Susan and David are really excellent hosts. Their bywater shotgun house is a marvel--painstakingly detailed and reconstructed in a number of beautiful ways that reflect a bold vintage aesthetic shared by a lovely jack-of-all-trades couple.

They're both warm and welcoming beyond expectations--willing to sit and chat with you about the idiosyncrasies of NOLA's architecture, food and music--or life in general--or afford you privacy in your half of the shotgun house. Susan may even treat you to some of her delicious homemade chocolates (highly recommend are the salted caramel variety), and their tag team story-telling may have you overextending your welcome on their half--though they won't tell you about it. Make sure to ask David about the fireplace, the stove, and his big-head mardi gras mask.

If you like claw-foot tubs, vintage detail, southern hospitality, and a little distance from the craziness in the Quarter--their place will make for a cozy stay.