As a kid I used to read about Enid Blyton’s stories set in England, and they were almost all set in homely and charming cottages, next to spots of natural beauty, and with pantries stocked up with goodies for the main characters to eat, when they returned back from a long day’s adventure. Lisa’s cottage in Barnes, is my lived experience of those Enid Blyton stories, and she’s the kind wizard who often came to save our day as a host, who has thought about every single detail, and item that one can possibly need for a 5 star, yet homely stay. The cottage has loads of windows, sunlights and a floor to ceiling window leading out to it’s very own private garden where bees bumble around lavender, and roses. The garden has been a spot for many a lunches during her stay here. For those who like to cook, Lisa’s kitchen is perhaps the best that you can have in a home, it is fitted with the top of range appliances, has lots of space, baking and cooking supplies, and even her personally selected cookbooks to inspire you. Our nights here have been blissful, the cottage is on a peaceful street in Barnes, which is perhaps the most beautiful and peaceful village in London - the silence, and the comfortable luxury mattresses and pillows, just take your sleep experience to another level - it’s like sleeping in your mother’s lap. Our mornings have been full of joy too, we walked every day to visit the swans and their younglings at the Barnes pond, just 7 mins from Lisa’s place, and one of the most beautiful morning spots for your exercise/spiritual routines.

Our arrival experience was very smooth and pleasant. Lisa, went out of her way to welcome us, she waited a long time so that she could personally welcome us, as we were stuck for a long time at Heathrow immigration. Meeting her, was like meeting an old friend - she’s brought warmth into what was an icy London afternoon. She had decked the house with fresh tulips and flowers, and the place was super clean, and just the absolute stuff of dreams when we set eyes on it. Lisa, has always been just a phone call or a message away during our stay, and I doubt one can find a better host then her on AirBnB, or anywhere else for that matter.
If you’re looking to travel to central London, you’re just a 20 min journey away from London Waterloo from the Barnes bridge station, which is a quick 5-8 min walk from Lisa’s place - although, my advise is to just kick back in Lisa’s garden, and soak in all this house has to offer - central London can wait :)
I shall always carry the memories I made here with me, and will fondly remember Lisa, and her lovely cottage.