1BR Penthouse Apartment in London (Feb-March, April & May 2013)

I’m a former dean and faculty member at Oxford University looking to sublet my penthouse flat in London from February 26-March 19; for 2.5 weeks at the beginning of April; and for about 2.5-3 weeks in May. I'm also open to doing a non-simultaneous home exchange with a place in New York City, where you come to London in March, April, or May and I go to New York in late June/early July.

My penthouse flat offers the best of both worlds – architect-designed modern living with all conveniences (including a concierge and an elevator – both rare in London!) in an exclusive, characterful historic neighborhood. There is one bedroom with a handcrafted queen-size wrought iron sleigh bed and Vi-Spring mattress. The bathroom has a tub with a massage showerhead and a heated towel rail. There is a large combination living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Ours is one of the tallest buildings in the neighbourhood, giving us great views from our sixth-floor living room balcony, and we share a lovely green roof garden with the small building next door. A single Aerobed is also available.

Like most London flats it’s not huge (though quite spacious by London standards), but the space is light and bright, with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique art and furnishings. With underfloor heating (including in the bathroom!) and double-glazing, it’s cozy in winter and cool in summer – a big change from some of the lovely but rather drafty Victorian conversions I have lived in! The kitchen includes a full size refrigerator/freezer (not an under-counter mini-fridge), microwave, and (unusually for London) a top of the line combination washer-dryer as well as stainless steel cooking appliances. There is unlimited download wi-fi available throughout the flat. A wireless HP colour inkjet printer/scanner and a mobile phone with a pay as you go UK SIM card are also available. The building has electronic keyfob access and a video intercom system. The concierge is on-site from M-F 10-6, and can accept packages and help with minor household repairs (e.g. changing lightbulbs). While I don't have a car, a Zipcar is conveniently parked right outside the building.

As the furnishings include art and antiques it's best suited to a single scholar or couple who would like a peaceful place to stay in London rather than someone looking for a bachelor pad to party. It would be ideal for someone who would like to work from home at times or for someone who needs to do research in one of London's libraries.

I have one small, shy, but sweet Egyptian Mau cat named Diva who would need looking after. She's very low maintenance and is very affectionate once she gets to know you!

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac on a private road in Parsons Green, the flat is a few minutes’ walk away from shops and restaurants. It’s literally around the corner from the Parsons Green Tube station on the District Line – 20-30 minutes to central London. Two 24-hour bus routes (14 and 22) stop about a block away (key if you like late nights out, as the Tube shuts down shortly after midnight!). Parsons Green is a friendly, relaxed neighbourhood centered around a lovely little park (the Green). It’s popular with young professionals and families. There are several grocery stores and supermarkets (including a large Waitrose) within easy walking distance as well as a traditional butcher on New King’s Road. The area is home to numerous restaurants, including the iconic White Horse pub, a great champagne bar (Amuse Bouche), London's only Michelin-starred gastropub (The Harwood Arms) and one of London’s top Indian restaurants (Chutney Mary). New King's Road with its boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops borders the Green and is only a few minutes' walk away. There are several gyms nearby.

I would strongly prefer to have someone who can stay for the entire period, though there is some flexibility on the start and end dates - you can arrive a few days late or leave a few days early.

The rent is ~£1,000 for each 2.5-3 week period (a bit negotiable depending on how many people are staying in the flat and how long you stay) or £400 per week or £100 per day for shorter periods, and includes utilities (water and electricity). The deposit is £300 (refundable minus any phone charges assuming nothing is damaged or broken). I'd also need a reference from your current university or employer.

Please note that this is a strictly non-smoking flat. I have asthma and I'm very sensitive to tobacco smoke, so I cannot let a smoker stay here -- even if they did not smoke inside the chemicals cling to clothing and hair and would end up affecting the mattress, linens, and furniture.

Because of the art and antiques (as well as the cat) this isn’t an ideal environment for small children. I’m willing to consider older children on a case-by-case basis - ideally they will have experience with cats at home.

Pictures of the flat (and cat) can be viewed on my Flickr page.

Basics:

Number of Bedrooms 1	Number of Bathrooms 1	Number of Offices 0
	Suited for 3 people	Property Type Apartment or Condo

Availability:

Available from Tuesday, February 26, 2013 until Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Available from Sunday, March 31, 2013 until Saturday, April 20, 2013
Available from Wednesday, May 01, 2013 until Saturday, May 25, 2013
Minimum Stay 1 week(s)	Flexibles With Dates Yes	Comments on Dates Ideally for the entire period.