Owner misrepresented cottage
Review Submitted: August 26, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
The condition of this 100 year old cottage was misrepresented by the owner. When we told the owner all the things wrong with the cottage, he left us a very nasty message. Very poor customer service.
We were caretakers rather than renters on vacation.
The ad reads, "3 bedrooms, sleeps 8." We had our 6 family members visit us for 4 days out of the 3 weeks we were there. The owner said he would forgive the extra charge of $180 a day for the visitors...we were shocked as we were renting a cottage with "3 bedrooms that sleeps 8!"
The path down to the lake was treacherous and slippery with no steps. When we told the owner about this, his reply was we must be out of shape.
The outboard engine would not start, and Im an experienced boater. I saved the rowboat from sinking by emptying out the rainwater.
We were alerted, only after we arrived, that we shouldn't park next to the house, but leave the car halfway up the 100 yard long driveway.. The driveway was in serious need of repair.
Window sills filled with dead bugs, dirt and cobwebs. 16 broken windows in the house. Dirt, dust and peanut shells under bed. Bed fell twice while we were in it.. Lots of outdated food on shelves in pantry.
Exterior doors didnt lock nor close.
Kitchen sink had to be plunged several times each time it was used.
No bathroom light at all.
No shower nor shower curtain. Faulty bathtub drain leaked onto floor. Wife wiped up water from floor each time bathtub was used.
Broken toilet flusher, rusted out parts. Toilet had to be flushed in a particular way or it would back up.
View was lovely, lake beautiful.
Owner's Response: The Kent Cottage is Well-Represented on 2 web sites by 24 Pictures-Description, e-Mail Pictures, Telephone Interviews, 5-page Cottage Document, Referrals to Former Guests.
These renters were an owner’s Worst Nightmare. They did $600 in damage and were rude to the young manager. Caretakers? She was nearly in tears with the telling.
We waived a $250 fee for Jim S’s additional guests of one week who called the cottage “lovely.” We provided their sheets on an emergency basis, and Mrs. S complained about cleaning them. And she complained about 2 bug bites.
They sent a crude letter demanding a 50% refund - or else! There were torrential rains during their stay, the second worst in Vermont since 1900.
Let The Reader Judge: Their bed, on 12" cedar posts, has never fallen. According to subsequent guests, the new septic didn’t back up. The toilet flushed. The handle had to be held down for a few seconds because the valve was half on. Exterior doors locked. Interior French doors closed, but now have locks - unneeded with our privacy. For 150 rentals, no one has ever complained about road or paths. A path to the lake washed out, exposing tree roots and stones; two were fine. The road survived heavy rains. Jim S was "alerted" in advance (Cottage Document) how to drive up the hill (don't spin tires), and everyone parks down at the cottage. Renters after Jim S had no problems with paths or road. Except for some dry goods, the larder was fresh and guests rotate supplies. There was a light in the bathroom; the switch did jam. One sink developed air locks (fixable with vent). Jim S said, “O.K. no problem.” The ad says tub (bath) with spray. It does not leak. The “16 broken windows” were hairline cracks in 100-year-old panes of glass; functional with beautiful wavy images during the day.102 panes were fine.
By contract we ask guests to leave the cottage reasonably clean. Bugs and dust on sills? Yes, after 3 weeks of no cleaning! Jim S and his wife tracked mud throughout the cottage, left trash in the yard, and let all the hanging plants die. We have 3 hours to polish up! Cleaning up after these renters extended into the next renter’s time, and we gave them a $300 refund.
Jim S did Not “save” the boat. The motor was saturated with water and cost $200 to repair.
We provide unlimited long distance and do our best to be sensitive to our renter's needs, but Jim S never called.
Still, we have had many wonderful guests, and that's what really counts!
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Helpful votes: 20/32
