1.7 Acres Beautiful waterfront house near downtown and UVIC

Overall place was okay. Ideas to make things better. 1. There were no staff or contact numbers available to help and answer questions. 2. No descrption of where bedrooms and sleeping couches were. 3. The tv controller was missing so could not watch. 4. We had to search closets for bedding. 5. Didn't find the thermostat controls until next morning. These and other minor problems could be avoided if the was a printed orientation guide for all facilities.

Beautiful views in prime location. It was clean. Host responded by VRBO app. Lawn mowed but large lot and former extensive gardens mostly neglected and overgrown. Spacious house well lived in. Kitchen very worn. But it all worked. Generous supplies. 4 queen beds, we used 2 of them. No shoes in house rule. Some nice Asian furnishings some a bit delicate, other furniture not any discernible style and well worn. Plaque on door reads April Cottage but it is not a cottage it is a very big house. If you need space and are not expecting luxury it might work for you for up to 8 adults. There was a crib. 3 bathrooms, but none en suite. Upstairs bathtub too slippery to safely shower, downstairs one had walk in tub, the other was normal shower but not close to bedrooms.

Beware Toxic odors first night that made us physically ill-headache, stomache ache, burning throat. We contacted manager and owner arrived. Didn't speak any English so we had to talk to his son by phone. Described the odor which was gas/sulphur/sewage. Odor got worse making us ill. We couldn't stay there. We told the manager immediately about the problem and there was no resolution offered to fix the odor or have someone repair it. We had to get up at 5 am the next morning and were forced by the toxic odor making us sick to leave at 10:30pm to find other lodging. The owner refuses to offer any kind of refund despite the toxic odor, our becoming sick on the property and having to find other lodging. They say we used beds and showers. We had to put clean sheets on 1 bed because it only had a plastic mattress cover on it that had some crusty stuff. We didnt complain about any of that. We have rented many VRBO with no issues. We can live with a lot of imperfections in a rental but were not sure we would live through the night with the toxic odor in the house. Bottom line, the odor was causing health issues after only 20-30 minutes inside and we could not remain in the home any longer. We are stunned that the owner and VRBO are offering no resolution to this.Renter be warned!

Very disappointed- poor communication concerning check-in, inadequate lock box instructions; house very cluttered and messy including dirty toilet; drain stopper not working; had to hunt for towels, extra cars in yard, lots of trash outside, no comfortable place to sit outside, dangerous trek to shore.

The location and view were beautiful. The inside was as explained,

We looked for a property that was close to a event that we were attending and required at least 4 bedrooms. The space looked fantastic in the limited pictures and information that was provided. we realised that we had to sacrifice a little to meet our criteria. We had 2 small children travelling with us also. The property was old and dated , the interior furniture was dirty and not cleaned, tripping hazards for small children. The waterfront property meant you could see the water , access to the back yard was nonexistent and the back yard was horrible. They had at least 20 sticky traps left out with small geko's dead. not great for a 2 year old to see. Kitchen was Ok everything worked , but very old dated and dirty. most windows had no screens,and with the heat needed to be open. Overall, the engagement from the contact at the house was very good , it was just the property was Not. We packed up a day early and left really disappointed.

The listing said for bathrooms there were only three bathrooms. There was a musty smell inside, Dust everywhere . My kid has dust, allergies and so had a hard time. There was no vacuum available to clean either. If you started the dishwasher, you could not take showers at the same time as the water pressure go down. All three Cannot run shower simultaneously either. The bathroom light fused, So they were no lights and bathrooms at night. The neighbourhood is good and safe. It is close to amenities..