Meet Shirl
Family Hobbies
Football, Cycling, Swimming, Fitness, gym, Cooking
Hosting guests since
2009
Response Rate
100%
Response Time
Within one hour
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 23 yr old daughter and 13 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
- Bikes for use
- Laundry
- Patio
- Barbecue
- Parking
- TV
- Internet Access
- Smoke alarm
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 will incur an additional cost. Meals and any additional payment should be arranged directly with your host.
Included in the stay
- Complimentary Light Breakfast
- Use of Kitchen
Diet Type available on request
- Vegetarian
- Halal
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
An evening meal can be provided on the day of your arrival, by prior arrangement. This can include a vegetarian or Halal option or why not sample some of my Caribbean dishes. This will incur an additional charge
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 and Faxing can be done on request but may incur an additional charge
With prior agreement rides and pick ups can be arranged, when possible and at an additional cost
Smoking is not allowed.
34 Reviews
October 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 :)April 2018
Mi estadía en la casa de Shirley fue muy grata. Tanto ella como sus hijos fueron gentiles y atentos durante todo mi periodo de intercambio. Su casa es muy amplia, extremadamente limpia y ordenada, donde obviamente se ven reflejadas las buenas costumbres de la familia y las normas de convivencia. Dentro de la casa, el nivel de privacidad era muy bueno; uno podía dejar su habitación bajo llave o abierta, la cual era sumamente cómoda con todo lo necesario para ubicar mis pertenencias y estaba muy bien equipada. En ocasiones cuando estuve fuera de Birmingham, le dejaba la llave a Shirley, ya que esto era parte de su reglamento. Tampoco había problemas con el horario de entrada y salida, siempre y cuando diéramos aviso. Puedo decir que tuve una excelente y agradable estadía.
Host reply
muchas gracias por su amable y encantadora crítica. fue un placer que te quedaras con mi familia.
shirlApril 2018
If you are looking for homestay, stay at Shirl place it could be your best choice what you ever did. Hause is very nice and tidy in your room you'll find everything what you need. I got very warm welcome and I was feeling welcom all my stay. The family is realy nice and helpful. Thank you :-)
Host reply
Thanks Hana for your kind review.
It was a really lovely welcoming you to our home.
kind regards
Shirl :)March 2018
A few months have passed since staying with Shirl and her family, but it was a lovely home and family. All really friendly people who make you feel like you're at home. The host and her family were welcoming, approachable and friendly. The house was always clean, absolutely no problems while staying there. Great bus service into town which stops just down the road from the house. Thanks!
Host reply
Thank you so much Leah for taking the time to leave your kind review, much appreciated :)
Shirl!March 2018
Shirl was lovely and gave me a lot of help with local travel arrangements which made a big difference to my stay in a strange town. My room was warm and cosy, the house immaculate, supper great and she and her children made my stay most enjoyable. My only regret was that I could not stay longer. Nick.
Host reply
Thanks Nick for your lovely and kind review.
It was a joy meeting you and welcoming you to our home.
kind regards
Shirl :)March 2018
It was honestly my best ever homestay experience. The hostress Shirl looked after me when I need help and provided great living condition. Their family are friendly and welcome me to their living room and watch TV together whenever I want. Shirl provides a lot of basic stuff like toilet paper, laundry powder, towel, etc.
The price was good as well. The house is located in a safe and quiet area, close to shopping centre and got bus service. It’s recommended for any long term or short term guests from my view.
Thanks again Shirl and Homestay for this great experience.
Host reply
Awww thank you so much Tony for your kind and lovely review.
it was really a pleasure welcoming you into our family.
Kind regards
ShirlMarch 2018
I'm so late!! I'm sorry. But the thing is I have no complaints about my stay with Shirl and her family. I stayed in Birmingham as a student and it felt as good as at home. She helps you out every time you need and you can have a conversation every time you want. She asked about how my day went every day! (that means something!). I still remember we went together to watch a movie at the cinema, lovely. I also had a comfortable friendship with all the guests we were staying in at the moment, including Shirl's daughter! We travelled as a group as well.
I just want to thank them about everything and wish you people could live the same experience as I did.
See you soon!Host reply
Thank you Manuel for your kind and lovely review :-)
Better late than never! LOL!
It was a pleasure welcoming you to our home.
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 199 $£€ 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.