Great hospitality starts with the host. After an uncomfortable and sleepless red-eye flight from Los Angeles, Staeven accommodated our request for an early check-in on a freezing March morning without hesitation. He and his welcoming committee of pets greeted us at the door like family...except they were happy to see us! The pets were so sweet and approachable - like their owner - but clearly, well trained and respectful of our role as house guests.
Staeven's home is very eclectic but tastefully decorated and pretty. (A mini museum of consciously selected accessories, textiles and furnishings.) As a potter and musician, his home is full of color and an energy that sings creativity.
We stayed in the queen size room upstairs. Decorated in greys and bold yellows, the room was soothing and the bed was heavenly.
The location of the home is all of 10 minutes from downtown Nashville and the airport. Minutes from the home is a Walgreen's and a vast # of fast food restaurants. We loved the quiet neighborhood and the gentle hum of the night train traveling through the hills.
Staeven made excellent entertainment and dining recommendations - affordable, local favorites most tourists wouldn't know about.
If you're looking for a home-away-from-home, a fabulous host and an opportunity to see Nashville on a budget, I highly recommend staying at Staeven's.