I booked Jo's place for a long term stay from Oct 3rd to Nov 6th, and have been debating if/how to review as my feelings are mixed. I wasn't able to complete my stay and ended up checking out two weeks early - but Jo handled it well.
The situation arose when Jo's lodger moved out about 2 weeks into my stay, which in Jo's defence, was unexpected. This meant I seemed to be left in charge of the house and cat, Ms P, for whose care there were no clear instructions given or information volunteered. It felt like an assumption had been made that this would be taken on by me, since Jo was away for work and there was no apparent regular cleaner. When I lifted the lid of the litter box to clean it for the first time, it was obvious that it hadn't been cleaned in a number of weeks. The lodger had also previously said that the cats had fleas, which Jo apparently hadn't been convinced of since Ms P was up to date on her monthly preventative treatment, but during the time where I was caring for Ms P it became obvious that she definitely did have fleas. I spoke to Jo, and she completely understood my concerns and clarified she doesn't expect her guests to care for her cat (again in Jo's defence she seemed genuinely surprised that her cleaner hadn't been in). Jo came over and took Ms P to her partners house and sprayed the carpets. It was a shame to lose Ms P as a companion - she truly is such a lovely, affectionate cat and guests are lucky to meet her - but I was grateful to Jo for understanding my concerns/feelings and acting to resolve them. Unfortunately the flea infection had clearly spread to the carpets/floorboards/bedding, as even after Ms P was taken away I was getting really badly bitten. This went on for a number of days and I kept seeing them on my bed, and even caught a few crawling on me during the day, and I showed images to Jo. I did make a few attempts at home remedies to repel them, hoovered and changed the bedding, but none of this gave me any relief so ultimately I decided to leave 2 weeks early. I do want to give Jo credit where its due because when I told her I was leaving and why, she accepted this without question or hostility, and went above and beyond in making sure my refund was processed quickly and even offered to buy medications for me to help with the bites which she didn't have to do. She also helped in looking for an item I had left behind and allowing me to pop back in and collect it. She could not apologise enough for the situation, and I do understand that these things just happen sometimes - it's part of the risk of owning animals and agreeing to stay with animals. The house does need to be completely fumigated - which Jo did suggest she would do and I hope she has. My reason for mentioning this in the review is because I know how tricky it can be to permanently get rid of fleas and I want to encourage future guests to let Jo know straight away if you see them, or notice you've been bitten, so she can deal with it quickly before it becomes another big infestation.
Some positives:
Jo's house is very conveniently located for students - both universities are walkable. The area is vibrant but the lodger advised me not to wander too deep into the estate at night, advice which I heeded! The bus service is regular and reliable however it does get busy as its a student route. The convenience shop across the road is great for snacks, toiletries, and other small household items. There is an Aldi 10 minutes away as well - AND it's in range for Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
All the facilities were as advertised, Jo is very pro-make-yourself-at-home and makes it easy to access things like spare bedding and towels - so it was easy and comfortable to go about my business and do what I needed to. I particularly enjoyed the large shower! So in terms of facilities, Jo's place is good value for money.
When Jo is not away for work, she would usually stay in the caravan on the street outside but access the house for cooking, TV, bathroom, garden, etc.
My interactions with Jo and her partner were predominantly positive - as I said they were away for work so I didnt see much of them but they came to stay for one night the weekend before I left. They stayed in the house rather than the usual caravan and hand on heart they were both exceptional levels of lovely and generous to me. They seemed really fun and easygoing and I'd have liked to have spent more time getting to know them. One thing that was a shame was that they smoked in the house without asking me if I minded. Given one of the house rules for guests is to smoke outside you don't then expect your hosts to come and smoke inside - the smell travels unfortunately and it was really potent in the hallway that night; also it was awkward that the walls proved to be as thin as they are, I was left feeling a bit uncomfortable at times throughout the night... and the following morning... and I didn't really know how to handle that or address it. But I also respect its Jo's house, we are all adults, and she can do what she wants at the end of the day.
I did become aware through the lodger, as well as through shirts Jo and her partner were wearing, and conversations I overheard through the walls, that Jo has some views and associations which are controversial.