Overall the stay was great, comfortable but maybe just a bit dated. The kitchen was lacking a few essentials and needs a it but if an inventory overhaul to replace chipped, damaged or missing items Air vents in the bathrooms need a clean as do some of the flyscreens.

Location was ideal for families with young children, easy access to the quiet bay, great views from the lounge/dining, kitchen, master suite and the front deck, even spotted several dolphins swimming by, lovely sunsets down on the beach and it was a easy stroll into town and the marina. The beds were very comfortable, overall the house suited our needs.

Stayed in July 2023

The bedroom with 2 bunks wasn’t too flash. The windows need attention and one had fly wire hanging off just inviting the insects in. For the price we paid a new security screen on a few windows would be expected. Not being able to have the windows open at night wasn’t ideal for a room of boys, no air circulation.

Location was lovely and peaceful. Great living and outdoor areas. Kitchen had plenty of crockery and cookware.

Stayed in April 2023

Locks on doors and windows broken. Blinds in second bedroom very dirty. Very steep stairs into the property.

Lovely views and good proximity to the beach.

Stayed in October 2022

Did not have sufficient heating during winter.

The location

Stayed in June 2022

Steep stairs up into the main floor. Bunk beds were a good size, but squeaky. Bathrooms are a bit tired, as is the place generally. For the price I would have expected the place to be in much better upkeep.

Great location, quiet area right on the beach and a short walk to town centre. Beautiful views across to beach. The house was spacious and well equipped, bottle of wine on arrival was a nice touch. Nice deck area overlooking the beach with plenty of shade. Comfortable beds, and cleanliness was good.

Stayed in April 2022

the water pressure for the showers was poor and made washing childrens hair quite difficult. the springs in the bunk beds need some attention as they made noise which woke the others when 1 child removed at night. a few more mugs in the kitchen would be handy. a home guide book for key information, maps and the like would be helpful for people new to the area.

location is amazing and floor plan was well done and it felt really spacious

Stayed in April 2022

Be prepared to climb stairs. Property is elevated.

Location and views

Stayed in November 2021

Cleaning - it appears the cleaners only change the bedding, clean the bathrooms and do a general tidy, so the cleanliness of the other areas, particularly the kitchen, is dependent on how the previous holiday renters leave it. The initial clean was poor with dead insects on the window sills, kitchen bench and in the kitchen cupboards. There was also cockroach excrement on the kitchen bench and it was littered all throughout the kitchen cupboards and drawers. Stay Port Stephens did offer to have the property re-cleaned when we notified them. The BBQ is old - the hot plate falls down and the ignition is not reliable. Overall the house is very tired and could do with kitchen and bathroom renovations. The neighbours are still renovating as per a previous review about this from October/November 2022. While this is not within the control of the owners/Stay Port Stephens, being woken at 6:30am multiple mornings was not pleasant. We felt the expectation to clean the house to a high standard and to put away the dishes before leaving was unreasonable given the cleaning charges. Previous places we have stayed at require a general tidy up and to put the dishwasher on prior to leaving. The $1000 security deposit seems excessive. Honestly - for the price we expected better upkeep and service.

Amazing location directly opposite Dutchies Beach with lovely views and close to the town centre.

Stayed in March 2023

we stayed for 2 nights and I was sent an email asking me to clean the property and make sure we left it as we found it meaning I had to wash and put away all the dishes take out the garbage clean the floors etc. if we pay a cleaning fee we shouldn’t have to clean ourselves that is not relaxing on a weekend away. it’s a beach house and they don’t supply beach towels which I find offensive and asking guests to pay $15 per beach towel is absolutely ludicrous.

location and views

Stayed in November 2022

Perhaps a result of Covid or something else, but the property felt a little run-down. The initial clean was not good enough but to be fair, the agent did offer to re-do. Nevertheless, the blinds were not working in the rear room (it is a stuffy room with 4 x bunk beds, no fan and little chance of getting any air in), there were dead insects on the sills and the blinds were, frankly, filthy. All easily fixable so if renting I would simply email the agent and demand it is cleaned properly. Ditto the BBQ outside was heavily used and really quite grim. It needs replacing. Overall, the property needs a lick of paint everywhere. The outdoor decking a spray washing. The list goes on really. Nothing was fatal, but one can't help but think that with a deep clean and a little more care and attention this property would be 5*++ - its location and setting is that good. Finally, be wary of no air-con if travelling in the Summer. Yes there are ceiling fans in two of the bedrooms and stand-alone fans, but we suspect it could be very hot. And, disappointingly we got the impression that the next-door neighbour is no fan of having a holiday rental next door. The noises during renovations, before 7am, were simply dreadful. Again, we complained to the agent who said they could contact the Council. We don't know for sure if that was just bad (very) luck on our part, but it is something that prospective renters may wish to be aware of.

This property is in an idyllic location, perfectly situated opposite beautiful Duchie's beach. It is a spacious property; comfortable and well appointed. The kitchen was particularly well supplied. The views are spectacular and it is a short walk (10mins) or drive into Nelson Bay. Ideal location.

Stayed in October 2022

Including beach towels or beach equipment would be a nice addition

The location was superb

Stayed in December 2021

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Stayed in January 2023

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Stayed in January 2023

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Stayed in December 2022

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Stayed in January 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in June 2021