If Airbnb has an Achilles heel it’s that an amazing property alone does not make an amazing stay - the host makes a massive difference and that’s not always transparent from the photos / reviews. We’re at a loss to all the good reviews here and can only wonder if those disappointed decided not to review at all in fear of becoming less attractive to future hosts themselves. For this reason we debated if we should make this review, but the thing is this system only works if people are honest - because it is the house and the hosting. So please look at our profile and see we are not complainers, we give great reviews and receive the same.
The amazing bit. If seclusion is your thing this has a location to die for. Breath taking views, surrounded by nature, peace and calm. The property has a very beautiful garden. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed.
The less amazing bit. The rest doesn’t match the garden and view. We made a complaint to the owner and he shrugged it off as a difference of ‘tolerance’ perhaps he is right? So we will list what we felt was lacking from a guest perspective.
1. Swimming pool.
The water was green and the sides covered in thick black algae. We sent photos to the owner who said it was safe and natural for a saltwater pool. We’ve stayed in lots of places with salt water pools but never covered in thick algae to which the owner said ‘not all swimming pools are the same.’ True, and we like ours without algae. It’s a cement pool (not tiled) filled with saltwater. The saltwater corrodes the sides and the algae is hard to clean off without also dissolving the cement. So it’s always there unless you are willing to complain and not have a pool for a day whilst it is cleaned and the mess from the cleaning settles. Also cement isn’t smooth and our children grazed themselves a lot on the sides and steps - something to consider if your children are small. This aside, when clean it’s a beautiful pool that feels kind to nature.
2. There is nowhere comfortable to relax indoors.
The sofa in marketing photos has been replaced by very uncomfortable wicker garden furniture with garden cushions through which you can still feel the wicker. It’s very low at the back so you can only lie on it. There are also some basic rattan garden chairs. When we complained the host said he liked the garden furniture. If you value somewhere comfortable to sit relax inside be aware there is only uncomfortable garden furniture in the lounge.
3. No indoor dining area.
This one really surprised us because unless the weather is always absolutely perfect it’s necessary. We figured out that one can be created by moving the upstairs furniture around to make space and bringing the metal garden chairs inside and utilising a (very tired) small side table. It sits four but only two comfortably as only two sides can get their legs underneath. The host tells us this is how the indoor dining area works. We didn’t like having to spend our holiday time moving furniture around and muddling together a (questionable) indoor dining area - a proper indoor dinning area is not a ‘nice to have’ and it’s so easy to provide that a failure to do so felt like blatant profiteering at the expense of comfort.
4. Bedding, cushions etc
The mattresses, pillows and duvets were old, very basic and not comfortable. The mattress protectors were very cheap, flimsy and don’t stay on exposing dirty mattresses. The garden chair cushions were old, treadbare and torn. After our complaint the house keeper bought new comfortable pillows which made the difference between a good nights sleep and hardly any.
5. Kitchen
Is very tired and equipment in it has the feeling of excess stuff that has been dumped rather than considered for the guests enjoyment. No dishwasher (which we knew) but also no draining area or tea towels were provided for drying up. Again after complaint tea towels were provided.
With very little investment from the owner this house could be amazing. The exterior is amazing, the interior just needs the same care and consideration. With this we would return time again but as it stands it’s too tired, tatty and uncomfortable to recommend.