Not as promised
Review Submitted: June 16, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
After planning a family holiday for so long, we were disappointed beyond measure. We were looking forward to watching our girls frolic in the pool from a lovely garden with magical view. Shown the pool by the caretaker, on arrival we were shocked. The pool was filthy and filled with leaves, dirt and murky grey water. It was 'under renovation' when we arrived, a detail not given to us in advance and surely not compensated for in the rate charged. We had to email the owner to have it cleaned, a process that took 5 days. The promised garden with a view was occupied by dead plants, rusty furniture, and an overall feeling of neglect. The 'alfresco dining area' was taken up by mounds of dirt, gravel and a cement mixer. Please note: there is no direct access to the garden or pool from the house and the dining spot is across the street. The interior of this dark, cold and dismal house (far from 'sunny') sports paintings of leering cheetahs on every wall, dark oversized African containers with no concievable purpose or relationship to a Provencal house and an unlockable back door to the adjoining house. The interior ammenties are quite minimal and rustic, and do not cater to guests. No dishwasher detergent, no garbage bags, no washing machine soap (no dryer), bare minimum of light bulbs in fixtures, no personalized information of the area (I can download stuff from the internet too). The bath towels were nice. The owner did refund our money for the final 3 days, after we left early, but we would have been happier if notice of the pool and garden renovation was given to us in time for us to arrange other accommodation. The difficulty in initially communicating with the owner (slow to respond to emails, repeat requests for information, etc) should have been a clue.
Owner's Response: I am saddened by the negative review of my property. It misrepresents both my property and my concern for my guests' welfare. First, the date of this guest's visit coincided with torrential, record-breaking wind and rain in Provence. The damage in the Luberon was significant. The weather was awful during the guest's entire stay. Second, the pool had been recently refinished, and the caretaker, handyman, and professional pool maintenance staff continually looked after the pool during the guest's stay. The pool was cleaned daily. Third, the grayness in the pool that the guest cited comes from the pool finish, which reflects the sky, blue on blue-sky days, grey on grey-sky days. Other guests find it beautiful. Fourth, Provencal gardens are of two kinds, formal and informal, and mine are the latter. Again, my guests usually find it beautiful and the pictures on the website accurately depict the style and health of the garden. Fifth, I deliberately choose a range of furniture, with new chaise longs around the pool and older pieces in the terraces, most guests find it charming since the terraces have an older romantic feel to them. Sixth, the guest omits that in liue of the 'alfresco dining area' (which was under renovation from unforseen storm damge) his family had free range of a large garden with terraces, awnings, and acces to a full kitchen. Seventh, pool access is up a single lane road known for its foot traffic and only about 40 meters from the property door. Eighth, the property faces west and receives non-stop sunshine from 11 a.m; interior lighting has more to do the weather than it does, alas, with the house. Ninth, the interiors are presented accurately in the photographs; the paintings most people really like (some guests have wanted to buy them); the African sculptures are often praised; the back door has a lock. Ten, most guests refer to the amenities as luxurious,since the properties are full of valuable antiques. Stores and restaurants are a block away and the region guide is in the table drawer by the front door. Eleven, the guest was in constant communication with myself, caretakers, and neighbors, and all os us attempted to reassure and help the guest in every way possible. Twelve, I suggested that the guest leave early, refunding the balance of the money as an incentive. The guests who return to my property year after year are usually looking for a personalized interior with charm, grace, and authenticity
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