I considered giving the flowery ubiquitous info on the nice cafes down the road and the tree lined streets, and while this location can boast of these ,since we are on the borders of Kent and this property sits in the Belmont Hill Conservationist area ( whatever that means). I have decided to take a practical view and present the practical or 'Rough guide' approach to illustrate the comparative value for money you would be getting by choosing to stay at this property.
Location Location Location
Excuse for using the old cliche, but London is particularly unique in this way unlike any other European city I have Visited. As an example the 22@ in Barcelona is what it is!, there may be gentrification, but it is generically the same. However In London the prices and the rates you pay are distinct not so much by the generic area as by the postal codes. So a property in Blackheath, or Greenwich which may just be on the other side of the road, could carry a significantly different rental rate and also market value for a property of the same size and characteristics.
So why am I sharing this information with you?
Essentially so that you can discern that the rental value may not generally reflect the quality with respect to the accommodation, but rather other intrinsic attributes associated with the general location. Historically properties in the West of London, ( I presume the same distinction albeit for different reasons is made in Paris), has always been more expensive, though for different reasons.
The gap has narrowed with the development of Canary Wharf, and to a lesser extent the Olympic arena, but the divide is historical and will persist.
The virtues of the location and your stay in London
If you are still not swayed by my rough guide/ urban economic rational on the value for money assessment of this property, and the snob appeal factor is still a persuasive rental decider, then it may please you to know that this property is located one of the two of the most expensive streets (see Zoopla for average rental and property prices) within the Lewisham Town location, the other behind the adjacent Caterham Road, both of which are closed-off to flow through traffic, giving the tranquility of the neighbourhood even though within a couple mins of the town centre.
So if the purpose of your stay is like most visitors to this great city is to enjoy the many interesting sights of London and do all things touristic then you will not have made a bad choice for yourself and family.
Lewisham is a town in transition, the transformation of which is underpinned by the Lewisham Gateway project, which is capitalising on the town's proximity to both Central London and Canary Wharf in particular.
So what would I do if I was using this as my base to explore the city of London etc
Lewisham Town
The location gives you quick access to all the conveniences of the town centre ( Banking; groceries;food and vegetable markets; pharmacies; hospitals; an increasing assortment of cafes etc; restaurants and pubs).
Being true to my rough guide principled approach to this advert, I cannot endorse the nightlife activities, since this is not something that most suburban towns outside of the city are renowned for.
Neighboring Blackheath and Greenwich
Blackheath
Just a 10 m walk away, the B'Heath is a very charming village and is a truly picturesque village. There are a range of bars and restaurants in the village and it will offer an alternative even to staying in Central London, where evenings out things may be a bit more expensive.
Greenwich
Extend your walk in the park to Greenwich, and spend a half a day in the park and the historical town, visiting the Observatory, the Maritime Museum and the other historical sites.Greenwich is one of the most visited sites in London, and equipped with restaurants and bars.
Equestrian Events - Greenwich
Please note that the equestrian events will be held here during the Olympics, so if you have been lucky enough to have a ticket, then the events will only be a short walk away from the property.
Walk along the Thames footpaths in either an easterly or Westerly direction and if time does permit, visit landmark Thames Barrier to the East.
Take a ride in the Cable Cars across the Thames to the other side of the river and see the views of the peninsular and surrounding areas from up high.
Boat ride
When you have exhausted yourself and the family in this historical corner of the City, take a Boat ride up the river from Greenwich to Westminster Bridge and from there you can explore all the sites that the city has to offer.
Canary Wharf
Even if you do not feel that a visit to another financial behemoth is what you have paid good money for, then I still urge you to visit this part of the city, which was built on a number of small islands and have transformed a part of the London in an unimaginable manner.
Once you have refreshed yourself and have recovered from your neck strains of looking up at those tall buildings, then you can use yours Oyster card and get on the light rail and travel to the Olympic site in Stratfford.
Myriad of destination and opportunities
The quick access to the transport hub of the Lewisham train station with direct links to London Bridge, Charing Cross ( for Theatres and Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and Victoria ( Buckingham Palace Hyde Park, Green Park, and explorations to the West and further South; to the Centre of London), as well as destination further south, opens a myriad of travelling opportunities to the Centre and other parts of the capital.
Getting There
If you are a family of 6 then a people carrier from the Airport will possibly cost about GBP 90.00, which will equate with the cost of taking a train to London Bridge and then one to Lewisham. Please note that I expect that the fares would have increased during the Olympic period since there will be restrictions on the number of operators at the airport for security reasons.
I am not going to try and recreate the adventures guide to the City of London, but was purely trying to show some of the site seeing possibilities and more so the integration with the rest of this little town with the rest of the magnificent city.
In essence of the location and the property is that it offers very good quality accommodation in an area of London which is well located for access to the Centre of Central London, while not having to pay the exorbitant cost of a more centrally located property or the alternative of a hotel.
The proximity to the centre of the city is reflected by the fact that the property is located in the 2nd zone of the city, while the likes of Richmond are in the 3/4 zones.
The property is spacious enough to hold 8-9 people, though sleeping accommodation will be provided for 7.
The centre of the city provides the greatest allure for most visitors to London and you are unlikely to dwell in suburban Hampstead of Richmond just as you would not do so in Lewisham.
if like the 99% percent of us in this world, finance is a consideration when planning a holiday abroad then this property offers and opportunity for you to be housed in a large comfortable period family accommodation, of very good quality at a significantly more affordable rate and with the same or even better access times to those this which you want to do and see in the capital.
Additional:
The property is presently occupied until the 31st of May 2012, following which it will be redecorated to provide the visitors with a newly decorated property for the summer.
