Avis Spacious Farmhouse with Private Pool. Ideal for 10.

We are both shocked and upset to receive such negative feedback. We pride ourselves on doing everything we can to make our guests’ stays enjoyable and this is the first review we have received that is less than pleasing, in all the 15 years that we have been offering our farmhouse for rental. To offer a little balance, we would like to make the following comments: 1. Just prior to their arrival, these guests pleaded with us to allow their dog to come as the care they had arranged was now not available. We absolutely don’t allow pets in case they cause problems for future guests, (allergies etc.) but we very reluctantly bent the rules to accommodate them, otherwise their holiday would have been spoilt. 2. On their second day, these guests reported that the kitchen tap was broken, yet the cleaners had used it without problem the previous day. We had the entire sink and tap replaced with brand new ones just 2 years ago. In any case, we dropped everything to quickly contact a local plumber who could come out urgently to this rural property at the weekend. We did not charge them for the damage or call out. The house is 200 years old with 1 metre thick stone walls and in some rooms exposed oak beams with traditional hazel wattle and lime plastered walls and ceilings, and quarry tiled floors. It is gorgeously rustic and full of French charm, and we have deliberately not over renovated/developed it so as not to lose the precious character. We do, however, invest and work to a rolling maintenance and improvement programme, critical to such an old building. Access to the first floor is by an old, ornamental, narrow cast iron staircase and this is referred to in the web site description. The description also says that the farmhouse is ideal for 10 adults, (there are 5 bedrooms) but it can sleep up to 17. We have a very loyal, proud, and hardworking local team of cleaners, gardeners and a pool man. The pool, large garden, and outside facilities such as the covered outdoor dining area and the large south facing patio make it ideal for relaxing and entertaining. There is also a separate courtyard area. Given the size of the accommodation and the outside space we think that it offers excellent value for money, especially when the cost is shared between 2 families (usually made up of 4-6 adults plus 4-6 children). We recognise that not everyone will enjoy a rustic, rural farmhouse environment so perhaps these guests would have been happier with a larger and newer style of accommodation.