Iberia Garden Cottage Suite

Private Guest Suite in an add-on to a private family home occupied by a gay couple in their 40s. Suite has its own exterior private entrance, bathroom, and kitchenette. The charming brick cottage is located on a fenced-in property on a busy street. There is a community garden with two large greenhouses and lush gardens in the back. Trusted volunteers will come work in the garden some days. There is an active community garden on the property frequented through the week by volunteers. The cottage is surrounded by landscaping that looks lush and filled with colorful flowers depending on the time of year (Mid-Spring & Mid-Fall). The suite bedroom has a big ceiling to floor glass window in the bedroom to allow in lots of natural light. A bunk bed accommodates up to two people. There is a small private bathroom in the suite and washer/dryer that guests can use. A small kitchenette with small sink, fridge, and microwave offers convenient space for very lite cooking. The house is close to the street so street noise of vehicles and people passing by is normal. We have a white german sheperd we keep outside for security. He's very friendly but barks at night. Iberia Community Garden high-tunnel Greenhouses are in the back of the property and can be accessed throughout the day. The house is surrounded by landscaping and "garden rooms" where guests can relax quietly. Guests may park in the gravel area right off the drive when you pull in the gate. You'll be given the pass-code to a key to your room upon checking in. This is the host's home and office and he is very active within the community and travels occasionally for work. He usually is in and out during the day but can be reached at all times via phone/text. If he is out of town the host's brother or co-manager at the garden will be available to assist. In the early evenings, when he's home, you can find the host working around the garden and will often break to have a drink or tea with guests. This neighborhood is a historically low-income working class mixed-use neighborhood with residential, light industrial and commercial activities right next door. Median household income is about $19K which is right below poverty. It's exciting to see the grassroots developments happening in this neighborhood. As part of the hosts work to improve the community, you can visit and even volunteer in the community garden and Da Berry Fresh Market which sells local food items and produce. The property is fenced in and parking available inside the grounds. A complimentary bike is available to borrow upon request. The neighborhood and city's historic sections are easily biked to and take about 15-20 minutes to reach the Main Street /Downtown area on bike. The host is a native of the neighborhood that returned a decade ago, after living in New York City and Bangkok Thailand, to become actively involved in the community's revitalization. You can read more about his work by visiting his non-profit "Envision da Berry" website or social media page. He's more than happy to share his experiences and introduce you to his network of friends in the community that have helped in the revitalization efforts. There are many great attractions and small city events that are around the area to enjoy too. —COVID UPDATE— We disinfect the Air BNB after each guest, including but not limited to, washing sheets in hot water, wiping the cabinets and mopping with Clorox, and cleaning bathroom from head to toe. The guest has their own private door to parking. The central a/c is shared with covid-conscious homeowners using a Filtrete 1900 virus filter.