Two of us stayed at Colm's place for 4 nights. It started with a slice of luck. Just a week ago, the Metro 52 line had opened. It connects to Amsterdam Central and terminates at Noord station, which is about 8 mins walk to Colm's place. The latter is located against a backdrop of placid parklands, as a contrast to the prodigious back waters that criss-cross the length and breadth of this bustling city. What one may miss out on this network of canals and all that bustle, is adequately compensated by the serene settings around Colm’s home, with an almost country-side feel to it. All this, while being just a 10 min drive from the city center. Throw in all the regulation amenities that are present in the room (that we stayed in), and the generous portions of breakfast each morning, one couldn't ask for more value in a homestay. Colm is a sincere host who strives to please. Great place to live in overall.