I was looking for a serene place to share a weekend with a good family friend to have a memorial service for my Dad and Mom who recently passed. The fire pit and beautiful property had me at hello. Both met, if not exceeded, our expectations. The property is truly serene and stunning.
I messaged the owner (Jack...who is great) after my stay and shared that we checked out a day early and provided the reasons why. Figured I would message him directly versus including my feedback in a review. But, I did not hear back and I want to check this review off my to-do list.
The main home was overall very nice. The living room quarters with the beautiful river view was outstanding. The air conditioning was great (very important for Florida properties).
That said, here's what didn't set well with us:
1) Upon entry, the first thing you see is the refrigerator. It's certainly serviceable, but the outside doors had mold on them. Not a great first impression. My first thought was, "Yuck!" I suggested a fridge upgrade.
2) The mattress and pillows in the master bedroom were horrible. I shared with Jack that I'd likely stay at this property 3 to 4 times a year if he upgraded both the fridge and the master bedroom bed and pillows. I never understand why VRBO owners do not consider comfort. Beds and pillows are NOT where you cut corners. The springs from the mattress poking my back throughout the night(s) caused me to say screw it, we're leaving a day early because I cannot sleep.
3) The swimming pool had not been cleaned for a long time. The water was moldy-green. It certainly wasn't the time of year to swim, but hanging out by the pool was unappealing so we spent most of our time by the fire pit.
4) The home uses well water. No problem if there was a filter to the house. However, there is not. Thus, there is a strong odor of sulfur when the water is running. We brought plenty of bottled water, so drinking from the tap wasn't a concern. But showering in that sulfur water was off-putting. Never felt clean.
I provide this constructive feedback hoping Jack takes it as such. If these items were corrected, I would give this property RAVING 5-star reviews.
So Jack, I hope you invest in the upgrades ... I'd love to come back. Again and again. But, as is, I'll have to search for serenity elsewhere.