Overall stay was decent- we had a nice family weekend. Although we would definitely chose another home for our next stay in Newport/Middleton. This may be a good spot for couples that pop in and out, not to spend a family weekend with kids lounging in the home.
First, we had problems with the heat. It would not turn on even when we set the main floor nest to the max thinking that would kickstart it. Each floor (1 room basement, main floor, 1 bedroom/bathroom on the third floor) is on its own zone. We cranked up each thermostat. We reached out to the host and he mentioned it takes a bit. We turned it on when we checked in about 5 and was still very cold in the house at bedtime (8-9ish). The guys went to buy firewood and we kept the fireplace going all weekend. That seemed to be the only way to get the place warm although the host said that steam heat just takes “a while”. The basement bedroom stayed cold the entire time, this was an issue for us as we had kids on our trip and it was a very cold weekend.
Second, we checked in NYE about 445pm and did not have working hot water until New Year’s Day around 5pm. The host was responsive when we reached out to him and sent a plumber within an hour. As a homeowner totally understand things happen, just a bummer that no one was able to take a hot shower until the next evening- especially for the price we paid. The host did not offer a break for the inconvenience (or for the heat issue- at least provide firewood and make notes of these house quirks prior to check-in). Not being able to shower was a huge turn off. He said the problem never happened before which we felt was a little hard to believe especially due to the issues with the heat and a plumber came so quickly on a holiday, but I guess possible. We called the host after we realized the plumber left for an update (we never got an explanation from the plumber as to what was wrong), and the host said the plumber said everything was working properly. After attempting to shower again (we got warm water for about 2 minutes before it turning cold) we called the host again. He informed us a new plumber would arrive the next day due to the holiday. Eventually the water got hot that evening, but it was very mysterious and odd, we didn’t hear from the host again and felt disappointed overall.
The house looks a little more updated in the pics than it is, kitchen is very small (2 barstools with a totally separate dining room) which is not great for family gatherings. bathrooms are not updated. House wasn’t that clean, my sons PJs were dirty from crawling around. Bedrooms were very comfortable- beds were great.
Neighborhood was awesome but outdoor space was a bit unkept, needed to be cleaned up a bit.