This is a tough review to write. I wish I could give it 5 stars with so much to love: the fabulous location and house design -- a wrap-around deck on the waterfront where you can watch the sun and moon rise and set...a peaceful sanctuary is just what we were looking for. The house is clean, full of cool art and relics, and stocked with pretty much everything you need, except ice and water. We noticed that others here recommended bringing in your own water, and glad we did, as the well has a bad smell. But it wasn't really a problem. Anita, the host, is very responsive and cordial. The local neighbors were friendly and helpful. We even heard the local wild peacock the first night we arrived!
The big issue with this home is the air quality. It is an old house by the sea, so I guess it's not a surprise that it has a musty smell. I thought we could get used to it, but several members of our family have asthma, so it became a real problem by Day 2. My husband didn't mind it, so, if you aren't sensitive to mold or have lung issues, then it probably won't bother you. We had to spend a lot of time on the deck, but that wasn't a problem since they have a bunch of really comfy chairs to lounge on. (We did notice the upper deck wobbles when you walk on it and that made me a bit nervous) The house is definitely in need of some TLC in terms of maintenance, but it is one of the coolest homes I have spent time in. Would be great for a group of friends or couples. I imagine the owners had a lot of fun in this home over the years -- I heard stories of a beach club and neighborhood clam bakes that harkens back to its glory days. The marshes and bay waters are beautiful and endless, though there's not much of a beach -- it feels more like a lake. The yard is nice and the kids played in the grass. We went to Fire Island to the beach to swim about 20 mins away. It was nice there and they have a bar/restaurant on the beach.
All in all: a home with great bones, a great location but not great air quality, even with all the windows open on a cool, beautiful day. If you don't mind that, then you will love this unique home and nature sanctuary.