I had a wonderful time staying at Barbara and Katie's (sp?) place! The two-bedroom apartment is a 7-8 minute walk from Kennington station (the Northern line), and is also close to Vauxhall. There is also a very convenient bus stop right next to the building, as well as by the station. A Tesco and a gas station are nearby, there is a pub next to the building, and there are several restaurants/pubs in the area. Kennington Park is a 15 minute walk away, as is the apparently lively gay nightlife Vauxhaull area. It is about 30 mins into central London, a 20 min walk to Big Ben, and a few stops away from the best sights/theaters of Southwark as well as the fun Clapham area (recommended!). I felt pretty safe as a single female traveler, but I would take the busier roads walking to the building from the tube station late at night. Kennington is up-and-coming so it still has some slightly dodgy bits.

Barbara is a great host and a wonderful interior designer, as you can tell from the photos. Her cat is adorable, and very friendly, albeit a little loud at night (no problem with some earplugs). There is a lovely balcony, nice view (great bedroom light), a dishwasher, spacious bathroom with bath, full kitchen, washing machine, coffee maker, and refrigerator shelf for guest use. Barbara left the keys with the building doorman because I was arriving during work hours. I stayed in her room while she house-sat for a friend, and her flatmate Katie stayed in the other bedroom. Both women were very friendly, gave me suggestions, maps, and invited me to social gatherings. Barbara even offered to introduced me to her actor neighbor when she heard I studied theater.

Fun fact: during my stay, I learned that the iron fence-like structures at the larger intersection on the walk from the station is a Victorian public men's lavatory closed in the '80s that is now an art space. The tall iron pole by it is a ventilation system. Also, since Charlie Chaplin lived in the are and was of the male gender it is possible he used the restroom.