I stayed at Kirsty and James's place for 5 weeks while I was in Melbourne for work and it became my home from home. I loved the location - it's a fantastic area with lots of independent shops, bars and cafes with a great atmosphere - it's quite hipster but not too much ;) If you're vegan/ veggie/plant based you will love it as there are loads of great places to eat - even a vegan supermarket on Johnston Street! Lots of trams down Smith Street/Brunswick Street and having Victoria Park station just over the road makes getting into the city extremely easy and quick, and there are lots of buses too. I think the best thing though was the park on the other side of the freeway (Yarra Bend Park) which is so beautiful, and brilliant to go for a run or a walk by the river. I will really miss that park! I found a great church up the road to visit (Merri Creek Anglican, who meet in a school 10 mins away on Gold Street) on Sundays who were really welcoming too.
I really liked the flat, it's light and cool with lots of great features all as described. It really felt like staying in a home rather than a more impersonal holiday let (which some Airbnb's are unfortunately) which was exactly what I wanted. It's fully equipped with everything you could want including lots of cooking equipment and things like store cupboard items, shampoo/shower gel/ laundry liquid etc which is really handy. I stayed during some very hot weather (40ish degrees) and I did think that it would be good for the bedrooms to have at least a fan, as there is only aircon in the living room, but that was the only thing I think the apartment could do with. The roof terrace is large and has a great view of the city skyline too. Despite the freeway being close I didn't hear the noise very much at all, and you hear the birds singing a lot which is lovely. The walls are quite thin so you do hear some noise from the neighbours at times, but nothing to bother me. Kirsty and James were great with communication, quick to respond and I had no problems at all during my stay. It is truly 'a gem' and would love to return one day!