We enjoyed our stay very much. The home was extremely comfortable, clean, and many extras! The lake was beautiful, serene.

Smiling Dog Meadow was the perfect home and location for our large family vacation. The home is very well appointed, very clean, family- and dog-friendly and comfortable. The dock, floats, kayaks and other water “toys” made Lake Garfield a true playground for my grandkids! And oh, our black lab loved her very own enclosure playspace! Bravo !!

We are 2 families with 4 children ages 9 to 16 and we all had a great time! It is a short walk to the lake where they have a private deck, dock and lots of water toys to play with.

1- Against VRBO policy, camera and audio-recording equipment were in the home. Homeowner was unapologetic and demanded we leave it activated. 2- The floating dock is covered in goose poop. The house manual directs guests to clean it themselves. 3- Homeowner changed the check out time from the time stated on listing, after we paid in full. He interrupted our stay, repeatedly demanding we acknowledge the new check-out time, even after we agreed. 4- If you are asthmatic, bring your meds. The basement is musty and the smell travels to the living room. 5- It is not clear from the listing that the lake is not visible from the house and a fair distance away. Older or less mobile adults may struggle with the slope and you will be accompanying young children to the house for every snack and bathroom visit, esp because there is a road to cross and frequent bear sightings. 6- Guests are expected to purchase basic cleaning supplies and tools for the house, such as a broom and trash can liners. When we contacted the owner to ask for the location of basic supplies, we were curtly informed to buy it ourselves and not to contact him or the caretaker. We spent part of our first evening buying supplies that have been provided at every other house we have rented. 7- The area around the house is very wet. Great if you like catching frogs, not great if you hoped to kick a soccer ball or play frisbee. 8- In apparent retaliation for deactivating the illegal surveillance equipment, the homeowner fabricated a property damage claim, stating a disgusting lie about our family that we urinated on a bed and did not clean it up. I worked as a house cleaner and another member of our party has cared for vacation properties- we are extremely conscientious. I personally checked the rooms when we left and to make it easier for the cleaner, I stripped the sheets which were in no way wet or damaged. VRBO permits owner responses, and I have no doubt that the owner will attempt to discredit or minimize this review. I have nothing to gain by writing this, and in fact will likely suffer a negative review myself. I just would hate to see anyone else waste limited vacation time dealing with a rude, negligent and intrusive homeowner and his misrepresented property.

WE had a wonderful time especially the grandkid. the hose is a very short walk to its own dock which actually worked out very good as it gave a boundary for the kids to keep away from the waters edge. The property and communications with the owner was perfect

smiling dog could not have been a better set up for our big family - the kids loved the bunk room, and we really enjoyed the fireplace and cozy living room. The kitchen was well equipped too. The owner and property manager were quick to respond to our questions & concerns, and we would definitely return for another stay.

Having briefly visited the area before, I knew that we would want to return. Everything was better than expected. This farmhouse has been restored beautifully, and it is simply, comfortably restored in a stylish manner. The dock, hammocks, swimming float are spectacular, and there were more aqua toys than we could ever think of using. Lake Garfield is a rare gem, and the area is full of things to do...and don't get me started on all of the fresh food options from bakeries, farm stands to the local goat farm's fresh cheese. While we were all adults, this is a great house for kids (we couldn't use the bunk room) Yes, the house doesn't sit right on the lake, but it has enough grounds tp give it a certain amount of privacy. The 3 minute walk to the private dock is easy. The owners have thought of so much, were so kind and ready to solve any issue that might arise. ( we only had one, a randomly beeping alarm, that had an easy fix.) We are very grateful that they have chosen to share their home with others. We hope to return.

The array of boats and the cleanliness of the water were highlights! The owners made everything so easy and available. The toys in the barn were fabulous for our little ones and they loved the bedroom with the bunkbeds, toys and books. We all enjoyed our stay very much!