Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to write your review. For accuracy, fairness, and the benefit of future guests, I have addressed each observation you raised:
1. CROCKERY, GLASSWARE AND CUTLERY
The apartment sleeps six and has a fully stocked/ functional kitchen. The following standard items were available for guests to use during your stay:
Crockery:
• 6 large dinner plates
• 6 standard-size dinner plates
• 6 side plates
• 6 dishes
• 6 salad bowls
• 6 cereal bowls
Cups:
• 6 teacups/stainless-steel mugs
• 6 coffee/cappuccino cups with saucers
• 6 espresso cups with saucers
Glassware:
• 6 beer glasses
• 6 water glasses
• 6 wine glasses
• 6 champagne flutes
• 6 shot glasses
Cutlery:
• 6 dinner knives
• 6 salad knives
• 6 dinner forks
• 6 salad forks
• 6 dessert forks
• 6 tablespoons
• 6 soup spoons
• 6 dessert spoons
• 6 teaspoons
2. POTS AND PANS
• Frying pan
• Large saucepan
• Medium saucepan
• Intermediate saucepan
• Small saucepan
• Casserole dish
• Extra-large pressure cooker
• Baking trays
• Baking dishes
The large saucepan and extra-large pressure cooker are deemed adequate for cooking for six people.
3. FREEZER SIZE
The built-in fridge-freezer is a standard size normally found in a conventional kitchen. The freezer compartment is separate from the refrigerator and capable of storing more than a week’s worth of shopping.
4. NOISE AND MY DAUGHTER
I welcome families with babies and young children and understand normal crying and activity. Likewise, it is unreasonable to expect everyone on the property to remain silent from 7.30 pm because a baby is sleeping. My 21-year-old daughter, home from university during your stay, regularly wore headphones; if she occasionally disturbed your baby, I am sorry. However, normal household noise from a resident family member cannot reasonably be considered inappropriate.
5. LANGUAGES SPOKEN
VRBO asks hosts to state their spoken languages. Between my partner and me, we speak English, German, Italian and some French. The listing does not state, nor require, that residents speak German. Guests are welcomed, shown around and given instructions by us in an appropriate language, with a folder of further information provided. Living on the property means I am available to assist when needed, including answering your only question about purchasing the hand soap, which your eldest daughter conveyed in perfect English, as did your husband.
6. SWIMMING POOL
The pool has solar heating, which was switched off during your stay as the weather temperature was approximately 32–34°C, and the pool itself was approximately 27–28°C.
7. WALKING BAREFOOT IN THE GARDEN
As listed, the property is in a rural area. The garden consists of natural terraced terrain rather than manicured lawns.
Many guests and I regularly walk barefoot in the garden; it’s not impossible; it’s a personal choice.
8. ACCESSING POOL
Directly accessing the property pool from the apartment is approximately 72 steps and takes approximately 33 seconds.
9. BATHROOM AND TOWEL HANGING FACILITIES
There is a towel rail and a towel hook on the wall in the bathroom. Both fixtures were present and available for use throughout your stay. [see listing photo] Furthermore, I also provide drying racks, which guests can use outside throughout their stay, as explained on arrival.
10. SHOWER, TAPS AND WATER
The water pressure is increased with the use of a pump we installed to ensure decent showers.
I rely on guests to use their own judgement to moderate the flow of water when using the shower and taps.
11. SIGNS OF AGING
The apartment aesthetic is stylish, rural, Italian. It is not a modern New York or London apartment.
The walls were painted three years ago, and the tiled bathroom and kitchen retain the character of the property.
The dining table is an antique, and the wrought-iron beds, which characteristically make some noises, are from an artisan family business.
These features are part of the character of the property rather than signs of neglect.
12. THE BALCONY
The statement “Balcony dangerous for small children” is particularly serious and factually incorrect.
The balcony complies with the applicable Italian building and safety requirements and is regularly inspected. The railings are securely fixed into the structure and spaced to prevent small children falling through. Therefore, the balcony is not inherently dangerous for small children.
Regarding your photograph depicting your daughter. The lounger was not in its normal position when the photograph was taken!
As you’re aware, your two-year-old daughter suffered an accident days before arrival, highlighting the importance of supervision.
I wish you and your family well, and I sincerely hope that your daughter's blue surgical plaster cast, which is just visible in the photograph, will be removed soon and that she makes a full recovery and retains full use of her finger and the other injured fingers.
I hope this provides clarity for future guests.