Chesapeake Paradise House-Stunning 6+br4ba Wtrfrnt

Sarah and others were wonderful guests! They were quiet, kind, and extremely responsible. They were very gracious and seemed to love everything about being here. And really took advantage of what we had to offer. Sarah left the houses in an immaculate condition. I would welcome them back in any season and recommend them highly to other hosts! Shawn Mahshie, Chesapeake Waterfront Houses, Deale, Maryland

Sarah did not mention any of this while here; this “review” is retaliation for my asking her to take responsibility for usurping this property as a large event venue. My heart is breaking that her exaggerations/omissions might keep anyone from the peace of our country-like spot, so this response is for other guests who may now be concerned. PRIVACY/MONITORING/EVENT: If I were truly a controlling/invasive host, this newly remodeled luxury listing would not have earned a RARE 100% 5-STARS (with all 15 prior reviews on VRBO & the other platform starting with “A,”) nor could I have kept my Superhost status for so many years. Hundreds of guests have loved when I stayed at the carriage house on our 2 acres, giving them privacy, freedom, & autonomy while close by to support their vacations, romantic get-aways, or pre-planned events. Sarah’s experience would have been very different had she just candidly negotiated in advance about the scope of the large baby shower she was planning: 60 guests, w/23 cars (squeezed between trees on our lawn at the end of a narrow dead-end; my 1st “VRBO party” nightmare!). In my 15 years of offering this wonderful property & event venue (small weddings, family reunions, etc. 3-4 times/yr.), I have never had to intervene/negotiate a large event AFTER guests’ arrival. Imagine my shock when the unauthorized delivery of 50 chairs & many tables revealed her plan--the day before the event! I felt manipulated & coerced into having an event on my property without prior permission, payment, or agreement; while also not wanting to cancel on the family & friends who had come from all over the country. My attempts to work with Sarah to negotiate a last-minute agreement to reflect scope/terms accurately & fairly were ignored, so I did my best to follow our event policies--insisting on a liability contract, damage deposit, & a minimal event fee--happy to host their family members & friends to celebrate a new life. CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION OF OTHER CLAIMS: 1) Sarah’s family talked with me--more than I talked with them--when I stopped by to welcome/offer support. (Guests at our cottage next door--this same weekend--gave a 5-star review & raved about the hosting; no complaints about loudness, rudeness, or excessive monitoring.) 2) I asked--as I do all guests--if they wanted our dog around; Winnie is a happy bonus for many, but I can easily keep her out of the yard. 3) On VRBO, we clearly state that the house next door on one acre is our rental also, with pier/kayaks as shared amenities, (normally not a problem). 4) My friend stayed 1 night in distant camper not visible from the house, did not use pier, left early a.m. (not living here!) 5) Photo situation was completely misrepresented. 6) AC works fine with remote thermostats as described in house manual. I tell guests DO NOT HESITATE to ask if a question/problem arises. Sarah did not. She was very uncommunicative before & during her stay. 7) NEW high-quality hardwood flooring has slightly high transitions to kitchen/hall (no complaints before, but we will add some alert-tape). 8) Breaker blows about once/yr. when coffee pot is moved (we will put a note to prevent) 9) A few ants show up seasonally and are treated via child/pet-friendly bait. 10) No mention of clutter in past reviews. THANKS FOR READING. 😊 It is unfortunate that Sarah doesn’t see how far I went to make this work for them, as I want each & every guest to cherish this house & property as much as I do. Southern Maryland is beautiful & our spot is especially gorgeous. Readers’ questions/concerns are welcome.

Bethany and the others were wonderful guests! They were quiet, kind, and extremely responsible. They were very gracious and seemed to love everything about being here. And really took advantage of what we had to offer. Bethany left the house in really immaculate condition. I would welcome them back in any season, and recommend them highly to other hosts! Shawn Mahshie, Chesapeake Waterfront Houses, Deale, Maryland