Updates / News

Improvements & updates are made periodically to the McGee House (a fully-furnished house available for short-term rent in central Berkeley, California) - these improvements and changes make the house more comfortable and convenient.  This weblog is updated to describe those changes as they occur.

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(A detailed list of all amenities is available on this page)

New Folding Desk Installed

New Folding Desk - up for use as a desk

New Folding Desk - folded down

A folding desk has been installed in the main bedroom of the McGee house.

The desk folds down when not needed providing more open space in the bedroom.

It is a sustainably harvested mahogany (solid wood), and makes the bedroom a more comfortable area…

Dishwasher Installed

New Bosch Dishwasher

A dishwasher has been installed in the McGee house.

It is a quiet and efficient Bosch model. 

New Universal Remote

Remote

A new Universal Remote (Harmony One) has replaced the old remote to control the TV, DVD/CD Player/Surround Sound System (including Radio), and Cable Box.

So only this remote is required to control all entertainment devices, and to start a function…

New Washer / Dryer

New Quite / Efficient Washer and Dryer Pair

New Washer and Dryer Pair was installed a few days ago.

These are modern, quite and efficient models made by Bosch.

Lower Rates for Stays Between 11 and 18 Nights

Previously, all bookings less than 18 nights were $220/night.

But I have updated these rates to give a lower rate for stays between 11 nights and 18 nights - bookings of these duration are now $200/night.

And stays 10 nights or less are $220/night.

Universal Remote

Remote

<Note: This universal remote has now been replace by a Harmony One - see more recent update here>


A Universal Remote (Harmony 880) has been added to the house to control the TV, DVD/CD Player, Radio, and Cable Box.

Before, multiple remotes had to be…

High Chair

High Chair

For guests with young toddlers, I have made available a high chair for the kitchen or dining area.

This high chair is probably suitable for a child 6 months or older, but depends on the size of the child. 

I can place this  high chair in the house on…

Air Mattress

Air Mattress

So that the house can sleep 5 more comfortably, I have made available a "quick inflate" air mattress.

This is a top of the line mattress made for guest rooms (not for camping) - made by Aero. 

I can place this  mattress in the house on request (it is…

Surround Sound Home Theatre System

Surround Sound System

The system is hooked up to the TV in the living room.  It replaces an older simple DVD player.

This new system can play DVDs, CDs, and the radio, all in 5 speaker surround sound.

When playing a DVD, you get the benefit of this surrounds system for…

Back Yard Deck

Deck

McGee Back Yard Deck

New eco-friendly (no splinters) deck installed in the private back yard in May 2009.

Trex decking material was used; this is an eco-friendly material made of sawdust and recycled  plastic shopping bags.

HD TV

HD TV

McGee House - New HDTV

Replaced standard TV with  a new large screen high definition TV (HDTV).

New Kitchen Flooring

Kitchen Floor

New Kitchen Flooring

New eco-friendly kitchen flooring was installed in Feb 2008.

Easy to clean, and soft underfoot.

For questions, contact Mark at mfoy@vitalita.com or +1-510-205-3840 (8AM to 10PM Pacific Time - 7 days a week) -  http://www.vitalita.com/rental/