The main reasons I was drawn to this property were spot on and as advertised:
-Great yard space for lawn games - both the front and side yards are perfect for cornhole (the house had a great set); bocce and croquet (we brought our own)
-A separate basement space for teens and tweens - a sectional, a big TV, as well as big Jenga and a ping-pong table (we have 2 kids and had friends with 3 kids down for a few nights (ages 8-13) and it was great for them to have their own space away from (and out of the adults' hair!)
-A bunk room that could sleep lots of kids (see above)
-Walking distance to the beach - there is a neighborhood beach about a .5 mile walk (or an easy bike ride) as well as a larger one about a mile away and several other beaches with short drives
Bonus things:
-LOCATION, location - an easy drive or ride to downtown Chatham or Harwichport as well as all the beaches mentioned above
-The owners very kindly left a bottle of wine as well as a bag with mini shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles, a sponge and dishwasher tabs
-.3 miles to the Old County Rail Trail (which connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail) - super convenient!
-A few bikes provided by the owners - my family brought their own but I don't have one so it was great for me to use the house one, as well as store ours in their shed
-The house is very much in a neighborhood so the kids were able to ride their bikes around (though the house is on a dirt road FYI)
-I can't speak for all the beds, but the master was quite comfortable
-Though we didn't need them, the house is well stocked for younger kids, i.e. toddler bed, mini table and chairs on the deck, as well as one in the basement; younger kid-type beach toys in the shed, etc.
-Overall well-stocked kitchen, a good amount of towels and beach towels (could maybe use a few more hand towels!)
Opportunities (NOT cons!)
First, I'll preface this by saying I believe the owners just bought the house in 2021 so this was their first rental season so I'm sure they'll continue to add and improve things. We had a few issues but the owners responded quickly and reimbursed me for the few things we needed (a bike repair, gas for the grill, etc.). There were a few things that broke (a towel bar, a kitchen drawer) and we let them know right away and they were apologetic. I am confident that it will get better and better over time. Thanks for a great last-minute stay!