Vacation Rentals by Owner

Handmade Cottage on 70 Acres [#187324] | View Property

Dorloo
Cottage, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-6)
$138/nt US Dollars
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Traveler Reviews (21)

• One of my worst VRBO experiences

  One of my worst VRBO experiences

  • Guest Kate S.
  • Date of stay 11/09/12
  • Review Submitted 11/26/12
  I felt the listing was completely inaccurate and misleading and as such as we had a miserable experience. First the house was completely disgusting and dirty—food stuck to carpets, scum in the bathtub, mysterious stains on everything and dead flies everywhere. In addition, all of the appliances looked as if they had not been cleaned in over a decade—tons of accumulated stains and food in the oven and the fridge. It was completely inhospitable. Mind you, we paid a sizeable cleaning fee and in addition we were also asked by the cleaning person to go outside and retrieve laundry from the line and fold it?? What added to the ick factor was that everything felt as if it were procured from the trash—all of the silverware was missing its plating, chips/cracks were throughout all china and pots were missing parts of their non-stick coating. The furniture was also in a poor state of disrepair—stains, busted springs out of the bottom of the furniture—if you do purchase flea market finds, make the time to re-upholster and make them functional again for your guests. Lastly, there were no full curtains to cover all of the giant windows so our bedroom, the kitchen, bathroom--everything was exposed and lit up to anyone passing by on the highway, neighbors down the road or the visitors that apparently think its OK to stop by the property. As luck would have it we had two visitors during our weekend stay and they could see everything into our bedroom and living room etc. Suffice it to say I did not sleep well the entire trip because of this invasion of privacy and feeling quite exposed as I was quite rattled by someone just showing up to our all glass sliding door/peering in. To add to this feeling of creepiness there was a truck and an RV hidden from view on the backside of the silos which made me question if people were staying on the property with us at the same time? A key point that should be made clear in the listing. I honestly think camping would have felt more safe/clean of an experience and I question the validity of other reviewers/believe them to now be fraudulent and will be pursuing this issue with vrbo. Thankfully I have over a dozen positive vrbo experiences from urban lofts in cities to ski cabins out in the countryside --so this will definitely not disuade me from using this site again.

  Owner response: I am saddened that this renter hated my bucolic getaway. I am even sadder that she did not call and tell me, upon arrival, that this lovely spot was not right for her. I would have gladly refunded her rental and rectified the situation. Or recommended a lovely hotel in the area. And rented the house to someone who likes Rustic, Woodsy, Secluded Farms. All words I use in my description of the place! My reviews are real. All of them: renters who have adored the property, and returned multiple times to enjoy it at different seasons. My hand-built house is cozy, comfy, sun-drenched (feel free to close downstairs curtains) and well-stocked for eating, fun, relaxing and enjoying life. My land is an amazing, secluded retreat. It is a FARM. There is a farm truck. There is an RV we sometimes travel in, parked next to the barn, tucked out of the way. The house is 3/4 mile from any road, there are no neighbors...... A farm is to be enjoyed for it's open arms, it's embracing nature. That is why we built this lovely house on this lovely piece of paradise. Prospective Renters-Please take the time to scroll down to all my other reviews, and see how they all have enjoyed our property. This review is an anomalie to all my others.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

• Can't wait to visit in other season!!

  Can't wait to visit in other season!!

  • Guest Photo Hobbyist
  • Date of stay 09/15/12
  • Review Submitted 11/30/12
  Magical! I don't know how else to describe our stay on this farm. My family of five came for a long weekend just in time to see the leaves changing color, stars of indelible brilliance and a barn that I still yearn for weeks after we've left. My kids were in absolute heaven as they swung for hours (literally) on the barn rope, walked the extensive fields and found treasures to explore. We drove to Cooperstown, which is gorgeous and idyllic, stopped at too many roadside stands to purchase produce (tomatoes in September - need I say more?.), made applesauce, and enjoyed the freedom. My absolute favorite activity was walking through the barn. I took hundreds of photos and will be coming back to capture different seasons. I just love that barn. I wish I could post photos showing the late afternoon golden light streaming through old windows, cobwebs on original, old light fixtures, antique typewriters nestled next to bikes, bird nests hidden in barn doors. I was transfixed and am still thinking about shots I didn't get or ones I wished I'd frame differently. This farm was exactly what we came for. It was quiet, secluded, serene. Perfect for a writer, for those looking for fun and adventure, for photographers, for KIDS and for cityfolk like us. We will be back in the Spring and I know I'll continue to think about what I didn't capture and still want to. This is not a hotel, travelers, but a delightful retreat for someone who wants to get away and connect with nature.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• A reiteration of my positive review

  A reiteration of my positive review

  • Guest smgakd
  • Date of stay 09/01/12
  • Review Submitted 12/02/12
  I would personally like to reiterate my positive review of this farmhouse rental. After reading the previous review posted by Kate S., I feel it is necessary to voice my outright support and continuing happiness with this farmhouse. We have now stayed here 5 times and have never, never experienced anything that was written in that scathing review. The grounds are always so clean as is the house- from the silverware to the bathtub. We have never really cared to go through their furnishings piece by piece to examine if there is a crack or if they have, I don't know, been used, but that may be because we are there to relax and have a good time- not pick apart the fact that this is not the Ritz. The king size bed, two large sofas, chaise lounge, chair, kitchen table, table chairs and patio furniture have always been up to par as far as we are concerned. We personally have never had an issue with the curtains either. Each window has its own curtain set that draws to a close minus maybe an inch... so maybe there is a concern of passersby on the highway seeing- except for the fact that this highway is about 1000 feet or so from the house. I guess I've never really been too worried about a person with a telescope peering into my windows in a town of about 6,000 people. In fact- I can honestly say I wouldn't change one thing about this place and as always- look forward to returning to the farmhouse as soon as we can. Furthermore, there are multiple photos posted on vrbo that show exactly what you can expect when renting this farmhouse. I hope that interested renters will take to heart the many other positive reviews of this place, including my personal review entitled "Our One and Only", and disregard Kate S.'s review as it is pretty evident that she just does not "get" what this property has to offer. I also implore any interested reviewers to take into account the kind of person who voices their complaints about a rental on a board rather than going directly to the person who could rectify the situation: the owner of the property. One last message to Kate S.: when doing your follow-up with vrbo to "question the validity of other reviewers/believe them to now be fraudulent and will be pursuing this issue with vrbo", I invite you to direct the moderators to my email address as I will be more than happy to prove my validity with them. Mindy and Dave- we look forward to returning and are glad that there will be one less person to interfere with this.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Our Piece of Paradise

  Our Piece of Paradise

  • Guest AG Reviewer
  • Date of stay 08/31/12
  • Review Submitted 12/11/12
  The Farmhouse has long been out place to go any and every time we needed a break from New York City… most recently we went there to relax and get away two weeks before our wedding. As usual, we loved every single moment. We took our dog swimming in the pond, went on long nature hikes, cooked in the huge kitchen (with every pot, pan, utensil, dish, etc. that you could possibly need to make anything!), relaxed on the sofa and chairs on the porch, and just hung out on the grounds. It, as always, was exactly what we were hoping for and also as always, we cannot wait to return as soon as possible. The owners are always so courteous and helpful in our communications, the house is always so clean and welcoming and we are always so sad when we have to leave our little place of paradise. Thank you, for giving us exactly the rest and relaxation we needed before we said our vows! We’ll be back soon!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• A Splendid Time Was Had By All

  A Splendid Time Was Had By All

  • Guest Bebop and company
  • Date of stay 07/22/12
  • Review Submitted 04/01/13
  Peaceful, beautiful, clean, comfortable; my husband, dog, and I spent two weeks here last July/August, and liked it so much that we have booked it for 3 weeks this summer! The accomodations are just as they are pictured, and for us it was just perfect. My dog and I were at the pond every day swimming or simply resting and taking in the scenery. Goldfinches flew ahead of us on our walks down the lane; yellow throated warblers came by, great blue herons were in the marshes; and the swifts performed their aerial ballets. We look forward to exploring more trails this summer on the property and seeing what other denizens of the woods are there. Mindy was easily accesible and answered any questions. It's very rural, but close to Cooperstown and Glimmerglass, so sophisticated entertainment, museums, and eating are less than a half hour away. Four wet paws up!!!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Life is Good!

  Life is Good!

  • Guest Brenda
  • Date of stay 06/08/12
  • Review Submitted 06/20/12
  I surprised my husband with a weekend away for our 20th anniversary and we loved it! The owner, Mindy, was a pleasure to deal with - always quick to respond to questions and very accomodating. The land is beautiful! We hiked, fished (caught plenty of bass), BBQ'd, and relaxed. The night sky is amazing! The house is nicely decorated and very cozy. We will most definitely be returning.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Exceeded Our Expectations For A Country Weekend Getaway!

  Exceeded Our Expectations For A Country Weekend Getaway!

  • Guest JustNancy
  • Date of stay 04/13/12
  • Review Submitted 04/15/12
  A row of weeping willows lean in to greet you along the gravel driveway. The cottage is cozy and tidy – and well-designed with every amenity you might need on a country getaway – including an oven with a warming drawer (!), large glasses and mugs, the pantry and fridge necessities you forgot to bring, and even a stand mixer if you want to whip up something a little more elaborate. The very kind, accommodating and laid back owners just request common sense stuff: Pick up after your family beast and compost and recycle what you can. It is a "nature" getaway but with all the creature comforts of a lived-in home. We were excited it was just chilly enough to start up the wood burning stove. Wood is neatly stacked on the porch and yours to use. The sleeping loft is as spacious as any conventional bedroom and that king sized bed was just the ticket after a day of adventures on the property. Our old, citified dog broke out and did a few of those silly, full-speed laps in the giant grassy expanse that stretches out to include a beautiful swimming pond. Sadly too cold for that yet on our stay! The property itself was stunning. The sounds of the country surrounded us. The property is grassy, with lush glens to discover, creeks to follow and marshes to clop through. Our pup especially loved to explore the ponds. The property is so huge, each outing felt like a true adventure. We reluctantly left the property to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown about 30 minutes away. Huge baseball fans here. But we hurried back to squeeze in a late afternoon trek before dinner. We are already clearing our schedule for our next visit!

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• I love this house!

  I love this house!

  • Guest Stargazer
  • Date of stay 01/13/12
  • Review Submitted 01/17/12
  I stayed here with some friends over the weekend and we had the most amazing time. I really can't say enough good things about this house - it's beautifully designed, furnished and decorated, and the owners made sure it was very clean when we arrived. Plenty of towels, sheets, comforters, wood for the fireplace, coffee, etc., ready for us to have a good time and absolutely no worries. The atmosphere inside was warm and inviting, even when it was 1ºF outside. Also there was plenty of flexibility with our arrival and departure and I never felt pressured to arrive or to leave. I will definitely be going back there.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Home Away From Home

  Home Away From Home

  • Guest City Slicker
  • Date of stay 01/13/12
  • Review Submitted 01/17/12
  As a group of twenty-something “city folk” looking for a peaceful weekend outside of Manhattan, we could not have dreamed of a more peaceful setting to enjoy the first winter’s snow. The wood burning stove and abundance of pre-chopped firewood kept us warm and comfy, the fully stocked kitchen made home-cooking a breeze, the soaker tub couldn’t have been more relaxing, and the plethora of cozy furniture gave countless possibilities for down time. This quaint cottage far surpassed all expectation, perfectly blending the adventure of the outdoors with the conveniences of home. While the lack of cell service was more than welcomed to keep away unwanted phone calls, the use of free wifi kept us completely connected to the outside world. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “I can’t wait for our next adventure to Dorloo!”

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Great Place with Great Owners

  Great Place with Great Owners

  • Guest Ron
  • Date of stay 12/15/11
  • Review Submitted 12/21/11
  My girlfriend and I spent four nights up there in mid-december. It was unseasonably warm so I don't know what it would be like in heavy snow, but I imagine it would be gorgeous. The property was exactly as described and the owners were easy to work with and very accommodating. The farm is surrounded by beautiful open countryside, with very convenient access to shopping for all your essentials. You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but modern conveniences are a short drive away. Great experience - we would definitely stay again.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Tom

  Tom

  • Guest Tom
  • Date of stay 10/07/11
  • Review Submitted 11/02/11
  We had a fantastic time! The place is so peaceful and relaxing. Perfect for a fall getaway. And best of all the dogs loved it. Plenty of space for them to explore and run around. It has to be among the best places I have ever gone for a vacation.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Our One and Only

  Our One and Only

  • Guest smgakd
  • Date of stay 09/29/11
  • Review Submitted 06/06/12
  We have stayed at this Farmhouse quite a few times over the past two years and it is simply the best. We live in NYC and always welcome a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle. We did our research, found this spot and have never, ever looked anywhere else. It is always the exact relaxing vacation that we need and our experiences with Mindy and Dave have always been top, top notch. They are so accommodating, so friendly and so prompt with their responses any time we have a question. They go out of their way to make sure you have a great vacation at their house. We love everything about this property from the house itself (especially the porch and the kitchen) to the acres and acres of land, the swimming pond, the BBQ and the relaxation we experience every time we are here. We have been here when it is warm when it is so lovely to walk around the grounds and we have been here when it is cold when it is so nice just to bundle up and take it easy. We are planning a getaway for the end of the summer and while it is sad to count down the days to summer's end, knowing we are also counting down the days until our vacation at the Farmhouse make it well worth it! You will never be disappointed in staying here. It's great.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Bucolic retreat

  Bucolic retreat

  • Guest KR
  • Date of stay 09/23/11
  • Review Submitted 09/28/11
  This house is a gem! Its interiors are done up in a functional yet tasteful manner. Large glass windows allow plenty of light to filter through, comfortable couches are draped with pretty throws, and the sleeping loft is oh-so-cozy. There are plenty of books, board games, puzzles, and toys for children, and the acres upon acres of fields and woods will tire out the most energetic hikers and dogs. The pungent odor of sulfur in the water takes a little getting used to, and we had to be careful to shut the screen doors in the evening to keep out insects, but these are minor inconveniences. We certainly hope to go back soon.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• A Great Getaway Close to NYC Metro

  A Great Getaway Close to NYC Metro

  • Guest letsgododgers
  • Date of stay 09/14/11
  • Review Submitted 09/29/11
  We had a fantastic time at this cottage. The place was great for a single family, and we had a blast tromping around on the property. The proximity to Cooperstown was a big plus, and we enjoyed the hall of fame, the museums, and Brewery Ommengang. The kitchen was excellent and we were able to cook our meals there and grab lunch in town. We look forward to going back sometime!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• LOVED it!

  LOVED it!

  • Guest Michele & Beth
  • Date of stay 05/13/11
  • Review Submitted 05/23/11
  We loved the cottage and the property, despite rain the entire visit. High points: awesome views, terrific open interior layout, supportive king-sized (!) bed, deep covered porch on 2 sides and large windows which capture the views. Our golden loved the pond and fields. Set well back from the county route "highway", therefore safe from traffic, but can still hear the occasional car. The "loft" bedroom is accessed by carpeted stairs (not a ladder, as many lofts are), so easily accessible for the dog. We're not very familiar with woodstoves, but it was pretty easy to use, has a great draft and proved the theory that hot air rises (the loft was really toasty!) . There were doves and many other birds in the nearby barns, very soothing to hear the birds and frogs. Great place if you enjoy solitude and peaceful surroundings. Awesome for dogs. We'll return for sure.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• perfect for a relaxing weekend

  perfect for a relaxing weekend

  • Guest Amanda
  • Date of stay 11/25/10
  • Review Submitted 11/30/10
  this was a perfect half-way point to meet up with my sister. the dogs had a great time exploring the surrounding land. hunters use the land and they were this weekend (after Thanksgiving) so that was one slight deterrent to taking longer walks (along with the soggy weather) which i would have done otherwise. we mostly stayed at the cabin enjoying the heat from the wood-stove and the panoramic views of the countryside with the huge windows on almost every wall. Mindy was helpful in sending links to nearby attractions and tips for our stay. I'd definitely go back.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Peaceful getaway

  Peaceful getaway

  • Guest Andy
  • Date of stay 09/16/10
  • Review Submitted 09/30/10
  My wife and I and our three dogs had a peaceful retreat for a four day weekend. The area is very quiet and cozy. The property itself has a nice long driveway leading to the house and it extends past a pond on the other side. The dogs enjoyed the stay and it was great being able to allow them to run around freely without the fear of traffic. The interior is great with a fully staffed kitchen, wood stove, and bathroom. (TV and internet are available if you must stay connected with the modern world.) We had a great time in the surrounding area visiting some small state parks, geocaching, and happening upon a kite festival in beautiful Cherry Valley. This is a beautiful area of the state and a great place to unwind.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Very relaxing, peaceful spot

  Very relaxing, peaceful spot

  • Guest CT Couple
  • Date of stay 08/12/10
  • Review Submitted 08/19/10
  Driving down the long winding driveway lined with gorgeous weeping willows, we knew we were heading into a very tranquil oasis. The covered porch is just perfect. We were here in August and there was a cool breeze throughout the house. There's a nice open, airy layout in the farmhouse. Great for couples or small family. Our 2 pointers enjoyed watching birds fly in and out of the barn. There's a nice walking path along the barn leading to an open field where our dogs romped and played. Each morning, we were visited by at least a dozen gently cooing doves who landed up on the silo. A short drive into Cobleskill brought us to a selection of restaurants, diners, Price Chopper, and Walmart. Also, Howe Caverns and Cooperstown are both easy to get to from the Farm House. Internet connection was good too if you choose to check your emails or need to get some work done.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Quiet retreat

  Quiet retreat

  • Guest Matt
  • Date of stay 06/29/10
  • Review Submitted 07/13/10
  We had a great 6 day visit to the cottage. Great property for relaxing on the porch, walks, and other leisurely activity. Cooked some wonderful meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Close to Cooperstown and Sharon Springs for a day out. Clean, comfortable cabin; would love to come back one day. The owners are very helpful in providing clear directions, things to do in the area, and making the rental process simple. If you are looking for peace and quiet, in a beautiful, rural setting; this is a great spot.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Idyllic Retreat

  Idyllic Retreat

  • Guest Pamela June
  • Date of stay 05/15/10
  • Review Submitted 06/01/10
  We had a fabulous experience at the farm. The rolling countryside is serene and stunningly beautiful, and spring is a glorious time to visit--every color of green on earth was in evidence. The house was comfortable and bright; we especially loved that every window framed a different, equally exquisite view. I especially enjoyed cooking in early evening sunlight that flooded the kitchen. We rented the farm for a writing retreat, and it proved to be the perfect place. We also enjoyed hiking around the farm and state land, and our dog loved 'dew surfing' in the tall field grass, paddling in the swimming pond, and spotting (and sniffing) frogs, snakes, quail, deer, red wing blackbirds, and bright orange orioles. The farm is also a great base for visits to Cooperstown, Sharon Springs, and local antique shops. Finally, one of the great pleasures of renting this property was exchanging emails with the owners--truly lovely, good-humored, considerate people. We highly recommend the farm!

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Joyce F
  • Date of stay 08/10/09
  • Review Submitted 04/27/10
  We had a perfect time! the kids loved swimming in the pond, hiking around the land, and the close proximity of Cooperstown. It was a great family getaway. Thanks for all the help

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2