Maria's artistically and beautifully decorated turn-of-the-century home is simultaneously chic, and homey and comfortable to hang out in. There's good common space for outdoor dining or gathering indoors, cooking and lounging. We had my mom's 80th birthday there, with four little grandkids running around, and five grown ups, and Maria was so gracious about it. There were just three adults and one 3-year-old sleeping there, but Maria was happy to extend her hospitality to my brother and his family for hangout time. She was very warm and friendly, super reachable and responsive, very conscientious about laying low and making us feel we had full run of the place, and was just simply very nice. I felt like I was staying at a friend's. She went out of her way to scare up inflatable camping mattresses from their garage for our 3-year-old to sleep on, and when asked, sent me numerous suggestions of places in the neighborhood to meet our needs. We were walking distance from the zoo, restaurants, bars and cafes, and close enough to Seattle's main attractions that we never drove more than a half hour to get anywhere. We were able to park one car in the driveway, a big plus on Seattle's narrow and over-parked residential streets in this quiet yet happening neighborhood. Everyone, from grandma, to my artsy brother, to the little kids, loved the place. I highly recommend Maria's place, and Maria as a host!