The Zen House

I'd like to thank Rick for an excellent weekend. Our group has been renting a house such as this one for a ski weekend for the past 5 years and this was by far the best experience. We didn't really have many doubts prior to the weekend because of the pristine reviews and large amount of images, but even still, we were more than pleasantly surprised upon arrival. We opted for the bath house, which was an excellent way to relax after a day of skiing (we chose to travel the hour scenic ride to Belleayre Mountain. Not a bad ride and mostly back roads) and I certainly recommend doing so. The house itself has plenty of space for activities or lounging around and the bedrooms are spacious. The real selling point of the house is without a doubt the movie theater room. As many have mentioned in their reviews, the pictures don't do it justice. After the first group arrived to the house, the next people to arrive would be inevitably rushed downstairs to take in the amazement that is the movie theater. It was so great that it inspired an impromptu acapella singing competition in front of the screen with an audience looking on from the extremely comfortable seats.

As far as suggestions go, I would add shelves on two sides of the room with the pool table for placing drinks. Not only for convenience, but also to prevent people from placing their drinks on the table. Also, if possible, adding a bathroom in the basement. With the pool table and movie theater downstairs, a lot of guests will spend a lot of the time down there and not having to go upstairs for the bathroom would be more convenient.

I'd also like to mention that the supermarket in town is no more expensive beer-wise than any other suburban supermarket as previously mentioned in a review. There are pizza and Chinese places in town that are better than expected as well. Definitely use Rick's directions (making a right when you see the can't-miss group of mailboxes is really all you need to know once you get to Livingston Manor and start to proceed up the hill for a few miles).

All in all, our stay was fantastic and my two suggestions were just that, suggestions, and not really complaints because honestly no one in our group had any. We will certainly be planning a trip back to The Zen House, possibly as soon as this Summer to take more advantage of the outdoors, rather than waiting for the Winter to go back.

Thanks again Rick!
J.P.

This comment is for those that are narrowing their search on vacation rentals. We booked this home in the winter in December.

We could not arrive until 6pm per the owners requirements. We arrived and couldn't see the house door. There was't one light turned on inside or outside. Luckily we packed flash lights so we could enter the house.

Various light switches did not work, including the the hallway.

The house was freezing, The thermostat was set to 68 degrees. This wouldn't have been a problem, but there was a lock box over the thermostat and we were forced to adapt to the temperature the owner felt fit? The owner should take into account that everyones comfort level is different.

There isn't any grocery stores in the area, and the small grocery store we managed to find on our phone was seven miles away and closed early.

We had to drive another thirty miles to the nearest grocery store, which was Walmart for water, groceries, and firewood to warm the house, which also is not provided.

This all could've been prevented with a welcome note, and an explanation of where everything is, and how to use these items. No instructions, no labels on various remotes, and no wireless password. Everything was a figure it out situation.

The theater was amazing, but had many problems with the blue ray player, because it would freeze. This happened with two discs that were new as well. We didn't use the sauna, because we realized we didn't buy enough wood for both the fireplace and the sauna.

You must pack all toiletries, because you will only be supplied with one roll of toilet paper and one roll of paper towel. This place wasn't horrible, but should be in a different category of pricing. Between the holes in the walls and frayed and ripped carpet, price should reflected the property, but it didn't. I compiled a log and photos of damage, and i suggest everyone does the same to get your deposit back, owner will try to keep it.

The cleaning fee is a bit much, considering the price the owner is asking, and because the place was descent, but not "clean"

Closets/areas were filled with equipment and sharp tools, not child safe if you have children. A flashlight should be packed, because the power went out, and it would have been disastrous without them.

Hospitality is a business, and It seemed as though the only priority of this owner was collecting the money. If it was priced according, than most of these issues wouldn't be a concern.

This house was a dream come true for my friends and family this past Christmas. It was clean, tasteful, and cozy. The movie theater was like nothing I have seen before. It was so spacious and comfortable that some friends fell asleep there while watching a movie and did not wake up until the next day. The bedrooms were beautiful too. There was an extra rolled up mattress in the closet so it was perfect for someone who did not want to share a bed with someone else. Everything was in working condition and we had no issues whatsoever with the house. The outside area of the house was breathtaking. The outdoor hot tub was very relaxing and sanitary. The walkway from the house to the bath house was very charming. It was snowing when we stayed there and the view could not have been more charming. The bath house was probably the most enjoyed aspect of our vacation. What a gem! The little house seemed newly built, and was designed in such a beautiful manner that we girls enjoyed a luxurious spa day and took many photos in our green clay masks. The iPod system allowed as to play zen meditative music (bring your own music). The guys also spent a lot of time in the sauna after a long day of skiing. There was a wooden table in the bath house and we brought chairs from the outside to create the ultimate hang out spot. The floor was heated too and it felt really good. I am anxious to go back there again in the future and so are my friends and family members. A perfect place for any season. Thank you!!!