I was absolutely enchanted by Amanda's lovely cottage. The photos are accurate but also can hardly do it justice. There wasn't a single detail overlooked: from the cozy sofa, to the well stocked kitchenette and bathroom, to the gorgeous views of the garden from everywhere, including from the comfy bed (with lots of pillows - thank you for that!). Everything about the creatively charming decor felt well-curated and very thoughtful - it was so much more satisfying than staying in a hotel! The skylights let in beautiful light, along with breezes and birdsong...just wonderful!
It was my first visit to Oakland (for a family wedding in Diamond Park nearby) and being a cautious big city girl, I did as much research as possible to make sure I would feel comfortable and safe on my own. The neighborhood is charming and felt very safe (I walked everywhere alone all weekend, at all times of day and night without feeling nervous). The cottage feels very private and safe as it is at the back of a long driveway, with only the door even partially visible from the street.
The host's house has a back deck that also overlooks the garden, but there aren't really sight lines into the cottage or from the cottage back at the house unless you are standing right at the windows (just adding these details because I would want to know!). It felt like I had the garden and cottage entirely to myself.
The communication was friendly and prompt with no issues. I would definitely book Amanda's cottage again in a heartbeat!