This is a wonderful place to stay and Matthew is the perfect host. The bedroom and living room have fantastic views across the city. It's spotlessly clean and beautifully furnished. You have sole access to a two-room suite at the top of the house - it's a great place to relax.

The house is on a peaceful street a couple of blocks away from the bustle and energy of the Mission district. There are lots of great, affordable places to eat and drink nearby. It's conveniently located for Bart and Muni public transportation which will get you into the city centre within about 15-20 minutes.

Perhaps the best reason to stay here is Matthew himself. I couldn't have asked for a kinder or more gracious landlord. When I arrived he picked me up from the Bart station and took me for a drive. He was full of advice about where to go and what to do, tailored to suit me. Matthew knows the city inside out and is full of great tips. He took his cue from me about whether I'd appreciate his company or prefer to be left in peace. Alone in an unfamiliar city, I appreciated having someone to chat with over coffee in the morning or over a beer when I arrived home in the evening.

Matthew's basic decency came to the fore when, on a cycling trip north of the city, I fell off my bike and broke my elbow. Matthew dropped everything to collect me from an emergency room over an hour's drive from his home. When we got back, he went out of his way to help me with all the simple tasks that were now cumbersome. It wasn't the ideal end to my holiday but, incapacitated and a long way from home, I was touched by his thoughtfulness and consideration.

This will be my first-choice place to stay next time I return to San Francisco. I cannot recommend it highly enough.