Well, a bazillion 5-star reviews don't lie. We've lived all over the world and been in dozens of airbnb's by now, and one lesson we've learned is to read the reviews. I've gotten lazy about writing them up, but I see how important a service it is for fellow travelers and, of course, the hosts.
We stayed in Evelyn's apartment for a month during the Corona pandemic in April, so we really were stuck at home for most of it, and it was an enormous luxury to have such a gigantic space. If you're not from NYC (or Paris, London, HK, Shanghai, or other densely packed city), you might not appreciate just how big this place is compared with other apartment and hotel rooms, but in NY, this place is just vast. It's a studio, but because it's so big, you really feel completely separated in the bedroom area, and it was easy for me to have privacy working from the bedroom or the kitchen while my wife was in the other area. The ceilings are super high as well, and the feeling of spaciousness is fantastic.
And back garden is such a rare luxury, such a serene escape from the bustle of the city. Beautifully planted and lush, we barbecued multiple times and felt like we were really unplugged from the city.
The apartment is just beautiful and stylish in a way that you never find in such an inexpensive airbnb. Typically you are in someone's cluttered place while they go off to their girlfriend/boyfriend/buddy's place, or a stark box of an investor super-host. This is neither. It's warm, welcoming, and feels like a beautiful home just for you.
Additionally, it's the best stocked apartment we've ever rented. Multiple brands of toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoos, moisturizers, and everything you could need or want in the kitchen for a long term stay.
The neighborhood: Probably the only negative thing I could say is that if you want to spend a lot of time in Manhattan, Greenpoint is not the most convenient neighborhood for subways because you'll have to take the G to either the L or the 7 (though you could also walk to the ferry which affords you a lovely ride, but not the fastest). The upshot is that you're at least 10 minutes further from everything because of that double wait on the platforms.
However, if you want an authentic NYC neighborhood experience, it's hard to beat Greenpoint as a quintessential Brooklyn neighborhood. Amazing restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and bars with a vibrant, hip scene, and a short walk across McCarren Park to North Williamsburg (arguably the best nightlife/restaurant scene in the city right now).
And, finally, the host: Evenlyn is just fantastic, and during out month stay, over and over again went the extra mile and inconvenienced herself without a second thought to make our special.
Would absolutely stay again on our next NY long-stay.