My review is mixed, as a host myself I think it’s important to be really accurate so guests know what to expect. I think this property may be better described as shared space rather than private/entire space.
On a positive note, it’s spotlessly clean inside, with fresh and stylish decor. The host was very friendly and responsive and made an exception to let my dog stay which was very kind. There was also nice gestures such as complimentary fruit, milk etc.
However I wasn’t expecting so many ‘shared’ aspects. Parking on the family’s driveway wasn’t ideal and presented an unforeseen issue and the roadside/Parkside option felt too unsecured.
I didn’t like having to enter/exit in view of the family and felt conscious of exit and arrival times so as not to disturb the family. The gate entry referred to as private is still in view of the family home and in fact opens into the family back yard, as does the deck which is referred to as private. Also the “private” access is via a park which has no pathway or lighting so it was muddy and a bit scarey entering alone at night.
Perhaps the biggest issue though was noise as I could hear the host family’s conversations, their alarm clocks, general household activity and their frequently barking dog though the unsound-proofed adjoining door. This presumably occurs vice versa which inhibited me from even making work phone calls as no privacy was possible outside or inside.
It’s a shame this issue hasn’t been addressed as reviews over the past couple of years have mentioned it. If places are listed as shared such things may be acceptable but they are not expected from places listed as private, in my opinion. Unfortunately for me this real lack of privacy spoiled a clean and cute space with a lovely host.