Steve and Monica's cottage was pretty much the perfect place to stay while my boyfriend and I were in Austin. When I first arrived, they both came out to greet me and show me around; they were incredibly friendly and helpful, even provided a can of mosquito repellent (which I needed, badly), and generously offered use of their bikes. The grounds are covered in lush green plants, awesomely quirky decor (one of the concrete stepping stones is a giant quarter!) and dozens of sleepy lethargic feral cats; this was some Miyazaki-level magic here.

The cottage itself was cozy and comfortable for the two of us; the AC worked well (thank GOD), the bathroom was spotless, the kitchen cute and stocked with all manner of cookware, snacks, bottled water. Serendipitously, the countertop featured a pattern illustrated by a good friend of ours; we took it as an incredibly auspicious sign.

Obviously, we have to stay here again when we return to Austin. It was seriously the best!!!