We enjoyed this beautiful home and its charm and history. It held all the aspects of a historic home, with modern upgrades incorporated. Truly a gem and a gorgeous Craftsman home built in 1908. If you love that historic feature, you will love this home. The backyard was amazing! We did not get to use it much, but it is very private and fairly large with everything for a great stay. Everything provided within the home as well was wonderful and thoughtful. Lot's of stock on items you may need for your stay. We especially enjoyed the updated kitchen and its size.
Location is everything. This home was convenient to freeways and the local charm of Hillcrest, but also is in a high traffic area off a main street. Hillcrest is known to generally be a safe area where people can walk around at night, so lots of foot traffic too. We are Better Buzz fans!! Better Buzz often had huge lines in the morning, so I used the app and took the ten second walk to get my coffee everyday - BIG bonus. That was a perk but also a double-edged sword. The Better Buzz parking lot though adjacent to the home (in particular, the bedroom windows) was also the biggest disadvantage. It was often the source of very loud noise of trash pick-ups and the sound of dumpsters sliding across the concrete before sunrise, food deliveries at all hours, and at one point some sort of tank came came to do a clean out (of I'm assuming the coffee "tanks"...?), which really smelled horribly inside the home. Since the home was built in 1908, I imagine there is not much insulation or sound barriers and you can't control having a business nearby I realize. On one night in particular, there were a good of cars and people back there - not seeming to be related to the business. It was 2am and was somewhat disturbing. I am a light sleeper, so I did not sleep well during our stay. Everyone is different and noise and traffic may not bother others. Hospital nearby, so lots of sirens and emergency vehicles. There is the occasional homeless person hanging around in front of the home and lots of people walking by and cars of course, which would set off the front porch security light constantly in the evening, but not all night. I think the security light shut off at midnight. The TV room is at the front of the home, so it was uncomfortable for me and my daughter to know that anyone walking by knew we were in there. There are privacy sheers, but at night they are not so private - I do suggest installing darker curtains for an option to use at night. Front sitting is a tribute to the home's charm and heritage, but it would be better served as a dining area. When my husband and sons arrived for the last night, there was no place to sit to eat. The seating area in the TV room is great for working, but not great if more than two people are needing to eat in the home. The kitchen is updated and gorgeous, just needing some new pots and pans and cutting boards, but very easy to prep food. Washer was very loud, door will not stay closed, so consider when you will do laundry verses sleep or watch TV.
Driveway is extremely tight, difficult for us to get in and out of our vehicle/unload luggage, etc. but we managed and we had a cross-over. Hard to pull up far enough to keep back of vehicle from being partially on the sidewalk. It is urban life, so we took it in stride. The home is not in a quiet area if that doesn't bother you, the home itself is absolutely worth it and a beautiful historical place to stay. Everything you need is inside and well appointed. Easy access to the highway, great restaurants in walking distance.
Superb hosts, great communication and responsive! Easy check-in and out.