Short version: great place, entry tricky, poor customer service.
Long version:
Getting through the front door the first time was a bit of a challenge. It was rainy and getting dark, and I managed to scratch myself on a rose bush while trying to extract the key. Tip: Use a flashlight to see how to open the box, as it wasn't intuitive for me. Also, opening the door involves using the big key on the big lock, then turning the small key to the right and holding it in place while you push the door open. If you turn the small key and let go, you won't get in. Not a big deal in the scheme of things, but I'd suggest providing more detailed instructions on the process of getting inside.
Once we solved the door puzzle, we were pleased with what we saw behind it. There was plenty of room for the three of us--it was almost like renting a house. We each had our own bed (although the guest who slept on the sofa bed found it a bit uncomfortable), there's an upstairs area, tons of books, fun photos and other decorations, and even a piano. Very homey.
We were also provided a short guide to our stay, including use of the facilities and recommendations for places to eat. We loved the places we tried, and locals echoed some of the recommendations, so it's likely the other spots were worth checking out as well.
Location-wise, it's around a mile from the city center but there are plenty of good spots along the way (just don't show up at 10 pm or you may struggle to find a place that's service food).
As for the customer service, that was a disappointment. I get the impression that Mary has outsourced the management of her property (all responses were signed by "Mary's Support Team") and is no longer directly involved. When we needed simple information, like where to store our bags (Stasher.com), the team was super responsive. When we needed a decision or intervention to be made, the response was a profuse apology, "we'll get back to you," and then nothing.
Case in point: A couple of weeks before we were due to check in, we received a warning that the indoor toilet was broken (Americans: "toilet" means restroom, not just the fixture inside the room) and we'd have to use one across the courtyard (this one was fine and still private). They gave us an option to cancel. I indicated that it was too late to find another place and asked if we could receive any compensation. Profuse apology. We'll get back to you. 2 weeks later, no updates.
I checked in, learned that "broken toilet" meant the door was locked and the room was off limits. The guest who slept on the nearby sofa bed complained that the door kept making noise during the night and kept waking her up. I contacted Mary's Support Team again and asked if there was a way we could unlock the door and repeated my request for compensation. Profuse apology. We'll get back to you. Nothing.
It's now been 3 weeks since my initial request for compensation and I've given up.
The upside for future guests is that the toilet will allegedly be fixed early this month.
As long as you don't mind that you may be on your own if anything goes wrong--and it probably won't unless you have bad luck like we did--it's a nice place to stay.