Darren’s flat is charming, decorated to feel at once warm and hip, and best of all located in a neighborhood that’s both beautiful and convenient. Rosary Gardens is lined with Georgian red-brick row houses; it’s pretty in a stately sort of way, and quiet; and the five-minute walk to the terrifically useful Gloucester Road tube station takes you past Hereford Square, a small but lovely park surrounded by well-kept white townhouses. It makes an excellent base from which to explore London. Darren has equipped the kitchen with a Nespresso machine and an impressively fast tea kettle; he stocks the cabinets as well, but you can find both Nespresso-compatible coffee pods and plenty of decent teas at the Waitrose near the tube station if you need them. We loved being able to ease into the morning over coffee as we finalized plans for the day. Loved the heating in the bathroom, too, on those chilly December days. The living room is comfortable and there’s a pretty nice TV set, but my guess is you won’t be needing it – too much to do. Darren was very responsive. His guides to both house and neighborhood are comprehensive, but whenever we texted with a question he was right there with answers too. Aside from the tube, it’s an easy walk to the Victoria & Albert, the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, and other Kensington-area sights. And if you’re thirsty or in need of an unfussy bite, the nearby Hereford Arms is friendly, laid back, and surprisingly good, with a small but varied selection of local beers and a conscientious hand in the kitchen. Great experience all around.