1.07.2009

the season of make or break


The summer houses sit empty now, water and electricity shut off—thank goodness, because in this end-of-year storm you see here, Block Island lost power and furnaces went off and pipes burst in many a high-end manse. But Hannah's Hideaway and Claudia's Surf City—their living rooms stuffed with outdoor furniture, barbeque grills, blowup canoes and lawn mowers—are safe and dry, awaiting tenants.
But in this economy will there be any? That's worrying all of us who make our living in vacation rentals—my cleaners and real estate agents and my bro-in-law (who took this bitchin picture). And me. This is the month that will tell, so say a little prayer to the tiki gods that in this adverse climate my out-of-work Wall Street folk start dreaming of summertime at the shore.
Oh, and book now (see links to Offshore Property at right).

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms. Dowling: My family and I would LOVE to rent both your houses for the summer. Yes, the entire summer.

And when I say family, I mean Extended Christian Family.

There will be myself, my husband Pastor Stan Willets, our five teenage children (all of whom have taken The Pledge- no sex till marriage!-so there will be no schenanigans ), and eight members of our church, the Praise Our Lord and Savior Church of Dalonegah, Georgia.

What we do need to know, Ms. Dowling, before we commit to your property is: Is yours a Christian household?

Please call me at your convenience.
Tera Leigh Willet (706) 319-1935.

Have a Blessed Day!

Claudia said...

Nope.

Anonymous said...

Lady would be wise to Praise Jesus to secure client.

Please, Lady. What is small white lie in face of $80,000?

Lady does not think like merchant.

Anonymous said...

Okay so a real estate magnate offed himself today. No note and we don't know if it's economy-related, but if it is, he would be the third well-known businessman to jump. My thought: perhaps you need to tweak your marketing. A poetic or catchy take on Contemplating a Dirt Nap? Come to Hannah's Hideway instead! Or Don't Be a Worm Sandwich. Relax at Claudia's Surf City, where all sharp objects will be removed upon request.

And to the owner of House of Hat I say market it as a lovely way to go: House of Hat is uniquely situated to give you the height you need and a beautiful view as you plunge downward. Rentals must be paid in adance, in cash and in full.