Living like a local (sort of) in London
Nov 21st, 2014, 02:36 PM
#21
to be fair, they do provide a shot of the Abingdon Road itself from the front of the house - as well as the obligatory pic of the Houses of Parliament!
it looks like a good compromise between position and price to me, but if you are not convinced that this is the "one", could you reserve this one for a short while you look for something better?
it looks like a good compromise between position and price to me, but if you are not convinced that this is the "one", could you reserve this one for a short while you look for something better?
Nov 21st, 2014, 06:03 PM
#22
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I have yet to learn the London tube routes. So, BigRuss, not all tube stations are created equal? It looks on the map like High Street Kensington is only two stops from South Kensington (with Gloucester Road in between), which to my naive eye looks like no big deal. But then, as I say, I don't yet know the schedules or the routes.
We don't mind a slightly longer commute in a trade-off for a nice property and neighborhood; we once rented a condo in Long Island City, across the East River from Manhattan. We had like four stops on the 7 train to get to Times Square, where you can transfer to almost any other line. So, not so convenient to the sights, but in exchange we had a great view of the Manhattan skyline and a "folksy" neighborhood (well, as folksy as Queens can be).
So, I will look around a bit more, but the apartment itself is large (as compared to others at that price point), well appointed, and it gets great reviews (I would NEVER rent an unreviewed property!). And as long as the location isn't terrible, then I'm inclined to go for it.
Really appreciate the advice!
We don't mind a slightly longer commute in a trade-off for a nice property and neighborhood; we once rented a condo in Long Island City, across the East River from Manhattan. We had like four stops on the 7 train to get to Times Square, where you can transfer to almost any other line. So, not so convenient to the sights, but in exchange we had a great view of the Manhattan skyline and a "folksy" neighborhood (well, as folksy as Queens can be).
So, I will look around a bit more, but the apartment itself is large (as compared to others at that price point), well appointed, and it gets great reviews (I would NEVER rent an unreviewed property!). And as long as the location isn't terrible, then I'm inclined to go for it.
Really appreciate the advice!
Nov 21st, 2014, 07:51 PM
#23
The flat is in a posh neighborhood and would be a terrific area to live. The main difference between say high street Kensington and south Kensington tube stations is where the lines go. The circle line basically circles central London. It is great for the V&A, Westminster abbey, and the Tower of London. To get to most other sites (Or in from LHR ) requires line changes.
Whereas at south Kensington you get the same circle line plus the very useful Piccadilly line. It serves LHR, Hyde park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square/soho, Covent Garden, the British museum, etc.
So yes, you can get anywhere you want from any station, but stations w/ multiple lines are just a bit easier.
I would have no problems staying there mainly because the flat looks so nice. You will need to factor in some longer tube journeys.
Whereas at south Kensington you get the same circle line plus the very useful Piccadilly line. It serves LHR, Hyde park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square/soho, Covent Garden, the British museum, etc.
So yes, you can get anywhere you want from any station, but stations w/ multiple lines are just a bit easier.
I would have no problems staying there mainly because the flat looks so nice. You will need to factor in some longer tube journeys.
Nov 25th, 2014, 09:03 AM
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Abbingdon Road is a nice location. Being near that huge Wholefoods store would be a draw for me - we don't have anything like it at home.
The Circle Line can be slow, but walk across Holland Park to Holland Park station, and get the Central Line there. That's a very convenient underground line. If Wholefoods is too American for you, pick up some pies or sausages from Lidgate's on Holland Park Avenue. There's a farmer's market behind the Waterstone's on Notting Hill Gate on Saturdays - if you really want to live like a local.
If you don't want to cook, Launceston Place is very nice. Or Sally Clarke on Kensington Church Road. Or Kensington Place, for fish, on the same street.
The Circle Line can be slow, but walk across Holland Park to Holland Park station, and get the Central Line there. That's a very convenient underground line. If Wholefoods is too American for you, pick up some pies or sausages from Lidgate's on Holland Park Avenue. There's a farmer's market behind the Waterstone's on Notting Hill Gate on Saturdays - if you really want to live like a local.
If you don't want to cook, Launceston Place is very nice. Or Sally Clarke on Kensington Church Road. Or Kensington Place, for fish, on the same street.
