First Impressions
House – Sleeps 10 – Garden – Parking sits on a quiet residential street in Romford that honestly surprised me — Penn Gardens has this suburban charm that feels worlds away from London’s chaos, yet you’re still only about 30 minutes from central London by train. The property itself is one of those solid English houses that immediately makes you think “this could actually work for our group,” which is rare when you’re trying to house ten people without everyone wanting to kill each other by day two.
Space That Actually Works
What struck me most was how thoughtfully laid out everything is inside. The main living area flows naturally between spaces, so you’re not constantly bumping into each other, but you can still hang out as a group when you want to. Each room feels properly sized — I mean, you’re not getting luxury suite vibes here, but there’s enough space to spread out your stuff and not feel cramped. The whole setup just works for larger groups in a way that most places don’t.
The Garden and Practical Touches
The garden out back is probably my favorite feature — it’s not massive, but it’s private and well-maintained with enough space for morning coffee or evening drinks. There’s something really nice about having that outdoor retreat when you’re staying with a big group. The parking situation is sorted too, which anyone who’s tried to navigate London with rental cars will appreciate. You know what? These practical details matter way more than fancy amenities when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days.
Location Insights
Romford gets overlooked by most tourists, but that’s actually part of its appeal. You’re in a real London suburb where people actually live, shop at proper supermarkets, and go about their daily lives. The four-star rating feels about right — this isn’t trying to be something it’s not, but everything works well and feels clean and comfortable. The train connections from Romford station are reliable, and you’ve got all the shops and restaurants you need within walking distance.
Why Guests Love It
This place succeeds because it solves the real problem of group travel — finding somewhere that sleeps everyone comfortably without breaking the bank or forcing you to stay in some tourist trap area. The combination of space, privacy, and that garden makes it feel more like borrowing a friend’s house than staying in typical accommodation. For families or friend groups who want to experience London but also want a proper base to return to each evening, this house delivers exactly what you need without any unnecessary fuss.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
