First impressions of 18 Perkins is great. Comfortable, inviting and clean. We felt immediately welcome and at home. We really loved the whole atmosphere. Their were some negatives: the air conditioning, non-working laundry machines, no beach chairs or umbrella, and no dishwasher. The first week of our stay, with temperatures in the 90's, the air conditioning was inadequate to cool the rooms. The temperature remained at 86 degrees inside the house. With an open floor plan, high ceilings, and only one bedroom with a window A/C, the main A/C blew cool air but wasn't able to cool the living areas or bedrooms and it was very sticky and uncomfortable, especially for sleeping. The cottage was advertised as having a washer and dryer, but that turned out to be coin-operated machines shared by several units. Additionally, after depositing coins, the machines would not start. Rob immediately tried to get a repairman to come, but one was not available not until the 12th day of our 14 day stay. The shared facilities are inconvenient because when you go to use the machines, oftentimes they are in use. You can't leave your load in the machines, because someone is waiting to use them, so you're tied to the house until you loads have finished. We ended up having to go to the laundry mat 3 times during our 2 week stay. The lack of a dishwasher was also inconvenient causing handwashing or paper plates and lots of trash. The lack of beach chairs/umbrella would not have been a problem, but because parking is extremely limited, we could only bring one car for 5 people. We were too cramped to bring beach chairs and an umbrella so we had to go buy them. Had we been able to bring 2 cars that would not have been an issue. Having those items on site would have been great.
Otherwise, we loved the place. Recently renovated inside and out, huge deck, comfortable beds, responsive owner, lots to do for tweens, gorgeous sunrises, many restaurants and shops within a 2 block walk. We went parasailing and horse back riding, visited Odiorime State Park in Rye, listened to free, live music, watched fireworks on the beach, swam in the surf, sunbathed, took long beach walks, watched the sunrise over the ocean, and just enjoyed being together with extended family. A great place for a family vacation and a nice home for gathering at the end of the day.
