Indeed a retreat. The surrounding was calm and serene. I was in London for a wedding and the groom lives in Harefield. It's a little far from the city but do not be alarmed. You can walk for 9 minutes to a bus station; the bus will then take you to Uxbridge tube station. You can go anywhere in the city from there. Host was friendly and courteous. Check in instructions were clear. There was no hot water for one day out of 5 during my stay, but the host tried his best to fix it within 24 hours. I appreciated his efforts.