This is my second time staying at Sara's place in Austin. First stay was at her lovely Spartanette and this time I was able to stay in the Spartan (which was still being remodeled last time I was in town).
Sara is a great host and the Spartan is a wonderful and unusual place to stay. Sara's compound, for lack of a better word, is quite large but also private and in a great location. The Spartan and Spartanette have lots of distance between and the layout of the lot never feels crowded. There's a garden, a chicken coop with free-roaming chickens (but no roosters to wake you up at dawn) and two gorgeous dogs who get to run around the yard but who also mind their own business.
The Spartan is great; very stylish and comfortable. Kitchenette with sink, coffee maker, fridge, freezer, and microwave take care of basic needs. No stove or oven but this is Austin, you should be out eating amazing food in town.
The turntable is a nice touch. There's an eclectic collection of seed vinyl to get you started and you can play your own finds after visiting Austin's many record stores. The stereo also accepts anything with a headphone jack so you can play your digital collection too. There are two sets of speakers, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. Each pair can be turned on or off as desired at the receiver in the hallway.
The Spartan has lots of windows with screens that can be opened up for good insect-free flow-through ventilation. There's also a/c for the really hot days.
Bedding is nice and comfy, no issues over a 3-night stay.
The neighborhood is nice and quiet; not much car traffic. Good for sleeping comfortably.
Sara is a fantastic host - very easy to work with and happy to let you do your thing but also very helpful if you need some local advice.
Next time I'm in Austin I'm sure I'll be back here again.