I dont normally stay in guest houses unless in South Africa or Canada where the B&B style is much different. There you expect luxury rooms, a home baked breakfast, good conversation and a great location. Have now found one in Central London that is completely to my taste. The 1811 Georgian Town house is exactly as it says on the tin - a Regency property that has been metriculouly restored to English Heritage standards. The property is not only grade II listed outside but so all authentic on the inside and why the 1811 Georgian Town House was selected for my business trip.

Hats off to our host, I'm not the easiest of guests but she responded to every need without being flustered I'm lactose intolerant and vegetarian, dont like man made fibres and had too much to do in too little time. With a gracious and helpful attitude she arranged for me to borrow a lap top, helped me download a huge file for work and even colour printed my papers. This is a high tech house and the broadband is very fast and unfettered. We are not talking about a business centre here but a small guest house so this is really unusual and a life saver for me. After that whilst I was still panicing our perfect host organised a discounted restaurant using Top Table, directions to work and also onward travel maps. If not for the recommendations and help of our host there is no way I would have been able to sleep never mind enjoyed a great meal and a calming walk in an amazing area of London. Clerkenwell (EC1V) has everything from the top restaurants (St John no 12 in the world) some extraordianary architecture and buildings. After arranging such reasonably priced accomodation - (a single room with a home cooked/home baked breakfast was £60) I though I'd splurge on a meal but actually got a great priced meal at Zetters. The food was Italian, modern and very fresh and at 50% off via Toptable good value. Zetters is in Clerkenwell Green so gave me an excuse to sightsee as well check out the Sessions House and St Johns Gate. You can walk around at ease feeling really safe in this area of London.

Feeling thoroughly content with life if not pampered I returned to a spacious double room and spent a comfortable night surrounded by objects d'arte. I was in the front of the house and slept like a log with no noise to distrub in the quiet garden square. Breakfast didnt disappoint either. Whilst still enjoying this well appointed house I had a long dip in a deep claw footed bath and pampered myself with good quality toiletries provided. This house has the wow factor and the attention to detail is amazing. All of this meant I was relaxed and confident in time for my meetings. In my opinion as we as being an excellent place to stay for a business trip I really believe that the 1811 is the place of choice for a romantic weekend and cant wait to return with my partner. This is due to the proximity of theatre (Kings Head, Almeida, Barbican and Sadlers Wells are on the doorstep) but also that you are spolit for choice with top class restaurants on St John Street.

Did I feel at home? Certainly in terms of the welcome of the hosts and the accessibility of the property. Is it like home? Well I dont exactly live in the Ardwick area of Manchester with my mum but nor do I live in a Regency masion in Regents Park. No my surroundings were nothing like home - I should be so lucky !!. ( but maybe one day I'll live in a house this rare and beautiful). The hosts should be commended for maintaining it with such care. Whilst staying I was watched Criminal Justice and the host told me that the house had been selected as a contender for the part of the house of the barrister (the man with the designer house it says on the BBC website).
If I wasnt so selfish I'd suggest the owner restricts guests to 1 or 2 couples and provides an exclusive bathroom for each and thereby enters the luxury market. All the props and quality fittings are already in place. This is nothing like a British traditional B&B it's simply charming. I'm giving this place 5* because that how it was for me and not due to inducements. Have read other reviews and know the majority feel the same. Book early and enjoy a real treat.