The Other Side of Quaint
Review Submitted: October 8, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
Upon arrival, we could not enter the rental cottage according to the instructions (lockbox codes) provided by the proprietor. We simply flipped a latch on a rickety side gate (the top of the post came off in my hand) and pulled the slightly stuck back screen door open. I honestly can't remember where we found the keys that opened the sliding door into a lovely little renovated kitchen and spare clean ground floor. As my husband hauled our suitcases up the rickety stairs, I read the instructions and guidelines on the counter, impressed by the attention to detail and commitment to environmental issues.
Twenty four hours later, we were not so impressed. My spouse refused to sleep in the very comfortable king size bed for all the noise the AC in the window made, and even @ his height of 5'9" had to crouch in the shower the next morning. (Bathroom not for taller folks!) The bathroom sink had no plug so that one had to use a lot of extra water to wash & rinse properly. We had to tie up the window shade to get enough light in the morning. Shades & windows in other rooms did not function properly (if at all), which is usually the first and most basic method of energy conservation, yes? (BTW, "8" rooms includes sunporch, pantry, bathroom, and/or adorable closet size old schoolhouse computer room.)
Inside the cottage are BEACH HOUSE signs, encouraging a visit to Plum Cove, which is a short walk along a busy street to the very small inlet, mostly peopled by divers and young families.
The area around Gloucester is beautiful, and you can explore all the surrounding towns in a couple of days. The whale watching
is splendid. Some of the "joints" have better food and ambience than the "fine" restaurants. (Two Sisters for breakfast, Captain Hook
for supper, & the diner across from the StopnShop. Also, of course, Woodman's in Essex.)
Take an early morning hike in the Quarry, but above all, do not confuse Plum Cove with Plum Island, an essential short drive north
to a natural preserve and pristine beach that will take your breath away.
We admit that the extreme heat that week made us crabby, that the bad water alert was in no way the fault of the owners, and that last year's fabulous Manomet rental (at twice the price) has probably skewered our perspective irreparably.
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