*** SUPER IMPORTANT: a book with instructions for the entire house needs to be set in a prominent place*
This was a once in a life-time unique island venue in the middle of Saginaw bay, Michigan at an historic lighthouse that sadly, could have been so much better than it was. It was also a chance to experience life truly off-the-grid in an adventurous way. I found it intriguing how the problems of providing potable, safe water and power were solved. I would describe this situation as camping IN a large house WITH the comforts of soft beds, furniture, cooking indoors, indoor toilets and showers. The experience wouldn't appeal to everyone, however. The beaches are wonderful, sandy and also full of amazing soft, round pebbles that were perfect for skipping contests. There are a few large sandbars nearby that can be walked for quite a distance. Somewhere on the island there is a spring fed pond that attracts many nesting birds, but we never ventured there.
The main issues with this rental had to do with a lack of overall cleanliness, general information about how the rental works: i.e- do we leave the dirty sheets on the bed, or does a cleaning crew take care of that? (Super important since water and power are at a premium here). And instructions on how to work the solar array (we did figure out that we could turn it on the third day.)
Also, there was not a supply of candles, matches, or lamp oil to speak of that we could find anywhere. Kind of important when the power might abruptly kick off at 10:00 for no reason. (We were careful with power usage).
Our family runs an organic chicken farm. We're used to bugs, compost and dirt. We're far from picky. But a minimum of clean in the house is necessary for good health, IMHO. And WE manage this, so anyone can.
My suggestions for overall improvement, are as follows:
-pay a professional crew to clean house top to bottom
-weekly clean, or clean between patrons
-drawers/cabinets all need to be cleaned.
-inside of freezer had dead flies. Eww.
-invest in new pans once/year. (Most folks are terrible at maintaining the cast iron pans provided.)
-throw out old liquor.
-label drawers. Organize them.
-floors dirty. They really need a clean.
-toss food in between patrons.
-we found old bait worms in the frig. Eww.
-toss any stained, old kitchen oven mitts.
-have a convenient place for storing bed linen
-ER candles, lighters, lamp oil
-figure out how to get rid of drain/filth flies. They collect on the windows.