Simon and the children were out of town, so it was up to Katie and Jake (possibly the sweetest dog in all of the UK) to welcome me, which they did effortlessly. This was my first Airbnb experience sharing someone's home, rather than renting a unit apart from the family and I was a little nervous about it. No need. Katie made me feel as though we already knew one another. Since I was traveling alone it was nice to have someone to talk to, as well--about our shared astonishment about the Brexit or the crazy thunderstorms in London, for instance.

The house is enviably beautiful and Katie somehow finds time to bake fresh bread (or maybe there are elves involved). I was only in London for a few days, but I had a lovely time.