We loved staying at Mary and Barney's place! Airy, spacious, and with two front porch swings and a back deck, cost living room with mini-office, good sized kitchen and fitted out laundry, it felt just like home.
The room itself was bigger than we expected, with a queen sized and single bed and an ensuite and a cupboard with safe. The room could not be locked, so the safe was a welcome addition. Sets of good linen were provided for the three of us (two sisters and a friend,) and at no time did we feel cramped. The room was a bit warm and there were cooling options I believe, but opening the door just a bit proved to be enough for the balmy summer days. There are I think two other Airbnb rooms rented out in the same house, and it was nice to meet other travelers (who seemed to use a different shared bathroom that we also had access too if needed I guess. We didn't need it.)
Breakfast was included, and fantastic with orange juice, a coffee machine, Barney's muffins and Mary's granola as well as yoghurt, milk, English muffins - the works.
Barney communicated very promptly and comprehensively leading up to our stay, and his directions were easy to follow. It's not hard to get here by public transport on the red Metro line, but with lots of luggage Uber was easier the first time ($35 from Boston Airport.)
The house isn't right in the middle of the city - it's a bit south - but if you wander down through the backyard you can take a walk/run also the Harbour by the University of Massachusets, Boston. The path is literally right there. And the street the house is on is simply gorgeous, lined with beautifully decorated old colonial places just as special as the Carneys' home itself. To get to the inner city attractions and restaurants takes less than half an hour (south end) and 30-40 minutes (north end) by public transport and is cheap and easy. If that's what you're looking for (a sense of home, rather than being in the middle of the action, but with easy transport to that action,) then this will be perfect for you.
I finally met Barney and Mary on the final day, after they had very helpfully given us a great restaurant tip (Banyan Bar and Refuge in the city) and extensive medical advice when I injured myself. Mary lent me an ice pack and a wheat pack.
Overall, we had a wonderful stay and felt that the quality of the home and facilities and friendliness of the owners was top notch. It really was a home away from home, and I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I came back to Boston.