Exploring East London with our artistic host Roy James

When we saw Roy James sign up as a host on Homestay.com we immediately knew that his home was somewhere special. Located just next to the trendy London Fields area of Hackney in East London, Roy’s home is a stylish penthouse apartment that reflects his own interests in art, culture and creativity. Roy first began hosting at the suggestion of a friend who knew how much pride and effort Roy had put into decorating his home. Since then, he has hosted guests from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay and Australia.

In spite of living in the centre of London, Roy’s location next to the London Fields park means that in his words, his home feels “like a little island,” with balconies on three sides of the penthouse for you to take in the views. The neighbourhood has plenty of great local pubs, Broadway Market a popular weekend place to grab a coffee or stock up on some locally-sourced supplies and the stunning London Fields Lido, a heated outdoors swimming pool in walking distance of Roy’s penthouse.

We spoke to Roy to find out a bit more about his beautiful, art-filled home and why he decided to open the door to share it with others.

-

Why did you sign up to Homestay.com?

I became interested in “Hosting" when a friend suggested I could do it in March of last year. They suggested it because of where I live and the type of apartment I have: it’s bright and in a great location. Homestay.com seemed to be a very honest and trustworthy hosting company.

What makes you a great Homestay.com host?

My house is my home and my office. It is not a hotel or a B+B. I am more than happy to gently point people in the right direction, to places perhaps that are not on the normal tourist trail to visit and explore. I am a native Londoner and have knowledge of the city, secret gardens and cool interesting places to visit. I very much love sharing my apartment as a host. It has also been really a wonderful experience meeting people from all over the world.

Describe the property and the Homestay.com experience you offer?

I rent out two bedrooms in a modern, bright, stylish penthouse apartment. In a very trendy part of East London. Both rooms are very comfortable and have been styled the way I like them, as it is my home first and foremost.

What do you love about Homestay.com?

Through being a host I have met some interesting people from all over the world. The website is easy to manage and the support from the back team also seems to be good so far, so no complaints.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I am interested in music, Art and creativity. The walls in my home are covered with my art work. I am also very interested in other people. I have 3 children, aged 17, 10 and 8 who live away from my home here in London but who visit here often.

---

If you want to stay with Roy in his penthouse home, visit his profile and send him a booking request. Or browse the rest of our London homestays to find the host that is right for you.