I stayed at Colette's cottage for a little over 2 months and have nothing but great things to say. My stay was from the end of September to the beginning of December, I was by myself the majority of the stay with the exception of one week! The cottage itself is small but absolutely perfect for one person. There is a lot of detail put into the cottage and I really felt at home. I enjoyed the bed as it was comfier than my own lol. There is a substantial amount of lighting, the showerhead almost feels like a rainfall, and the heater Colette installed is more than enough to get toasty in NorCals cold nights! The cottage comes decked out with more than enough cooking equipment and fridge space which worked out perfect as I meal prepped during my stay. The only challenge I personally encountered was washing my clothes but that is strictly because I walked or used public transportation during my stay. I'm complaining but the closes laundromat is less than 20 mins walking and is quite nice! Also, the fact that Colette has a designated parking space for guests if you have a vehicle, makes that complaint nearly nonexistent. I mentioned a guest for a week and this is the only time-space felt a LITTLE cramped. The bed was more than enough for my friend and I, there was enough space for both of us to have our own little work stations. the only problem we encountered was limited fridge space, but what can you expect when you are meal prepping for two people a whole week with a half fridge?! we made it work and that's what counts! As for the location, I couldn't be happier with where I was staying. The neighborhood is very peaceful and beyond beautiful. I walked around a lot of Maxwell Park and never felt threatened or like I was in the wrong place, can't speak for other parts of Oakland but this neighborhood I felt very comfortable. I'm from a small cornfield town in IL, I minded my business while having good chats with locals and never had a problem. Be respectful, mind yourself, and you will never have a problem. It was different than what I'm accustomed too not in a bad way at all, there is tons of culture and new things to see and learn! The Mediterranean style homes and California bungalows in Maxwell park were totally new to me and I absolutely loved it. It is very clear Colette wants her guests to feel comfortable and at home. I myself went through a lot in the past year and have a very introverted personality. I stayed in quite a bit to focus on myself and my goals and Colette respected my space and was beyond generous to me. As someone who is kind of shy, I was thankful for Colette giving me space and never forcing conversation! If I ever had a problem Colette swiftly helped me through it, and when we did talk Colette always gave me the utmost respect and we had quality conversations. She is very understanding and personable, I really did enjoy our conversations and near the end of my stay she introduced me to her newest member of the family, kiki the pup! I'm a big dog person and she was more than happy to let me play and meet the little one. After all said and done, I was there for schooling (which I passed yay) and if I were to ever go back to NorCal again for ANY reason I would definitely see if this cottage is available as I couldn't have asked for a better stay. Colette is one amazing host and her cottage is absolutely wonderful. I can't thank Colette enough for the stay and if anyone is questioning if this is the right place, It is.