You know what they say about books and covers. The outside is unprepossessing, but the house is quirky, roomy enough and pleasant. Note that it's on a fairly busy street, next to your hosts' excellent taco place — a plus for easy takeout, but you won't always have silence outside your window.
The location also has great advantages: The Bywater is a great neighborhood to explore, especially on an empty stomach, and the 88 bus goes right by your door. Get a Jazzy Pass for the day or longer and travel the city for a song.