Stayed here for close to 2 months (Sep- Oct'14) and must say this place felt like home.
Jackie, Frank and their daughter live in this house with a few visitors usually over the weekends. Jackie is a lovely woman; enthusiastic, super-helpful and fun to talk to. If you are lucky you will find yourself in a mini-food heaven when she cooks.
Frank is very knowledgeable and very helpful. Will treat you like family instantly. Christian, their son, visited occasionally and was great to talk to, too. Overall, a very sweet family that is interested without being the slight bit intrusive.
The room is nice, large and comfortable with plentiful storage space, TV and a work-space. Bathroom is just past the adjoining room and is decent ( read 'needs maintanance'). Kitchen space is fun with a lot of spices/wares to use. For laundry you can use the laundromat 2 blocks down the street. The house has a homely feel to it and the backyard and lawn add a pleasant touch. Since the house is on the corner of Allerton and Laconia, you may occasionally be disturbed by loud radio from the cars waiting at the signal.
Location - The bus stop is smack in front of the house. And in my opinion, the subway station down the street that the bus takes you to (Allerton Avenue- Whiteplains) is far more convenient and accessible than the Pehlam Park subway station. There are a handful of Chinese take-outs on this road and there's very good Mexican food to try on the Whiteplains road, all within walking distance of about 20 mins. The Bronx seems to have a reputation and in all fairness this part of the Bronx felt safe.
It's an hour and a couple of mins to get to Manhattan. The Bronx Park and Zoo are both great places to visit and are just a few mins by bus. If you want to do nothing, the room is comfortable enough to let you unwind in peace.
Great find and a positive experience to carry forward!