Would I stay here again? No. Not for that price. But to be fair, let me start with what's good about the place and then get into why I gave it a 3 star rating instead of 4 or 5. It's a cute home that would nicely accommodate a second family downstairs or even 4-6 kids in the 3rd "bunk bed" bedroom. Lots of kids' life vests, water toys and board games - and an abundance of towels including swimming towels - no shortage there. Pretty mornings in August with a beautiful lakefront view. The mallards, canada geese and occasional heron along with the chattering sparrows that live on the property are a lovely reminder of nature's harmony.
However, the reasons I would not rent this place again for the price they charge are numerous, but mainly because it was not the peace and quiet and serenity I was hoping for in the Berkshire mountains.
I don't think the owner stays here with any regularity, or he would have repaired things that are broken:
- broken stove burner
- broken ironing board
- broken kayak seat
- Internet router in basement cuts out at least 3 times when streaming a 90 minute movie.... (is it out? wait maybe not, give it a minute. Nope, it's definitely out. OK let me reset the TV - 3 times!!)
- kitchen garbage disposal smelly and doesn't have a switch
- broken vertical blinds throughout the house
- guest bedroom blinds don't cover the whole window so neighbor's spotlight shines in window at night
- nightlight bulbs burned out - no replacements
- seat of patio chairs on lower porch are sunken and paint chips come off on your arm
- garage door handle lock is broken
- smelly couch cushions
- filthy master bedroom carpet
- Next door neighbor's stereo blasted on level 10 literally all-day with their windows open - finally on 2nd day we mentioned it and they stopped
- NO nightstands or reading lamps in master bedroom - furniture that doesn't fit the room - I've never stayed at a place without nightstands except in Guatemala
- kitchen was disorganized with no paring knives or vegetable peelers (these are basic items if you happen to cook)
- the biggest worst problem is Camp Winadu directly across the lake - a boys camp of about 120 boys with activites that involve yelling, loud club music, a bullhorn, chanting and singing that begins at 8AM and sometimes doesn't end until 10PM at night - the noise travels directly across the water
Noisy families with lots of kids might like this place, but we did not (for the price).