Cozy cottage in a friendly neighborhood, two blocks from the beach and Long Island Sound. Private bedroom and bathroom with full amenities in my two bedroom/two bath home, perfect for a single person or couple. Easy access to downtown New Haven and Yale, just 15 minutes away. BEDROOM Guest bedroom has a queen sleigh bed with Tempurpedic mattress, cotton sheets, and down duvet (hypoallergenic non-down alternative and wool blanket alternatives are available). Closet and dresser drawers have plenty of room for you to store your belongings. Full-length mirror inside closet door. Small speaker in the room for you to use with your iPhone or smartphone. TV available. BATHROOM Full bath with in-tub rain shower head is across the hall from the guest room (it's the main bathroom for the house, but you'll have it all to yourself during your stay). Everything you need is available: shampoo and conditioner, premium shower gel, bath salts, hair dryer, etc. And I have big thirsty cotton towels. If you forgot your toothbrush or need a curling iron, flat iron, razor, bandaids, or anything else, just ask! MY HOME My home was built in 1910 and gut renovated in 2013-14, so it has all the charm and character of an antique but all of the systems and amenities of a modern home: efficient heat and central air, on-demand hot water that never ends, dishwasher, washer and dryer, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security alarm, and wine fridge. The kitchen island has two wooden stools; it's my favorite place to perch with my morning coffee and watch the birds at the bird feeder in the backyard. There is also a dining room with table that seats up to 10 people that opens to the living room with wood burning fireplace. There is plenty of space for relaxing or working in and around the house: there is seating with a table on the front porch, a deck with dining table and chairs, and a stone patio overlooking a spot of grassy yard and flowers. The shady backyard is fenced, giving you privacy from the neighbors. WIFI & TV High-speed wifi is accessible throughout my home. TV is available: you can watch the big TV in my study, or if you prefer I will move a smaller TV (21 in) with Roku to the guest bedroom. You have exclusive access to your guest room and bathroom, and share the kitchen, dining room, living room and outdoor spaces with me. My bedroom and bathroom, the basement, and attic are off limits. The garage is available for kayak and bicycle storage when arranged in advance. I enjoy meeting new people and welcome visitors from all over the world. I prefer to get to know my guests: we share a cup of coffee and breakfast in the morning, or a glass of wine in the evening, but if you want or need privacy to work, sleep, read-- or just because-- I will not disturb you. Before you arrive, let's get in touch to discuss your needs. This is a peaceful neighborhood of single-family homes on quiet streets. The neighbors are friendly and lots of them own dogs-- you'll see them walking in the area. It is a quick 3-5 minute walk to either of two local private beaches (accessible to members of the local neighborhood association and their guests). An excellent Italian restaurant and a separate pizza restaurant are one block away (the only commercial services within walking distance), and there are many shops and restaurants on Rt 1 (one mile away) and in the center of town on the town green (three miles). Downtown New Haven and the central Yale University campus are just 15 minutes away (during the busy seasons, ask me for directions that keep you off of the clogged highway). Across the street are old trolley tracks that lead to the Shoreline Greenway Trail, a network of trails through marshes, forests, and town. You need a car to get around this area. There is a train station in Branford serviced by Shoreline East and Amtrak, both of which go to Grand Central Station in NY. If you want to rent a car, Enterprise will pick you up at the train station. DOG I have two dogs: Teddy, an 8-year old Maltese-Yorkie mix (basically a big fluff ball, non-shedding); and LouLou, a miniature Pinscher-miniature Poodle mix (very timid and sheds a little bit). They are used to staying out of your guest room-- though if you want some doggy love they are happy to oblige. There can be a lot of excitement with them in the house, so you have to love dogs. KAYAKS In this area, Long Island Sound and the Thimble Islands are wonderful to explore by kayak, so bring your boats! There are two kayaks available at my home, a traditional one-person kayak and a one-person sit-on-top. I have two life jackets, but they are both in my size (XS)— but I may be able to borrow larger sizes from my neighbors— and two hand carts for toting the boat(s) to the beach/launch (two blocks, three minutes away). Plenty of extra beach towels are stored in the hall linen closet. BICYCLING New England has great country roads for bicycle touring. There is space in my locked garage for you to store your bikes.