I can't say enough good things about this apartment! I stayed there for six weeks and would definitely stay here next time I'm in the city.
The photos don't do this place justice! A lot of units in SF can be quite small and dark, and the photos are usually deceiving, so I was a little worried I would feel cramped since I was using the apartment to work from home. But as soon as I opened the door, I was pleasantly surprised to see a long open entry way, bright light, and very tall ceilings. It's not a lot of square footage but it *feels* big, which is huge.
It's also a great place for a long stay. A lot of airbnbs cheap out on appliances, sheets, etc. (You can usually tell the owner did an Ikea or target run to furnish and stock the place). Ty has done a really incredible job with this unit. From the trash cans, to the light dimmers, all the upgrades really make the place *nice*. I have lived in SF on and off for many years. I love the charm of old Victorians but also like a modern bathroom and kitchen. The best of both worlds! The apartment has the original crown molding, chandeliers, etc., and it has been completely remodeled.... it's not an easy (or cheap) feat to refurbish a Victorian and keep the original character intact. For that reason alone, I think the value of what you get for your dollar can't be beat.
Oh, and for me, this is one of the best areas you can choose in the city. In minutes you can be in the best open spaces and views in the city (Corona Heights, Buena Vista, Dolores Park, Duboce Triangle, Alamo Square), and you have endless options for dining and going out (Castro, Market, Valencia, Hayes Valley). It's in the middle of everything so you can ditch the car and travel with ease.
One of my favorite parts was the deck and yard - there is a *gigantic* lime tree and I loved picking fresh limes to use in my food and drinks. Really rare to find something like this in San Francisco, trust me, so grab it if you have the chance!
Small notes of caution if it's your first time in San Francisco or you have not been in >5 years:
- the apartment is right by the main intersection in the Castro, which is great for restaurants, bars, cafes, but does attract random houseless people who are at times on drugs and/or suffering mental disorders so it's not uncommon to see or hear people having episodes when you go around the corner to buy coffee in the morning, or go out to eat. This is unfortunately the case in most of the city but if it's really important to you to avoid this, you may want to consider going further up/out from the main streets and businesses to more residential areas. It would not dissuade me from staying here again considering everything else that comes with the apartment and the reality that there's no real avoiding this in SF right now.
- There is no central heating. The fire place is lovely and I was there in winter so I kept it on and stayed close. But the kitchen/bathroom area can get drafty at night. Very common in basically any Victorian home in SF. Did not bother me as it comes with the territory.
I was really happy staying here, felt at home, and wish I could have stayed longer. Ty was an excellent host, super communicative and helpful. It was a really great renting experience for me. All in all, five stars all around.