I had a wonderful stay in Gloria's beautiful house. The room was really pretty, with lace curtain, and every morning I woke up for birdsong. Gloria and her family members made me feel like home for my three week's stay - I was welcome to join dinners, or have a friendly chat over morning coffee.

The area is great, a minute walk from Lake Merritt and 10 minutes from all the bars and restaurants of Telegraph and Broadway.

The house comes with too small and cute dogs - sometimes on the loud side, but that's part of the fun.

I can't wait to be back!