The communication with the owner was very good and prompt. The welcome items in the fridge were appreciated. The pictures are probably several years old, and the property is need of a significant cleanup and repair. To be fully transparent I provided a very detailed review to the owner to which he addressed some of the items I’ll summarize. Here is a bullet point of some issues and their response:
- major ant infestation making relaxing outside and inside near impossible, constant disinfection of the counters and application of the numerous containers of ant insecticide found in the cupboards did not stop or slow the spread. Ants were throughout the kitchen, sitting area and front bathroom - response - unaware of an ant problem. Question - if they are unaware of ant problems why were their four different containers of ant insecticide in the kitchen cupboard?
- no screen on patio doors requiring them to be kept closed due to numerous feral cats in the yard preventing any air circulation in the sitting area - response - the previous renters fed the cats, they keep the mice away, screen door is there, just not installed yet
- aggressive wasps in the backyard, impossible to relax, my wife was stung and suffered for 4 days afterward - no response to this comment. Question - why not use a wasp deterrent? They are attracted to the trees.
- many interior issues to address, old linens and towels, hard bed, curtains falling off the rod, lights taped together - response - one mattress is new, the towels were new, the curtains are being replaced
- construction close by with continuous jackhammering loud enough to shake the house lasts from 8AM to 6PM - no response to this comment
The location was nice, easy access to the Rotunda, and the nice restaurants in the square. If you are going to stay here, I would request updated pictures, assurance that the ant problem has been addressed and if you want to relax in the day, find out about the level of construction nearby.
In summary, my opinion, I really expected more based on the price and comparable properties. There is potential here, but there needs to be an effort put in by the owner.