Vacation Rentals by Owner

A true "Home Away from Home"...

Guest: Terry G.
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/11/12

The minute you retrieve the key from the lock box and open the door (A very easy check-in process) you'll understand just what staying in a "home away from home" is meant to be. It's also obvious that the owner does too and has made every effort to make your stay a nice one. The cottage has style, character and comfort that just can't be found in the big hotel chains. But it's not just the comfortable beds and designer linens. It's kind of the feeling you get that you've been offered an opportunity to share in someone else's lifestyle. Artfully remodeled and creatively decorated, the beamed ceilings, quaint accents and antique furnishings make it seem more like a private retreat with just a bit of adventure. And although it's not the expensive beach condo you might have thought you wanted, you can easily find a sandy picnic spot that's not too far away. There are also loads of interesting things to see and places to go... The Kemah boardwalk, restaurants like T-Bone Tom's, or as was the focus for our trip, a fishing excursion. The cottage is close and convienient to lots of recreational areas, parks, boat ramps, charters, marinas... Bayshore Park, Speck-Tackler Guide Service, etc. Our visit at there was for an Easter weekend and family birthday celebration. Due to "last minute" planning, we were fortunate to find the cottage unoccupied as a holiday cancellation must be a rarity. Even more unusual was the owner's pet friendly policy and doggie door that allowed us to bring our two Yorkies. The dogs loved the freshly mowed backyard and were highly entertained when they heard a rooster crow somewhere nearby. The anglers had great success and fried up a nice catch on the grill while the shrimp that we found at Rose's Seafood Market was boiling. The efficiently updated kitchen and eating areas both indoors and out made dining-in a pleasure. Kicking back on either of the two porches after a meal or anytime is even better so bringing a book and a relaxed attitude is a must, but bring a bicycle if exercise is more to your liking. We brought our own and found the neightbors to be exceptionally friendly and the streets safe. The area has an eclectic mix of mansions and mobile homes that are typical to the Texas coast which might seem remarkable to other guests but should not be alarming. The ease of life and charm of the location is the treasure. The experience might not suit just everyone but for kindred spirits, the Kemah Cottage is an excellent destination.

Recommended for:

Girls Get-Away

Guest: Kelly V. (Oklahoma )
Date of Stay: 03/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/25/12

Once again Sharlene you have out done yourself. My girl friends and I get together once a year and once it was decided that we were going to Kemah I told them about your great cottage that my family and I stayed in two years ago. They we just as impressed as I was. You have thought of all the comforts of home and the cottage is beautifully decorated! We loved staying at this cottage and had such a great time we will be sure to come back! Thanks again for you're big Texas hospitality, you know doubt have a great place to vacation at.

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cottage is precious!very pretty inside

Guest: j k.
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

The little house is decorated so nice.The porches were nice sized and very comfy.the beds were very comfortable and again decor was lovely.It rained the entire weekend that we were there,so we didn't get out much.instead we stayed in and cooked in the wonderful kitchen.Everything we needed was there.For a girls wekend it was perfect!

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Fraudulently Advertised!!!

Guest: Kristi (League City)
Date of Stay: 12/22/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

First of all this ‘cottage’ is not even in Kemah, it’s in Bacliff a couple miles down the road in an unkempt neighborhood with overgrown vegetation, not my idea of a vacation destination. It was advertised as smoke free, but wreaked of smoke and there were dirty ashtrays around. It was also advertised as having two bathrooms, however when we arrived on December 22nd, we found that only one of them had any hot water. The plumber was tentatively scheduled to come out December 23. The owner had called several times before our arrival to complain about the things that she was having to fix prior to our arrival, including the refrigerator, the plumbing, yard clean up and to warn us of an uneven foundation which made one of the toilets wobbly, but she said it was only cosmetic and not to worry. We could live with a wobbly toilet, but not the smoke smell and no hot water in the bathroom. We did not even stay a single night and were left scrambling to find other accommodations at the eleventh hour before a Christmas Holiday. Since the cottage was not as advertised, and we did not stay there I requested a full refund. The owner initially refused any refund whatsoever, but since has refunded the cleaning fee and taxes, and she still stands by her original statement that the place is smoke free and one working bathroom is enough and we’re just too picky.

Owner response:O My God! This lady's vacation fell through and now she's NIT PICKING against my vacation rental. I tell people its in Bacliff but still 2 miles from the Kemah Boardwalk and they know this because once payment is received I send them the address to the cottage. I know the cottage had not been smoked in. Do to the fact that I had a family staying there for 4 months with a new born baby and 2 small boys and they did not smoke. There are ashtrays on the patio, not in the house, people are allow to smoke one the patio. HELLO! I was there for a week going through the cottage with a fine tooth come making sure that it is prefect after this family vacated. Yes, I did have to call someone out to fix the refrigerator and 2 plumbing issues. The refrigerator and the toilet was fixed prior to her arrival, so what is her problem? There are 2 hot water heaters in the cottage and the element went out on one of them. It was not easy to find someone on Christmas week to fix problem so all the amenity’s would be available to this party. That was addressed the day after she was suppose to have arrived and there was hot water in one bathroom anyway. What really happened here, is she booked it for a party of four for December 22 her sister had not arrived till December 23 late at night and she told me her sister was unhappy with the accommodations but yet she mention that she would not be there till December 24 and I don't think she ever arrived since Christmas morning is on December 25. So my feelings are her party of 4 turn into a party of 1 and her sister went and stayed with family for Christmas. Now, I come into town once a year for Christmas for 2 weeks and I would of loved to have my cottage but instead I was sleeping on my grandma's couch for 1 of the 2 weeks because I leased out the cottage to her and she new because I told her this when I leased it to her. So this lady ruined my vacation and has the nerve to give me a bad review.

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Cottage was awesome and comfortable

Guest: Lorraine B. (Corinth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

We really enjoyed our stay in the cottage. We normally stay in Galveston every year but decided to stay in Kemah and drie to Galveston this time to have a different type pace after being in teh sun all day. I am glad we did and I think this will now be our tradition. The cottage was extremely nice, clean and our puppies loved being able to have yard to go into. I had to call Sharlene because the AC in the living area quit working the first day but her response was great and she had someone come look at it right away. Even though he was unable to get it fixed, the aC units in the other 2 rooms kept the cottage comfortably cool. Driving into the neighborhood at first we thought oh my goodness but it was well worth walking into the cottage and seeing how nice it was. The mesquitos were not as bad as some of the other reiews I had read but we went when there was a drought so that could be why. I think we have found our getaway place from now on.

Recommended for:Pet owners

Mini Vacation

Guest: Loan G.
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

My husband and I were pleasantly suprised when we walked in the house. The house is very comfortable and very cozy. It is well stocked with just anything you could think of. The beds and sheets were very comfortable, house is kept cool with window units. It certainly is a place to go for a quiet getaway from the daily life. I would return if we go to Kemah again.

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

Nice email from a guest-Always greatly apprieated

Guest: Mia Gile
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

Sharlene, We both enjoyed your beautiful home with all the necessities of a home away from home. We had a relaxing time because the house is so cozy and homey. My husband said he would post comments on Yelp to let people know about the rental. Mai

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Very Unique!

Guest: M and S (Florida)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

We enjoyed our stay at the Kemah Cottage very much. Although the weather was COLD and WINDY, we were cozy with a fire in the fireplace. The kitchen and dining areas are very nice for a rental cottage, and we were able to have family over for dinner. The porches on the front and back were my favorite spots, and the fenced in backyard made it easy for us to let our Shih Tzu out without worrying about her safety. By the way, the tangerines on the tree out front were spectacular!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Kemah Cottage

Guest: Sibling Weekender (Whitehouse, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/04/10 Review Submitted: 11/17/10

The cottage was roomy and well appointed with two king sized beds and two full baths. It had a very nice covered front and back porch. The cottage had an earthy feel with wood counters and wood based cabinet in dinning room. We enjoyed the upgraded stainless appliances. The negative would be the window unit with exposed wiring that was no longer attached to three prong plug and lack of heat. The cottage is located in a very run down area about 4 blocks from bay but with good access to the Kemah Boardwalk

Owner response:I am glad these guest enjoyed there stay at the cottage. The cottage has window units in every room but the unit they are referring to was supposed to have been replaced prior to there arrival. I have been out of the country but during the month of November in Texas I was surprised they were uncomfortable. I did apologies for the inconvenience. The cottage is located in an older mature small town some what diversified but the majority of the reviews seem to enjoy there stay and the town. I would like to add all of the towns along the bay are small towns they do not have new subdivisions for example, La Port, Sea Brook, Kemah, Bacliff, Texas City are all small towns along Galveston Bay.

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Kemah cottage

Guest: Kelly V. (Oklahoma )
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/04/10

We had a great time at the cottage. Everything and more that we needed was there for us. There was plenty of room for everyone. Even when the mosquitoes started eating us alive the owner had mosquitoes coils that we lit and we were able to enjoy the covered porches. The cottage is in a great location, close to the boardwalk and Sylvan Beach We ate at the Aquarium restaurant and T-Bone Tom's; our meals were delicious. The kids had such a good time on the Boardwalk Beast and all the amusement rides. We will no doubt be visiting Kemah once again. Thanks for making our stay so comfortable.

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

Home Away From Home

Guest: Lisa Woods
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/16/10

sharlene, i just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay! it was wonderful and very relaxing! the cottage was super nice... so much more than what we expected... it was like home away from home! the only thing we didn't enjoy was the mosquitos! and that is something you have no control over... we thought they were going to carry us away! thanks again! no complaints from us!! :-) lisa, david, and the girls

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Guest: Lisa
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/16/10

sharlene, i just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay! it was wonderful and very relaxing! the cottage was super nice... so much more than what we expected... it was like home away from home! the only thing we didn't enjoy was the mosquitos! and that is something you have no control over... we thought they were going to carry us away! thanks again! no complaints from us!! :-) lisa, david, and the girls

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Nice place to stay

Guest: family with kids (Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

The cottage was clean and we really enjoyed our stay. The owner was quick to get back to me with questions, but we weren't able to get a hold of the property manager during our stay. If you plan to enjoy the nice porch, bring bug spray; the mosquitoes are relentless! I would return to the cottage if I were planning another visit to Kemah. Thanks!

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

We enjoyed our stay

Guest: family with kids (Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

The cottage was clean and we really enjoyed our stay. The owner was quick to get back to me with questions, but we weren't able to get a hold of the property manager during our stay. If you plan to enjoy the nice porch, bring bug spray; the mosquitoes are relentless! I would return to the cottage if I were planning another visit to Kemah. Thanks!

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

Kemah cottage

Guest: Nicky (arlington, tx)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

My family had a wonderful time. The cottage was clean and comfortable and in a great location.

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

Oasis

Guest: Poor ol Larry & Sweet Miss Kerry
Date of Stay: 05/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We needed a get-a-way from DFW - man this little cottage is so cool, private - and it has EVERYTHING you could possibly need - and I mean it has it ALL. And you talk about clean....it is spotless. We stayed for a week - and will stay a month next time. Thank YOU Miss Sharlene!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Recommended for: Adventure seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic getaway

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Oasis

Guest: Poor ol Larry & Sweet Miss Kerry (Trophy Club, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We needed a get-a-way from DFW - man this little cottage is so cool, private - and it has EVERYTHING you could possibly need - and I mean it has it ALL. And you talk about clean....it is spotless. We stayed for a week - and will stay a month next time. Thank YOU Miss Sharlene!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Owner response:I love it when I have guest that really appreciate the cottage and I love even more when that give me fabulous reviews. Thanks Poor ol Larry & Sweet Miss Kerry Property Owner Sharlene

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

blatant lies to refuse to refund deposit

Guest: ill (Houston, TX,USA)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We definitely WILL NOT RECOMMEND RENTING THIS PROPERTY FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: there were lies about the condition we left the house so the deposit was refused to be refunded. We have traveled often and are always respectful of others peoples belongings. This is the first time a deposit refund has been refused to us. In my opinon I think this shows professionalism lacking in the ownership and operation of this rental. Even though there were problems with the property we stayed and maintained a clean surrounding. Problems: there was no internet available so we could not use our laptop we carried with us to conduct business,,,the computer in the cottage(haha-cottage?) was not working. These things we could live with even though it was misrepresented in the advertisement of the rental. The worst part which was repulsive to me was the stench coming from the back bedroom and bath (I suppose this is considered the master). It seemed to reek of sewer smell I suppose of bad plumbing. It was so bad I had to sleep in the chair in the living room so as not to disturb the other bed. Also, I might add the air conditioning did not keep the tiny house cool. I feel sorry for anyone who rents this place. We even left a day early because the bad odor was making me sick. The owner even had the nerve to say the smell was because my husband did not flush the commode. WHO WOULD NOT FLUSH A COMMODE. That is going too far to insult people just to keep their money.

Owner response:This was a nice elderly couple that was very happy with their stay at the cottage until I was informed by my property manager that they apparently let their dog on the bed, The dog scratched and damaged the expensive newly purchased comforter in the Master Bedroom. Both my Property Manager and maid noticed the cottage smelled like smoke and ashes were on the computer table. The Cottage has a large covered front and back deck for smoking, and it states in the rental agreement no smoking. Internet service is available and it works fine, I provided a computer as a courtesy, but I am going to take it out due to the fact one of my guest crashed it. The couple did complain of an odor in the bathroom prior to leaving. When the Property Manager and Maid arrived after the couples departure, both of them noticed the toilet had not been flushed and they could not find anything wrong. In fact, I had guest arrive a couple of days later with no problem. My Maid also mentioned that a lot of time was spent scraping denture glue off the bathroom sink and counter. I understand this couple is elderly and I thought they were very nice, but my comforter was damaged by their dog and they smoked in the home. This is why there is a deposit. I would like to add, I normally don’t even charge any additional rates for pets. Also the cable was not working after their departure I don’t know what they did but no one could figure it out. They may have tried to purchase a movie and the cable only offers 1-100 chancels and movies can not be purchased. I had to call someone out and the cable had to be reset a simple thing but an inconvenience. I am very sorry this couple is unhappy with there stay at the cottage. Also, I have never experienced any complaints from guests that have stayed at the Cottage. I truly want guests to have a pleasant stay ! Best Regard, Property Owner

Recommended for:

kemah cottage review

Guest: RobinRenae(Spring, Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We found the cottage to be very cute and well kept, clean and exactly what we needed. There was plenty of room for everyone and we were quite comfortable! Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Kemah Cottage Review

Guest: Robin
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

Thanks for the use of your cottage this weekend - everything went fine. FYI we did forget some takeout food in the frig so hopefully your cleaning person will catch that. Otherwise it was a great place to stay and I had a great time at the Gateway to the Bay Triathlon! (I did finish the race - my first ever) Thanks, Robin Pimentel

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kemah cottage review

Guest: RobinRenae (Spring, Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/06/10

We found the cottage to be very cute and well kept, clean and exactly what we needed. There was plenty of room for everyone and we were quite comfortable!

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

Guest: Robin Pimentel
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

Thanks for the use of your cottage this weekend - everything went fine. FYI we did forget some takeout food in the frig so hopefully your cleaning person will catch that. Otherwise it was a great place to stay and I had a great time at the Gateway to the Bay Triathlon! (I did finish the race - my first ever) Thanks, Robin Pimentel

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Kemah Cottage Review

Guest: Niki1111
Date of Stay: 03/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

My group and I loved our stay the Cottage. It was a very relaxing place to stay during spring break. We were overall pleased with the Kemah Cottage and would recommend it for family vacations, group trips, or a couples retreat. Recommended for: Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

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Kemah Cottage

Guest: Nik1111 (Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

My group and I loved our stay the Cottage. It was a very relaxing place to stay during spring break. We were overall pleased with the Kemah Cottage and would recommend it for family vacations, group trips, or a couples retreat.

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

Kemah Cottage Review

Guest: Alto,NM
Date of Stay: 02/16/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

Great New Year and Time with My Family !!!! Parque Alto, NM Review Submitted: January 16, 2010 Date of Stay: December 2009 The Kemah Cottage was very charming with lots of character. Each Bedroom has its' own private bath which makes it nice. We bought fresh shrimp in Kemah for New Year's eve and had a shrimp boil and some other appetizers. Nicely equipped kitchen, but could not find a can opener anywhere??? The cottage has a great covered back deck which would be fun in the when its a bit warmer. A little cool for Houston area when we were there. Overall nice cottage and not your run of the mill "Style Place" Recommended for: Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway Owner's Response: The can opener has been replaced.

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Kemah Cottage Review

Guest: Cold in TN
Date of Stay: 01/11/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

I really enjoyed my stay at Kemah Cottage. I felt it was easy to get to surrounding attractions and it was very comfortable. It was cozy and well furnished. Recommended for: Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

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Great New Year and Time with My Family !!!!

Guest: Parque (Alto, NM)
Date of Stay: 12/30/09 Review Submitted: 01/16/10

The Kemah Cottage was very charming with lots of character. Each Bedroom has its' own private bath which makes it nice. We bought fresh shrimp in Kemah for New Year's eve and had a shrimp boil and some other appetizers. Nicely equipped kitchen, but could not find a can opener anywhere??? The cottage has a great covered back deck which would be fun in the when its a bit warmer. A little cool for Houston area when we were there. Overall nice cottage and not your run of the mill "Style Place"

Owner response:The can opener has been replaced.

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

Getaway

Guest: Cold in TN (Clarksville, TN)
Date of Stay: 12/20/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/10

I really enjoyed my stay at Kemah Cottage. I felt it was easy to get to surrounding attractions and it was very comfortable. It was cozy and well furnished.

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

Kemah Cottage Review

Guest: Rensselaer, IN, USA
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We appreciated the privacy of this rental, athough it's difficult to see from the street because of the lush landscaping. Everything promised was there and in good shape. This is not the place to go for a resort experience, but as a "home base" during a vacation and family reunion it was a good place to stay. We love Kemah boardwalk, which is a 5 minute drive away. Plenty of places like Walmart, Target, etc., to stock up on pantry items and gasoline. We especially loved a nearby restaurant in Kemah name T-Bone Tom's. Great food! Good prices and value. Casual atmosphere great for vacation. We DID find some dried up "poo" which was left by someone else's small animal. It was under a table on a patterned rug, so I suppose it might have been easy to miss . . . . still, it was a little distasteful to find. We ARE pet owners (though we didn't bring ours along) but non-pet owners or people with young children might have been more disturbed than we were to find it. The grass in the very nice little yard was in need of mowing already when we arrived. When we left 11 days later, it still hadn't been mowed. The owner was quite distraught over that and did contact us several times to see if the people who had been paid to mow had done so. I would imagine that she will have worked out that kink before more guests arrive. We left all the dishes clean when we departed--the previous guests had not. That is, the dishwasher had been run, but the dishes had been so poorly rinsed that there was food crusted on that had not washed off in the wash cycle. The beds were very comfortable; the closets large and generously filled withhangers; the bathrooms were clean and nicely appointed. (One of the bathrooms had a leak in the roof--but there was a pan under it to catch the drips.) The appliances were all top notch, so were the furnishings. The front porch and back deck were great for enjoying the pleasant surroundings. There is a generous driveway--plenty of room for two cars to park in front and behind of each other. We really appreciated the accomodations even with the little kinks here and there. Recommended for: Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children Owner's Response: The roof on the cottage has been replaced and the dishwasher has been addressed and I replaced my yard help.

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Pleasant 11 day stay

Guest: Rev. Ms (Rensselaer, IN, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/17/09 Review Submitted: 11/04/09

We appreciated the privacy of this rental, athough it's difficult to see from the street because of the lush landscaping. Everything promised was there and in good shape. This is not the place to go for a resort experience, but as a "home base" during a vacation and family reunion it was a good place to stay. We love Kemah boardwalk, which is a 5 minute drive away. Plenty of places like Walmart, Target, etc., to stock up on pantry items and gasoline. We especially loved a nearby restaurant in Kemah name T-Bone Tom's. Great food! Good prices and value. Casual atmosphere great for vacation. We DID find some dried up "poo" which was left by someone else's small animal. It was under a table on a patterned rug, so I suppose it might have been easy to miss . . . . still, it was a little distasteful to find. We ARE pet owners (though we didn't bring ours along) but non-pet owners or people with young children might have been more disturbed than we were to find it. The grass in the very nice little yard was in need of mowing already when we arrived. When we left 11 days later, it still hadn't been mowed. The owner was quite distraught over that and did contact us several times to see if the people who had been paid to mow had done so. I would imagine that she will have worked out that kink before more guests arrive. We left all the dishes clean when we departed--the previous guests had not. That is, the dishwasher had been run, but the dishes had been so poorly rinsed that there was food crusted on that had not washed off in the wash cycle. The beds were very comfortable; the closets large and generously filled withhangers; the bathrooms were clean and nicely appointed. (One of the bathrooms had a leak in the roof--but there was a pan under it to catch the drips.) The appliances were all top notch, so were the furnishings. The front porch and back deck were great for enjoying the pleasant surroundings. There is a generous driveway--plenty of room for two cars to park in front and behind of each other. We really appreciated the accomodations even with the little kinks here and there.

Owner response:The roof on the cottage has been replaced and the dishwasher has been addressed and I replaced my yard help.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.