48 Collins Road, Truro

a truly beautiful and tranquil spot. A simple outdoor shower would make a big difference. The back of the house has a faucet line so it seems that it would not be hard to set up an outdoor shower. It wouldn’t even require a door or stall. Just a shower head and a place to drain would be great. It would make a real difference in keeping the house clean and free of sand. Also, with things getting warmer everywhere, it may be time to have a window unit A/C in the main bedroom at least. I don’t know how you handle suggestions from renters like this. I would certainly want to remain anonymous in case such requests are unwelcome.

Manager's Response

I love this property, and I think this was the 5th time I have stayed there. I love it because of its sighting on a lovely pond and the mid-century modern design of the house, albeit that it is small. Everywhere in the main rooms you are in the woods, and can see the light reflecting on the pond and illuminating the trees. It could be idyllic. Unfortunately in its present state it is shabby due to the furniture, lighting, and lack of maintenance. There are many issues: two bulbs were out in ceiling pendants (the agency did arrange their replacement), the under cabinet fluorescent needs to be "banged on" to turn on, the cooktop burner is not working properly and leaves greasy carbon on the pans and pots that get all over everything, and the smoke detectors need new batteries - they were constantly going off at odd times. The IKEA torchiere in the living room is literally falling apart if you try to move it (necessarily so due to the lights being out in the kitchen and dining room).
This little house really needs an IKEA furniture and lighting overhaul, and some re-painting (maybe a bit of accent color , and it would be quite chic and comfortable. Unfortunately, in its present state it is shabby, and although I would come back, I would not recommend it to someone else. On the plus side, there have been some minor renovations / repairs to the bathrooms since the last time I rented it, in 2018. Also, it appeared that the Covid cleaning protocols led to a somewhat cleaner rental - in past years there'd be sand on the floors, etc., it seemed a little better this time. And as always, the agency is professional and responsive.

Manager's Response

An odd experience- - perfect setting, a pond, a spacious house, privacy-- But the tone of all the messages in the house was unfriendly if not downright hostile. Instructions everywhere about what to do, what products to use to clean - but those products not being on site -- so in time of CVID, impossible to comply with. The notes everywhere, assuming that we are all out to damage their property. Even the "welcome" message was slightly hostile. These things truly damaged our peace of mind on this so called luxury vacation. (i.e. expensive) Some maintenance issues-- like light bulbs missing.

Overall a no frills comfortable rental. The well equipped kitchen, deck and bbq were a big plus. We had to call to activate the Wifi. The screens on the sliding doors need to be looked at. Gaps allowed mosquitoes to come into the house.