If you're wondering whether the loft can be anywhere as fabulous as the pictures - it can, and is. More so. I spent two serene weeks steeling myself for city living at Kate's pad and was so touched that my tentative, low-key approach to getting out and socialising was not only accepted but kept sacrosanct by my wonderful host. Kate puts herself out time and again in making sure you feel comfortable, safe and that you know your way around her neighbourhood. Whether it's spare towels or a social network you need, Kate is a whirlwind of ideas to get your juices going. I felt time and again as though I had not only found a bed and breakfast but a place to call home for two weeks. I also had the privilege of being introduced to her friends, who were equally as talkative and hospitable as Kate. Jaunting to cafes during the daytime or going on midnight hunts for popcorn kernels on a quiet movie night - whatever your schedule, Kate is flexible and extremely welcoming of your ideas. The loft itself is cosy, warm and colourful. I was absolutely transfixed by her many vintage books and would occasionally grab a random text and plop myself down in one of her various chairs in the evenings. Kate and I would often do readings just for fun, which I thoroughly enjoyed because it helped to bring me even further out my shell! There is a real warmth to the place, and with Blu the darling chihuahua padding about the wooden floors it kind of feels like you've been adopted by a lovely little family. Kate can also cook very well and is exceedingly well-versed in how to host almost Mediterranean-style dinner parties (ask her about her travels and she'll have you in rapture with her many great stories). But most of all, there's a human element to this location; it's a sweet place which feel right in the heart of the action when the train goes by on the Manhattan bridge, but then feels absolutely peaceful looking out the window to the rest of the world. This was the perfect place for me to schlep my workaday self into Manhattan and to come back in the evenings (York St station is right around the corner from the loft and it's one stop before you're in downtown Manhattan) and relax with a book, a movie, high-speed internet, a bite to eat from one of the many great kitchens in the area, take a walk around a safe neighbourhood or whatever I wanted to do. I felt as though the place was a vantage point overlooking the busyness of the big city, and I was pleased to have the loft as my base. I couldn't recommend Kate or her loft more highly - it was a truly great experience I will use as the standard for BnB stays in future.