This was a bit of a strange experience.
Clayton was very welcoming and seems like a lovely bloke. Although he wasn't around when I first arrived, and I couldn't get through to him for a wee while, this was no big deal - I just went to the supermarket and came back half an hour later.
As Clayton showed me in, he explained that the house is mid renovation and that he hasn't been accepting AirBNB requests for a while but "let this one go through".
The ongoing renovation meant that the dedicated guest lounge area was not available (which had been something that influenced my booking) - and the guest bedroom, although clean and comfortable, did smell heavily of paint.
I had booked 2 nights but due to ferry issues had decided to only stay 1 night, and when I explained this to Clayton, he offered to refund me some money in light of me curtailing my stay and the fact the house was mid renovation. This seemed like a fair enough compromise.
I stayed the 1 night as planned, went for a tootle around Takaka Hill and Kaiterteri and then returned to the house mid afternoon to retrieve my belongings and leave (after a brief rest). Clayton wasn't around but we exchanged texts and he reiterated that he would refund me some dollars (we didn't agree an amount) and I furnished him with my bank details.
Some days passed - no refund. I followed up via text and Clayton apologised and said he'd do it shortly. More days passed. I texted again. No reply this time. This was a couple of days ago.
Today is the last day I can leave a review, so I am doing so honestly listing these issues.
Honestly, if I'd had some money flicked back to me as per Clayton's word I'd have no complaints as what we agreed seemed a fair compromise on the house being mid-renovation. But it looks like that won't be happening now, for whatever reason.
The house will be lovely, I am sure, once finished - but at nearly $100 per night for my room without the dedicated guest lounge as advertised....and with Clayton seemingly not sticking to his word, I wouldn't recommend, as it stands.
Final thing - Clayton has a small and friendly dog. This didn't bother me a bit, but should probably be on his listing so people know, incase they dislike dogs. Just mentioning that so people know what to expect.