Niantic, Ct - Water Front Property - Long Island Sound

• Gorgeous rental

  Gorgeous rental

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 09/21/12
  • Review Submitted 05/16/13
  I just read the horrible review the pervious rentals left. I had to write this review as my friends and I have rented this property several times and it is the most pristine and beautiful place. The owner is so great about the condition it is left in and he himself came over to make sure we were comfortable. Everything in the home is immaculate and tasteful. For some one to rent it and not leave it in the same condition that is was when they stepped in is so pedestrian. We would recommend this home to anyone caring about enjoying a beautiful get-a -way

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

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

• A Nice House -- But A Risky Rental. Beware.

  A Nice House -- But A Risky Rental. Beware.

  • Guest Boston Family
  • Date of stay 12/29/12
  • Review Submitted 02/18/13
  My family rented this house with a couple of other families over New Year's Eve weekend. This is a nice house. The pictures do not demonstrate the size of the house or the view that it offers. The view includes islands, shipping lanes and water on 2 sides. However, there are several things that we wished we had known before renting this property, and I'd like to share them in this review for future renters' awareness: 1. While most vacation rental properties expect that renters will leave the property "broom clean" and ready for a professional cleaning service, this owner expects that you will do a much more thorough cleaning of the house before leaving, including thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. The standard stated in the contract is to leave the house "ready for the next renter", rather than ready for a professional cleaning service. 2. The landlord expects that all furniture be left where it is and is very strict about any furniture that was moved even a few feet to facilitate the kids or to create group seating areas. Part of our security deposit was withheld for forgetting to take the fireplace poker and tools off of the table where we placed them to be out of reach of the children. Be sure to replace any furniture or furnishings that are moved to their exact original location before leaving this property. 3. Be aware that most of the 6 parking spots for this property are on the grass/lawn, which can prevent a problem in off-season or inclement weather rentals. 4. The property is not well-suited for families with young kids. In addition to strict rules regarding moved furniture/furnishings, the rules of the property are very strict regarding where food may / may not be consumed. We did not read the rental agreement carefully enough--particularly regarding the cleaning expectations which exceeded any we have previously encountered. Following our rental, the owner thoroughly pointed out where he believed breaches of the agreement to have occurred. We acknowledged some of these and contested others. Based on his conclusions, the owner withheld a substantial amount of money from our security deposit which we believe was unsupported and largely unjustified and arbitrary. While we do believe that this is a very nice house in a nice location, we believe that because of the above reasons, this is a risky property to rent. Caveat renter.

  Recommended for: Age 55+.

  Owner response: It's unfortunate that this renter has not and will not take responsibility for his or his friends actions and general disregard for other peoples property. We have been renting this house for 10 years without incident, and no one has ever left it in the disgusting condition that they did. If this renter had left the house "broom clean" there probably would not have been any issues. However, it is unlikely that a broom was ever touched as there was food all over the floor and table in the kitchen, dining room and living room, the refrigerator was not emptied and full of left-overs and half used items, the dishes were not cleaned and put away, and most disgusting were the dirty diapers that were left in just about every garbage can in the house, as well as piled up outside the back door. We don't expect our renters to do a professional cleaning, just to clean up after themselves and leave the house as they found it. We also understand that chairs & tables are going to get moved around, and our previous renters have all had the courtesy to move them back when cleaning up. Again, it was apparent that no cleaning up was done, as the chairs and tables in the living room were in total disarray and had to be put back. As stated before, we have been renting this house for over 10 years, mostly to families with young children and all have loved it. Yes, we ask that children are not allowed to eat outside the kitchen (i.e. the living room) as we know that accidents happen and we are just trying to protect our investment and limit the possibility of spilling/staining on the carpets or furniture (which this renter failed to mention happened). As a service to our renters we typically do not charge a cleaning fee as long as the house is left clean and orderly. This allows the cleaning people we do hire to come in and complete their tasks within the small window of time between rentals and not have to contend with a major mess. Unfortunately this was not the case for this renter, so cleaning fees were assessed as well as fees to repair damages to furnishings & furniture in the house. This renter admits that he did not read the agreement carefully enough, yet wants to blame me for his and his friends total lack of responsibility. Please read the other reviews and judge for yourself if they thought it was a risky rental. Any questions about renting this property are always welcomed and I am happy to answer.

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

• Girl's Annual Sanity Sabbatical-Part Deux

  Girl's Annual Sanity Sabbatical-Part Deux

  • Guest Sheila/R.A.S.S. Gals Secretary
  • Date of stay 04/19/12
  • Review Submitted 04/23/12
  Thank you so much, John, for opening your home to our group again this year. Your beautiful house was the hands-down unanimous choice for our Girl's Weekend. The review from last year stands unchanged. 14 Women in 1 house for 4 days = So many memories of so much fun. Highly recommend this property for anyone looking for a rental in this area!

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/3

• Annual family reunion. 4 families, 7 adults., 7 children ages 10 through 21

  Annual family reunion. 4 families, 7 adults., 7 children ages 10 through 21

  • Guest Dan
  • Date of stay 07/30/11
  • Review Submitted 08/09/11
  Thoroughly enjoyable stay. Home lived up to all advertised benefits and all expectations. Quiet shore environment and excellent water environment. Beautiful furnishings and totally adequate bed and bath facilites. Convenient grocery and other stores. Easy access to lovely Niantic town. Would love to return again

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/5

• Girl's Annual Sanity Sabbatical!

  Girl's Annual Sanity Sabbatical!

  • Guest Sheila/R.A.S.S. Gals Secretary
  • Date of stay 04/07/11
  • Review Submitted 04/11/11
  The description and photos of this property were very accurate. We are a group of 14 "Gals" ranging in age from 27-83...all related by blood or marriage. We traveled a short distance from MA, RI and CT to get here. There is only on site parking for 2-3 cars so carpooling is a must. We had an absolutely wonderful time staying in this property. There is plenty of room to spread out or be all together in the same area, whichever is your choice. While the weather was not overly warm in the early morning, we had sunshine and the front porch warmed up early enough that that was the place to relax, read, socialize or nap throughout the day. The sunrise over the ocean was spectacular enough that most of us were awake to enjoy it by 6:30! Some were out early biking, walking or running in the area and some stayed behind to mix the Bloody Marys! The neighborhood streets as well as the adjacent Rocky Neck State Park were ideal for this. This area is within 1/2 hr drive of malls, Mystic Seaport and the Casinos. Niantic Diner had a wonderful breakfast and Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant had delicious, fresh seafood. We called ahead to assure that our large party could be accommodated and had no trouble. The homeowner was very helpful and returned phone calls or e-mails promptly. We all would definitely recommend this home to anyone who is looking to rent in this beautiful area. There was even talk of returning next year!

  Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thanks Sheila, glad the "Gals" had such a great time. The house has hosted many "girls-weekends" and it seems that all have had similar things to say about it. Just a note, there is enough parking for 5-6 cars using the driveway and the lawn.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/4

• Family reunion 2010

  Family reunion 2010

  • Guest Tom
  • Date of stay 07/17/10
  • Review Submitted 10/09/10
  Excellent rental. Everything you need is there. Very comfortable with lovely water views. Will definately be back.

  Recommended for: People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/5

• Girls get-away !!!!!

  Girls get-away !!!!!

  • Guest Barb
  • Date of stay 09/17/10
  • Review Submitted 09/23/10
  We were a party of six college friends in our 60's that do a yearly long weekend to catch up and enjoy each others company. This place is the perfect rental in that there are adequate bedrooms and plenty of relaxing areas to enjoy in the home. The house is so well equiped that the only needs were our own food that we brought.The view from the house is terrific and the quiet neighborhood is ideal for long walks over looking the bay. Although tucked away, it is close to many great activities and wonderful restaurants. We will defintely be back.

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/6

• Gorgeous Home!

  Gorgeous Home!

  • Guest Joannie
  • Date of stay 06/11/10
  • Review Submitted 09/22/10
  This house is truly lovely and comfortable. There is more than enough space to sprawl around in, the kitchen is top notch, plenty of bedrooms and more than enough bathrooms. The owners have kept this home in perfect condition with pride of ownership and it shows, plus they are very nice people to deal with. The surrounding area is great for walking or just relaxing by the water. My large family and I thank them for their hospitality and for opening their private oasis to us.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/5

• Fun on the beach

  Fun on the beach

  • Guest NM family
  • Date of stay 06/18/10
  • Review Submitted 06/25/10
  We had a family gathering at this beautiful location. The house accommodated our group of 11 well with excellent space and a most lovely water location. The beach was a short walk away. Would recommend this property to anyone. We are planning another stay here! The owner was really wonderful to work with. The listing was accurate and the house was as lovely as it looked in the pictures.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/5

Jan - May .. $2,850/week
Jun ...... $3,850/week
Jul-Sep .. $4,300/week
Oct - Dec..$2,850/week
Nightly/Weekend rentals are available (2 night minimum) during July & August
Jan - April ..... $550/night
May-June, Sept-Dec. ...... $650/night
Holiday date/weekend rates may be higher

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.