Goodness, where to begin!! Andy, Mandy, and the entire team poured in so much time, energy, care, and kindness into my experience staying here. I had a remarkable experience.
The sheer VALUE of the entire first floor of this 1890s Victorian mansion is unreal. And then, it’s offered at this incredibly affordable price!!! It truly is a once in a lifetime experience...or perhaps more accurately, a once in a pandemic experience. It’s like living in a museum. The owner, Mandy, has a great appreciation for true vintage things, so expect furnishings and decor with a history. The entire space is filled with these incredible antiques. I loved thinking about all the people who had spent time in this house before me, who had used these teapots and chairs and tables. And that experience extends beyond the walls of the Hensley House- the whole neighborhood is 1890s houses. There’s even a “walking tour guide” pamphlet on the marble coffee table in the living room!! (And more in the really skinny drawers in the dining room, if you can find them. ;) ) I took myself on the tour. It’s swell. There are also dozens and dozens of RABBITS inexplicably hopping around the neighborhood, which made me feel like Alice, walking in Wonderland. So that is another plus to staying here.
The bed is huge and such good quality. The bedding is sooo soft and fluffy and warm. There is a space heater, dehumidifier, and air filter. There are tons of great appliances in the kitchen, including a huge bullet blender! There is a working dishwasher and tons of pots & pans etc.
Covid note- If you are medically vulnerable, and unable to get vaccinated, this is probably not the best place for the you. Room 6 guests share the back entrance, and the rest of the guests share the front entrance. In the month I stayed here, many guests refused to wear their masks outside of their rooms, despite communication from the owners. The cleaners also failed to wear their masks multiple times, though that got better with communication form the owners near the end of my month there.
Otherwise, just...stay here. The magic of this place is unparalleled. ESPECIALLY in San Jose. If you do say here, and anything isn’t working for you, communicate, and give Andy the opportunity to fix it. Chances are, he will bend over backwards to make it right. These really are next level hosts. And they deserve next level guests. 💖