If location, location, location is the key to real estate, this property confirms that expression. It is ideally situated for those seeking the numerous recreational activities available in the Strawberry/Pinecrest area. While the pictures on the VRBO web site are appealing, they fail to capture the fact that the house has a number of big and small maintenance issues. Also missing are the shortcomings of the housekeeping crew and property manager. Fortunately, most of the deficiencies can be cured with a little elbow grease and attention to detail.
I was told that the current owner bought the house approximately 1½ years ago. Hence, the new owner has not had time to rectify many years of neglect by a seller that allowed the property to age far faster than it should. Here’s hoping the new owner will invest the capital necessary to restore the property to its full potential. In the meantime, renters will enjoy a visit if they are willing to accept a dwelling that is a little rough around the edges.
If I were the owner, I would start by finding a property manager that will actively supervise the activities of the housekeeping crew or, at least, personally inspect the results. Numerous sticky drinking glasses in the cabinet, no detergent for the dishwasher or washing machine, ditty cooking pans that should have been replaced long ago, a Balsamic vinegar spill, a pile of desiccated pet waste on the back deck, a front porch that needs sweeping, assorted bits of trash on the driveway, an oven that desperately needs at least two applications of Easy Off and a barbecue that was as equally filthy inside as it was outside are all signs that someone is not doing his/her job properly.
People understand and accept that winter weather adversely impacts on all mountain properties. Unfortunately, the deterioration of the driveway and back deck of this cabin indicate that maintenance has been deferred far too long. The screening on the front screen door is so detached from it frame that mosquitos and flies are free to enter at will.
Lastly, I recommend that renters be provided with detailed written instruction on the proper operation of each of the three televisions. On the two occasions I attempted to watch NBA basketball playoff games on the TV in the front room, a notice appeared saying that the system was not connected to a provider, i.e., no signal was available. Yes, I tried an array of options but without success.