Unfortunately, there were problems because there was no one to greet us at the house and I had difficulty reaching the host.
I had to pick up keys, written directions to house, and instructions pertaining to the house at a bar from a bartender who told me there was a sign in front of the house which turned out impossible to see; it was smothered in tree leaves.
Instructions to operate boiler for heating and hot water were contradictory: one example of the necessity for having someone on site when we arrived. As a result we figured out how to get hot water but we never had heat.
(I didn’t dare try to use the gas fireplace—there were no instructions.)
I called Jer twice one day and sent a text. What I got to the phone calls was a voice message that he was unavailable and to call back later. There was no prompt to leave a message. I was in Kenmare to tour the sites, not wait around the house hoping I would eventually reach the host.
It was not until I checked my email later that night that I found a message from Jer saying that for some reason he could not call my number. I did get answers to my questions via email but it was a day long process.
More Cons
The first and only time we used the toaster, it smoked and set off smoke alarm. (We had not burned bagel; there turned out to be a chunk of bread caught in the toaster wires.)
The bottom sheet on my bed and the blanket were stained.
Finally, it was not until after I booked the house that I received notice that I would be paying for electricity, heat, and hot water separately. I reread listing and no where had this been mentioned. I never ran into this using Air B&Bs in London, Milan, Florence, Los Angeles, Cape Cod, and New York.
Paperwork included sheet with utility readings made before my arrival for electric and gas. It was up to me to record readings upon departure and leave money or credit card information.
These are the pros:
Quiet neighborhood yet really close to Kenmare’s main streets
Nicely decorated
Comfortable beds
However, neither my companion nor I thought the house was worth the trouble of staying at.