Pretty village, basic property - unfinished
Review Submitted: August 9, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
We stayed the previous week in a similarly priced premium property. By comparison, this one was adequate but overall overpriced and rather disappointing on 3 counts:
On the plus side, the owner was friendly. The property was clean, and the pool was new and huge. The views were spectacular and the village, whilst remote, is extremely beautiful.
So the negatives?
1. The property is unfinished - especially the outside - where we spent most of the time due to the heat. The yard was distinctly 'rustic', and the walk through the barn and down the hill to the pool was bordered with building materials and rubble. A few tons of gravel did little to conceal garish plastic pipework which is still in evidence. The swimming pool surround still consisted of breeze blocks, which need rendering and painting, and the pool house lacked a working shower. There was little planting to cover the large pile of excavated stones and earth.
2. The property contained nothing but the bare minimum. Sheets and towels were extra. Even dry goods (pasta, tins, dishwasher tablets, washing powder, bin bags, toilet roll) were not provided. In my experience, these are often left from previous occupants. It would have been a nice touch. Instead of which, immediately following our arrival, we had to travel 10km to the local supermarket to do the weekly shop. Home from home! Small touches, such as playing cards, holiday reading, games, even toys and inflatables by the pool would not go amiss. They were provided in the other property we stayed at, and really made us feel welcome. There is a distinct lack of storage space for clothes, especially on the ground floor. The kitchen cutlery was of the camping variety, and there were no serving spoons. It was as though the owners have never actually stayed in the property themselves.
3. There was a lovely balcony outside the house, which the owner tells me will be extended next year (and finished, I hope). Unfortunately, it was overlooked by the neighbours directly across the road. The men sat outside all evening, chatting, and we felt a little like goldfish in a bowl. Perhaps a low screen would provide a little greater privacy to enjoy the beautiful views from the balcony?
We enjoyed ourselves, but I felt that for the money, we were rather let down.
The slopes and stairs make this property unsuitable for young children.
Owner's Response: This response should not be credible as the renter when they were at the property expressed complete satisfaction.The owner saw the renter on several occassions and each time the renter was extreemly happy at the property.
In addition, there was no problem with understanding as the renter spoke excellent french.
The renter at no time asked the owner for any problem to be resolved. In addition to this, the owner supplies all renters with a booking form which provides the opportunity for the renter when they arrive to make the owner aware of any unsatisfactory aspect of the property. The owner has never recieved any response of an unsatisfactory nature, this renter included.
The owner has had full booking of this property for three years with totaly satisfied clients. The owner takes great pride in the property and is very approachable and lives nearby.
This renter expressed only satisfaction when they were at the property.
For this reason a negative response contary to what they said to the owner on location makes the response invalid.
Any new enquirer to this lovely property can be assured that they will be welcomed to a property in great order and great value for money.
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Helpful votes: 7/7
marks the location of the property in Vallespir
