An “Explosion” of fresh flowers and fabulously eclectic art!
Pat, and her family, are wonderfully responsive and communicative. Great recommendations on restaurants and local scenes. They were so gracious in facilitating a bit of an early check-in. (We were even fortunate enough to receive a snuggly puppy welcome from Cooper, the most lovable, soul-restoring Golden Retriever!) The fresh cut flowers placed in every room gave an extra “touch of southern beauty and charm.”
Pat was also kindly accommodating after we disclosed our additional “tiny guest”, our 19 month old grandson, after seeing reference to the “extra guest charge” in the written house rules after checking in. (Thank you, Pat, for forgiving my inadvertent omission from the original booking!)
We made the easy stroll to Broadway everyday from the charming cottage, and even managed to walk to the Farmer’s Market. Good proximity to downtown, especially for those of us who love to experience adventures on foot. With a 19 month old, we were not out late so I cannot comment on safety of the area after dark. (The locked gated grounds and secured parking helped add to our feeling of safety and security.)
The rooms of the portion of the house included in AirBNB use were really charming. Everything was clean and the towels were soft, plentiful and fresh. The bright, vintage kitchen was unusually well-stocked, the farm fresh eggs and variety of coffee options a most-welcome added tasty convenience. The rooms were distributed across the depth of the first floor of the house, creating separation but also accessibility.
The only disadvantages - and the reasons for a bit of a lower rating - would be the (temporary and soon to be completed) construction noise of the multi family apartment complex next door that starts at 07:00 a.m. and goes on 6 days a week. In addition to the freeway noise - which is to be expected and not excessive for such location - the construction next door, in its current stage, made sleeping past 07:00, and enjoying the charming front porch, all but impossible except on Sunday. The other rather unique aspect - and disadvantage for us - was the fact that the kitchen was the only place to congregate as a group. (All parties end up in the kitchen, of course.) Still, with 4 adults, both rooms were used as bedrooms and thus, no option for a “living / socialization area.” (It would be nice layout for a solo couple.) I would also be cautious with “little ones.” The set up is more adult (somewhat delicate glass, art and vintage pieces- which I appreciate) and unsecured medications / a prescription were easily accessible. That said, this is our first time in an AirBNB with a baby, so it was a leaning experience for us. Luckily no mishaps with art/dish/ decor damage, nor ingestion of medicines.
The overall impression was a great big bouquet of happiness. The eclectic, beautiful art throughout was an amazing visual treat! And the flower gardens... simply WOW! The southern warmth of Pat and her family absolutely unsurpassed. Cooper — well he just sent the happy feelings over the top!