Not really sure how to rate this house. For this location and the price, it’s a 5, but it doesn’t really check the other boxes I’d expect for a 5 star. In most ways it is a solid 4.
Totally awesome – 5 stars: Great price for a house of this size. Especially since it is Just a block from the beach! Two-car garage. Working fireplace. Three bikes available for renters (and the bikeway is right at the end of the street). Real art throughout the house. Small grocery store, a couple of take-out spots, and a couple of bars within easy walking distance. Super handy for driving to almost any part of the city. Good wifi.
It also includes extras (bikes, beach towels, chairs, laundry, etc.) that we didn’t need, but would simplify packing for a beach vacation. That alone might make it a 5 star for some folks.
Less than totally awesome: Generally, looks bigger in the pictures than it is. Stairs to the main floor are supper narrow – barely wide enough to walk up with a med-sized suitcase. Landing inside the side/main door above the stairs to the lower level is too narrow to leave shoes or set a bag of groceries or even for more than one person to stand. The upper loft bedroom doesn’t have bedside tables large enough for more than a phone. Most bedrooms were lacking space for suitcases (unless you were going to unpack everything and put it in a dresser) and things like purses and cameras. Not much for real restaurants within quick walking distance.
I was worried about the stairs to the loft bedroom, but those aren’t very steep and are pretty wide. A little awkward with a suitcase, but not bad.
Note that the garage is not suited to very tall or long vehicles. We got ours in with about 6 inches (total) to spare, but we couldn’t open the back because there wasn’t enough space above the car for the door. Off-street parking would be a challenge, so do not rent a huge SUV!
If you are a light sleeper, be aware that this whole neighborhood is under a runway. It was pretty quiet over the weekend, but during the week flights started early and ran regularly. (Earplugs available.)
Also be aware that your house instructions, including check-in instructions, will be EMAILED to you the day you check-in and are NOT available through the Airbnb ap. On the other hand, once you get them, they are very complete. And Bradley is very quick to respond if you have questions or can’t get the email.