Historic House Featured in March 2015 House Beautiful Magazine!

This is a unique property that can comfortably accommodate a large group, with multiple bedrooms, many real beds, a well-equipped kitchen and large dining room table. But what makes it really special is its private location with a SPECTACULAR view of the bay from the screened- in porch, open deck and from most rooms in the house. It is an older, historic home with some associated old-house traits – shortage of electrical outlets, creaky floorboards, lack of heating and air conditioning but there were some modern additions in the form of good WiFi, real cable TV and plenty of hot water. The lack of air conditioning was not an issue because the days were warm and the nights cool, as in typical of Maine, but might be a consideration during abnormally warm or cold weather.

So what was the big problem? We couldn’t get in the house! I had contacted the owner several days before our arrival to get the check in information and was informed that the house would be open after 3:30. We arrived right at 3:30 with a car full of perishable groceries, only to find the house locked. After waiting 15 minutes to see if anyone showed up with a key, I tried to open the VRBO app to get the owner’s phone number. Due to poor cell reception in the area, this was a real problem, but I finally got a phone number and was able to make a call to the owner – that went into voicemail! Fortunately, we were able to find a way into the house without the key, because the owner did not call back for three hours. With 8 family members arriving and groceries spoiling, not getting into the house close to on time would have put a real damper on the whole stay.

I don’t know why there was a mix-up on the check-in instructions, but the owner or an agent has to be available to resolve check-in problems promptly and efficiently. Other than that, we had a fantastic stay in a unique and wonderful home on a beautiful bay. But you’ve got to get into the house before you can have a good stay, so that’s why I am giving this property 4 stars rather than 5.