Letting an Apt in Widcombe, Bath

Yeah, Grant... how did you guys get round the UK address requirement?

we showed a letter of employment from u of bath, electric bills with both our names on it from our house in California, gave them all our CA bank info, and that's about it.

To be honest, the very last stage is still being completed, the letter from the CA bank was sent last week, upon it's arrival - Nat West has assured us we are good to go (so I hope I didn't jinx it). 

I think the key was the letter from U of Bath - the bank was on its campus and I guess they have set up accounts like this before.

hope this helps explain it and maybe help people in the future.

Well, i hope you've not jinxed it, and i do hope it works out for you!!
I just cannot see how they will allow this without proof of a UK address.   

I tried that and was told that there was no way I could open a bank account until I had PROOF that I was a resident (i.e., utility bill in my name at a UK address).     (I tried flashing my little maroon passport at them, but they were unimpressed...sigh....)

Oh, sorry. Yes, I had an address where I was going to be living after my move. I didn't think about that. Never mind. 

Closet Hippie... you may have already thought of this, but since your move is only 6 weeks away, and you know you're going to be staying with your auntie initially, you should maybe change the address on one of your US bank accounts to your auntie's address now.   This way, when you arrive, there will already be a bank statement there waiting for you, with your UK address on, and you can go and open your account straightaway!

Good idea!!!  My auntie has already told me I can start having things sent to her house!!!  Thanks, otterpop! 

FOLLOW UPS AND SOME TIPS:
Great news! We found the place of our dreams.  It was a place I had found before even arriving.  I scheduled to see it while still in the states.  It was the first one we saw and we GRABBED IT!! We check out others, but nothing compared to this baby.  It's absolutely beautiful and couldn't be closer to the university (where we need to be).  If you want to see pictures go to www.july24.weddingwindow.com and click on Photo Album - it's near the begining of the Bath photos.

TIP REGARDING BANK ACCOUNTS:  Although we were fortunate to be able to set up an account, we had no money in it!  Before going we considered wiring the money, but it would take 3-5 days plus some fees.  But we needed the money accecible right as we arrived (not 5 days later).  SO, Bank of America told me I could take a cashiers check and cash it into my account at NAT WEST.  Sounded good.
WRONG!!!!   I got there and they said it would take 30-40 days to process!!  yikes. 
After pulling our money out of ATMS everyday - we had enough money to pay our downpayment.  And now the money has finally gone through.  so things are more in order.

but lessoned learned.  WIRE THE MONEY.  ;-)

So glad to hear that you found a great place! The pics are wonderful! Thanks for the good tips as well. Have fun settling in!

The house looks fab!

What a lovely home!  Bet Strider is lovin' it as well.   

Bath is so beautiful.  Glad to hear you are both enjoying it.

Its Lovely! I think you guys bring good vibes where ever you are.....point - very fortunate to find such a nice house!  Enjoy Bath!

BTW - great photo album!

What a lovely house ("not your furniture"!!) and shady garden for Strider, I hope you'll all be very happy there and thank you for the best giggle I have had all day "Long Live the Queen(s)" - Fabulous! 

Hope Strider settles in beautifully too.

thank you all!  such support and well wishes is very heart-warming.

Its Lovely! I think you guys bring good vibes where ever you are.....point - very fortunate to find such a nice house!  Enjoy Bath!

Tell me about it!  I was showing the website to DH, and the first thing he said it, 'Are those chaps film stars?  They look REALLY glam!'