The first thing you'll recognize if you stay at Svetlana's place is that she is a genuinely kind, caring, and good person. She communicates well and is very responsive to any needs, but also very respectful of her guests' privacy.
Due to very non-elective construction at our own home, we needed alternate housing and were lucky enough to find Svetlana's listing. We stayed at her place for three full months with our newborn. Svetlana was so supportive and really strove to make our stay as comfortable and easy as possible. She regularly asked whether basic cleaning supplies and toiletries were in proper supply, replenishing them when needed. For extended stays, she provides professional cleaning every two weeks. What a boon that was for us with our newborn. It was so incredibly helpful. And with each cleaning, the towels and linens would all be changed out for fresh ones, similar to a hotel stay.
Svetlana's father Iosef (clearly a model for Svetlana's kindness and respectfulness) helped with picking up and dropping off items as needed and swapping out the dirty and clean towels and linens. The cleaning crew performed the actual changes. It was such a smooth process and with no disturbance to us.
Svetlana's space is one of warmth, with art and other items that make it feel like a home as opposed to a sterile exam room. Every bedroom has a queen-size bed, with plenty of pillows and blankets, and ample closet space. Each bedroom also has a desk and chair, as well as multiple power and/or USB outlets, and smart televisions. The wifi was fast and reliable. The kitchen is well-stocked and contains almost any appliance one might need. The bathrooms are clean and bright and are kept properly supplied. Family and friends wanted to meet our baby daughter and it was easy to entertain them in this space.
There is a private backyard with outdoor furniture, a grill (which we did not use), and a garden with fruit-producing citrus trees that Svetlana has regularly, professionally maintained. A balcony with additional outdoor seating is contiguous with the living room. And there is a garage that contains a full-sized washer and dryer, and space for at least one large vehicle and possibly a second small car. Street parking is free and easy too. Although the home is located on a quiet, residential street, it is close to more major roads with grocery stores, pharmacies, etc, as well as accessible to the 280 freeway within about five minutes.
Even though we would not have been out of our house if we had the choice, staying at Svetlana's place made it feel as though we were still able to provide a home for our newborn. We would stay there again without hesitation if the need arises, or if we simply want to escape to a home away from home.
And above that, we feel most lucky simply to have met Svetlana and Iosef.