To describe this property as "rustic" is misleading. The term should be interpreted as "tired and in need of maintenance". The pictures are very out dated and we felt they misrepresented the condition of the property.
The outdoor areas were littered with weeds growing through the cracks in the patio; the pool lights did not work; the two pool nets used to clean the surface water with were torn and broken; the lifebuoy was buried in long grass, which was overgrown to one side of the pool; the filter didn't work - we cleaned it out; the double padded sunbed with canopy was very unstable, rocking furiously and creaking with every gust of wind; the canopy was not as shown in the pictures but in fact an ill-fitting side of a gazebo, cable tied unevenly over the top and the cushions were stained with black mold marks; the other 6 sunbeds were all sunken and very uncomfortable. There were 3 additional plastic sunbeds but no cushions. It all felt untidy, unkempt and tatty.
We specifically asked Maria before arriving whether the pool was private or overlooked and were told it was private. In reality the kitchen window of the small accommodation situated on the patio next to the pool, looks directly into the pool. Both we and our neighbours were surprised!
Sitting outside was not as comfortable as we'd hoped as the villa is situated directly on the road leading to the apartments which are part of the same property, and it is overlooked by the guests staying in these apartments who pass by to access their accommodation. The view from the windows at the back of the villa is literally a vertical view of the base of the mountain covered in grasses. A haven for mosquito's. If you venture to this property at this time of year (September), make sure you use plenty of protection against them and purchase lots of citronella - you'll need candles burning all night in the bedrooms!
The games tables listed for everyone's shared use are really old and positioned so close together under a lean to shelter, I don't think it would be possible to use either of them.
The large communal pool was lovely except it too was surrounded by overgrown weeds and grass making the whole thing feel and look unkempt. In turn this made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
Inside, the villa was very clean and reasonably well equipped. We were provided with 3 bath towels and 3 hand towels between each couple for the week. However, if felt mean spirited to discover there were no basics - ie, no salt and pepper, no dish cloths, no washing up liquid or dishwasher tablets. Tons of crockery but no wine glasses. To be fair, I don't think any of this is listed in the Airbnb listing, but being an Airbnb Superhost myself, and having been a guest at several Airbnb properties, I took for granted that some basics would be automatically included.
We never cooked, used the washing machine or dishwasher so can't comment - what I would advise is that if you do stay here, bring all your own washing up liquid etc or be prepared to buy when you get there.
Maria seemed very nice to begin with and helpfully provided us with weather forecasts and a hairdryer which was not included in the villa.
We asked where we could find a TV remote control so we could tune the radio in but were informed that there wasn't one - she directed us to the on/off button.
We alerted her to the fact that the safe was broken and she informed us that a previous guest had broken it and it was not included in the booking.
Maria assured us that the villa was very safe, and off the beaten track so there was no need to worry about the security of our personal things. We had little choice but to trust her judgement and I'm pleased to say, she was correct. We left with our belongings and while we were there we found a hiding place for our passports and laptops.
We asked her about the broken pool lights and she first said they would disturb the neighbours in the accommodation directly adjacent to the pool, and then further explained that the government had put a ban on light pollution caused by pool lights because the area was a national park and the lights scared the birds. Interesting and convenient explanation! None of the other local hotels or pools seemed to be aware of this ban as we saw loads of lights on during the evening. It also didn't make sense that the pool lights might scare the birds whereas the two outside lights illuminating the gate wouldn't! I think in truth they were simply broken and in need of maintenance much like everything else outside.
We left salt and pepper, tea, washing up cloths etc and hoped these would be left for the next guests. We also left an unopened half bottle of vodka, a half bottle of gin, a book, and an umbrella on the table - either for the cleaner, next guests or Maria.
5 days after we arrived home, Maria accused us of taking the hair dryer and breaking a plastic shelf in the fridge door. She asked us to pay £250.00 by way of compensation. We did not steal the hairdryer nor break the door and we will not be paying her any additional money.
I have now seen a previous guest review who said Maria tried to get them to pay extra money while they were there. She apparently backed down when they refused. I am deeply saddened and upset by Maria's accusation and by the overall condition of the property.
We definitely wouldn't go back and we wouldn't recommend.