(Review written as an Australian's perspective so might be semi-useless to domestic folks) Brian's place is fantastic. I spent two weeks under his roof and couldn't be happier. It's about as close to public transport as it possibly could be, and the nearby bakery serves a decent enough espresso. Brian also provided my room with a little pod coffee machine, and it made some damn fine English Breakfast tea. Y'know, the important things for international travellers to know.
The two doggos are an absolute treat - they're a little curious and will totes get all up in your business if you invite them, before flopping at your feet and taking a nap. I realise I'm not here to review dogs, but, vital experience imo.
The accommodation gives you mostly private access to the first floor of Brian's place. The bedroom is cozy with a decent amount of storage space, and its spartan-ness is a big plus. It does trap in heat a fair bit, but there's a nice big fan to cool off with. Also the powerpoints had USB plugs so it saves using an adaptor for charging your phone!
The bathroom has everything you'd want, and is pretty sizeable! The shower head has like, five different settings for pressure / area, which was novel (though maybe just because I'm international?).
You're also given access to a washer and dryer, which I think is shared, but in the two weeks I stayed I only encountered it having Brian's stuff in it twice, and I used the washer pretty regularly.
Second floor is nice and open, and I occasionally used it for getting work done on a laptop and to occasionally chat with Brian. Even with that floor being shared it was still mostly quiet. During week days you can hear construction outside but it's not bothersome and occasionally the foremen shout out a "yeeehaw" or "booyah baby" which was never not amusing.
But, yeah, perfect location, great host, and wonderful accommodation. Communication on and before arrival was great, and Brian was totes cool for the entire visit. Would gladly stay again!