Located on a hill in the esteemed and beautiful neighborhood of Piedmont, Jane and Ed's retreat is comfortable and provided all the comfort a family of four needs. We were able to cook our food in the microwave but there was also a toaster, utensils, real dishes, condiments, tea, coffee. There were extra towels as well as blankets. There are really cool books to read as well as a large, flat screen TV, DVD player, all ALL episodes of Rick Steve's travel show. We were able to park on property though we also found no problem street parking. The architecture is interesting with very high ceilings, skylights, and a gigantic disc that the bed faces on the high wall. It looks like a desert landscape with sky that was nice to see upon waking each morning. There is a double-headed shower that is eco-friendly but you can't really tell unless you know that and it's HUGE. There are two sinks and one is equipped with dish rack, drying cloth, detegent and new sponge. As a family, this was most convenient.

Just outside the window on a typical foggy morning, one can gaze upon the beautiful pond with abundant fish that we were allowed to feed in what looks like a dreamscape as the sun also rises in the background. We enjoyed sitting in the sun at a bistro table outside once the sun arose and also spotted an egret! It's only blocks from mainstreet Piedmont, which is rife with independent stores, a nice local pharmacy, many wonderful places to eat like Fentons (the real originators of Rocky Road ice cream and appeared in the movie "Up", as the Pixar animators are regulars -- this is all on the menu ;). The retreat is in such close proximity to much in the bay area from city to urban to the many hikable hills of the area but very quiet. While there, we visited Chabot Science Center (get the quinoa and roasted corn salad at the food court!) and holiday season Zoolights at the Oakland Zoo - both only a driving distance of 15 or so minutes with adequate parking.

To say we enjoyed ourselves is an understatement. Jane is a generous, gracious and informed host and Ed is also very, very cool and good humored. We will definitely be staying here again soon!