Natasha's place is a basement hipster hangout.
Although personally I'm no pool player, when we first walked in, I was stymied as to where the bedroom was located. ...Wow, who gets to walk through a pool room to make it into a comfy, quiet bedroom.
Although there was no "full kitchen," there was everything we needed to have some enjoyable simple meals together while staying in our digs. There were plenty of dishes, silverware, and all necessary accoutrements. Nice bath products were provided. Attention to details regarding recycling trash. There was a conscientious homey, earth-friendly feel to the place.
The Ballard area is an overlooked Seattle gem. We loved Golden Garden Park (picnicked there before leaving town). We loved visiting Ballard Locks. There was a wonderful free concert going on in the park when we arrived to see the Locks. We enjoyed scoping out the nearby neighborhood afterwards. Other recommended restaurants were very busy as it was a gorgeous warm weather Sunday (not complaining!) when we visited.
Though we wanted to go to "The Walrus and the Carpenter," the restaurant was way too busy for far too long. We proceeded on and ate at "The Ballard Annex Oyster House," due to their impromptu availability. We didn't make Happy Hour which looked great, though our oyster dinner was delicious!
Natasha's place provided us with a wonderful stay out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle. Sunset view of the Puget Sound were visible from her backyard. We were able to leave our car safely parked at her place to Uber into the city to see "Porgy and Bess." Seattle Opera is wonderful! Staying on the outskirts of the city made for a calmer, less hustle and bustle experience. The nature around Ballard is lovely. People nearby were friendly, helpful. Ample grocery stores and shopping experiences to be had closeby. A Safeway and a happening Grocery Outlet store if visitors would want to pick up cheese, crackers, wine, fruits to snack in the room before going for a walk to overlook the sunset. Though we didn't make it this time, looks like there's a great farm market Sunday mornings.
Natasha is an excellent host. We had everything we needed for a comfortable, better-than-expected stay. Our experience staying at Natasha's in the Ballard area definitely surpassed our expectations.