This is one of my all time favorite Airbnb stays. The apartment itself is a stunning mix of clean, crisp, clever architecture and soft touches, featuring a meticulously thought out and artfully crafted synthesis of charred cedar, poured concrete, white walls, and matte black brick and tile. Every element seems carefully considered -- the plantings surrounding the entryway and patio, the collection of local books and objects of interest on the shelves, the whimsical art and textiles, and every detail of the luxury spa shower.
The main living space has what is basically a removable wall made of sliding wooden screens and glass doors, and when you open these you create an indoor/outdoor area from kitchen to couch to patio, perfect for sitting with a beer and a book while you take a break from exploring the city. I am a sensitive sleeper, and the bedroom was perfection for me – it gets perfectly dark with the blinds, and perfectly cool with the wall mounted A/C. The laundry machines were new and easy to use, both sides of the bed had phone chargers, and I loved the mattress so much I took a photo of the brand and model so I can buy one for myself.
Joe was easy and friendly to communicate with and check-in and check-out were a breeze. We got to meet him and his lovely family (and handsome cat!), and it was a pleasure to learn all about their process of building this space. They gave us loads of local recommendations and we made use of all of them.
Lastly, the location is stellar. The home is on a quiet street in a residential neighborhood, but it’s steps away from both Division and Hawthorne and all the food, drink, shops and culture they both have to offer. We loved Pok Pok, Little Beast, Little Otsu, St. Honore, Stellar Taco, and more. The only time we had to get in a car was to drive less than ten minutes to Mt. Tabor, the aerial tram, the amusement park and wildlife refuge, and to see friends just outside the city. Joe’s apartment is a gem!