This was our second stay at Middleton House (1st was in 2011), with relatives on all three floors both times and a dinner party and Sunday brunch both weekends, with extra guests. Everyone agreed that Middleton House is a hospitable venue for such events, as the VRBO description promised. However, this time we were surprised to learn--a few days before our arrival--in an email from the owner that no gatherings are permitted without prior approval. Oops! We went ahead with our events (relatives were coming from out-of-state), and promised to pay for any extra cleaning expenses. Of course we left Middleton House in great shape (we 70-year-olds know how to do k.p.). And so In the end, the only extra cost to us was the scare. .We strongly recommend that the VRBO description should be modified to let renters know that they need prior approval for gatherings..

Speaking of old people: The thin rugs (e.g., in the kitchen) were frequently kicked up at the edges by our shuffling feet. Some sticky tape might remedy this risk.

Having a private bathroom for each bedroom, as well as a main floor powder room, was very appreciated by our guests. However, the 3rd-floor bathroom was not up to the standards of the other bathrooms. It had only a freestanding tub with a circular shower rod (with a skimpy pair of shower curtains).

The screened porch, once again, was a favorite spot. Plus the kids who came to the dinner enjoyed being out in the tiered backyard, which was big enough to provide separate spaces for the different-aged kid groups.

The kitchen is well stocked with various serving bowls, platters, etc. It would be nice to have some nonstick frying pans of varying sizes and also potholders. And definitely a pair of kitchen shears!

A separate recycling information sheet would be a welcome addition for the bulletin board (different municipalities have different rules). It was confusing, even for our guests from Seattle.

One last comment: Small ants [some people call them "sugar ants"] were found on all three levels of Middleton House, including bedrooms, the kitchen, and the porch. We aren't sure how you can eradicate them; maybe ant traps? At least there were no mice this time! [In 2011 they were in the large 2nd floor bedroom and the kitchen.] To be safe (for sure) this time, we stored all dry goods like cereals and crackers in the tall kitchen cupboard--very handy..

Thank you... .