Cosy Mangawhai House

The kitchen was the biggest issue during our month here. Although the listing said the entire place was available, with two of the three bedrooms offered, most kitchen cupboards were locked. We had enough plates and cutlery, but very little cookware, so making some of our own meals was difficult. We kept wondering whether the things we needed for breakfast or dinner were locked away, and with nowhere to put food except open shelves, the kitchen felt cluttered. The bathroom cupboards were locked too; after we raised it, the owner did unlock those for us. The house itself was clean and comfortable, with a good bed, big TV, bathtub and fireplace. We also liked the quiet neighborhood and outdoor area. But living around locked cupboards made us feel restricted, and the owner seemed unconcerned and unapologetic. We’ve never encountered that in an Airbnb before. It’s a fairly nice home, but we wouldn’t return or recommend it to friends.