Corresponding with Emily was easy, efficient and with timely answers to questions. She met me outside the house at the time agreed and for the rental period (three weeks) was supportive and relaxed with any of my questions. A couple of minor problems were solved swiftly. The neighbourhood (which I know well) is wonderful...read Emily’s description as it doesn’t exaggerate the appeal of the area at all. But do also try eating in both Primrose Hill village and Belsize village (both pleasant short walks away). Have pastries and excellent coffee at Euphorium (?) Bakery...better even than Costa, opposite. The best time I made getting from the suite to Leicester Square by tube was 21 minutes ‘door-to-door’, but don’t rely on this to get to the theatre on time!

The house itself is a typical terraced, three storey family home converted into apartments. At the time of my visit the public areas were difficult to keep clean as there was some renovation work in progress but Emily made certain that there was no noise when we were in the house. The room is more or less as it looks in the photos, is sunny in the mornings and shaded and cool in the afternoons (we were there in June/July 2013). The white daisies on the window sill were a wonderful touch and we enjoyed watering them every day. Inside on the mantelpiece there were also a tight bunch of small red roses that lasted for two of the three weeks we were there...loved the fact you did that, Emily. The bed was large and very comfortable and there was no street noise to interrupt one’s sleep (there was a heatwave and the windows were always open fully).

The bathroom worked well, the water temperature and pressure did nothing strange. The shower stall itself is a wee bit tight for me (6ft tall and 175 lbs) but was certainly not a problem...especially once I made sure not to drop the soap. Watch out for the glass shelf above the sink in the bathroom...I ducked my head down to rinse my face on arrival and nearly smashed it with my forehead.There is a bathroom outside the suite on the landing that is shared by (I think) two apartments, but there was never any noise or disturbance. Indeed, the house seemed to be populated by people as quiet as my wife and me. Occasionally, a conversation could be partly heard but I was surprised by the peacefulness of the house and of the other renters.

We enjoyed our stay on Howitt Road and would be happy to return. Emily and husband, Brad, were a joy to meet. Thank you both...if you get tired of visits to Barcelona, drop into Vancouver. It’ll be good to chat with you again.