First, the good news: VRA, the VRBO rental managers, are amazing. They’re responsive and helpful and go above and beyond to meet expectations. So much so that they exceeded my expectations and that’s not easy to do. Next visit, I’ll reach out to them first to see which properties they’re managing.
The rental itself would have been fine for a young couple or family who have spent the last several years camping in tents and sleeping bags, and are ready for a roof over their heads but don’t require much more in the way of creature comforts. The furniture is worn, the kitchen chairs are all-metal, and I’ve seen camping backpacks that are better equipped than the kitchen. Not a good choice for an older couple like us who like a little luxury. None of those “criticisms” accrue to VRA by the way - all of that is on the owner. But if, like me, one of the reasons you choose a house instead of a hotel is because you like to make your own food, bring an apron, oven mitts, tongs, and a long-handled spoon. You won’t be sorry.