The term 'English basement' might, in the eyes of the host, point towards a complete lack of daylight, though I think the description of the apartment is inaccurate / economical with the truth in as far as the term is not clear. I live in England where many houses have basements yet I have never come across one that is totally (90-95%) dark during daylight hours. Simply calling the apartment an 'English basement' is not enough.
I arrived late at night and left pretty much immediately the next morning, writing off the fee for 3 nights, when I realised just how cavernous and dark the space was. Based on the reviews many people do not seem to mind, but I found the space claustrophobic. A very costly mistake which I think the host needs to take done responsibility for.