Renters beware: this property is a health hazard, and the owner knowingly rents it out anyway.
I booked The Cottage at High Meadows months in advance for my niece's wedding, drawn in by the glowing reviews, charming photos, and advertised amenities like a fenced-in yard for my dog. On paper, it looked perfect -- scenic, reasonably priced, and conveniently located near our family events.
After a 10-hour drive across the country, we arrived to what initially looked like a picturesque estate. But that impression evaporated quickly. The cottage is directly across from a dilapidated, hoarder-style barn packed to the ceiling with debris and falling into disrepair -- something never shown or mentioned in the listing.
When we got to the cottage itself, things only got worse. First, we noticed a strange skull -- yes, an actual animal skull -- lying on the front porch. Not exactly the warm welcome we expected. Inside, the cottage looked nothing like the photos. The space was much smaller, especially the cramped bathroom, and it felt worn and neglected.
But the real nightmare began as we unpacked. We discovered rodent droppings scattered throughout nearly every room. There were mouse traps and D-Con bait hidden in cabinets and corners -- clear signs of an active infestation. Ant traps were also visible, and ants were crawling across counters and floors.
Over the course of our 5-night stay, we were actively dealing with mice inside the cottage on three separate nights. We heard them scurrying and scratching through the walls and kitchen cabinets, making it nearly impossible to sleep. One night, a mouse became stuck in a glue trap -- and we had to deal with it ourselves. It was horrifying and unacceptable.
Worse still, it was a holiday weekend in a busy tourist area. There were no other available rentals that were within our budget, pet-friendly, and near the wedding events. We were trapped in an unsanitary, unsafe rental with no way out.
I tried to reach the property manager (Liz), but the Wi-Fi barely worked, and my messages went unanswered. Phone calls to the owner were also ignored. When I was finally able to speak with someone, the response was indifferent -- especially regarding the live mice we were dealing with. No apology, no offer of help, no accountability. No response at all.
This was our first trip to Virginia, and it ended up feeling more like a horror movie than a vacation. I have no idea how this property has received so many positive reviews -- unless they're outdated or misleading. What we experienced was absolutely not okay.
Do yourself a favor and avoid this listing at all costs. It is unsanitary, misrepresented, and unfit to host guests in its current condition. read more