Mat and Randy's reviews are filled with descriptions of travelers’ happy stays at their incredibly wonderful B&B as visitors have gotten to know Chicago over a few days of vacation. My journey was a very different one. Transitioning back to America after 8 years in China hasn’t been a restful break. Reverse culture shock is disorienting. To add to the stress, I started an intense job at a Northwestern brain lab the moment I arrived. My 6-week stay here while my shipment made its way across the ocean turned out to be my oasis. As a visiting friend said to me, “This place is House Beautiful!” It’s an exquisitely decorated home that remains cozy and inviting. The garden is breathtaking, with a mesmerizing koi pond that begs you to sit down and relax by its edge. The art is astounding, especially once you learn the pieces’ histories. You will never feel that you have to tiptoe about, though, because the house is sublimely comfortable, reflecting the thoughtfulness of its owners. There simply are no kinder or more welcoming hosts than Mat and Randy. Honestly, they even took me for a tour of Evanston (Northwestern’s location) and drove me to Target to buy my ironing board, etc. I’m excited to finally move into my own apartment, but I will truly miss 1441 West Winnemac, best B&B ever. My soul feels healed and my gratitude is deep!