6/10 Okay
Susan B.
14 Aug 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous Setting and View
Three star rating (really 3.5) is average of the many 5-star elements with lower rating for cleanliness and mildew in some parts of cottage. Five stars for incredibly beautiful setting and view, pretty, uncluttered decor, closeness to wide beach, clean and awesome outdoor shower, dog friendly layout with latched gate on front deck, quiet and friendly “neighborhood” vibe, responsiveness of Carolina Retreats management staff. Our week here was very happy but the cleanliness and mildew issue was a significant damper. This was an expensive property-the high end price didn’t match the low end cleanliness level. The owner obviously devoted a lot of love and thought to the house; if I were she I’d want to know about some big problem spots like mildew and filth in cabinet under the kitchen sink (including a soaking wet placemat and a jumble of unorganized detergents and clutter with lots of black mildew). One of the back bedrooms was unusable due to overwhelming mildew smell. We kept that door closed; it would have been unhealthy for anyone to sleep in. When we arrived, there were piles of unwashed (?) blankets and linens balled up in the laundry room. Also many drawers and cabinets with miscellaneous, dirty, random objects. Main dresser in front bedroom drawers flop downward when open. Kitchen sink has only a dribble of cold water, otherwise full on hot. As mentioned, management staff was responsive to a couple other problems. It would be a shame not to take care of this gorgeous house and setting. We’d happily stay here again if the mildew issue and cleanliness were fixed, especially if the price were less, but wouldn’t otherwise. Hopefully part of the problem is due to new to rental market and problems will be corrected. Makes me sad that the basic cleanliness and organization of house items isn’t better-seems like a fairly easy fix to make the cottage so much nicer, and it is an especially beautiful property otherwise-I’d love to stay every year if it weren’t for the problems and mismatch of price and reality. (Mildew in the back bedroom is a separate and bigger issue.) Not one roach or bug though! Management came through on their pest spray commitment that I spoke with them about after seeing worrisome May 2021 review. I hope they take care of the house and invest a little time on the problems-it’s pretty special.
Susan B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021