Our family loved this house! We reserved Andy's home only 15 minutes before arriving while on an impromptu trip to Newport. He was so accomodating and gracious. It was obvious the home was loved - I wasn't surprised to learn after we left that Andy grew up in this house. You could tell he loves the place and really wanted to provide a special place for his guests. The home has a positive, friendly, and happy vibe and I couldn't help but feel like we were treasured guests.
Andys place was immaculately clean and fresh. Unlike other homes which are clean but barren, cold, and empty with a corporate feeling - we felt as if we were staying in the home of a good family friend and that made us want to take care of it even more. The balance between decorated and spartan was achieved perfectly with furnishings and decorations tastefully and beautifully pulled together. We didn't notice anything broken or not working - even the ice machine in the fridge. :) They had a lovely piano which my mother, who is a musician, was thrilled to play!
I have stayed in a lot of homes and I have never had so many supplies and thoughtful touches provided. They literally thought of everything we could need (or that we might forget!). These small yet incredible and thoughtful touches really made this home stand eons above others; a soft throw blanket on the couch, fresh flowers and local wine on the table, an appropriate selection of condiments (spices, ketchup, butter, etc.), and even our name written on a chalkboard welcoming us! The bathrooms had oodles of supplies like q-tips, cotton balls, disposable razors, hairspray, body wash, curling iron, plus so much more. We had more than enough towels for everyone and our hosts even supplied laundry detergent. Each bedroom had its own Keurig machine with coffee, creamer, and sugar - as well as a mini-fridge, nightlights, and suitcase stands. The portable AC's worked very well as if they were brand new.
The bedrooms are all good-sized, with plenty of storage options (dressers, closets, built-ins). I tend to be very picky about the quality of mattresses I sleep on, and I am always prepared to "feel springs" when I travel. However, the beds were amazing! Very comfortable, soft yet firm, and I even snuck a peek at the brand so I would remember when I need to replace my mattress. The linens and bedspreads were high quality, modern and comfortable, including the pillows. The first-floor bedroom with the en suite bathroom worked like a charm for my 80-year-old mother, and the three bedrooms upstairs fit the rest of the family very well. Even though the house is on a busy road, since the house is solidly built we didn't notice any traffic noise. The driveway is very large and could easily fit 4 vehicles.
Driving to Newport Harbor was super easy and took only about 10 minutes with traffic. Andy was incredibly responsive and kind - even when I had to call him at 10 pm because we locked ourselves out of the house! He was truly delightful.
For someone with mobility concerns, the 5 steps going into the house were not difficult to navigate for my 80-year-old mother. Originally I was wanting to reserve a home with a water view and was worried I would regret that choice. However, once we arrived, I never thought of a view again since the house was so lovely and we spent our days outside at the harbor or touring anyhow. If you reserve this home, you will not be disappointed. Overall, the home was a perfect choice for our family and just as described - yet better. We would stay here again if we had the opportunity. Thank you again, Andy!