Chalupa U smrku

We enjoyed our stay, and the chalet is in a good spot with lovely hikes on both sides of the valley, including Rýsory and Modré Kameny. It’s a nice new building in a historical style, and there’s a trampoline. Still, it needs better upkeep: the sauna didn’t work, the tin opener was broken, and water from the upstairs shower leaked onto the downstairs bathroom light. Part of the attic railing was broken, and the drain outside the terrace was blocked, so we had to clear it to stop water splashing around.

The owner is putting up more houses right beside the cottage, so it feels a little like being on a construction site 😬 Maybe it’ll be a matter of time before everything is finished. The cottage itself is beautiful, but the lawn outside hasn’t been mowed since spring, and there’s barely any fence.

We had trouble sleeping because sound carries throughout the cottage, and the sheer curtains let in the morning light. Wi-Fi was fine downstairs but limited upstairs. The attic was dusty and untidy, with cobwebs, and the sofa folds on the ground floor were dirty. There’s little storage, some doors are hard to shut, and the upstairs toilet lock was missing. There isn’t much for children, with no playroom inside or out. The garden has no fence, and construction was underway next door on the owner's property. The cottage is simply but tastefully furnished, with pleasant shared spaces, a large dining table, two big bathrooms with showers, and a well-equipped kitchen. We heated the whole house with the tiled stove, and firewood was provided. It’s a handy base for trips, and just a short walk from the village center.

Classmates from 8B, on our first outdoor school trip in 30 years. We got home 24 hours ago and are still thrilled. Everyone was completely satisfied, which hasn’t happened on our trips for quite a while. The owner was so friendly and nothing was a problem. The cottage was faultless. We’ll book the weekend again for 364 days from now, and can’t wait to pack.