant Soho. The vibe is hotel-meets-private members’ club, with a designer interior by award-winning London duo Elliot March and James White. Bespoke features include custom millwork, sleek marble counters and gorgeous velvet-wrapped furnishings. It’s right on the doorstep of London’s hottest shopping and dining district and is surrounded by popular theatre and music venues.

Up to 6 guests, £1,776 per night, Soho W1F, Airbnb.co.uk

The Mayfair penthouse

An sleek monochrome interior for this Mayfair penthouse (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

It doesn’t get any more exclusive than Park Lane, one of the most coveted streets in the world, although that exclusivity does come at an eye-watering price. Inside this stunning penthouse, charcoal-black decor with hints of gold gives caviar and Champagne vibes, adding drama to the ultra-luxe aesthetic.

There’s a cosy fireplace for snuggling up on chilly days and an outdoor terrace for enjoying an Aperol spritz while watching the sunset. Nearby Mount Street is London’s answer to 5th Avenue in New York, and you’re never far from a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Up to 8 guests, £8,895 per night, Park Lane W1, Airbnb.co.uk

The Hackney narrowboat

Slow the pace on this renovated narrowboat in Hackney (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

In a change of pace, this cosy narrowboat set on the trendy Regents Canal oozes romance and charm. It makes the perfect base for exploring Victoria Park and Broadway Market and is in easy reach of fashionable bars and restaurants. The traditional houseboat has been fully renovated by host Yann and features a hot rainfall shower, onboard record player and even an indoor wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity and get close to nature without leaving the city.

Up to 4 guests, £150 per night, Hackney E2, Airbnb.co.uk

The Notting Hill townhouse

A beautiful townhouse fit for a Hugh Grant film (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

This sophisticated apartment sits between the famous Portobello Road Market and chic Westbourne Grove, which is bustling with designer shops and restaurants. The pastel-coloured stucco-fronted building dates back to 1860 and the elegant, tasteful interior retains charming original features like a 19th century fireplace. Guests can step out straight into the bustling, metropolitan district of Notting Hill for tulips from the market or a gentle stroll to Kensington Palace and Hyde Park.

Up to 2 guests, £245 per night, Notting Hill W11, Airbnb.co.uk

The Chelsea art studio

Vibrant, funky and arty (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

This renovated Victorian art studio is bathed in sunlight thanks to the double-height ceilings and wall-to-wall skylights in the roof. It’s in prime location in affluent Chelsea and has an abundance of character. The property was renovated by host Alex with a vision to create a unique and eclectic space with art as the focal point.

The walls are decked out with pieces by a range of creatives, including London-based mixed media duo Miss Bugs, urban graffiti artist Bast and photographer Sebastian Mader. The name-dropping doesn’t end there, as the studio was once home to Shingai Shoniwa — lead singer of indie rock band The Noisettes.

Up to 6 guests, £750 per night, Chelsea SW10, Airbnb.co.uk

The Putney chapel

Guests can stay at this quaint converted chapel in Putney (Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

This rare hidden gem gives guests the exclusive opportunity to stay in a converted 19th century Gothic Revival chapel. The historic stone building sits in a charming overgrown cemetery framed by cherry blossom trees and wildflowers. It’s quaint and romantic, with sunlight flooding through the stained glass windows and a mezzanine balcony for gazing off into the distance and imagining you’re in an E. M. Forster novel.

The chapel’s renovation is modern and clean, with lime-washed walls and timber floors. Rustic meets minimalist in a perfect escape from the city (as long as you don’t believe in ghosts).

Up to 4 guests, £250 per night, Putney SW13, Airbnb.co.uk

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.