Maxim is the perfect host, he was there to welcome me and showed himself to be very "simpatico" (an in-joke!) throughout my stay. He made enquiries about where I might source a particular quality camera (which I had forgotten to pack!) and was prepared to run me back to the airport to collect my lease car - except that a business appointment intervened.
His house is in an attractive, traditional suburb a short bus ride away from the Old Town and which appears perfectly safe for visitors who are anxious about such things. The house is decorated in what I would describe as "quality rustic" and with all necessary amenities.