A lovely, light and airy apartment, in a fantastic central location, that's steeped in history, tucked away on a very pretty London Square, yet within easy walking distance of Covent Garden, Soho, and the West End. The City of London is minutes away, including the historic Grays Inn, and Lincolns Inn; location of endless period dramas, the amazing John Soane museum, Doctor Johnson's house, and so much more - really worth exploring. There's nowhere in London that's more Dickensian at Christmas, or more beautiful in the summer time. It takes ten to fifteen minutes to walk down to the river, where you can explore along the Thames paths, all the way to the Tower of London and Tate Modern in one direction, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the other.
The area offers restaurants of every type, shops, theatres, cinemas, clubs, bars and pubs are all in close walking distance. The British Museum is right on our doorstep, Lambs Conduit Street, one of the most special streets in London, is two minutes away, with its own unique array of shops, bars and restaurants.
The apartment is on the top floor of a small, red brick, late Victorian mansion block, with a little balcony that overlooks the square (and also the house that pre-raphaelites Dante Gabriel Rosetti and William Morris shared in 1851). It's on the fourth floor, and there isn't a lift, so be warned, although the staircase is only a small one, and I think it's worth it for the quiet, the light, and the lovely view.
The apartment has travertine floors throughout, decor is cool contemporary within the period building; you'll find it spotless, clutter free, but cosy and warm too.
There's one bedroom (with a very comfy double bed) that leads into a separate living room with a door that leads out onto the balcony. The kitchen is fully equipped, and fitted with cooker and hob, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine. Bathroom with a bath, and power shower. There's a separate loo.
High speed Wifi Internet, also flat screen Sony TV complete with Virgin digital channels and TV on demand.
The apartment is fairly small but well designed and has everything you need as a base to explore central London without endless expensive taxis involved - ideal for two people, although it's not out of the question to have a third person staying (to be discussed in advance). There's a good quality air bed that's really easy to use.
With its close proximity to The City, Inns of Court, LSE and UCL, and London hospitals the apartment is also ideal for a business or academic trip.
The block itself is extremely well cared for and peaceful. It is a grade one listed building, and has all the esthetic values that brings, however, the upkeep and general maintenance is decidedly 21st Century.
The nearest tubes are HOLBORN (3MINS WALK) Central and Piccadilly line (direct from Heathrow), and CHANCERY LANE (5MINS WALK) Central line.
The buses are endless and to everywhere! The square also has its own London bike hire rank.
I have recently begun letting longer term, and although have yet to do so on this site, I am including a couple of reviews from other sites from my longer stay guests for your information:
I spent approximately 6 months at Elizabeth's Apartment and thoroughly enjoyed every day. Firstly, Elizabeth is the most accommodating host you could ask for, and makes herself accessible at all times for any problems or queries you may have. Located in central London, I was able to walk into Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell without the need to think about public transport. If there was a need to use public transport, the network nearby is phenomenal with the Holborn Station a 3 minute walk and numerous bus routes servicing the area. The apartment itself was very clean and tidy. The large windows in the living room afforded plenty of sunlight and offered stunning views into the square opposite.
I spent three months in Elizabeth's flat and I would highly recommend it. The flat is very stylish, clean and tidy - it looks even better than in the pictures! It is well stocked, it offers everything you need for long or short stays. It is also very quiet, there was absolutely no noise from the other flats in the building. The location is perfect, just a three minute walk from the Holborn tube station and one minute from several bus stops that will get you anywhere in London. Lots of shops (supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants etc.) and sights (British Museum, Royal Courts of Justice, Lincoln's Inn, Covent Garden, the theatres in Soho..) are within easy walking distance. The area is very safe and I was comfortable walking home at any day or night time. Elizabeth is very accommodating and takes great care of the flat and her guests. Upon arrival, she helped me with my bags and showed me around the apartment. During my stay, she was super nice and responsive whenever I had a question. Overall, I loved staying there and I would definitely come back.
