Paolos place was in a good location and we were met by his friend who introduced us to the house and area. Unfortunately while we were there there was the worst acqua alta since 1966 which we did not anticipate. We bought appropriate footwear to try and protect our shoes but this was useless as the whole of Venice was flooded and the water was over our knees. Our foot wear and jeans were completely soaked so we had to dry them. We did this on radiators and unfortunately some dye did come out of our boots onto the radiator and wall. We did try to make it right as best we could. Paolo contacted the resolution team and wanted 700 euros for the stains on the wall and radiator. There was no quote attached to this request as to what the 700 euros was for. This was more than the whole holiday cost. I have paid 25 euros which should cover a tin of paint for the radiator and wall. I have had no further feedback. We are completely shocked by this request. I kept in contact with Poalo while the water levels were rising and asked what should be done if the water came into the house. Luckily it didnt. Also Poalo's request for the money was in Italian which I didnt understand and all his other correspondance with me had been in English. We felt as though we were being scammed and I said this much to the resolution team. I have offered to negotiate further if he can provide some evidence of the true cost of repair but have heard nothing back.
The property itself was lacking ; in the kitchen we had to light the hob with a cigarette lighter and the kettle was a hob kettle that took about 10 minutes to boil. The toaster didnt work and there was an open brick wall with crumbling brick work that I had to sweep up a couple of times a day.
This property was not the usual air b&b standard and I was not going to complain but obviously now it is on a public review as I feel the need to exonerate my name and character as I am sure the host will say unfavourable things about me. We did not deliberately cause any damage and would have willingly tried to put everything right if the request from the host had been reasonable.