Reviews

observatory retreat…

…has been the Oxford base for world renowned academics, senior White House officials, authors needing creative space for writing and famous faces. These include actor Luke Hemsworth and family (joined for a time by his brother, Hollywood Star Liam), as well as double platinum band, Editors.

In addition to the compilation of feedback below, you can also check out our latest reviews on, Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com but remember: it is ALWAYS cheaper to book with us directly.

renee, june 2024

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at 33 Observatory Street for nine months while completing my dissertation, and I couldn't have asked for a better home away from home. The house is ideally situated in Oxford, close to a variety of restaurants, pubs, a movie theatre, and a well-stocked grocery store, making every day errands and leisure activities incredibly convenient. The house itself is beautifully decorated with comfortable and attractive furnishings that make every moment spent indoors a delight. The kitchen, which looks out onto a stunning, well-maintained garden, is fully equipped with high-quality appliances and everything one could need. Cooking and enjoying meals in such a pleasant environment was a joy. The garden is a true highlight, offering a peaceful retreat with comfortable outdoor furniture, perfect for relaxing or working outdoors on lovely days. Throughout my stay, I found the house to be in excellent repair, and every detail was thoughtfully attended to. Overall, 33 Observatory Street provided an excellent environment that significantly contributed to my comfort and productivity during my time in Oxford. I am deeply grateful to have called this lovely house my home for these months, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful and convenient place to stay.

mark, September 2023

Fantastic base for our week-long trip to Oxford. Close to city centre and even closer to the wonderful amenities of Walton Street. Rosie was helpful and responsive throughout.

amy, July 2023

We have stayed in many, many wonderful places, but this is our very favourite Airbnb so far! Absolutely perfect in every possible way, from the stunning art pieces to the unusually comfortable bedding. And the location was excellent! A very quiet street both night and day. Easy to walk to all of Oxford’s amazing sites, as well as local restaurants and shops. Couldn’t have been happier there!

alexandra and stephen, march 2023

I was a guest in January, February and early March wile I was a visiting researcher during Hilary Term at All Souls College.

The house was perfect for me, my wife and our guests. When we had people over, we used the excellent kitchen with two ovens and microwave, dishwasher and convection stove top. We twice had dinners for eight and were able to seat everyone comfortably at a great table by the door to the garden. When we had evenings at home we spent them by the fire in the lovely snug room at the front of the house.

The vibrant neighbourhood of Jericho was a pleasure as well. Literally two minutes’ walk away were two great cafés, one with a fine deli, plus a great Greek deli, plus a nice Picture House, plus a fine Indian restaurant, a superb bistro and a lovely pub.

As a writer, I loved best the separate small house at the bottom of the garden - a ten by ten foot warm writing room with one wall of glass - a perfect retreat which I shall miss very much.

Our hostess, Rosie, was tremendously helpful and welcoming. When I return to Oxford I will certainly be in touch with her again.

kala, september 2022

Our stay with my family was excellent . The location and presentation of 33 Observatory Street is very convenient to all facilities. The host was very friendly and left a bottle of Prosecco for us to enjoy.

I will certainly stay here next time we come to Oxford . The art works in the house are very nice indeed.

We give the property 5 stars out of 5.

danielle, august 2022

The property has spaces large enough to accommodate the full group (kitchen, basement living room, garden) for together time as well as smaller spaces (bedrooms, small parlour, garden office) to give everybody private space to have alone time when needed: a perfect balance for a group vacation. The house is clean, bright and comfortable. Especially loved the garden with the outdoor sofa and the dining area. Rosie was very communicative and responsive. The location is fantastic, with all the charm and offerings of Jericho, and easy walk to other neighbourhoods of Oxford. We had a wonderful stay!

Phillip, July 2022

Our family of 5 (kids 10,7,5) had an absolutely delightful time at Rosie’s place in Oxford. The location is perfect – close to parks, museums, city center, cafes and all the little things needed for a 6 week stay – pharmacy, grocery, etc. The house was in great condition and very well equipped with everything needed for daily living. I personally loved the office at the back of the garden – the best work from home setup I have had yet. My children loved the downstairs play area and media room, and we all loved the kitchen! Rosie was very responsive, attentive, understanding and an absolutely wonderful person who took great care of us during our stay. We can’t wait to return and highly recommend this charming home, neighborhood, and host.

liz, may 2022

We stayed at Shortstayoxford for three weeks during our son's Oxford Easter break. If you are looking for a home away from home during your time in Oxford, look no further.

The house is located in the charming neighborhood of Jericho in North Oxford. The home is within walking distance of gourmet delis, various restaurants and the city center. The house is incredibly quiet, spacious and has a beautiful garden with outdoor seating. Two wonderful bonuses included a separate office at the end of the garden and a small garage which was a 5 minute walk away. Just to note, we had a small VW golf, anything bigger would not have fit. Also important to know the wifi is excellent and the house very clean.

Our hosts, Rosie and David, were incredibly responsive and did a wonderful job replying quickly to any questions we had. It was very obvious that they cared about our stay in the house.

We cannot recommend this place enough and certainly will be back in the near future. All our thanks. Liz T. Brooklyn, NY

andrey, april 2022

I travel a lot and leave reviews rarely, but this place is an exception! Despite a modest look from the outside, the apartment is a true pleasure to stay from every aspect! Very light and spacious modern, quiet, well designed and well equipped. Nice garden and hide-away room, which our 11 y.o. daughter loved to spend her time at reading and chatting with friends, is one of the extras you will rarely find anywhere. The owner met us in person, patiently showing how to use kitchen equipment and heating (which btw is all electronic!). Located in a walking distance from Oxford city center and 3 minutes from local restaurants. I'm sure you will get a few good recommendations from Rosie. Parks and a small river (canal) are within 5-7 mins of walking. Train stations is about 20 mins away, but I'd recommend taking a taxi if you have many bags to carry.

chris, april-june 2022

“We had a very enjoyable stay. The house is in a wonderful location , and is bright and very comfortable. The owners were also excellent to deal with. We had very few issues, but the small ones that did arise were all dealt with easily and quickly. We would happily stay there again any time.”

liz, october 2021

“Lovely place which is light, modern and clean. So close to the lovely Jericho. Would recommend for a group gathering. Fantastic garden with outdoor seating and eating areas.”

andrew, august 2021

“Had a lovely stay in this beautiful house in Jericho. Wonderfully situated and so many amazing spaces to spend time together, including the amazing garden.”

laura, september 2019

“Late booking - so very lucky to have come across this property. The house is in a lovely area, cafes, restaurants and bars close by, a 15 min walk to the centre. House is exactly as described - well-designed and features a lovely outdoor area, which sadly we were not able to use due to the rain. Kitchen is fully equipped and nicely laid out. Thoroughly recommend this place for a group get-together in Oxford.”

mary, august 2019

“This property was amazing. So well-designed, spacious, well kept, quiet. Our family was there for our daughter’s wedding. Consequently, we had a busy household and yet there was plenty of room. All the rooms were well lit. The back garden was so lovely, with wonderful outdoor furniture. And there is another separate office in the rear of the property. Great kitchen. The parking place was great to have. Great restaurants around the corner. We all had a memorable week.”

bjarni, October 2018

“Stayed there with my wife and 3 kids. The apartment is outstanding with great amenities. The location was perfect in a quiet and beautiful street with lots of nice restaurants around the corner and a walking distance to the city centre.”

orion, october, 2018

“Amazing property in quiet Jericho neighborhood. Everything nearby is walkable.”

Robert, december 2017

“Lovely location, great house and well managed. Would recommend.”

brian, october 2017

“A fantastic location in the heart of Jericho in a wonderfully remodelled, modern house that can easily accommodate a family with children.”

david, february 2017

“This is a great house if you’re looking for a multi-bedroom apartment. I stayed here with colleagues on a business trip, and we very much enjoyed the house. It comes with a well-equipped kitchen, so you won’t have to dine out every time (though there are plenty of nice restaurants around the corner). There’s also a comfy living room downstairs with 3D TV.”

markus, january 2017

“A spacious and comfortable house in a convenient location, near lots of restaurants, cafés and Oxford institutions.”

guestbook, september 2014

“Lovely house, furnished to the highest standard. Wonderful stay with friends, perfect for visiting the Oxford sights.”

guestbook, summer 2014

“A very restful stay. Perfect house in a perfect setting! Wonderful. Thank you so much.”

guestbook, summer 2014

“We have had such a lovely stay in this beautiful house. It is so well positioned and has everything. The bedrooms are perfect and we were very taken by the paintings. It has been created with love.”

guestbook, july 2014

“We love the house - will you sell it to us?” [Sadly we had to say No!]

guestbook, summer 2014

“Really enjoyed our stay. Wonderful sense of peace and home.”

guestbook, autumn 2013

“Thank you! Our stay here has been perfect. This house is a gem. We will miss our fun Jericho life.”

guestbook, june 2013

“So comfortable and luxurious.”

guestbook, march 2013

“Amazingly well equipped.”

guestbook, december 2012

“Our best Christmas ever.”