The main house is straight out of a southern gothic, and as I crossed into the back yard, the smooth pebbled path replicated the same, with sculpted niche to sit in contemplation or just look up at the arms of pecan trees. It was crisp and rainy and my first glance of Allison's cottage. Almost like a heralding, Junie greeted me with yawps and from that instant I felt at home. The cottage is cozy, but truly the perfect size for one or two guests. The enameled metal table was perfect for morning coffee or an hour of chasing rabbit holes on my computer. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom contained all that one needs, a beautiful cast iron sink and plenty of counter space to put my things. I probably spent way too much time perusing the bookshelf, with countless titles of non-fiction, mostly biography, in which I couldn't stop gravitating. Even the piano allowed me to plink on the keys a few chord progressions. Allison's cottage is a perfect place to spend a few days in Austin.