Birgit and Andrew were very nice. Home interior was very clean, new appliances and washer/dryer. We took cabs everywhere vs walk or public transportation as we were told by the contractor working on the main house that it isn't safe to walk to public transportation. We did try to walk a few blocks and agreed with contractor's advice. Cab to airport $35 Canadian, cab to yaletown $15 and stanley park $20.
The patio seems to be "semi private" as the contractor stopped by one morning while we were enjoying our morning coffee (in our pajamas) and asked to plug in his power cord into patio outlet. Owner also began hauling gravel from backyard at the same time.
View from patio includes dumpsters from the catering business across alley which separates the properties. Each morning guys are picking thru dumpsters for recyclables. One morning there was luggage opened rummaged thru and perhaps dumped after being stolen? We have lived in San Francisco so none of this is new to us however wasn't expecting it based on the description.
The historic Strathcona neighborhood seems to be in transition. We felt safe staying there although not walking beyond their block. Some of this is on us as we could have done more research. The price fit our needs and described as walking distance to public transportation closed the deal.