I selected this Airbnb because of its relatively easy access for a car and free parking on the premises. The parking was good and overall, the price is fair. Shops, restaurants and public transportation are a 12-15 minute walk. When I arrived I was greeted and Marvin's husband helped me carry my luggage in. They were helpful and after covering house rules/ (door locks, etc.) showed me up to my room and left me to settle in. Unfortunately within a few minutes I started to feel really bad and it did not take long to figure out it was from all of the fragrance in the room. Between the rooms there were 6 fragrance diffusers! It wasn't just the diffusers, the bed sheets were very strong with floral fragrance as well. While I am not normally reactive to normal fragrance, this was an overabundance. I tried to find them and called out, but got no answer. I didn't want to make a fuss, so I mistakenly tried to deal with it and became very sick. Fortunately, the next day I sent them a message via Airbnb and we sorted it out. Marvin and her husband changed the sheets to new ones without fragrance. I am truly grateful for them accommodating me. I do feel it is important to mention this because if you are bothered by fragrance, this is not the airbnb for you and I wish I had known this before booking.
In addition to the fragrance, I should have noted the language in her description. I went back to review it before writing my review and I can see from her tone that it is not likely a place I would normally book. I definitely felt I was using someone's house. The moment I entered I received a list of how to's and house rules. I tip-toed around more than any other Airbnb I have been. Example: Marvin complained about people bringing food into the house when her listing clearly says not to. I had left a Tesco sandwich wrapper in the trash, but did not consume it on the premises and was worried she would think I had. I almost took it with me so not to upset her.
Here are a few other reasons I would not return:
1) While I love quirky decor, the house is very cluttered. There is nowhere designated for guests to put their things. Every available space was taken. I was concerned my things were going to get mixed up with theirs. I clearly felt I was using someone else's room.
2) Very steep stairs directly outside the room. As the toilet is outside the room, you must exit your room to use it and I was very concerned about falling down the stairs.
3) Confections left in the room were outdated by years, not just months!
While the price is right for easy access to London, and I do appreciate the parking, I lost two days from being sick. In the end, I do not feel it was worth it. I have never left a less than positive review before and in no way do I mean to be unkind, but I feel it is important to be honest and helpful for future users.