I live in Oakland, a few blocks from Linda's lovely duplex. My 91-year-old grandmother and her 91-year-old partner stayed in this fantastic apartment for eleven days in early March. The flat is gorgeous, peaceful, chic, and centrally located just two blocks from Lake Merritt. We spent many afternoons sitting in the living room talking while the sun shone through four big windows. (There are also good shades on the windows, for those who don't want brightness.) There are trees outside the living room windows where birds often came to visit. The dining room (separate from the living room, as you can see in the photos) has a beautiful table and six chairs where we enjoyed a home-cooked meal with friends. The kitchen is fully equipped with more than we needed (including vases for flowers! oils and condiments! wine, fruit, bread, and other surprises!), and the dining table has candles, a variety of place mats, silverware, everything. There are two bedrooms in the flat, one master bedroom and a smaller bedroom with a TV, small desk and futon couch big enough for a child to sleep. This was perfect for my grandma, who was often tired after sightseeing and wanted a place to sit and watch TV alone. The bed is comfortable and the master bedroom is large with an inlaid dresser that I couldn't stop admiring. The wireless internet is fast and secure. There are unique paintings hanging throughout the apartment, some painted by friends of the owners. There are interesting books everywhere, cheery plants, so much to see and it all made us smile.
As hosts, Linda and Gordon are superb. They are attentive, caring, and very knowledgeable about Oakland. Whenever my grandmother had a question or needed something, Linda was immediately responsive and helpful. Otherwise, Linda and Gordon kept to themselves in the first-floor apartment. They seem to simply love living in Oakland.
Really, I can't recommend this place enough. Whether you're visiting Oakland as a tourist, traveling on business, or you're local and looking for an upscale place for friends/family to stay, Linda's flat will make your trip great!