It was the best of times - It was the worst of times
Submitted: February 3, 2013
Stayed: January 2013
Wow – where to start. The views are beautiful and the cabin in very spacious. The kitchen is well stocked. The owners are friendly and answer emails promptly.
However, this was probably one of the worst experiences of my life. On Sat. afternoon, Jan. 26th, just 24 hrs after we arrived at the cabin it was burglarized. 2 laptop computers, a computer bag with external hard drives containing my husbands work on them, our younger daughter’s game systems (but not the cabin’s PSII which was right next to our daughters games in the loft) and her suitcase with all her clothes were stolen. Thank goodness our dogs (long haired yappy chi’s) , which were in their soft kennel also in the loft area, were not harmed. Something that really bothers me is that nothing that belonged in the cabin was stolen, only items that belonged to us. We were not able to sleep Saturday night and on Sunday we came home. We were originally planning on staying till Wed., but after this happened we were too upset. Tom has said they are very sorry this happened. Lucinda’s father had to have emergency surgery, so they have a lot on their plate right now too. We have asked them to refund the rental fee to help cover our homeowners insurance deductible.
Please, if you are reading this review, learn from my mistakes. Don’t leave anything you consider valuable in any cabin. It doesn’t matter where the cabin is. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Dept., the number of burglaries is on the rise and even with alarm systems, by the time anyone can get there the thieves are in and out. The thieves are very familiar with the area and the cabins. The Sheriff’s dept. even said that in many of the cases it is an inside job, cleaning crews, etc. It is my hope, that by being more aware of the problem, future guest will take more precautions and not have to go through what my family did.
Also, if you have a toddler (one that’s walking but doesn’t yet understand the danger of steps and Franklin Stoves) be sure to bring extra wide baby gates. We brought two standard baby gates but they weren’t wide enough to work on the stair openings. Also, bring something to put around the Franklin Stove. We had brought a wire pen to use outside for our dogs but we couldn’t because there was not a flat area, so we used it around the stove. It worked very well (for the short time we were there) to keep our 14 month old grandson from getting too close.
Owner's Response: Amy
We are glad you liked the cabin and returned home safely.
This is the first time something like this has ever happened to one of our guests in any of our 4 rental properties. We are truly sorry to hear about the burglary but we were equally disturbed to learn that you did not set the alarm when you left nor lock the door properly- which most likely would have prevented this incident. We were also upset to learn that you did not lock the door or set the alarm when you checked out. Our maintenance person went to the cabin, upon your request, and found the cabin unlocked and the alarm off.
Like you, we find it odd that they took your daughter’s clothes but not our electronics. We trust our maintenance and cleaning people, who have been with us for many years, with all of our belongings and homes. Never has anything ever been taken from our cabins or from our guests and we do not believe it was them. Actually they have called us many times over the years to inform us when guests have left behind a camera, electronic devise, jacket or any other item.
We both travel extensively and logic tells us to never leave any valuable items in plain sight, be it in hotel rooms, vacation homes that we rent, or a car. In addition we always double check that doors and windows are locked securely when we leave.
As you know Lucinda’s father is critically ill. We apologize for the delayed response but we need to take care of this family emergency.
Respectfully
Tom and Lucinda
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
