The only thing fabulous about this house is the title. Dont rent unless you have low expectations

Guest: Dan (Nassau County)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

We rented this place for the month of July and when we showed up the house was very disappointing.The upstairs bedrooms are not really bedrooms its more like an illegally converted attic. The stairs going up are so thin and deep there is no way it could be to any code.The bedrooms have tiny windows that barely open even when opened completely and that combined with its not insulated the rooms are boiling hot. The kitchen was tiny with all outdated pots,pans and rusty utensils. The bedding was old and nasty as were the towels. We were also informed in our lease that we couldnt use the washer and dryer and had to employ the owners housekeepers to clean and do the laundry off premises even though the washer/dryer worked perfectly fine. The living room was ok but tiny.Deck was a good size but after my first weekend I got a call from the owner about noise which I couldnt believe since the music came from a tiny ipod dock not a HiFi loud sound system. Was told later by one neighbor that all other surrounding neighbors are old and have nothing better to do than complain. We came home one day to find a hispanic man who barley spoke english IN the house at request of the owner he said to inspect the place which infuriated me since he unlocked the door and entered with us out of the house and not knowing he was coming. We had some cash,cameras,ipods and other personal belongings in the house which we thought a locked house would keep safe while we were out and were shocked that she gave permission or even had the nerve to pull a inspection. We are not kids in fact we are in our late 30s and do not need inspecting. I called the owner and she said that she had the right to do so which legally she doesnt and I informed her that the next inspector would be treated as a intruder.The owner met us on the last day and I followed her around for inspection so she wouldnt try to pull anything and not return our security. She said everything was fine and I had the house cleaned at my expense as per the agreement. I recieved a envelope from her by mail with just a fraction of my security back. She stated the house needed extra cleaning,a bicycle which was never there was missing,under the deck needed cleaning etc all this after her inspection. I had to threaten her with legal action and still she only returned another small fraction. The owner is very old and I dont believe is all there.I would not reccomend this home and if you do rent you will be harrassed by her and staff

Owner response:This house has passed several official inspections. Daniel Eckhardt rented to a large group that required repeated reminders not to disturb neighbors. They left the house in unacceptable condition that required several hours of cleanup by my cleaning service and more of my time to clear the grounds of debris. Yes, the pots and pans were in bad condition - after this group left. If anyone is interested in specifics, I shall provide them, but not now clutter this space with them. Regarding the washer & dryer; I never forbade their use; I asked only that heavy towels and sheets be washed outside. Regarding my being "very old" and "not all there",it would be my pleasure to provide references from my professional colleagues as well as to my recent publications in esteemed professional journals. There were two adult bicycles available that disappeared during the time of this group's stay.

Recommended for:

Huge Disappointment

Guest: Vacation lovers (Mahwah, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

RENTER BEWARE. Property was a huge disappointment to us. We rented it partly because it's advertised as "child friendly" We arrived for a weeks stay for my husband and myself, our son and daughter-in-law and 2 grandkids, ages 4 and 1.5, and left without spending the night. Owner met us at the ferry dock and led us to the house. She explained - front gate was broken, bicycle was broken and not available, telephone was not working, gas grill on deck would probably run out of propane, kid's climbing equipment in yard hadn't been cleaned (filled with leaf debris), deck chairs were sopping wet. We had 4 boxes of groceries - there was no cabinet space in kitchen and kitchen was so tiny there was no room for even storing boxes. Refrigerator door shelf collapsed when we placed milk and juice on it. Living room furniture and rugs appeared shabby and dirty, we couldn't find a comfortable place to even sit down. Owner said dining room table was "ruined" and was covered with shabby cloth. Picture on website indicates a regular size bed but it is 2 extremely thin mattresses on a platform. Stairs to 2nd & 3rd bedrooms are very steep and narrow and no child safety gate was provided - even though owner had known for several months we were bringing small children. Unfortunately, we did not realize we could have taken out the HomeAway Rental insurance. When we requested a partial refund from the owner, she said "I owe you nothing". The last straw was -- after explaining all the defects of the property, she asked us to replace the toilet paper if we used it all because she wouldn't be available before the next tenant arrived. Advice - do not rent this property without taking out insurance or viewing it beforehand.

Owner response:Clearly, this couple's point of view is very different from the other reviewers'! This couple did not inform me before the signing of the contract that the husband has a back and neck problem. If they had, I would have made provisions. Instead, they came in and after an hour, upon my return from purchasing new bicycles (as the others had disappeared with the previous tenants), they told me they were leaving because the husband could not sleep on the bed. Although it was evident that I could not rent a week that had already begun, they requested first a full, then a partial refund of their rent. It was only when I declined to do so, that they found the many faults listed above. Of course outdoor furniture would be wet after a rain; new bikes were to be delivered the next day; and the kitchen did have space for their groceries. In fact, it was they who broke a shelf in the refrigerator door and then faulted me for it. During past seasons families with children have safely and happily enjoyed my house and grounds. The deck was recently rebuilt by a licensed contractor who has conducted business on Fire Island for decades, as did his father before him. The house and deck were inspected and found to be within the law. In 2012 I look forward to accommodating many happy families.

Recommended for:

Wonderful family vacation spot!

Guest: Dority's (Ypsilanti, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/01/11

I stayed with my husband and twin daughters this past August (2011). The pictures do not do the place justice, it was WONDERFUL! The deck is enormous and well shaded with a lovely weeping willow, but also has plenty of sun. The outdoor shower is also really nice, large with a great bench and cut out window (but still private). The house has great amenities and is very close to ferry, store and beach (and also quite close to Seaview for those who know the island). We can't wait to stay in 2012!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.

Great weekend

Guest: Jacqui (Long Island, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

I just sent Memorial Day weekend at this house. There was two couples and 3 singles and we all fit nicely. The house was charming and the outdoor deck and shower were great. 5 minute walk to the ferry and a 2 min walk to the beach. Close enough to have everything you need, but far enough from all the noise. Owner was beyond accomodating also, what a pleasure to rent from. My friends and I are already planning next year. I totally reccomend this great little house.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.

PERFECT

Guest: Missyjoy (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/10/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

I stayed here with my friends for a girls weekend and it was perfect right from the start. The owner is a pleasure to deal with and was very accommodating. The pictures and listing was just as it is described. It was a little chilly for the beach but we were able to enjoy the house and lay out on the deck and still hear the ocean. The house was so clean and the outdoor shower was a dream. We are planning on coming back as much as we can. Thank you so much!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children.