PRO's:
- House is lovely and comfortable, as described by previous reviewers
- The grounds/property are also beautiful, with easily accessible trails and waterfalls.
- Access to Gorges State Park and other fun areas nearby.
CON's (Including communications with the host):
- Three weeks before our trip, the Host, contacted us to advise that the pond in front of the home had been drained, so would not be usable for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Confirmed with Host that the pool would still be available. A week before our arrival Host said the pond was filling, but he was not sure what stage it would be at when we arrived, again we asked about the pool and were assured it would be available. When we arrived, pond was only a third full and the use of paddle boards and kayaks from the launch was not possible. Water views from the house were: drained pond with barren muddy areas where the water had receded.
- When we arrived, we learned that the pool and clubhouse facilities were closed for the season. We contacted Rick who stated that he was "shocked" by facilities being closed. Facilities are only open during the prime summer months and close for the winter season, this was not disclosed. He offered to pay for swimming/racquet facilities in Brevard, a 25 min drive from the home. While we appreciated the offer, this was too far to take advantage of and enjoy regularly during our trip, so we would have to do without.
-Since we would not have access to the pond or clubhouse/pool facilities as advertised, which was one of the primary reasons that we chose this rental, he offered to either refund our present stay or provide a free week's stay next summer. We felt this was a fair offer for the rental not having the advertised amenities available during our stay. We would not have to locate another rental through VRBO to continue our weeks' vacation.
- We wrote a nice review of the place in the guest book for future guests, believing the refund offer stood. After arriving home, we contacted Rick to discuss the details of obtaining our promised refund. At this time, Rick advised that he would no longer be issuing a refund as promised at the start of our stay. He stated that because we had great weather and had written in the home's guest book that we had a nice time during our trip, he decided that a refund was no longer warranted.
We tried hard to work with Rick to make the most of the situation, are disappointed by his response.