I was here for 8 weeks. The location is PERFECT! I loved the quiet private apartment tucked behind a large house, but well distanced in a lovely garden. There are dozens of shops, restaurant, groceries with 1/2 - 1 mile and it is an easy 15 min. drive to DT Oakland, and 15 m to incredible hiking. The space is ideal for one, perhaps tight for two. The office space is large, bright, airy and the desk is large, the chair comfortable. It is ideal for working remotely.
There were several issues of concern, and though Christina is clearly concerned, responds and communicates quickly, I would make sure that the following are fixed before you rent:
There is no view. This was a misrepresentation of a tiny peek a boo view on a perfectly clear day.
When I arrived there was no TV, and It took a few days but her husband brought a TV.
On my arrival the apartment was filthy, and I felt I had to clean everything in order to be comfortable. Christina had just had a baby, which left her preoccupied and getting things done in a timely manner was challenging, though she meant well, was very kind and understanding of the shortcomings. She did not check the house after the previous tenant and this was perhaps to blame, But I arrived late, at night, looking forward to a fresh bed, I messaged when I arrived, she did not reply until the AM.They live > 40 m away and clearly couldn't even set up a cleaning with in a few days. I cleaned it myself. The listing says heat. There is no heat - even though the listing states heated- just 2 small space heaters, which were not adequate at all, and I get cold. ) There were only 2 small bath towels (she ordered towels) , no kitchen towels (she ordered kitchen towels) , the vacuum didn't work (not replaced) , the clothes dryer "died" within a day, and it was never fixed nor replaced during my stay. I had to go to a laundromat, and my son's, to do laundry, even though she said they would get a new one. I had asked for extra hangers well before I arrived for example, because I hang everything, and there were a few wire coat hangers when I arrived- she ordered some. The sheets were clean but very worn and stained with no 2nd set.(She ordered sheets). Finally, I told her I needed high speed internet for my job and it was the lowest option, not adequate to do my work. She ordered and upgraded immediately. The internet went out several times, and the modem was in the tenant's house, so she had to be contacted by Christina, as every time it just needed to be reset. The tenant was out of town for 5 days, and no one came to reset it. I had to wait several days until the tenant returned!
There was a lovely little patio but no chairs or table and she told me there were some in the back garden (an adjoining plot of land). There were chairs there, but they were neglected dirty and stained. I brought them out myself and had to scrub them clean. It was worth it- the garden is sunny, lovely and peaceful.
Christina was extremely kind and apologetic, I believe the circumstances were difficult because of her pregnancy , newborn, and the distance. She genuinely cared and wanted to do a good job. She was always polite and receptive. She had little or no experience doing Air BNB, but this did not help the fact that I had selected this place and paid and would have selected differently as I and wanted/ needed the conveniences. Christina offered the 2nd or 3rd day to refund me so I could get a different place, however, at that time, there was nothing available for such a long term.
I think this will all be resolved in a few months time but ASK about everything. She gave me a 15% discount, for the inconveniences!
Almost everything, except the dryer, was completely resolved while I was there, and she was very apologetic, truly did not know the condition of the place because she had relied on someone else to check on it apparently while she was pregnant. I never did get a working washer /dryer, and had to do it all elsewhere which was very inconvenient and not what I had signed up for!
They brought a geat TV, new sheets and towels, kitchen towels, and offered to get a cleaning service within a few days. Instead I asked for a refund of the cleaning fee, because I had cleaned everything, including inside the cabinets and drawers, kitchen and bedroom. . I could only sweep through, the vacuum is not working, yet there is carpet (which should be replaced, it is worn and stained.)
Despite all this, I would highly recommend this place IF all of the issues are fully resolved and addressed before you book it! Christina is lovely!