Charming cottage on Balsam, Spectacular mountain view, Immaculate, Very private

We are a coupe in our mid-50’s and have rented many, homes all over the world and many in the U.S. More specifically we have rented in the Smoky Mountains every Christmas in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Hendersonville, also three times in Maggie Valley. To say that we are very experienced renters is a qualified statement. We have never had an issue and have always received our deposits back in full upon completion of the rental.

This home has some nice positives. The home is clean, very clean and tidy. The kitchen is well appointed with plenty of glasses, plates, bowls… etc. The bed we slept in was comfortable and the bathroom was nice with a big tub and decent shower. It is rather remote on a mountain top, but that has it’s advantages as well. The views are stunning as the mountains seem to change hourly. There is no cable/sat TV, but the owner provided access to Netflix and wireless internet and that was just fine.

The property was ultimately not our issue, it was dealing with the owner in the end. We are very responsible renters. In this case, we never cooked in the kitchen. We cleaned and put away all dishes, took the trash off the property to the transfer station, etc. I’d describe our leaving the property fairly clean.

We specifically asked when renting the property if our dog was allowed and he was approved. However there came message after message about keeping the dog off furniture, bring a dog bed or dog crate, two mentions of wiping mud off the dog’s feet with a towel. Always have the dog on a leash. Looking back it was adding up.

Our black lab is nine years old, not a puppy. In all of those places mentioned above (in the U.S.), over the past 8 years we have brought along our dog with zero issues. He does shed some hair. He was not allowed in the bedrooms or furniture. We brought his dog bed. But in the end, we were charged additional fees for pet fur cleaning. Our dog sheds about half a lose handful of fur every week in our house. The owner made a dramatic and absurd claim that the cleaners had to “empty the vacuum twice, and that was in a small house”.

I would recommend if you rent this property, you do not bring your dog. The owner is like a grandmother who invites you over and then complains about your children. She has your deposit and she is the judge and jury about giving it back… minus what she sees fit to keep. Would I rent from this owner again? Sorry, but no. Good luck to you if you do