This is an older property and the pictures of the house reflect that. Older homes absolutely have a personality and style that is different from new construction properties. The unit was fully rewired within the last ten years by a licensed journeyman at which time additional outlets were added (because older homes never come with enough outlets). We do not have a blue ray disc player and we do not list that we do, so I am sorry we did not meet the guest’s expectations on this point. As for the televisions, they are SMARTV’s. To ensure that guests have access to local news and weather, we also subscribe to a local cable service. This results is an offering of approximately 120 plus free channels, including all major networks. Instructions are located in the manual in the house. Understandably, operating a SMARTV can take a bit more than simply turning it on. As for painting concerns,, the house has white siding (not paintable) and the interior is done in a mix of shades of gray. I expect what may be the root of the issue here is that this guest a). after booking, wanted to arrive well in advance of our listed check-in time at no additional charge and b) used to be able to book this property directly and had sometimes received a discount in the past which resulted in a lesser cost than he experienced on this stay. Because we want to provide a positive experience to each of our guests, we will, of course, earnestly look into each of his concerns. We thank him for sharing his concerns with us.

After flagrantly violating the house rules established and published on line for this property, this guest has chosen to post this review almost seven months after their stay. This lakefront location is listed as a no party, no event property yet this guest, without any prior notice to the host, was prepared to have her daughters’ wedding ceremony with numerous additional guests on the patio. Imagine my surprise when I walked out of my private (and separate from the main house) apartment late morning to see a fully decorated wedding arch set up on the patio with chairs for their numerous guests brought in and set up! They had even posted colorful signage at the adjacent city park directing their guests as to where to park! As a host, I was immediately very concerned about several things including risks stemming from combining wedding guests, alcohol and a water front property to how a property with one bathroom could possibly accommodate the number of anticipated guests to how the neighbors in this residential area would react to a such an event taking place. After I contacted VRBO to discuss how to address the situation, the event was not allowed to go forward. The guest obviously remains very upset months later that she was “caught in the act” of violating the house rules of the property. Had she in any way indicated her intentions to host a wedding at the property at any time prior to her stay, this could have been addressed well in advance and the angst involved in the last minute need to change plans would have been avoided. The guest is correct that I maintain an apartment in a separate building on the property where I stay occasionally and unfortunately for her plans, I was working remotely that Friday morning from my apartment with plans to depart for the weekend by noon. Clearly I wasn’t monitoring their activities (shades fully drawn, etc) or I would have noticed the extensive set up activities and would have inquired into what was taking place long before before everything was set up. The apartment is disclosed in our listing. As for the remaining comments about the condition of the house and how it is furnished/stocked, I will let our remaining reviews and our pictures of the property speak for themselves. No property will be the perfect property for all potential guests. We will continue to strive to offer our guests a comfortable and affordable opportunity to enjoy a relaxing get away in this small Northeast Iowa community.

Great group that left our property in very good condition. Good communicators. We would be happy to have them with us again.

I am always disappointed if we have not delighted our guests. While older/antique decor is not everyone's cup of tea, it does appeal to some (obviously including myself!) and I do feel the pictures accurately describe the property and should aid in peoples' decision if this is the right fit for them and their families, including suitability for the ages of children and others who might stay. Thank you for your feedback and hopefully your next day at a VRBO property better suits your needs and desires.

Thank you for your kind words! Glad you had an enjoyable stay

Thank you. Your comments made my morning!

Thank you! Your review made my heart sing.

Thank you for your kind words and for staying with us!

Thank you for your kind words and for staying with us!

Thanks for the heads up on the drains. My apologies for any inconvenience the issue caused.

Thank you! Glad you had a good stay. The view is truly the reason we purchased the property.