We have just spent 7 weeks avoiding the winter in the northeast at this house in Normal Heights. We were met by the host, and then she left us alone unless we needed something. If we had a problem, we texted and received an immediate response. The location is outstanding, literally 15 minutes from everywhere (it became a running joke). One of our friends did not have a car, and had no problem taking the bus at the corner of Adams Avenue, about 2 blocks away.
The accommodations are more than adequate, the beds and bedding superior. The kitchen has a washer/dryer and dishwasher, although the pots & pans and coffee maker leave something to be desired. I doubt most people stay as long as we did and therefore don't need to cook. Parking can be a bit of a problem; they were doing roadwork in front of the house, and although the parking lot in the back is convenient, the full-time tenants in the other houses on the lot (lovely people by the way) are careless in the way they park and take up two spots, leaving no room for us. Be aware that the middle bedroom is actually a passage between the original house in the front, and the newer extension in the back, and doesn't have doors. You have to walk through it to reach the other side of the house. The house can be quite cold at night, each room has a space heater which takes care of that. Overall, recommend highly.