The purpose of our trip was to spend quality time together as a family to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We shared many memories and stories around the large kitchen table, the fire pit, on the dock, the deck, and the quiet nooks in the gathering room. And for that, this week was special. Our granddaughters are 6-10 and got to catch fish with Grandpa (for the first time), learn how to kayak and paddle board, and swim. The location is ideal – set in the woods on almost a private, quiet lake and yet only a few miles from stores, and attractions (zip line, horseback riding, zoo, etc.). The weather was ideal – hot days for swimming, and a cool day to visit the Wildwood Zoo. The owners were very responsive and helpful, easy to work with.
It is evident that it has provided enjoyment to many people over a number of years. The cottage is large, including 4 spacious bedrooms and a large gathering area, filled with many mementos, decorations, and furnishings typical of a cottage on the lake. Plush bath towels were provided (new this year I understand), but no washcloths or hand towels. Even though there is no air conditioning, there are ample floor fans, ceiling fans, to circulate air and the house is in a shaded area. The outside steps need to be filled in to be level with the support on the steps. Steps to the lake also need some filling in.
When the agreement states, “leave the house in the condition as it was found” it means that one needs to clean the house for the next renters and hope that you don’t have to clean too much to get settled in upon arrival. As it is in the woods there will always be pine needles on the decks, patio, steps, etc. We were there during peak pollen season and the winds blew it on anything in the open, including the lake water by the beach. Upon our arrival we did need to spend a considerable amount of time wiping things down, including the boat, kayaks, playground equipment, outdoor chairs, and tables, etc. As this is a large cottage and check out time is 9 am be prepared to spend time cleaning the night before and in the early morning, including vacuuming and mopping of floors. Fortunately, the vacuum cleaners worked well and there were ample cleaning products available. The cottage utilizes a septic tank, and the downstairs bathroom is at ground level which leads to low water pressure and could use some major upgrades.