Kristen's tiny cottage in the back garden is a gem. There are two cottages -- I stayed in the larger one, which is solidly and thoughtfully designed in lovely wood. There is a feeling of calm generosity. Though not large, everything flows and is perfect for one person, workable for two. The house is more in the shade than the sun (although my trip coincided with a lot of unusual rain.) The sliding doors open onto the shared garden with the hot tub. I wondered about privacy, but everyone seems to respect and make room for each other. Kristen finds the right mix of luxe host + guest freedom. When there were problems with the heat, she and Emily responded right away with space heaters and a repair man. The residential neighborhood is low-key, a twenty-minute walk from Berkeley campus and easy reach of local coffee shops and restaurants. I found just the right digs in Berkeley/Oakland-- what a treat!