Rustic charm, kindness was missing
We stayed one night in the “Treehouse” (also called the Lighthouse) and arrived after dark in heavy rain. We were the only guests that night. The younger host who greeted us was kind but clearly new, while the older host seemed irritated by our questions and our presence. We hadn’t realized the Treehouse had no power, heat, or lighting—something we both simply missed online —and instead of showing empathy or flexibility (especially with other spaces vacant), the host insisted on proving us wrong by taking us to the computer where he'd had his back to us earlier, and showing us the website.
Fees for bedding, towels, cold showers (by the minute), and even use of the propane stove per person made the experience feel nickel-and-dimed. The Treehouse sat several hundred yards down a wet uneven, forked trail. When we asked for help finding it, the host walked quickly ahead in the rain, out of sight, as we struggled to follow pulling a (complementary tho rickety old) cart in the dark.
The Treehouse itself is creatively built from repurposed materials. We were grateful to finally be dry. But unscreened gaps between walls and roof let in insects, and we could hardly wait to leave. In the morning, when we tried to make coffee in the main kitchen with our own small stove, we were scolded, & told to go use a nice wet picnic table outside.
We value off-grid rustic stays, but kindness and empathy are free. Add these & maybe even complementary coffee, this property could be truly special.