6/10 Okay
Catherine B.
15 July 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Lovely to Look At, But . . . .
We researched a long time before we chose this property, and we booked it based on its description on VRBO. We have booked a lot of VRBO/Homeaway properties, with no surprises during any our stays. This is the very first negative experience we've had.
The instructions we received in our contract and what was in the directions/guidebook in the house differed on many items, and I won't go into all of it here, but it was significant enough for me to call the management company, and that took MANY calls before we finally got through.
One very significant detail for this property not shared on the VRBO site is that all refuse is the renter's responsibility--it must be hauled to designated facilities and it is a minimum thirty minute drive each way. With our nine people who included a one year old child still in diapers, that was an every-other-day adventure.
There was a question I emailed before we left for North Carolina that was never answered, and now I know why. There is a lovely river that runs at the rear of the property and I'd asked how steep the grade was because we were bringing children. No answer to that, and we found out why when we arrived. It is STEEP AS HECK and no one should be renting a house with a descent like that until they restore and secure a path. OR as we thought, at least tie some heavy rope to the trunks of the large trees to give something to hold onto. It was treacherous to say the least, especially after five days of rain.
We had the septic back-up and the workmen revealed it wasn't their first or even third time at the property. This caused some fear of the basement toilet.
The other oddity was the shooting of guns close by (the other side of the river) on the first two nights, well past bedtime. And it was a significant amount of ammo being used. Another family nearby heard it too. We were informed by the sheriff in town on our third day (while on a garbage run) that this was normal and legal.
So, I'd say we enjoyed nature, the sounds of the river, the fireplaces and comfortable furnishings and time to be together after many months apart. But in the interest of happy vacationers, VRBO/Stay Blue Ridge should fully disclose ALL aspects of the rental experience so that everyone knows what it will entail. Renter's should know they'll be driving a long way on winding roads with vehicles containing smelly trash bags and maybe get some gun noise at midnight. By the way, BE SURE TO BRING SOME GARBAGE BAGS with you!
Catherine B.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2020
