The Drapes of Wrath • Vintage Flat in Ravenswood

Summary:

I’m an interior designer and longtime Superhost who believes you deserve better than scratchy sheets and a suspicious futon. Everything here was chosen with intention—and a sense of humor. From the agressive use of one pattern on everything to the WW2 era psychology test above the bed, this space is a little odd, very clean, and designed to feel like someone with great taste lives here. (Because, well, sometimes they do.)



The Space:

10 takeaways for people who don’t have the patience to read my ramblings

(but still deserve a very nice place to stay)



• Sleeps 2 (King bed)

• Full kitchen + fast Wi-Fi

• Shower with (occasionally moody but mostly good) water pressure

• Professionally cleaned by people who care deeply and would benefit from other hobbies

• AWESOME street, 10-minute stroll to the Brown Line

• Ground floor unit in a vintage building (quirks included, free of charge)

• Hosted by a creative human, managed by professionals who actually pick up the phone

• Thoughtful touches, compelling art

• 24/7 phone support after booking

•The towels are nice and the bath products aren’t from a gas station. You’ll be fine



You’re getting the best of both worlds here: I get to be your friendly, creative host—sharing local tips and a well-loved space—without also being the person scrubbing behind the toilet. (You're welcome.) That’s because I’ve partnered with a top-tier management team to handle logistics and cleaning, so you get both thoughtful design and professional support.



You'll find soft, nice sheets (not the nylon nightmares other hosts offer up), good pillows, a nice mattress, thick towels, and Public Goods bath products. I also keep you stocked with coffee and a few small extras to make mornings feel less like punishment.



This is a vintage Chicago building with the quirks to prove it: this space was originally the building engineers workshop, so even though they killed the soul of the space with the remodel, it has a great vibe. Ground floor level....yes, you may spot the occasional rogue cobweb despite my excellent cleaning team. But if you’re into character, comfort, and staying somewhere that doesn’t feel like an abused IKEA showroom... welcome home.



There are four steps down into the unit, so it’s not great for guests with limited mobility. And yes, it's the ground floor of a 120-year-old building, so you will hear footsteps above. But also: you'll sleep well here. It’s quiet for being in the city. It’s comfy with just enough alarmingly green paint to make it have an opinion.



Location:



The flat is in Ravenswood, a peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood with it’s own vibe. You’re tucked into a quiet pocket of the city just a few blocks east of Damen Avenue. Walk 10 or so minutes and you’re on the Brown Line train (a super scenic trip that takes you straight into the heart of the city); there is also a METRA commuter station around the corner that goes into downtown. Once here, you'll find pockets of busier spots with great places to eat and a lovely grocery all within a nice walk.



Parking:



I’ll say this, and really mean it: we are so well located with transit and ride share options you probably won’t need a car unless you are using it to get to Chicago. If you are insisting on it, there’s no designated parking spot. Street parking is generally available on our block and surrounding ones, though it can be a challenge later at night and you have to carefully watch out for zone restrictions that are here and there on the surrounding streets. Also, do a little refresher course in parallel parking before you are attempting to do it between strangers cars :-)



Your best bet? SpotHero. It’s an app that lets you book a spot in advance and avoid the whole “circling for 40 minutes while reevaluating your life choices” thing. Put in Wolcott and Sunnyside to show the nearest spots.



Also, a universal city tip: please read the signs. All of them. Chicago’s parking rules were clearly written by a sleep-deprived poet with a grudge.



Exclusive perks:



Guests staying under 14 days get access to The Metropolitan Club, a members-only co-working and dining space on the 66th and 67th floors of the Willis Tower. Yes, it’s fancy. Yes, the view is outrageous. Yes, you can take your laptop and pretend to be someone who owns a watch that ticks.



Guest Access:

You’ve got the entire flat to yourself. I promise you won’t somehow find your host staring into the refrigerator at 2 am. If you’re a smoker, please head off-property—outside the back door or in the courtyard garden still counts as “on property,” so plan accordingly. Vaping indoors also counts. (And no, that one clove cigarette you brought back from Berlin doesn’t get a pass.)



Other Things to Note:

Q: How do I get to [place] from here?

A: Google Maps is your best friend. We’re near the Montrose Brown Line stop, which connects easily to everything. Need to drop in a search pin? Use Wolcott and Sunnyside to explore the immediate area.



Q: When is check-in/check-out?

A: Check-in is at 4pm. Check-out is at 11am. If you need a place to stash bags before or after, I can recommend a local luggage drop service. It never hurts to ask about early check-in…if we can, we do it. But a late checkout is always going to be a no, as our team of cleaners get their hustle on during the day so they can go home to their family at night.



Q: Do you have air conditioning or heat?

A: We do! Radiator heat is supplied by the building (and turned on/off by folks who are not us with keys to the boiler room) and the space is also equipped with a forced air furnace so you can fine tune the heat. In warm months, a window AC unit will be installed starting mid-May.



Why stay here?

Because I’ve done the hard part. I’ve figured out how to make a space that’s both beautiful and genuinely comfortable. A space where you can fall asleep under weird art and wake up to good light. A space that feels personal—but doesn’t have anyone’s toothbrush forgotten in the silverware drawer.



I’m the kind of host who wants to tell you where to get the best almond croissant and how to dodge Chicago parking tickets. I love sharing this place with people who notice details—who get joy from great sheets, unhinged bathroom paintings, and the quiet thrill of exploring someplace new.



Before you book, our virtual front desk is available from 9am to 7pm CST to answer any questions you have. After you book, you’ll get access to that same virtual support during those hours plus a phone number where you can reach a real, live human being 24 hours a day—whether you’re locked out or just panicking about how the stove works.



Hope you love it.

Hope you come back.