I'm rather sad to be writing this review because this ruined our trip down south which otherwise was amazing. I'm sure this would have been a really peaceful stay if it was only for a weekend and if you didn't have to communicate with the host. Unfortunately we stayed for 5 weeks.
Upon arrival we met the host who comes across as somewhat unapproachable.
After going through the property it was not clean. Which was especially disappointing as we had paid so much to be there. The bathroom and the toilet were a disgrace. Apart from them been dirty the walls are coming apart. There's brown grime between some tiles and around the shower.
The kitchen units are up off the ground meaning small hands can easily get under. Who knows when the last time this was sweeped... it was full of dirt and old food. My toddler actually picked up some old food and tried to eat it which I had to prise out of his mouth. He could have become unwell from this.
My partner is a Biomedical Engineer and the host asked if at some point she could bring her daughter for a chat. She then proceeded to just turn up one night with her daughter completely putting my husband on the spot. He then had to stand and answer questions about his job for 40 minutes with no other conversation. Not even how are things going. When they arrived they could clearly see we were about to have dinner and feed our two babies. We would not have minded had we been given some warning. The host was dropping off a package which yes is nice but we were also about to eat and had a long day as one of our children was not very well.
Throughout our stay the hosts without any warning just turned up. We asked many times to be given notice. This then escalated one time when they just came banging on the door saying they needed to do meter readings giving us no chance to say no. This was especially annoying as I had been in bed unwell for the past 2 days and my husband was running around after the two babies on his own.
They then came in judging that the house was a "disgrace" when in fact it was nothing but normal daily mess that we clean up every night before we go to bed. The hosts then went on to do a mini inspection without even asking. Considering we paid $2500 dollars to be here whilst we do we have a right to live as we wish. There may have been mess but as long as nothing was damaged or dirty then that's our business. The hosts also were looking into the bedroom were I was sleeping (I could have been naked) but this did not stop them. I feel so embarrassed by this it was a complete invasion of my privacy. Instead of apologising the host then went on to complain about a lack fitted sheets and pillow cases on the beds. Which was because they has been washed that morning and were out to dry. We had looked for spares but couldn't find any. We had not been informed of any spares so we assumed there were none. When I spoke to the host about just looking into the bedroom were I was asleep she denied this but then continued to give me abuse about the sheets not all been on. Which on a different note I don't know how she would have known this without looking in.
We were also told that we had graffitied the venander because my son had drawn a few small circles with baby chalk (which i already know comes off in about 2 seconds with a baby wipe) and did. When I say a small amount I mean I very small amount.
We were made to feel judged, ridiculed and patronised.
Later I got a message saying that she saw my toddler bounce on the bed (he's 2 and was in his PJ's). Leading to the host saying "I wouldn't let my children do anything like this". Basically judging my parenting.
Save yourself the stress if you are travelling with young toddlers that like to play. We paid a lot of money to be here for 5 weeks and it was not worth it.
Host seems unwilling to do any cleaning herself and expects hosts to have it ready for the next guests.
The house is average at best. The location is beautiful and there are many nice towns and attractions around. Although, from speaking to others and doing some research myself there are better farm stays in just as great locations dotted around for cheaper.
We were due to leave on the 7th of July. We actually left on the 6th because our car engine broke. We had to chance this car breaking down to get the the nearest big city (Mandurah). I messaged the host saying we would be leaving early and apologised in advance if we forgot anything, but that we only had a few hours to sort things as we didn't want to do that drive in the dark especially with two babies. Despite this the house was perfectly clean upon us leaving (as it was when we arrived) despite forgetting to clean the microwave. The response I got back to this was "ok hope the house is clean, as it was - which is what is expected". Not once ounce of empathy or kindness. I've never been made to feel so unwanted in a property.
I have never had a problem like this on air BnB and this is not my first long term stay. Both Air bnbs prior to this were a month long. We got on so well with the hosts that we are still in communication with them and have actually just returned to one of them.
Considering this host