Fouettara

We liked the location and the outdoor area, and the owners were friendly and quick to respond when we needed something. The accommodation itself was damp and dirty, with patches of moisture, dust, and insects that seemed like more than a countryside issue. There was also too much stuff around, including broken items such as two sofa beds. We arrived to find no basics like coffee or olive oil.

The cottage has potential, but the layout, clutter, and dated interior really let it down. The Booking.com description mentioned rooms with a kitchen, coffee machine, microwave, and drying rack, but there was only one room, and aside from the TV, none of those things were there. The claim about a kettle, toaster, and kitchen utensils was confusing too. The kitchen was short on basics: too few cutlery pieces and glasses, only four mugs for six people, and a pan that did not work on induction. The owner had said there was more crockery in the dining room, but there wasn't. The kitchen fridge was good, though far too small for even a quarter of the food we brought for three days for six people. The handle on the refrigerator-room door, which is outside the cottage, would not stay on, and a kitchen cabinet handle was broken. There was just one usable bathroom for six people, with the toilet in it. We were told there was another bathroom in a separate building, but it was out of order and we couldn't get in. The only bedroom is reached by a very narrow spiral staircase that is hard to use, and the light fixtures hang too low. The outdoor table has little or no lighting, so eating there in the evening is difficult. The pool was dirty and its cleaning robot was broken. Several garden chairs were broken as well. We also had horses, a dog, a pig, and a cat turning up unexpectedly. The cat came inside and ate the chicken, as shown in the photo. Having a huge pig beside the hammock wasn't exactly relaxing. The dining-room floor was covered almost entirely by a large felt piece, apparently to protect it. It was slippery and badly creased, making it feel like someone could fall at any moment. It should be replaced with something nonslip and flat. There was so much decoration that opening the windows meant moving candlesticks, fruit bowls, and pots. The entry was packed with a suit of armor, an armchair, and a small kneading trough, leaving no room to turn around. Although the cottage is listed for ten, six people would have to share the three sofas in the dining room. The Booking.com photos didn't all match the actual cottage. The jacuzzi costs an exorbitant amount to use, and it's right by the parked cars in front of the house, even though the property is large enough for a nicer spot. After we raised these problems, the owner said everything we told him was false.

The breakfast isn't included. There is a fairly wide choice, but everything is sweet, with industrial pastries reheated in the oven and no savory options. We gave two stars because we're kind people, and the owner was nice despite everything. Still, we were disappointed by the hygiene and poor upkeep, especially given the place's potential. The garden could have a lovely view, but damaged and unusable things are scattered all over it. There's no barrier around the pool, so I had to block it off with deckchairs to keep our little girl from getting to it. The chairs were filthy and unusable anyway. Inside, the armchair cover was dirty and covered in hair, the kitchen chairs were damaged, and the spiral stairs were impractical for adults, with steps only 50 cm wide. It was very hard for us to carry our little girl up to bed. It's a really unusual cottage concept, but I wouldn't recommend staying here. The owner should maintain the property, fix what's broken, and get rid of the useless things in the garden. The interior staircase, straight out of "Alice in Wonderland," should also be replaced since most adults can't use it properly. Taking this advice might help avoid more negative reviews. Take that as a word to the wise.

We'd asked for complete privacy before booking, but I felt as if I spent the whole weekend with the owner. His house partly overlooks the pool, he came by twice a day to adjust the spa and feed the animals, and he also made frequent checks to see if everything was working. His guests were in the garden overlooking the pool too. The entrance to the garden was left open all the time, so people could go to the animals at any hour. We hadn't been told about any of this, and it made me very uncomfortable. The owner even came into the house without knocking or greeting us. Pool and spa access was limited as well: the pool was open from 9 am to 7 pm, and the spa was restricted to two 20-minute sessions a day. That was only when it worked, since it was unusable for half our stay. We'd planned a peaceful family weekend with time in the pool and jacuzzi, but our stay was spoiled by the lack of respect for our privacy. The house itself is superb and the setting is beautiful. After arriving, we were asked to pay the tourist tax in cash, even though it is normally included in the price we'd paid online, as well as for an extra bed. The website listed the bed at €11, but the owner charged us €60 under the table. I've never been ripped off during a stay before. I stay in private homes regularly and have plenty of experience with this kind of trip, but I've never encountered a situation like this. I'm completely shocked by the owner's disregard for privacy.