Month Long Home Exchange Wanted in Central London

'We are interested in a home exchange in the UK, especially a month long stay in a downtown location in London, ~ within walking distance of the museums, nightlife etc. We really do focus on month long exchanges in downtown big city settings but..... many exchange offers are shorter &/or for beach or country life which, frankly, is not particularly of interest currently. We had great month long stays in Athens, Rome, Amsterdam, NYC & Vancouver so far but London & Barcelona - two top priorities for us - continue to be elusive. Any "insider" ideas? - cheers, Doug & Kaye' 

(home for exchange in Tucson, Arizona, HE14523).

Doug and Kaye are long time Home Base Holidays members who are very experienced home exchangers. When I first received their message I was a little puzzled as, being based in London (as is our sister site, Guardian home exchange), Home Base Holidays has a huge choice of attractive home exchange offers in the city and surrounding counties. But, although there are members living in central London (some with to die for flats overlooking the Thames), the majority of Londoners, especially families, live in the suburbs and so this is where the widest choice of homes available for exchange are located. With good public transport from anywhere in London, it hardly seems an issue when you live here and can usually reach the West End in half an hour or less.

The term, 'suburb', may be off putting to people from some countries who may associate suburbs with soulless dormitory areas where people live but are reliant on cars to get to anywhere interesting. Not so with London suburbs which are generally self contained, distinct 'villages' with a full range of shops, restaurants, parks and leisure facilities. My Canadian visitors are often pleasantly surprised at how much there is literally around the corner from our house in north London - a large Turkish supermarket, Greek bake shop, cafes, restaurants and pubs of every description, two large parks - a typical suburb with many opportunities for home exchange visitors to really get to know the area and the rich mix of people from all over the world who have made London home.

However, it's understandable that visitors still prefer, if possible, to arrange a swap to a home within walking distance of well known London attractions (i.e. the benefits of staying in a central London hotel without the cost and more space and facilities, especially for longer periods). Not too many members can consider an exchange for as long as a month at a time unless retired or with a flexible job that allows lengthy holidays or that can be carried on remotely from a home anywhere with internet access.

I've given Doug and Kaye some suggestions on checking the new London listings often and what to look for to determine the locations of homes in relation to places they want to visit. Most members give a very good description of their areas, distances to well known sights and commuting distance by train, bus or Tube. When known, the postal codes are also included in London listings as this can be useful for members who want to exchange to a particular area, perhaps to be near family or friends. I will help Doug and Kaye (and any other members who have questions) about the locations of any London homes currently listed.

And now to the couple's own very attractive offer to entice any London readers who fancy some Arizona sunshine:

Modern South-western USA city living yet set in authentic Wild-West, Native Indian & Spanish Colonial charm! Home (town home, 1 floor, wheelchair accessible) has cheery vaulted ceilings and spectacular mountain views. Small yard with citrus & shade trees & cactus garden, leads directly onto 1/2 mile long community cactus park and nature trail that borders 'arroyo/washwildlife corridor. Spectacular panoramic views of rugged Catalinas mountains, lush Sonoran-desert and manicured 36-hole golf course with 3 restaurants etc. Only 5 minutes away are major shopping malls, trail-heads for hiking/biking/horseback riding. Superb high-desert climate with 345 sunny days and starry nights. 2-car garage (Buick & Volkswagen available). Read the full home exchange offer in see more photos, HE14523.

Comments

[Kathie]

I'm probably stating the obvious, but for anyone visiting London - it's a very big place. Even if you find a swap within walking distance of one London attraction, it will require you to use the tube to visit other attractions...unless you are up to walking miles!! Day passes on the tube are inexpensive. As regular visitors to London, we prefer to be slightly outside of London to escape to a little peace after a long day of sightseeing. We personally like Richmond as it's lovely and green, on the Thames and gives you the option of the river taxi into London - which is a fun change from the tube. So don't dismiss the suburbs - you may be turning down a gem!