Available June 10 - Sep 17 (dates negotiable)

Bright and pleasant studio apartment in a private home in beautiful Portola Valley. Ideal for student, summer intern, visiting researcher, or similar. Responsible undergrads welcome. All inquiries considered; female and local to the Peninsula preferred.

THE APARTMENT: Queen-sized bed with linens provided. Bureau, plenty of closet space, dining table / desk; comfortable chair. Private bath. Private entrance. Partial but fully functional kitchen in the studio: 3/4 sized fridge, two-burner stovetop, toaster/convection oven, microwave, sink, plenty of cabinet space; fully outfitted with dishes, silverware, pots, pans, spice drawer, etc. Free laundry on site. Two full walls of windows, looking out on oak trees and nearby forested hills. Semi-private porch with large table, hammock, and other outdoor delights. Charcoal grill (I think - haven't used it yet).

COSTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Rent is $750 per month, plus $750 refundable security deposit. Wireless and all other utilities are included in the rent. The rent is well below market for studios on the Peninsula and comes in exchange for short-term house sitting while upstairs landlords are out of town (probably 2-3 separate weeks and the occasional long weekend during the summer). House-sitting involves feeding a dog and three chickens (bonus: fresh eggs!). Extremely easy, minimal time commitment (mostly just means you can't go out of town overnight on those days -- dates TBD).

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: This apartment is located in a RURAL area about 4 miles west of I-280 (just off Alpine Road). Best for someone who enjoys nature and won't be anxious about birds, lizards, and the occasional deer and jackrabbits wandering through the yard. A well-behaved black lab lives with the family upstairs and is often available to accompany you on a walk or run (this is entirely optional, no commitment to walking the dog is needed). Portola Valley's mostly off-street trail system runs directly next to the property and connects to the Mid-Peninsula open space trail system. Info here: http://www.portolavalley.net/index.aspx?page=71

THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Sparsely populated residential area with small retail clusters nearby. Two small but well stocked grocery stores, pizza, coffee shop, taqueria, and historic roadside bar (Alpine Inn) within 5-7 min driving distance; large supermarket 10-12 min drive.

TRANSPORT: 8 minutes to I-280. 15 minute drive to campus. Generally light traffic. Very limited public transit in this area. Parking available if you have your own car. Depending on your situation, driving experience, and transportation needs, this rental may come with access to a car and bicycle. Conditions apply. We can discuss.