Living like a Star

I have lived in London, but never in the way I would prefer. My real London life would be lived in one of the houses or apartments used in films shot there. Of course, it is living vicariously but some of them are so perfect, and one can dream.

Narrowing down places, from films shot in London, to just ten is difficult and priorities are sometimes made on the memory of the film's characters too.

Sense and Sensibility - Who wouldn't like to have a house like Mrs. Jennings' in Chelsea. It was full of chintz, polished silver and an ivy covered front fence. Truth of the matter is that the house is in Salisbury, England, and is called Mompesson House. It is a National Trust home and can be visited.

Howard's End - Anthony Hopkins character, Henry Wilcox, lived in a quirky Edwardian mansion that would be great fun. An odd stone, yet grand, entrance, and a facade with little balconies on the front. Besides, all the dark wood and heavy velvet is a perfect place to snuggle in and read on a rainy day. It is now a Taj Hotel and located at 51 Buckingham Gate in London.

Damage - Anna's small mews house on a pedestrian only narrow street still seems like a little piece of heaven. Aside from a great love affair with Jeremy Irons, its clean modern lines along with fantastic Biedermier furniture was enough to make me want to live there. It was a set by Brian Morris.

Notting Hill - William Thacker's blue door at 280 Westbourne Road has been painted now, and in the film, it was little more than a shabby chic studio. It was charming. I've walked by it, and the neighborhood is fantastic, but don't knock. It belongs to screenwriter, Richard Curtis, who doesn't take kindly to interruptions.

Match Point - Woody Allen picked the perfect of the perfect for his young lovers, Chris and Chloe. Floor to ceiling glass with a view over the Thames and Parliament makes this one of the sexiest London apartments ever. Add some amazing modern art and choice minimal furnishings, and I'm there.

Secret Diary of A Call Girl - While I'm not a fan of Hannah's pink bed as many are, it was her boyfriend Alex's apartment that I loved. It was only seen in one episode of the series, but the high ceilings, big windows and an eclectic mix of modern furnishings made it totally charming.

Love Actually - Although I love #10 Downing Street, it was Liam Neeson's kitchen that made me want his flat. Bright, white, big and warm, it's a kitchen I'd be perfectly happen to cook in every night of the week. It was a set, but what a set.

Casino Royale - M's fantastic flat rules! Killer views and a few great Barcelona chairs would make me happy, and the flat exists. It's on the Isle of Dogs near Canary Wharf in an area where some of the best big modern London apartments are found today.

A Fish Called Wanda - While the houseboat was lovable, it was the big loft space that won me over for a place to live. Classic brick walls, wood beams and floors, it would be great London living. It was on the market recently, but doesn't come with a naked John Cleese included - fortunately or unfortunately.

Bridget Jones' Diary - Bridget's apartment was charming enough but it was the dreaded Daniel's warehouse conversion that I fell for in that movie. Even though it featured in the unfortunate scene where Bridget caught Daniel with the American woman, I loved the space. It exists in Clink Street, where many restorations and conversions have taken place, and it offers both amazing design and location.

Of course, it's an eclectic list. Life in film is eclectic!