The place was within walking distance from 2 tube stations, and there were many stores to get groceries from (Tesco, M&S) or dine in, or get an Oyster Card (for the tube). The house itself was old but had the essentials; a spacious kitchen with a microwave and stove, a washing machine, clean toilets and bathroom, and even a little backyard. I cooked pretty often and was lent salt and oil by the housekeeper and another tenant, had access to a spacious fridge, and had no problems finding utensils to use. The bed was nice and soft and the blanket was very comfortable. The housekeeper was very helpful. She mentioned that I could look for her if I needed anything, and she answered my questions warmly and promptly. This isn't related to the listing but the other tenants were very nice and easy to talk to :)
The following is not a jab at the hosts, for the people there were perfect.
As the other reviewer mentioned, there is a strict double-sided A4-paper set of rules you have to follow. Most are very logical and reasonable. One of the rules is to keep noise to the very minimum after 10pm. That's alright. But the floor and the stairs creak every other step. I had to memorise which ones didn't creak at the bathroom entrance in order not to make noise when I went there. My room's door was also very hard to close without a thumping sound or creaking, but the housekeeper already tried her best by oiling the door. I tried my best to make minimal sound even before 10pm but with every step I took, I feared getting told off. One time I did wake the housekeeper up in the middle of the night when I went to the bathroom. Other tenants have had no issue, so this might be a me-issue.
The place is pretty clean. But twice I spotted a trail of ants along the wall of my room. The first time, I got rid of it. But every day after, there were ants in random places; the blanket, the table, my phone charger, the bed side drawer etc. Got rid of all of them. The second time, the trail was thicker, but I was moving out the next day. So I slept fitfully while they crawled above. I personally dislike ants in my room, but I know it's a small issue for most.
The front door is so hard to open. I KNOW others have had no issue. But I dreaded having to open the front door whenever I got back because I would be twisting the key and pushing hard and it would take up to 10 minutes for me to get in. The first time I was stuck for longer than that until the housekeeper saved me :(
There is a very low cleaning fee, so you will have to mop the floor and pick up any dirt/hair after you bathe. You can also only use the washing machine from 11am to 9.30pm. Small things, very reasonable, just take note of these.
THIS IS NOT A NEGATIVE REVIEW. These are things I want people to take into account for the sake of transparency. There are some things that are out of the hosts' control so it is not their fault. The house is just old like any other European house. There are ants in houses all over the world. I know some have had different experiences. This is mine. And as clarification for the hosts, I did not mention any of these to the housekeeper because I knew these were small non-issues.
This is still an amazing place at this price. Super good value. Friendly people. Very accessible. I'm very thankful for the housekeeper in particular who made the stay much more comfortable. Thank you for a comfortable stay!