Improvement & 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 blog is updated to describe those changes as they occur.
(A detailed list of all amenities is available on this page)
(See Site Map for a full listing of all updates/news entries (summary of lastest ones below))
March 14, 2024
A new energy efficient, clean, heat pump water heater has been installed in the outside water heater closet in the backyard of the McGee House.
Aug 11, 2020
The second bedroom now has Twin Bunkbeds which are both Murphy Wallbeds. These two twin-sized beds are very easy to raise and lower.
They raise and lower independently, so can have top folded up and bottom folded down, or any other combination.
The lower bed has a built in desk, so when the lower bed is folded into the wall, the desk is available.
Jul 4, 2020
A number of remodeling activities occurred in Summer 2020:
Jan 2, 2020
A new Sonos One Star Speaker (with voice control) has been installed at the McGee house.
Good sound quality; easy to use; works with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Pandora, and more.
Reference Manual
Jan 1, 2020
A new quiet and efficient Frigidaire stainless steel refrigerator has ben installed in the McGee house.
Energy Star compliant (low energy use).
Oct 4, 2019
We have changed the Internet Service (ISP) at the McGee house to a faster provided by Sonic.net.
The service is 1 Gigabit Fiber Internet (this is 20+ times faster than most DSL or Cable options).
Speed: 1000Mb/s download and 1000Mb/s upload.
Oct 3, 2019
To better handle the gigabit finer internet connection:
We have upgraded the WiFi equipment at the McGee house to create a stronger /. More-secure wireless network.
The new WiFi Router is a UniFi Dream Machine.
Technical Spec Details:
High-Performance Dual Band 802 11ac 4x4 Wave 2 AP
May 20, 2019
A new set of 3 Nest Protect smoke detector / CO detector has been installed at the McGee House. One in the larger bedroom, one in the smaller bedroom, and one in the hallway. These are intelligent home safety devices. As the manufacturer says: "the smoke alarm that other alarms look up to".
May 22, 2019
In the McGee House main bedroom, on the queen sized bed, there is a natural European Sleep Works mattress.
This Luxury mattress is from European Sleep Works (in Berkeley) which is very well known in the Bay Area for it’s high quality, all natural material, bedroom goods.
May 19, 2019
Brand new 50” Insignia 4K Smart TV placed at the McGee House.
Wall Mounted (with an articulated am).
Smart TV with many apps (Amazon, Netflix, HBO, etc.)
I have included an unlimited Netflix streaming account on the TV for FREE on-demand internet streaming of all 100,000s of movies and TV shows.
Sep 27, 2017
New Washer and Dryer Pair was installed in September 2017.
These are modern, quiet and efficient models made by Bosch.
May 18, 2019
The house had undergone a major remodel in the Spring of 2019:
* New drywall
* New trim
* New front windows
* New Paint
* New lighting in all walls)
* Refinishing the hardwood oak floors
* new window coverings
* Many new furnishing (including a ........
June 20, 2016
The kitchen now has a Breville Cafe Roma espresso machine.
PDF Manual available via link on this page.
Nov 18, 2016
The kitchen was remodeled in August 2016 with new cabinets, new under cabinet lights, new counter top, new sink, and new garbage disposal.
See photos on the Photos page.
Aug 20, 2016
Added a new shed in the back yard.
It has a few garnering tools, but most of the space is available for guest to store items (such as luggage - also potentially bikes, although the shed is not super secure).
Details about the shed:
Jun 18, 2016
Offering guest this optional rolling and folding desk.
It fits in either bedroom (so bedrooms can function as offices).
In the second bedroom: fits even with Twin Bunk Murphy Wallbed folded down.
Folds for easy storage.
Desk is 48” wide x 23” deep.
Nov 25, 2011
Guest now have another cooking option at the McGee House:
barbecuing / grilling.
Dec 24, 2014
In the McGee House main bedroom, on the queen sized bed, there is now a natural “pillow topper” to give the bed a more luxurious feel.
This luxury pillow top is from European Sleep Works (in Berkeley) which is very well known in the Bay Area for it’s high quality, all natural material, bedroom goods.
Sep 1, 2011
A new whole-house forced air furnace has been installed in the McGee House.
This is a high-efficiency / energy-star-rated (quiet) furnace that provides heat to the entire house through 5 vents (one in each room: Main room, kitchen, bedroom 1, bedroom 2, and bathroom).
Mar 1, 2011
A new range (oven and natural gas cooktop) has been installed in the McGee house.
Manufacture = Dynasty/jade.
It is a commercial grade model, with burners that can produce a lot of heat if desired.
Oct 2, 2012
A new quiet Broad stainless steel range hood has been installed over the stove in the McGee house kitchen.
Apr 20, 2010
A dishwasher has been installed in the McGee house.
It is quite and efficient
Bosch model.
Jun 16, 2009
For guests with young toddlers, I have made available a high chair for the kitchen or dining area.
This highchair is probably suitable for a child 6 months or older, but depends on the size of the child.
May 8, 2009
New eco-friendly (no splinters) deck installed in the private back yard in May 2009.
Feb 4, 2008
New eco-friendly kitchen flooring was installed in Feb 2008.
Easy to clean, and soft underfoot.