This first floor of a larger, 100+ year old house, is a beautiful apartment. The huge windows, built-ins, woodwork, even the etching on the bathroom mirror, reflect an attention to craftsmanship that was a pleasure to live in. It felt like going back in history to live there.
The apartment is well-maintained, if showing its age in several areas. For example, the kitchen is a sweet little space that I'm sure worked perfectly 70 years ago, but doesn't have the counter space, sink space, or simply space, that facilitates lots of cooking. If renters plan to do a lot of cooking, it will take some expectation adjustment. However, Seward Co-op is within walking distance; and we made lots of use of their salad bar, hot bar, and deli/juice services.
The one main detraction was that this was an unusually hot and humid summer (well, probably not unusual, with global warming); and most of the apartment was impossible to keep cool. We brought our own large dehumidifier from home, and were dumping two buckets a day of water out of the air on many days. There is no central air conditioning, given the age of the home.
The sunroom could be almost cool enough if we drew the blinds and closed the French doors and ran the window AC on full. And the bedrooms were usually ok with the window ACs. But the main areas (living room, dining room, kitchen) were impossible to cool to a comfortable temperature. It was definitely an opportunity to feel direct empathy for people around the world living in very hot and humid conditions. For people who have heat-sensitive health issues, it could be challenging, though.
That said, I'm sure that the apartment is perfectly comfortable when Minnesota is not situated under a "heat dome," as it was for most of this past May, June and July. Too, if renters are planning to be out of the apartment on most days, and only sleeping at the space, it's fine, as is. We went out to coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, etc., on the worst days to be in air conditioning and cool down. I expect that the apartment is lovely and cozy and comfortable in other seasons, with its radiator heat and wood-burning fireplace.
Overall, the apartment was an interesting experience. The neighborhood is fantastic - very walkable with beauty all around; lots of pollinator-friendly gardens; interesting homes to see with owners in the yards who are happy to chat; and within walking distance of the trails by the Mississippi River; and walkable to Minneapolis proper. It's also near St. Anthony, which has great restaurants and coffee shops, a bike-ride or very short drive away.
The owners live upstairs. We never needed to get in touch with them, but it felt like they were accessible if problems arose.
We definitely would recommend this apartment, if it's a good fit, given the caveats.
Donna and Bob