A short 6 to 9 minute walk from Peter's place to the tram/metro stop and 6 stops to Amsterdam Central Station is pretty convenient for exploring the city. You won't find much in terms of restaurants or grocery shopping close by unless you get on the metro but Peter's house offers a quiet respite from the city. His houseboat is located on the water and the top floor room has nice open views of the western horizon and sunsets through the sliding glass doors (if it isn't raining).