We like to think of this sunny, second-floor studio apartment as a "Scholar's Retreat." Quiet, peaceful, with sunlight streaming through on three sides, in a friendly open-minded neighborhood. Ideal for post-docs, grad students and medical professionals.

Studio apartments typically have the bedroom and kitchen area all in one room. This apartment, in contrast, has a separate spacious kitchen with stove and full-size refrigerator. All utilities are included in the rent of $1290. This includes electricity, water, heating and air conditioning, and high-speed internet. Minimum rental term = 120 days. Refundable security deposit = $200. One-time cleaning fee = $120. Sorry, no pets.

This well-maintained apartment has a private entrance and private bath, and its own address (1040 Carolina Ave.) On-street parking directly in front of the entrance.

Walk or bike to Duke. Or four blocks away, take the free Duke H1 bus to the Medical Center campus. From there, it's a short walk to the West Campus Main Quad. On Monday through Satevenings, you can take the free Duke van service to your front door.

We're also four blocks from a huge Harris Teeter grocery. Just a bit farther is Whole Foods, with lots of organic fruit and vegetables.

Also within walking distance: 25 restaurants and nine coffee shops. Enjoy all that the Ninth St. shopping area has to offer (Durham's "Greenwich Village," says the Herald-Sun newspaper).

The apartment has about everything you could want -- comfortable double bed, linens, comforters, towels, cookware, dishes, eating utensils, Chemex pour-over coffeemaker, microwave, toaster oven, hot water kettle, hair dryer, high-speed wifi, HD television with several streaming services, two-person eating area, easy chair, wall unit with desk, office chair and tall bookcase. And as mentioned, a four-burner electric stove with oven, and a full-size (not "apartment size") refrigerator with freezer. You will have use of a "smart" LG washer and dryer on the back porch, where you'll also find an iron and ironing board.

The landlords (Heidrun and Bill Erwin) live in another part of the house and are home most of the time. So we can respond promptly if you need something. For extra security, we change the locks after each tenant. The streets are well-lit at night; it's not unusual to see neighbors walking their dogs long after dark.

Our Old West Durham neighborhood reminds many people of the "good old days." It's welcoming and refreshingly diverse. In Old West Durham, you'll get a smile and a "hello" from most of the people you pass on your walks. (WalkScore.com gives the Old West Durham neighborhood a very walkable score of 72.) Englewood Ave. has sidewalks on both sides of the street. The neighborhood is popular with joggers and dog-walkers.

We've rented our studio apartments for decades to satisfied grad students, visiting scholars, med students, researchers, dancers and choreographers. We understand the stresses and demands you face. If you choose our studio at 2041 Englewood, we will work to make your stay as carefree as possible. When it's time to move on, we want you to have fond memories of your time in Durham. And we'll do everything in our power to make it so.