A Writer's Haven
Review Submitted: November 17, 2009
Date of Stay: November 2009
I'm a writer who came to New York to try to find representation for a book I'm working on. Though I didn't secure an agent on this visit, I did find a writer's retreat in this restored Brooklyn brownstone that I hope to return to again and again. I chose the property in part because of the gorgeous pictures, which don't really do it justice. It is even cozier and more aesthetically pleasing in person with beautiful wood floors, artistic touches, and comfortable furnishings. I also chose it because the owners were so prompt and thorough in answering all my questions over email and so welcoming. In person, they were even more so! I arrived at 6:30 am on a red-eye flight, and though my unit wasn't yet ready to check into, they made arrangements so I could leave my luggage, rest, shower, and get ready for a meeting on another floor of this four-level brownstone. It was so amazing for them to extend that kind of hospitality. Once settled, I found cute cafes for breakfast within walking distance and an easy stroll to the A line Metro, which whisked me into Manhattan. The neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is one in flux. 10 years ago it was considered dangerous, but gentrification is clearly underway. I felt safe as a female traveler alone, even when coming home at night after midnight. The weather was stormy while I was there, but luckily I felt cozy and comfortable in this brownstone retreat. I bought groceries (Super Foodtown, in walking distance, stocks many organic products) and took advantage of the spacious, gourmet kitchen in the unit to cook meals. I hooked into the provided internet connection and did work on my laptop. I curled up in the soft brown leather chair in the living area and read a novel. Though official check-out time is at 10 a.m., the owners again accommodated me on my day of departure by letting me stay in the unit until I headed out for the airport at 3:30 p.m. at no extra charge. They helped me find a driver who could take me. These are truly wonderful individuals, whose love for Brooklyn and for their home is reflected in all the caring details of their property. The only drawback to the unit I found was that, due to its location on the bottom floor, the footsteps of people in the unit above were quite loud. I was trying to sleep in after a late Friday night and was awakened early by the rapping of their feet on the hardwood floors. Other than this, however, the unit and the neighborhood was very quiet. 5 stars!
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