A Perfect Corner of the World Historic Mansion Overlooking Niagara Gorge

This historic home consistently receives highly complimentary reviews. We anticipated this negative review due to the associated issues with this guest regarding appropriate property rules. This response addresses each of the comments. . The matelassé coverlets on each bed were, in fact , newly replaced prior to this guest’s arrival. Linens must be replaced regularly as needed. Occasionally something may be missed but we do our very best to maintain the high standards for our luxury linens. Guests frequently ask us for the brands as the quality and the guest experience is excellent. Could we miss something? Of course, but we try to be as attentive as possible. Next the reference to the odor in the toilets. This has never been an issue in all of our years as a VRBO host. Our cleaning protocol requires that each commode is cleaned twice, first with ammonia and cleansers and then completely sanitized with alcohol. As to a bathroom leak, (which was in fact a slow drip), that was due entirely to the guest using the shower improperly despite clear instructions and information. Pretty straight forward… Keep the shower curtain inside the tub and do not flood the floor with water. Any home, regardless of age, might have water leak through under those conditions. The property is a very historic 208 year old structure and an important part of American history. It is constantly cared for and forever under maintenance… it’s an ongoing effort. I have seldom had occasion to apologize for floors making sounds when walked upon. The floors, made of ancient pine and chestnut, has stood the test of two centuries. Some of the floors are wide blank over 24 inches wide and sourced from nearby ancient forests. Solid as a rock as our the original hand hued beams. I think we can all agree that everyone over a hundred “creeks” a bit! (I know I do!).While the infrastructure including heating, electric and kitchens have all been thoroughly updated within the last 10 years, we have worked hard to maintain the integrity of the home. The gourmet kitchen features a Viking/Uline stove and all modern amenities. Most guest find the blend of modern convenience with all the original elements as part of the home’s historic charm and unique experience. It is rare that such a gem of Greek Revival architecture has its original interior moldings, wood floors, mantels, and floor to ceiling windows and glass as well as original “flying staircase” and floor to ceiling. The beautiful dining room murals are a modern adaptation of period design and a highlight featured several times on national television. This home has stood for over 206 years and has welcomed historic figures such as John Jacob Astor, the Marquis de La Fayette, as well as US Presidents. This unique property speaks to the discerning traveler and most all of our guests find it a wonderful and memorable experience.

Occasionally a guest is simply incapable of being please with any experience, as was this particular guest. This review wildly exaggerated the inconvenience. Here are accurate details so that the reader of this review may judge for themselves. There are three separate heating units. These multiple systems ensures that there is heat, at all times, throughout the rooms regardless of exterior temperature. No single point of failure with one unit will affect the other two from operating as intended and compensate interior temperature. This heating system is in place as this is an historic property with many original features which require appropriate climate control. The first heat source is an air unit which heats the entirety of the first floor. The second unit is a separate radiant unit which heats each bedroom and hallway on the second floor main house and is powered by a commercial grade broiler. The third unit maintains the heat in the north wing which includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as the Carriage. This configuration was designed in early 2003 to ensure the comfort of family and guests. In this particular instance, the pilot light on the boiler for the second floor was blown out by unusual high winds that morning. This problem was not discovered until the guest arrived at 2 pm(an early check in we offered without additional charge). Upon being contacted, our caretaker arrived within two hours having purchased two space heaters while we did trouble shooting. The only rooms affected registering 60 degree heat are the second floor bedrooms which did not result in any guest being immediately affected as it was still afternoon. We did have to adjust the space heaters to balance the power intake. The actual heat for the north wing was addressed within 45 minute once caretaker arrived and did some trouble shooting. Heat was even and comfortable throughout the house within 3 hours. However, the caretaker remained onsite through 10 pm to look at the entire heating system and ensure that the heat would remain consistent and working. The guests left for a planned outside dinner engagement early in the evening and was unaware that the problem was resolved. We do appreciate that this was an unusual situation where there was a several hour problem with a second floor heating problem in the middle of the day. This situation was, however, addressed promptly and appropriately for the guest. We have additionally installed remote thermostat controls to monitor heat in future. As far as cleanliness, this is a complaint without substance and our team is experienced ad thorough. The “dust” was actually “salt” tracked in by these guest from the outside as they failed to remove their outside foot ware tracking it in on 200 year old floors. The terrace had been freshly salted and shoveled that morning to ensure that no snow or ice accumulated for guest safety and comfort. We have a second caretaker that ensures walkways and driveways are always kept clear for guests. The same caretaker immediately washed the entire kitchen floor with soap and water at that time. Finally, regarding the water leaking from second floor shower. This was actually due to the guest failing to place the shower curtain inside the tub allowing water to accumulate outside the tub on the floor causing the leak. The guest information clearly states that all shower curtains should be “placed in the tub during shower” to ensure that water does not leak out onto the floors. (there are also reminders in the bathroom for the guest information and convenience). Clearly the guest did not follow the request which allowed water to accumulate on the floor. This particular guest was clearly not an appropriate fit. The Mansion prides itself on providing a wonderful, comfortable and unique experience for our guests. We close by offering a small portion of a five star review (left on another site) left by a family who arrived just a few days later and stayed an entire week. This extended family from much warmer climate could not have bee more pleased with their experience. “This is an amazing historical home in a quaint town. Everything was close by - walking distance yet the home is very private and peaceful. We had a wonderful time and would book this again. The host is extremely responsive and communication was easy and very timely.”

WE appreciated John taking the time to write a review. Just a few notes on the comments. A concern regarding keys was expressed. Per new check in protocols, there are electronic key pads for guest use and the instructions with individual codes are provided for each guest within the welcome email or their convenience. Regarding the painting, we have been painting the house but due to weather, we have had some delays. The 206 year home has been completely repainted at this time.