This was our third stay with Gabrielle, and it was as wonderful as ever. Completely comfortable, quiet and attractive. The private space includes a lovely bedroom with walk-in closet, an excellent bathroom and a very gracious living room with a counter for coffee machine, small microwave and mini-frig.

Gabrielle generously provides coffee, tea, and little packs of random cereal, granola, chips, cookies, etc. Plus a selection of beer and soda in the frig. A major feature for our feeling at home is the eclectic and slightly quirky art work and the overall artistic sensibility evident throughout.

The unit is accessed up the back stairs directly from the cozy patio in back. This is a deceptively simple, even spare, garden patio that enfolds you like an outdoor room. Despite the colder air temperature, it was quite warm in the sun and Gabrielle was quick to provide chairs at my request.

We found the furnishings met our needs with only minimal adjustments: pushing the bed away from the wall so we could both get in and out easily, and turning a side table into a tiny desk for a laptop. Being able to shut the bedroom door helped keep the bedroom cooler for sleeping and the living room warmer for when I got up earlier than my wife.

We were in Chicago to visit my daughter and son and their partners. It was wonderful to return home to a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the visiting (and of the city) without having to interact with the anyone. Being able to come and go and have our own living space.