We had a four-night stay with a family of 11. Ages range from 4 years to mid-60s. Overall a nice trip. Kitchen was stocked with everything we could possibly need, shallow water was a huge plus for young children, and a beautiful view! The bird feeder with provided birdseed was a nice surprise, as we enjoyed seeing unique birds and squirrels. We brought a small gas motor and a trolling motor, and caught about two dozen fish with the provided rowboat. House was also well-stocked with towels, linens, pillows, toilet paper, etc. Karen was always quick to respond to my inquiries, and I appreciate this.
One significant con, and the reason for 3 stars, was a mattress covered in mold in the bunk room’s fold-out couch. I contacted Karen immediately when we found it on our first night. She apologized and said it would be replaced, but not until after our stay. She suggested we switch the mattress with a mattress from a different fold-out couch. Instead, I simply folded the mattress back up, as I did not want to stir up the mold or spread it to other rooms, and kids slept in other rooms. (I offered to put it at the curb for trash service to pick up, but Karen said she’d have it taken to the dump.) I don’t own or manage a rental property, but it seems like whoever is responsible for cleaning should be checking fold-out mattresses between each set of guests. I realize you get what you pay for, and planned for this stay to be rustic, but a moldy mattress is unsanitary.