We have rated the beach house a 5. But for some the ladder to the sleeping loft might render the house not the best choice. I am a fit senior who, personally, had no problems with it. This is a great place to stay for most everyone, because of the beach location, the gorgeous sunsets, the village neighbors (especially Mary and clam, who have a store and take out restaurant next-door - when we didn't feel like cooking or going out to eat, they provided us delicious chicken and fish and provided us with most of the provisions we needed.) The Beach House is two floors. The main floor has the main kitchen, Coach chairs WC and sleeping loft. The second floor covered Terrace, open on two sides, windows with screens on the third, has two hammocks, a BBQ and hot tub. From here in our rental car we travel to almost the whole of the island, over several days. You will probably need a car. We recommend Valley car rentals and thank Merle & Miguel for their great service. Miguel picked us up and delivered us to the ferry. we had a problem with the car's AC. Miguel brought a replacement vehicle to our door. Thanks go to our host, Patti, who is gracious, knowledgable and very helpful for all of our needs and concerns. She supplied a local mobile phone which came in very handy. We highly recommend this location

Patti was a great host, so friendly and warm and definitely made us feel right at home in Layou. The village is great, people are very friendly and the food is delicious. Loved the Beach House, it had everything we needed and sunsets on the top deck were amazing. I would wholeheartedly recommend Patti's place to anyone looking to explore Dominica because it's perfectly situated in close proximity to a lot of great hikes, waterfalls, beaches and towns. If I return I'd stay there again in a second. Thanks again for your hospitality!

Patti met us at the Beach House and introduced us to the local surroundings and neighbours. This was much appreciated. The Beach house is right in the middle of the busy village of Layou, which although noisy at times, tends to become quiet around 9pm each night (even the small bar next door was quiet by 9pm). Cleanliness and amenities were good and we appreciated the little 'variety' store, bar and eating 'kitchenettes' we had as neighbours. We spent the majority of time, when we were at the Beach House, on the upper covered porch, which offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the quiet secluded beach with it's amazing sunsets and rainbows. However, what impressed us most was how welcoming the people of Dominica were. They are extremely friendly and offer help every chance that they get, without any expectations in return and if you do tip them, they are extremely thankful. If you are looking to be pampered and waited upon, the Beach House is not for you. If you want to experience what it is like to live in a third world village complete with the people, noises and smells associated with their laidback lifestyle, with first world amenities at your fingertips (in the Beach House), Layou and the Beach House, is the perfect destination.

I was blessed with two glorious weeks in Dominica, staying mostly at the owners other place, Villa Verde. I can't promise you that the owners will be in Dominica during your stay (nor likely would they, as they love to travel), but, if they are, count yourself blessed - they know and love Dominica just as much (if not more than) as a native! I literally probably saw more of the Island than some people who are natives. What I feel comfortable promising you, is if the owners aren't there, that their neighbor Scott is one of the kindest people I've met and will go above and beyond to fill the owners' shoes - at the Beach House, the day I was there, there were many other neighbors willing to help, offer advise or just say hello! I The owners made great use of a small building area, and, while you'll be comfortable on the inside, just as with their other property, the balcony is really where it is at... beautiful views (where you will encounter hummingbirds, sunsets, rainbows, calming and relaxing breezes) and hammocks - just the perfect place to nap, eat, read, chat, and relax (perhaps with enjoying a Kabuli or two) after fun filled days exploring all that Dominica has to offer. This property, unlike Villa Verde, is "on" the beach... and it is another beautiful one... I walked to the next little town (the name escapes me), never passing a soul, to visit a Catholic church, and walked back, again, never passing a soul - so peaceful! What I loved about Layou (and what the owners diligently researched) again, is its general location on the island - it seems to be the perfect mid-way point (not far at all from the owners' other home Villa Verde). Personally I love to experience where "locals" live anywhere I travel, which you will get to experience in Layou (never will you pass a person that doesn't offer a friendly wave) - but, getting to all the other places that are to do's on the island is convenient. You have the ability to cook at the Beach House (not something I did - was too busy exploring), but, there are great options for dining just short drives away (I reviewed each restaurant I visited during my stay - if it was on TripAdvisor - not all are - so peruse those for input during your stay). In closing, as I said, I was fortunate enough to be in Dominica for two weeks (during Carnival - which I can't recommend enough - so, if you can, plan accordingly), and, I could go on for paragraphs about all that I did; however, there will be things to do (in some cases repeat) on my next visit, so, I trust, if your group size is the right fit for the Beach House (large groups will be better suited at Villa Verde) you'll find doing the things you choose using the Beach House as a base will be most pleasant!