The apartment was exactly as described, and pictured. It's got skylights (not pictured) as well, so natural light is plentiful, even with the privacy curtains drawn. It's not attached to the main house, so I felt like I was staying in a little guest cottage.

I only briefly met my hosts (Mark stayed up late to check me in - I arrived after 1am, and Shara checked me out), but their level of presence was perfect - I knew they were available if there were any issues, but otherwise I was only vaguely aware other people were around.

As of March 2015, to this out of towner's eye, Temescal looks like a nice mix of young families, seniors, 20-something guys in beanies on scooters, Warby-Parker bespectacled girls who look like they have an Etsy profile, high school students (Oakland Tech HS is around the corner), the occasional crustie, and friendly barflies who wouldn't look out of place at a trade union hall (I had a few beers at George and Walt's on College ave). Berkeley is a long, but doable walk away. I only had a day and a morning to explore (I was in town for a wedding), and would've liked a few more days.

Quick tips - if you will be arriving after the last BART leaves from the airport (11:45pm), fly into Oakland airport instead - the cab ride will be much cheaper. My ride from SFO was $$. If you need to eat after arriving late, and don't want fast food (the McDonalds and Jack in the Box on Telegraph will not serve you unless you are in a car after 9pm - California, truly land of the automobile), there's a sushi place on 44th and Telegraph that's open late. And there's a 24hr Walgreens on Telegraph and 50th if you forgot your toothbrush.