RABATT DES NEUEN JAHRES! Berkshire Hideaway Home von Wood und Windows

Lindsay was lovely to work with. She was concerned about the house, taking care of everything. She was easy to get along with and very cooperative. I'd love to have her back again. (I dealt only with Lindsay, but had no reason to doubt that her friends were just as nice.) Holly

I appreciate the guest sharing her experience, and I'm very sorry the house didn't suit her. I'd invite future guests to look closely at the many photos on VRBO, which show the house and grounds exactly as they are. My late husband designed the house in 1975 with a well-known Boston architect, in an open, rustic style inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. A few points of clarification: -The house is insulated. The insulation sits between the outer walls and the wood paneling; sheetrock was left out by design everywhere except the bathroom. -There is no exposed plumbing apart from one 18-inch section of pipe encased in a metal sheath. -Only one bedroom is fully enclosed, to preserve the open layout. -The wood under the deck is a firewood pile, not rotted wood, and it doesn't touch the house. -The house sits off the main road at the end of a long driveway, which gives it its privacy. -Like any home in the woods, the house can see an occasional mouse or spider web. When a mouse was reported, I offered to bring in the exterminator, but the offer was declined. It seems the house simply wasn't what this guest was hoping for, and I imagine her strong reaction reflected her disappointment. It’s a country retreat in the woods near a lake and waterfall, with natural, unmanicured grounds that are part of its character. Guests who prefer a more modern, suburban setting, including those visiting Kripalu, may find a rental closer to town to be a better fit.

I appreciate the positive review left by these guests. I am sorry the hot tub needed a repair and appreciate how important this was for them. I had a new circulating pump installed and the tub is back to normal! The only thing I'd like to clarify is that while I love the idea when they said it's "...a special jewel for the adventurous", I wouldn't have thought to say you need to be adventurous. Maybe they meant that it is not of high end, state of the art, modern design. however, it features a fully appointed kitchen and creative architectural design that often elicits a "Wow - beautiful" response...so if you're not feeling adventurous please come anyway...it's a wonderful house with expansive grounds, a nearby waterfall and brook. A relaxing experience.

Thanks for your review April. So glad to hear how pleased you were with the house. Love to have you back. Holly

There is another couple at the house now through October who are loving it. I hope you give us a try if you like the way the property looks. And please read my previous reviews, and ask questions, which I'll be glad to answer. Many others have loved it over the years. This current review reflects a most unfortunate rental experience for both the guests and for me. Having a 7 week old baby is hard for any couple and being in a rustic house in the woods in a heat wave is very difficult for anyone - no less with a newborn. This couple didn't choose their location wisely and didn't consider the details in the listing, nor did they ask questions even though they booked months in advance. The interface with nature is a pleasure for many, the house looks out on a waterfall, there is a lot of hiking and beautiful landscaping, however, it is in the country surrounded by tall grasses - they had a dog - and with typical outdoor insects, etc. My write-up explains the A/C only cools the first two floors and there is an enclosed 2nd floor bedroom which gets quite cool as does the first floor. There is only one window on the 2nd floor that doesn't open as a safety feature. It's an extra long bedroom window. Their degree of complaints baffled me. I wish I could have refunded their money. I explained that I would if I re-booked the property but most families had already booked for the summer. I am sorry to say this but their crass review might reflect their anger at me for not getting a refund even though they were fully aware of the policy since last November. They only stayed one week, and didn't give me a chance to make some suggestions that may have helped make them more comfortable.

Shira and Ben were great guests. They communicated extremely well, and were very helpful. I would be happy to have them stay at my house again.

Response to Karen's review: First of all we are very sorry that Karen did not have the experience she wanted. How people react to a rental is very subjective. For example the previous review, from the same summer as Karen's stay, was quite different. That couple loved the house and wrote an extremely positive review. I have since changed the listing to make it as clear as I could that this is a country cabin in a wooded area, near the lake, it is rustic, subject to the elements, and not a "luxury" high end home. As such there are the usual insects and pests - unavoidable but easily dealt with. I called our exterminator immediately and he removed the nests. Rachel and I were not aware that our cleaning woman left food in the refrigerator. We don't know how much and we doubt that will happen again - however, we do leave our spices, condiments and basics for everyone's use - even assorted teas. We have an "owner's" cabinet for non-perishables stored for our use. It is always cleaned between rentals though sometimes as in all country homes, cobwebs and a few flies might "move in" suddenly. Perhaps the extra light bulbs I left were hard to find. I've since upgraded my "House Manual" with such things. And yes, the cable TV was indeed surprisingly not working. I had neglected to have it turned on when I opened the house that Spring. Again, I am very sorry that Karen had so much trouble with the house. I want to pass along that most renters over the past 20 years have loved it - basic and rustic as it is. Though it now has a new roof, there are a few battle scars acquired over 45 years. I stay there often, have a handyman who checks on things, a cleaning woman and exterminator, all whose numbers I leave on site. I trust that you will find the house as described: A clean, tastefully furnished, rustic cabin in the woods, with beautiful views and woodland landscaping, and all the amenities you see listed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you make the decision to rent this lovely house.

Thanks Dan, so glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again.