I stayed in Toby & Joe's wonderful garden cottage for 30 nights this summer and it was a time I will never forget. The cottage is a lovely little home to retreat into, with its silent and peaceful surrounding placed in a wonderful part of town.

I spent many hours reading and soaking up the sun in the garden, drawing, writing and smiling (with the occasional bit of work thrown in thanks to the ample wifi). Outside of your own little bit of eden, the neighbourhood of Bernal Heights is a great place to be. Cortland Ave is very close which provides you with great food and amenities (organic store, yoga studio and independent book store being my favourite haunts). If you take a walk up to Bernal Hill you get breathtaking views of the city without the crowds.. You are also just a short walk from the buzz of the Mission, and there are regular buses to all over town which you can catch very close by... I got a bike whilst I was in town, and it was very safe locked up in their front yard which was just perfect.

The accommodation being just what I wanted, very comfortable, unique and indeed charming. Being filled with books and artwork your senses are sated, but if you need an extra kick they also have cable / dvd / music player for your use and plenty of comfortable things to lounge upon.

But the real reason you should stay here is to spend time with Toby and Joe. Not only are they wonderful artists (their home is a treat for anyone with eyes), they are also the most generous, warm hearted and spirited people you could hope to host you. From before I arrived I was treated with kind attention, and as my time unfolded in their residence we became good friends, sharing meals and conversation for countless hours. It was a pleasure to swap stories and muse on life and creativity. They are long term San Franciscans and have insights about the city that even my friends who live in the city received from me with wide eyes. This of course was paired with their considerate manner; never did they wish to take up my time or impinge on my independence and vacation (and besides, time with them was a great way to book-end my days).

I felt like Kerouac in my little cottage: venturing out to seek the delight of the vibrant city then scurrying back to consolidate and meditate on the various sights and sounds San Francisco has in abundance. Returning to my home in London I'm renewed, refreshed and endowed with a little bit more twinkle in my eye...

All I can ask of you potential guests, is you leave me a spot open for my return to see Toby & Joe next year ...