Bard College
Creative Entrepreneurs
Philip: English transplant to the Bay Area and half Spanish adoptive son of hardworking Yorkshire folk. I'm married to the one, engaged to my work and in love with exploring the merging of design art and craft.
Tania: SF raised with a NY energy and an Armenian background that I am proud of. I'm an international journalist, interviewing artists and producing for radio and print. I speak several languages and love to meet people. Found my husband in a cafe in NY and came back to SF to live near my Grandma. Oh, and I love plants.
We had a wonderful stay at Tania & Philips place. They are very kind & it's a shame we didn't have time to get to know them better. Beautiful appartment, very clean and not too far from the Mission. 2 blocks from the J Church line, which brings you downtown for 2$.Absolutely recommended A+
September 2011I loved it. Good location, the room and the whole home have good good vibrations and energies.the hosts are friendly and kind
Philip and Tania made us feel like home. We felt like being part of the family. They were very helpful and always open for discussions. Welcoming people they don't know in their home is part of their lifestyle. The house is great and very well located.Thank you so much for everything. We will come back.
Tania and Philip were great hosts, and their place is simply amazing. I felt right at home, thanks to their hospitality and the overall coziness of the place. It's a shame I didn't have enough time to check out their recommended hangouts, but who knows, maybe next time?
This is a highly recommendable place in one of the coolest areas of SF. Tania and Philip are very nice hosts and the house is wonderful. Their list of near places to eat and hang out was very helpful.
inspiring!! can't wait to visit again!
Staying with Phlip and Tania was a real joy. The house is setup nicely, cleanly, and with artistic consideration. Plenty of room for one person in the guest room, quiet neighborhood and within walking distance of many great restaurants and public transit. I enjoyed connecting with Phlip and Tania, and would recommend this spot for their hospitality.
It was perfect !!!! nice place, perfect location, realy clean with a realy good wibe ! we had great time in this place !!! go for it !!!!!
We had a lovely stay at Philip and Tania's home in a great location in SF. The house is warm, light, filled with many objects of interest, including a collection of heart-shaped rocks, and many plants. The house was clean. The bedroom is simply furnished. The bathroom is beautiful and is shared with the couple. Tania and Philip were out of town when we arrived and had friends "host" us. Michael and Zia were warm and friendly folks.
these guys are super friendly, the place is rad, the location is great. thanks guys!
We had a very enjoyable stay with Philip & Tanya in Creative Sanctuary. They are a very welcoming couple who were happy to share their home with us and we felt very much at home there. Their advice on where to see and dine out was very helpful. We very much look forward to returning to San Francisco at some time in the future and would be happy to stay with Philip and Tanya again.
Philip and Tania's home was a beautiful and welcoming space to enjoy San Francisco. Tania and Philip were very knowledgeable about local restaurants and bars to visit. I would definitely stay here again!!
Tania and Philip were excellent hosts. I only spent 2 days at their place but would definitely recommend it. The apartment is very clean and well decorated, and the room is quiet. Perfect if you want to enjoy the city for a few days!
I had a lovely time and Tania was most gracious.
Phil and Tanya kindly provided lots of useful information about San Francisco. Great place to explore S.F from and a safe neighbourhood which you feel totally safe to explore at night. Parking is tricky, so probably better without a car I think.
Philip and Tania's home is peaceful, quiet and clean. It definitely reflects who they are....an incredibly pleasant and accommodating couple. There was a slight misunderstand regarding our date and time of arrival but they quickly made arrangements and still welcomed us into their home. I find the other reviews spot on. The only disadvantage we found was that there was only one bathroom located by the kitchen area. We essentially shared it with them and had no issues. The bedroom was... More »
We had a great time staying with Philip and Tania. The house is lovely and good location, easy walk to shops and cafes/bars etc, plus close to the subway. They were extremely welcoming and hospitable and had a great list of good places to check out. Definitely recommend.
EASY - LAID BACK - SMILING - HELPFUL. Everything went smoothly. First time in SF, hopefully not the last. Amazing.
The host canceled my reservation 108 days before arrival.
Tania and Philip have a beautiful home in one of the best neighborhoods in SF. As a last minute booking, Tania was responsive, friendly and genuinely warm and welcoming. Plus the home and room was spectacular--clean, convenient and well designed. It truly felt like a one-of-a-kind travel experience tailored especially for me. One night wasn't enough... I can't wait to try out some of the other amazing properties in my own backyard and beyond! Highly Recommended!!
Tania and Philip have a beautiful home, and it was such a pleasure enjoy their artistry and creativity. My mom and I had a wonderful conversation with Tania before we took off and just adored her! Wonderful first Airbnb experience. Thank you guys!
Tania and Philip's place is super cool! Our bed was very comfortable, too. I would recommend you stay with them!
Not only was this an awesome location, but Philip and Tania were incredibly pleasant and extraordinarily accommodating. We needed a place to stay last minute in San Francisco for one night and they got back to us right away. They come with our highest recommendation!
I made a last minute decision to go with AirBnB rather than booking a hotel for the first night of my trip and I'm really really pleased that I did so and that I found Tania and Philip's home there. The apartment is exactly as described. I came straight from the airport and what I needed was somewhere quiet and comfortable where I could relax and not have to be too sociable. Having traveled from London, I was worn out and slept almost immediately. When I woke I came out and met Philip... More »
Phillip and Tania were excellent hosts! We felt like we were staying with old friends. They were actually such great hosts that we feel they should be nominated to be SUPER HOSTS! Kiyomi and Ingrid
Philip and Tania are the loveliest hosts you can imagine. They have a amazing house and I had a great time! Hope to see them again!!!
Great hosts, attentive, sweet, beautiful home, lovely stay!
Staying with Philip and Tania was fantastic! They were such a friendly cute couple, and made me feel really welcome in their home. They have everything organized and ready for you and have a huge list of fantastic local eats complete with a map of the area. The house is wonderful, cozy and inviting with parade of happy plants, lovely fixtures, and beautifully curated art all around the house. The bed was super comfortable and I slept really well as there is hardly any street noise, and... More »
In this house I spent my best night in the US so far. Am totally mesmerized by the interior and surroundings. Again, many thanks for letting me in on my own! It was a very special experience that I won't forget.
My daughter and I had a very positive first-time airbnb experience staying with Philip and Tania. This was a quick last minute birthday get-away celebration for her 18th birthday so I was grateful for a place that felt safe, secure and comfortable. I found their communication with our last-minute arrangements top-notch. We experienced a warm welcome. The bed was comfortable, the setting peaceful and quiet. I let our daughter select the location and she was immediately drawn to the artistic... More »
This is a wonderful place to stay at if you are in the SF area. Philip and Tania are both very hospitable and friendly. Additionally, the room is right at the house entrance, so you can come and go early in the morning, late at night, etc.
Philip and Tania are a great couple and great hosts....Their home is lovely and their is a calm ambience there, a very pleasant place to be.....The bedroom was very comfortable and the bed was like laying on clouds....My first night there after travelling from Australia I slept 12 hours without stirring...Bathroom is shared. Philip and Tania allowed full use of the house....They were very helpful and informative....It was approximately an hours walk into the city which I did for exercise but... More »
Philip & Tania are a lovely couple! It was my first AirBnB experience and what high expectations I have now! They were extremely hospitable and kind and made me feel like a friend staying with them. I wouldn't hesitate to stay with them again when I return to SF. Oh, and their house is beautiful & cozy. A home away from home.
A first and interesting airbnb experience. Tania and Philip's Creative Sanctuary is a beautifully decorated home located close to some very interesting neighbourhoods and local favourite restaurants/cafes (Philip has his List!). They have many good suggestions for what to do, where to go etc., and there is quite a lot in SF to distract you on a beautiful November day. Thanks for the use of the space, the fun kitchen (and Tania showing me how to make perfect boiled eggs with firm whites and... More »
Most amazing stay ever. Suggested the best food selections in the neighborhood. Truly comfortable stay. Good place to just relax in.
Very nice place. We enjoyed our stay and wish we could have stayed longer in SF! Their home is lovely and relaxing - far enough from the tourist areas to be quiet but still easily accessible by public transit. Good restaurants in the neighborhood. We had a great experience and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
Phillip and Tania are so warm and welcoming. It was like staying with friends! The room is comfortable, the bathroom is very nice, and there is a nice area out back in the garden. The location is great. Lots of nice places in the area and easy to get anywhere via public transport. I loved the little cafe on the corner. Homemade struddel!
My first Airbnb experience, and it's going to be hard to beat! Tania and Philip are the loveliest people, I felt right at home in the Creative Sanctuary! Beautiful house with creative energy, a homely feel and safe neighbourhood. I felt so lucky to be invited to join in Tania and Philip's dinner party with amazing friends of theirs, and Tania even dropped me at the airport! Not just hosts - I felt like i've got 2 new friends! Absolutely recommend without hesitation :)
Mon séjour à San Francisco chez Philip et Tania a été absolument extraordinaire ! Si vous souhaitez connaître une Amérique différente, ouverte d'esprit, généreuse, sensible, cultivée et pleine d'humour, vous pouvez y réserver votre chambre sans aucune hésitation. Philip et Tania m'ont accueilli très chaleureusement et je me suis tout de suite senti à l'aise dans leur appartement. Non seulement ils m'ont laissé la cuisine à disposition pour le petit déjeuner, mais ils m'ont également... More »
Beautiful place and lovely people. Wish we'd had more time to chat and get to know Philip and Tania. Highly recommended.
Even after one year we still like to think about our time in San Francisco with Philip and Tania. Great apartment, great city, great people!
It was the very best stay on our whole trip through California! Tania and Philip have a very cozy and beautiful home in a wonderful part of S.F. It's centrally located with good parking facilities just around the corner. Tania and Philip gave us a lot of tips where to go and what to do besides the typical touristic sights even for our ongoing trip! So we would definitely stay there again if we ever have the chance to come back to S.F. Thank you both very much for your lovely... More »
If you are looking for the nicest and most friendly couple in San Francisco you should definitely go to Tania and Philip. Our stay there can only be described as incredible. They have such a beautiful house and a very nice terrace as well. Our room was very clean and our bed was very comfortable. They did not only offer us cereal for breakfast, but even let us eat with them for dinner. As we did not really know what to do in San Francisco, except the touristic stuff, Philip planed each... More »
This place IS as good as it looks in the photo...and Tania and Phillip are also the most wonderful, open, generous fun people to stay with. They were so helpful with pointing us in the right direction to good food etc. The location is superb..in the hip part of san fran within walking distance to valencia street cafes and restaurants...It was a real highlight of our time in the States...Just book it you won't regret it...
We stayed just one night, but Philip and Tania were very accommodating and welcoming hosts, very comfy room in a great and magnificient place. Highly recommanded.
Beautiful apartment and very cool and creative hosts. Was a delight to stay there.
Philip and Tania are the coolest cats in the hood. I normally stay with friends in SF, but that wasn't an option for this weekend... SO, I made some new friends. Bed was super comfortable and their place is hip. Definitely worth a visit to have a great stay and meet some great peeps.
Philip and Tania were wonderful hosts. Their flat is beautiful, and the area is a great place to stay - a thriving, arty neighbourhood full of interesting shops and excellent places to eat and drink.
Tania and Philip have a lovely nest, and they were very accommodating. Tania has some truly unique plants she carefully attends to. We enjoyed our stay.
Our very first AirBnB experience, and we're so glad that our experience was with Philip and Tania. They are a delightful, trusting, intelligent and warm couple. We loved how Tania and Philip welcomed us into their home, so much so that we're also welcoming our home to them, if they ever plan to make it Berlin, Germany. We highly recommend them again and again. They are, a sure thing:-)
Tanya and Philip were wonderful hosts. They were kind, considerate, and fascinating people. Not only was I comfortable, but I learned a good deal about history, books, and ideas. Who could ask for more! There is also a small cafe right down the street where you can get coffee, breakfast, and check your email free of charge.
Philip and Tania are wonderful hosts! They are warm, friendly, and brilliant, as everyone has said. Their place is beautiful, peaceful, lovingly cared-for, and conveniently located for the Mission, Noe Valley, and easy access to BART and Muni. The guest bedroom is spacious and comfy. I would definitely highly recommend and would return.
Tania and Philip were such wonderful hosts. Their home is truly a sanctuary providing a comfortable and welcoming space to come back to. It is drenched in light and populated with a myriad of plants and artifacts from around the world. Also, the library is every artist/designer's dream come true. It's the small moments at Tania and Philip's that makes the stay so memorable – the conversations, the guidebooks on the nightstand, Tania's brown sugar oatmeal with peaches for breakfast, having... More »
We had an awesome time in SF and Philip and Tanya were AWESOME. Great location and lovely house which they make yours during your stay. We would definately return. Sorry we didn't get to say goodbye guys (we were worried about missing our flight so took off pretty early) Nathan and Megan. (Australia)
Philip and Tania were wonderful hosts! I would recommend them to anyone staying in the Bay Area who wants a well-curated list of restaurants to try, enlivening conversation, and a place to really call home during your visit. They completely opened up their house to us as guests!
Besides walking into a beautiful house with a comfy guest room, I appreciated being greeted by such welcoming hosts. Tania & Philip were warm & engaging, and I enjoyed chatting with them about a range of things (plus, they were cool with me playing guitar around the house). Overall, a really positive experience, and I'd definitely come back.
Philip and Tania are both inviting and brilliant. Their home is an oasis of light and oxygen. Thank you P & T for a wonderful stay in the city ;)
Philip and Tania are wonderful hosts. We had a great time and would definitely come back!
Really enjoyed my stay with Philip and Tania and it was a great being able to be in S.F. and have a more personal experience. Bed was very comfortable and hosts were really swell (and they like language a lot hence my use of “swell” :).
Philip and Tanya were very welcoming and we had a really really comfortable stay with them. It was a real home away from home... a beautiful place to spend time.. sunny, light, full of gorgeous plants and impeccably well looked after. We couldn't recommend more!
Tania and Philip (and Michael!) made our stay in San Francisco all the more special. Their home is wonderful and inviting; the solarium and patio were perfect for a morning coffee; and their company nothing less than refreshing. We look forward to making it back sometime soon.
Tania and Philip were a great hosts. We had a great time in their house. They helped us a lot giving us a lot of info from SF and the surroundings. We really recommend it! Para repetir!
Superior hosts! There gonna have an even nicer place when Tania gets done in the backyard.
thanks again!
Excellent experience overall! Could not have been more refreshing and lovely!
The "Creative Sanctuary" is aptly named - it is serene, filled with art, inspiration and great conversations. Philip and Tania are gracious,helpful hosts and even the many friends who came to visit while I stayed with them were lovely. The guest room was very comfortable and quiet, I enjoyed browsing through the extensive library and enjoyed a morning cup of tea on the enclosed sun porch. The house is immaculately kept and filled with Tania's beautiful plants. The neighborhood is easy to... More »
Philip and Tania are wonderful, interesting hosts, with a light-filled house that they are very happy to share. Beautiful sunroom in the back where you can eat breakfast, great location, and very relaxed and always helpful hosts. We felt very at home.
Philip and Tania are easy-going, free with suggestions and recommendations when asked. They were considerate and made sharing space with them as stress-free as possible. Very fun to see Philip's work in process.
Beautiful home, very warm and welcoming hosts, great energy! Phillip and Tania are lovely, and so is their creative sanctuary. I really enjoyed my stay, and will definitely be back.
We had such a great stay in the Creative Sanctuary. It truly is everything as described. We almost booked a hotel but staying here was the best decision we made for our trip. Instead of being confined to a hotel room we had an entire house at our disposal. We enjoyed our mornings with fresh coffee and tea, Tartine goodies, WIFI, and taking in gorgeous greenery and views from the deck. Another bonus is the location. We were able to walk to the Mission and were only a block or two from the bus... More »
Philip & Tania's beautiful & comfortable home has a wonderful energy that makes it such a nice place to retreat to after the day. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet them as they were traveling, but Sally, a very sweet & cheerful friend was there to take care of any need & was extremely helpful with information of all sorts. I wholeheartedly recommend a stay there - a wonderful place from which to get to know this amazing city. Thanks Philip & Tania for the stay & thank you Sally for making... More »
I didn't actually end up taking this trip and hope to stay in this gorgeous place sometime! Philip and Tania were understanding and we still paid for our stay which was completely fair.
This was my second stay with Philip and Tania. It was fantastic once again.
We loved our stay at the creative sanctuary!! Your home is beautiful! Wished we could have met Tania... maybe on your next trip to NYC.. or some coffee at Ciao for Now?? :-) Thanks for hosting us!
La maison est très agréable, surtout la pièce ensoleillée ouverte vers le jardin (nous y étions souvent). Tania et Philip savent vous mettre à l'aise. Et Tania parle très bien français. Le quartier est bien desservi par le Tram et le bus, un peu loin du centre, mais très local (pas trop touristique). Merci Tania et Philip !
Great location, great house/place and charming, interesting, very nice people. What more can I say?
Thanks for the stay at your beautiful home. It was so comfortable and refreshing.
Thank you for your hospitality. You are both lovely and we felt quite independent at your place...the back "patio" is beautifull! Carlo and I hope you enjoy the ice cream!!
Philip and Tania...Staying with you two was the best decision!!From the moment we stepped into your house we felt totally welcome and at home!We so enjoyed waking up in the peacefulness and loved feeling like we lived there and weren't just there for a visit!You two are the BEST and I believe we have made new friends!We would give 100 stars if we could!
What a pleasure to stay in the home of Philip and Tania! They are lovely people--genuine, warm, inspiring, inspired, generous and beyond hospitable. Their home is gorgeous, well located and really does feel like a sanctuary. I can't wait to return and also spend more time with them. THANKS SO MUCH! xo Rupal
Thank you Philip and Tania. We had a fabulous time in SF due in no small part to your beuatiful house, your helpful hints for places to eat and your recommendations for places to visit. As wonderous as Tania's plants may be, they pale in comparison to Tania's charm and engaging conversation. Great room, good parking on the street. We highly recommend them. Ari and Irys
Philip and Tania are terrific hosts; so very warm and friendly, laid back and generous. Their apartment is beautiful and filled with positive energy. My room was very comfortable I was made to feel at home. It was a wonderful experience. I sincerely wish I had more time to hang out getting to know them. I'm sure I will stay there again. Thanks- Shanti Shanti, Mallory
What a fantastic couple and place! We were very pleased to stay in their house when we were in SFO. The atmosphere of their house is very peaceful and Tania has beautiful plants. We were a bit afraid to stay far away from the city center but after this experience, if we come back, we'll certainly stay another time there because the transportations were very easy and close and we enjoy the proximity of Mission, Castro and Noe Valley. Philip and Tania, we wish you all the best!
Wow! What a fantastic place. So well designed and decorated and with a such a great vibe. Really confortable and clean room. They made us feel just like home. Really inspiring couple and so funny. We hope to come back really soon! :D
Great hood, beautiful place, friendly and easy going host -- we didn't have the chance to meet Tanya, but her plants are fabulous!
The place was fantastic, just like Tania and Philip. I wuold like to come back as soon as possible.
Great casa, cool neighborhood, charming hosts. P and T introduced us to a hip Italian ristorante (well, it's actually a spaghetti shack) which served tasty food and played good music by way of the DJ stationed in the middle of the dining room! :) Do stay with them if you find yourselves in SF. -E
We enjoyed the great location and peaceful interior. We felt welcome and comfortable and look forward to staying with them again when we travel to the city.
Tania and Philip are wonderful and cheerful - and very helpful in providing us with all the insight tips on SF. We truely felt it was a home away from home. The only reason why we're giving 4 and not 5 stars, is that it was a bit crowded in the bathroom in the morning... Apparantly we are all on the exact same inner clock :)
We had an excellent stay. We loved the neighbourhood, the tasteful interior and above all the kind and cheerful hosts. Philip and Tania have been very flexible in having us with a 1,5 year old, were helpful in advising us around san francisco and we enjoyed our entertaining conversations.Thanks!
Great place to stay in SF. Tania and Philip were very welcoming. They gave us good advice on SF musts & don'ts. The house is spacious with a lot of natural light coming in. It is situated near a Bart stop which brings you easily downtown or to the airport. I will definitively stay there if I go back to SF.
We had a fabulous time staying with Philip and Tania - they were the most generous and relaxed hosts we could have hoped for, and full of local knowledge and recommendations. The house itself is beautifully decorated in an arty, eclectic style that refelcts the personality of this great couple. Much better than any conventional B&B or hostel - it really made our trip more memorable and special, and we'd certainly stay with them again if we ever go back to SF.
Phil and Tania were a pleasure to have stay with us. They only stayed with us one night but we could easily have spent more time them. Defnitely would host them again.
August 2011Everyone else has already said it, but I'll say it again! Not only are P & T one of the most down-to-earth, intelligent, and fun to be around couples, their house is *beautiful*. Every nook and corner is lovingly tended to. There is amazing art on the walls, design books on the shelves, one-of-a-kind furniture, and a fabulous yard -- all on a quiet street in a great neighborhood. The room is elegant and clean, and totally private. But I think most of all, it's your hosts that will make the... More »
March 2009Philip and Tania are awesomely creative people! Their space is in a beautiful victorian home, and it radiates full of energy and design. They are also very warm and welcoming people, and if you want to authentically experience San Francisco, you must stay with Philip and Tania. Highly recommended.
I highly recommend Philip & Tania's home. They are two of the most eclectic and sweetest people you'll meet in San Francisco. Their apartment is beautiful, and full of design, books, art, and culture. The room is a private room, perfect for a solo traveler or couple. You'll be sharing the flat with them (which is a bonus). The location is close to Mission, Church St., and includes a deck w/views of Twin Peaks. I hope you get to stay here on your next trip to San Francisco!
