To be absolutely clear, though our stay had some pretty unlucky moments, my rating is only based on the things that were within the hosts control.
Firstly, the accomodation is beautiful, SPOTLESS and Gae is an amazing communicator. She’s responsive and helpful - I had forgotten pasta and she brought it to us straight away. The fireplace is amazing, the porch, though it was too cold to use was fantastic and the breakfast amenities provided were lovely. If you have kids, there’s even a whole stowaway of marshmallows and chocolates.
I’d say the listing itself needs a bit of updating… the kitchenette really is a kitchenette (there is a plug in burner / countertop oven that blew the fuse when we had it on with the kettle) but a full size fridge. If you’re a huge fan of cooking, probably not for you.
The listing definitely has 3 great bedrooms but actually, half the house gets locked off if you’re just two. It wasn’t any dramas but had I not mentioned that I was unable to find the washing machine, I suppose you pay for more than you technically get (if you’re 2).
Unfortunately, on the morning of our first day, the water heater broke. We waited for a repairman and cancelled our plans for the morning because we wanted a shower. By 1pm the repairman told us there would be no hope and the whole thing had busted. Gae was extremely apologetic and offered us two solutions - one to use her bathroom in the adjoining house or two, to go to the local pool. Neither option suited us (we’re pretty private people, my partner is a TV host), so I began the long task of contacting Air Cover and AirBNB. By 8p that day, still without water, we were offered the option of checking into a hotel for 30% off and being credited the second night. We decided to tough another day / night without showers as by that point it was just too late.
In our claim back to the host, we thought it was fair to receive 50% off the stay but she disagreed and gave us 75% off the second night. Acknowledging that we had no hot water (no baths… a big selling feature, no showers and having to manually boil to wash dishes), it wasn’t a very relaxing trip unfortunately.
One final note on privacy - there is a hallway to the guest house that’s shared by either one or two sliding doors that looks like it lands in their kitchen. If you’re looking for total privacy, note this isn’t a standalone house.
I do want to reiterate that the main part of the rental space is lovely and Gae is a very nice lady.