The host was prompt in answering questions and forthright about the dishwasher being under repair; the location was awesome; but the cottage itself left something to be desired.

I've stayed in several Airbnb houses, including in Austin--this one was dirtier than average. To be fair, it's an old house, which makes the below issues more likely, but I still see most of them as easily fixable.

The window framing and curtain in the shower area both had significant amounts of mildew; several surfaces had dust accumulation (some looked lazily dusted--e.g., the front of the end table was wiped clean but the back still had lots of accumulation); the house had an old musty smell; there were numerous fruit flies throughout the kitchen and living area that took up residence in our wine glasses; and the couch smelled like it had been through years of pet use. Also, the outside porch area was rather unpleasant because of the smell coming from the chicken coops on the adjacent property.

The host seemed like a pleasant fellow. I write all of this only to give honest feedback to future renters about the house itself. Bottom line: there are other places in Austin at the same or better price point and location that offer a nicer living experience.