SHORT LET Intimate view of the river on a lower ground floor Studio, swans glide past at eye-level.
Studio Lavandula has Italian stone floors warmed by underfloor heating and a thick gabbeh rug. It is the cosiest of the Folly Bridge apartments with a lower ceiling than the studios above, which makes it feel smaller, although it is not. Despite being on the lower ground floor, it is surprising light with windows on two sides, one looks over the footpath at ground level to the river, the other is onto a light well and the flowers of the garden. A portrait of a woman with a bowl of fruit by the Dutch artist Gassner hangs by the dining table and an abstract oil by Paul du Toit hangs above the bed. Furnished with a double bed, which lifts to provide extra storage, two beside tables, wardrobe with mirror glass door (W100xD38xH201, clothes rail, two shelves), round dining table with chairs and comfortable armchair. Folly Bridge House bathrooms are small. Their size is dictated by trying to introduce 21st comfort into a heritage house. So, if a large bathroom is a critical element of your enjoyment, FBH is not for you. However, the bathroom is bright, light with an innovative powerful water-softening shower and hairdryer. There is superfast fibre optic broadband and a flatscreen TV/DVD.
The hideaway kitchen is cleverly designed to provide for modern living: double induction hob, combination convection oven/microwave/ grill, small fridge, coffee percolator.The latest in ventilation systems removes cooking smells, steam and Oxford's notorious damp climate from the apartment, replacing them with fresh, warmed air drawn in from above the trees at a rate of 180 cubic metres per hour.
The house is an Oxford landmark and has been beautifully restored by a potter and a photographer. They describe it as 'eco chic'. Guests can enjoy their collection of modern art and ceramics. A crenellated Georgian tower standing in the River Thames at the point of the original 900 AD oxen ford, it conjures all the romance of the city. This is the spot where Alice in Wonderland was invented by Lewis Carroll. On Folly Bridge, the 13th century philosopher and alchemist Roger Bacon had a tower. From the roof, the River Thames and the dreaming spires of the city spread out before you.
> Parking available on request at £70 per week (discounts for longer stays)
> CCTV monitored parking
> Laundry facilities
Oxford's most fashionable riverside restaurant, stands across the courtyard. The Folly offers a discount to our guests for dinner and room service is available if the restaurant is not too busy.
Weekly Rates
Longer lets (over 5 weeks):
£485.00 per week with ensuite bathroom
Short lets (3 - 5 weeks):
£545.00 per week with ensuite bathroom
Short breaks (1 -2 weeks):
£595.00 per week with ensuite bathroom
Nightly rate (Minimum 3 nights stay)
£140.00 per night with ensuite bathroom