Meet Shirl
Family Hobbies
Football, Cycling, Swimming, Fitness, gym, Cooking
Hosting guests since
2009
Response Rate
100%
Response Time
Within a few hours
About the Homestay
- Welcomes
- Males
- Females
- Couples
- Families
- Students
** NEWS FLASH! - CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL ROOM LINK FOR GREAT ROOM RATE OFFERS!!! **
In a great location, Handsworth Wood, a stones throw away from the park with boating lake, hire boats and cafe. 15 minutes to the City Centre. Close to the Universities - including ASTON and UCB, Language schools, Football stadiums, Jewellery Quarter, Transport links, Shopping Centres and amenities! 30 minutes by car to Birmingham Airport and The NEC - The National Exhibition Centre.
If you are looking for a bright clean sunny room then you are welcome to come and share our family home. If you're clean, tidy and considerate then this might be the place for you.
Perfect for professionals, students - great place to practice your English! Ideal for long term or short term lets if you're just visiting Birmingham for a short break.
VEGAN and VEGETARIAN guests are most welcome so long as you are OK about having meat in the home.
I share my lovely home with my 24 yr old daughter and 15 year old son. We're a sociable and friendly bunch whilst respectfully allowing you your privacy and space when preferred. I have previously hosted international students from a variety of countries including – France, Vietnam, China, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Spain.
Our hobbies are varied but include football, travel, reading, learning Spanish, socialising, music gigs, cooking, arts and crafts, watching movies and going to the cinema, good food and eating out. Guests are welcome to accompany us on social outings during their stay.
We offer 4 spacious rooms for rent by guests in our large tastefully decorated modern family home set over 3 floors. With 2. 5 full bathrooms and toilets.
NO OUTDOOR SHOES ALLOWED IN THE HOME! Shoes to be removed downstairs, only indoor shoes allowed on carpeted areas. - this includes any friends or family that might visit you during your stay.
Please note that full payment is required on the day of arrival in Sterling currency.
** For longer term bookings of 30 nights or more please message me for other payment options. **
House facilities
Separate laundry room for your use during your stay
Use of iron and ironing board
WIFI - WIRELESS INTERNET
Washing machine
Large kitchen diner
You're welcome to use the kitchen (to cook light meals) but we ask that you clean up after yourself
Microwave
Own kitchen cupboard with crockery and cutlery
Guests have their own shared kitchen fridge
Central heating and double glazing through out
Smoke alarm on all floors
Carbon monoxide detector fitted
Annual Gas and electricity safety check and certificates (– available for inspection if required)
Fire blanket and fire extinguisher in the kitchen
Parking
House Facilities
- Garden
- Laundry
- Patio
- Barbecue
- Parking
- TV
- Internet Access
- Smoke alarm
- Non Smoking
Bedrooms available for booking
About the Area
In a great location, Handsworth Wood, a stones throw away from the park with boating lake, hire boats and café. 15 minutes to the City Centre. Close to the Universities, Language schools, Football stadiums, Jewellery Quarter, Transport links, Shopping Centres and amenities! 30 minutes by car to Birmingham Airport and The NEC - The National Exhibition Centre.
Things to do and places to go! - really too many to mention so ask us for more information. But here are some of our favourites in the meantime...
Soho house is 10 minutes by car http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/soho
Why not treat your loved one, or yourself to some jewellery from the world famous Jewellery Quarter http://jewelleryquarter.net/shopping/ A mere 10 minutes from our home. Not to mention the lovely restaurants and bars
Close to many UNIVERSITIES and language schools. For example:
Aston university http://www.aston.ac.uk/study/
Birmingham City university http://www.bcu.ac.uk/
University of Birmingham http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx
The language gallery -http://www.thelanguagegallery.com/locations/birmingham
Brasshouse language school https://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/
Birmingham graduate school http://www.bgschool.org.uk/
If you're into keeping fit there's a park right by the home with boating lake and café. Also a leisure centre close by.- http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/handsworthpark
Visit Edgbaston Reservoir http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/reservoir
The beautiful and historic St Mary's church described as “ The cathedral of the industrial Revolution” is 5 minutes walk from the house - http://handsworthstmary.org/image-gallery/
Why not have a go at some of the water sports – 15 minutes from our home!
http://edgbastonwatersports.co.uk/
The Mac – Arts complex just 20 minutes by car https://macbirmingham.co.uk/whats-on
Custard factory with great eats and funky shops is a mere 20 minutes in the car or 30 mins by public transport - http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/
Why not check out Digbeth dining – Birminghams original street food event every Friday with great food and phat beats! - http://digbethdiningclub.com/gallery-page
The Jam House – one stop venue for food, music and entertainment 10 minutes by car and 20 minutes by public transport - http://www.thejamhouse.com/birmingham/
Birmingham Southside - http://visitbirmingham.com/birmingham-areas/birmingham/southside/
The Pen Museum - http://penmuseum.org.uk/
Cineworld Broad Street - http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/birmingham-broad-street
The ICC - http://www.theicc.co.uk/
The Blue Orange theatre - http://www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk/
Eating, Drinking and Shopping - There are a number of local shops nearby including a 24 hours Tesco and Lidl
One Stop Retail Shopping Park http://onestop-shopping.co.uk/ 6 minutes by car and 16 minutes by bus
The number 16w bus takes you to the New Square Shopping Centre, cinema and restaurants - http://newsquarewestbromwich.co.uk/
The Button Factory - new Bar and restaurant in the jewellery quarter - http://thebuttonfactorybirmingham.co.uk/
Brindley place - http://www.brindleyplace.com/category/restaurants/
Sidewalk Bar and restaurant - http://sidewalkbirmingham.com/
The Mailbox - http://www.mailboxlife.com/dining-nightlife/
China Town - http://visitbirmingham.com/birmingham-areas/birmingham/chinatown/
I am happy to share more ideas about local activities and places of interest around Birmingham on your arrival.
Guests are welcome to accompany us on social outings
Local Area Facilities
- Park
- Gym
- Swimming
- Bowling
- Cinema
- Library
- Museum
- Shopping Centre
- Water sports
- Sports arena
- Health club
- Fishing
- Restaurant
- Airport
- Bus Stop
- Train station
- Hospital
Meals
Hosts can offer a complimentary light breakfast at their discretion. All other meals, including a full breakfast, might incur an additional cost, if offered. Meals and any additional payment should be arranged directly with your host.
Included in the stay
- Complimentary Light Breakfast
- Use of Kitchen
House Rules
House rules for peaceful and harmonious living
We are an Eco- friendly home so we ask that you kindly recycle, turn off lights, water, fan and electric heater when not in use please.
Ours is a quiet relaxing home so we ask that there is no loud music or excessive noise after 10 pm
No smoking allowed in the house
NO OUTDOOR SHOES ALLOWED IN THE HOME! Shoes to be removed downstairs, only indoor shoes allowed on carpeted areas. - this includes any friends or family that might visit you during your stay.
As this is a family home we ask that no guests or strangers enter our home without prior discussion and agreement with the host
Please respect the privacy of others in the house. You are NOT allowed to enter any of the other guests or family bedrooms without consent!
For yours and our safety and security we ask that you remember to always close all windows and to lock the front door on entering and leaving the home.
Longer term guests will be allocated a *laundry day on arrival. One FREE weekly wash is included in your room rate. If you require to do laundry more than once a week there will be an additional charge of £3.50 per extra load of washing.
And finally we want your stay to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible so if there is anything you are unsure about, then please ask :-)
Please note that full payment is required on the day of arrival in Sterling currency.
** For longer term bookings of 30 nights or more please message me for other payment options.**
**For longer term guests, ONE additional months payment is charged. This is held as a security deposit and will be returned at the end of the Homestay experience if there has been no damage or lost keys, for example. **
**Complimentary light breakfast - Please contact me for information as this may only be provided for part of your stay, depending on the duration of your booking **
Additional services provided
Hair dryer and fan provided on request, at no extra cost
A microwave and fridge are provided in the kitchen for the use by guests also.
Photocopying can be done on request but may incur an additional charge
Smoking is not allowed.
40 Reviews
February 2022
very nice and cozy home..Shirl is very nice person..and there is a direct bus to travel to city centre..bus stop is nearby the house..with no doubt i highly recommended to stay here.
Host reply
Dear Ismahanis,
Thank you so much for your kind review. It was a pleasure having you stay at our home. Throughout you have been polite, respectful and friendly. Would definitely recommend you to any other hosts.
Blessings Shirl and family :)January 2021
a great welcome, with good indications in all aspects to make the ideal coexistence. the property very clean and comfortable. Very good experience
Host reply
Dear Jon
Thank you for your kind review. Its appreciated :)
It was unfortunate that the current unprecedented situation with covid 19
meant that your stay wasnt as productive as you'd hoped for, or as pleasant as possible for you.
August 2020
I had a wonderful time at Shirley and Angie's house where I was welcomed.
Everything was well organized.
The whole family is adorable and respects your privacy.
The house is always clean and my room was very comfortable. It feels like home.Also, we're close to transportation and not too far from the city centre, which makes it a lot easier if you have things to do.
I recommend❤️❤️
Host reply
Thank you Marianne for your kind and lovely review.
It was wonderful having you stay with our family.
You were a kind, friendly and thoughtful guest who fitted in perfectly with our family.
You are welcome back anytime you are in Birmingham.
Blessings
Shirl and co.March 2020
My stay in Birmingham turned into an unforgettable life experience full of emotions that Sherl and Angie with their family and all the guests of their home shared with me and helped to make unique. A comfortable and ideal accommodation to reach all the most beautiful areas of central Birmingham, clean and cared for, exceptional hospitality that is not limited to pure professionalism, but goes far beyond! Friendly, kind and helpful, they really made me feel at home! I highly recommend this family, do not be intimidated by the shared bathroom, there are not many rooms and the cleaning service is punctual and precise, sharing the spaces will be a way to make friends and meet new interesting people.
Host reply
Thank you Alex for your kind review :-)
Its really appreciated.
Throughout your stay you have been a polite and considerate guest, who has fitted in well with our family - Thank you.
ShirlMarch 2020
This is a review from someone who stayed at Shirl's home for 6 months for university studies abroad. As such, it has somewhat turned into my second home, which is largely due to Shirl and her family. Not only because I was received so warmly upon arrival, but also because they eased the process of settling down in an unknown city and to new life circumstances greatly and made it appear seamless. The house, in general, is kept in a well-cleaned condition, with virtually all necessary household goods (such as toilet paper, cutlery & crockery, cleaning facilities & materials, bedlinen, towels, wardrobe, drawers, desk) provided. As Shirl has been hosting guests for over 10 years, she has developed an expertise and is experienced in welcoming and accommodating all sorts of guests and catering to their needs, which I got to observe over my 6 months at their home. Both security and privacy are highly valued at Shirl's home, but at the same time they were always available for a chat in the kitchen or an evening in the living room watching TV or reviewing the day, even during more turbulent times at university or work. Finally, as I travelled throughout the UK during my stay, the location of Shirl's home facilitated these activities, as the city centre can be reached within 15-20 minutes by frequent bus services not far from the doorstep. As such, especially for longer stays, I judge Shirl's homestay to offer some of the best value for money and know where I will be staying, should I return to Birmingham in the future.
Thank you, once again, for a fantastic homestay experience!Host reply
Dearest Kai,
THANK YOU for such a kind, lovely and thorough review, it truly is appreciated.
Knowing that guests like you have a good experience at our home makes it all worth while.
You were such a lovely, kind and thoughtful guest (or should I say my new German son now, hahaha).
We would definitely love to welcome you back anytime.
Good luck on this next chapter of your life.
Kindest regards
Shirl and family.February 2020
My room was bright, cozy and clean. Not only was the house a nice accommodation, but Shirl and her family were among the most warm hearted, delightful people to be around. A home from home. Thank you for everything!
Host reply
Thank you Yickey for your lovely and kind review. Its really appreciated.
Thank you for being a kind, friendly and considerate guest.
Blessings
ShirlOctober 2018
When I first went inside Shirl's beautiful house I immediately felt at home. Her family is lovely, really : each of them is welcoming, attentive and friendly. I hold them close to my heart, they were like a second family here. Concerning the house, don't worry it's extremely clean ! The kitchen and the bathroom are well equipped. My room was perfect. I had everything I needed. In addition, the house is nicely decorated. As I'm a student, it was important that I was not too far from the University. Hopefully, the house is also in a good location. It's easy to go to the city center and the University (Atson for me) with the bus near Shirl's house. On top of that, the house is just next to a beautiful park, perfect for nature lovers. Finally, the thing that I will remember most about Birmingham is definitely Shirl and her family. Thank you for your kindness, I hope you will come to Belgium one day :)
Host reply
Thank you so much Annisa for your lovely review. Its really appreciated.
Bless you.
ShirlSeptember 2018
A wonderful homely place, very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended
Host reply
Thanks Alex for your kind and lovely review.
blessings
Shirl :)July 2018
J’ai passé un séjour merveilleux avec une famille formidable, shirley prend très soins de ses invités, je vous recommande cette famille qui embellira votre séjour
Host reply
Guest translation
I had a wonderful time with a wonderful family, Shirley takes great care of his guests, I recommend this family that will beautify your stay
_____________
merci beaucoup Yvan pour votre aimable critique. C'était un plaisir de vous avoir chez nous.
shirlthank you so much Yvan for your kind review. it was a pleasure having you stay at our home.
ShirlJune 2018
Room was very clear and nicely presented. Host was very friendly
Host reply
Thanks Julie for your kind review.
kind regards
Shirl :)
How do I book?
Contact the host to check their availability and ask them any questions you have about staying with them. Once the host confirms they’re available for your dates, you can complete your booking.
When do I pay?
Once a host confirms they're available, you can go ahead and pay the 15% booking fee (maximum of 250 $£€ for longer term bookings) using a choice of payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Laser, JCB & PayPal (not available in certain countries). You then pay your host on arrival or as stated by your host on their profile and agreed by you on booking. Please be cautious if a host requests advance payment if its not included on their profile. Our hosts have been advised that if they wish to request advance payment they must make this explicit in their profile. We do not recommend the use of Money gram or Western Union.
When can I share my contact details?
Host and Guest email address, phone number and home address will be exchanged in a confirmation email sent to both immediately after a booking is completed. It's against our policy for Guests and Hosts to exchange direct contact details via our messaging system.