We have been staying at the Woods House for about 12 years and loved the previous innkeeper. Unfortunately, we have had major issues with the new inn keepers who took over about a year an a half ago. Last year we dismissed some errors in their bookkeeping thinking they were just learning the business. But there is absolutely no excuse this year. We sent a check to cover the first night as a deposit back in Dec (like always). They called another person in the group and asked why we hadn't sent a deposit. (don't ask me why they called someone else when we make the arrangements for all 5 other couples we go with). The other person told us that the woods house hadn't received our deposit. So we checked with the bank to make sure the check had been cashed and then called the woods house to talk with them. The innkeepers said fine - we'll check into it. That was the last we heard until we arrived for our 5 day stay. On day one, the inn keepers weren't around (I think everyone who arrived during our stay was left a note and a key and were not greeted by the inn keepers even during the normal checkin time - some people who were new had no one to talk with when they checked in around 4pm so we helped them and told them where their room was and gave them suggestions for dinner). Late the first night we did briefly see the inn keepers. At 10pm, Mark (one of the inn keepers) knocked on our door and said we owed them a check. He asked why we hadn't brought proof from the bank that the check had been cashed. He said that we had been going around on this with his wife several times so he couldn't believe we didn't bring proof. Finally, he said he'd take our visa and make a print. We had definitely gotten on their bad side and could tell - they were none too friendly with us during our stay. For example, we had difficulty figuring out how to get what we asked for with their breakfast (they have a card that allows people to ask for early breakfast which we filled out. They forgot several times so we started reminding them at night and then again in the morning - that seemed to work). To be fair, at times their were friendly - they did allow us to get eggs for breakfast and did chat with us a few items (and then ignored us at other times). They gave some people that were with us a brochure to give to us of another B&B where we might be more comfortable (not a subtle hint:-) And when we checked out, they billed us for all 5 nights even though we asked that we have two bills - one for 4 nights and one for 1 night that they would tear up as soon as we faxed them proof of payment. They didn't even wait to get our signature - they just signed the bill (telephone) even though we were right there (probably because they knew we'd again ask for 2 bills). My take is that if they like you, they are very charming but don't get on their bad side. I realize it must be very difficult to be an innkeeper - but part of the job is to deal with everyone nicely even if there is conflict. Last year, one member of our party cancelled one night a month or so before the trip (this was in the middle of the summer so there would be no problem rebooking). The innkeepers charged them for the night because they claimed that our friend had not called. Finally, the innkeepers said they use the extra night that was paid for the deposit for this year. (I myself heard the innkeeper say this). I knew we should have gotten it in writting because sure enough, they claimed no such promise had been made. In fact, she told us how greatful we should be that she didn't cancel the reservation since she hadn't received the deposit for this other couple (they didn't send a deposit because of the promise that was made). I realize inn keepers have many customers so i don't blame them for forgetting but the common theme was that these innkeepers kept believing that the customer was wrong no matter what - they have no willingness to give the customer the benefit of the doubt.

We've been going to the Woods House for 14 years and always loved it. Last year we visited during the new owners' first season. There were some minor glitches, but we overlooked them, in light of the recent transition. This year, it was all downhill. The air conditioner in our room didn't work properly and the room quality had declined (e.g., no toilet roll holder, unpatched holes in the wall, lots of dust, insufficient quantities of tissue). We again attempted to overlook things, but it didn't win us any points. The owner was extremely ungracious when we told her that our taxi would not arrive until 1:15 p.m. and asked if we could leave two small suitcases in the main house, to allow a walk into town. She told us flatly that check-out time was 11:00 a.m. I asked what she suggested we do and she stated, "I don't have a suggestion." In short, we were kicked to the curb in 90+ degree weather. Fortunately, the taxi service was kinder and came to get us an hour early. Ashland is a charming place full of lovely people - do yourself a favor and stay elsewhere.

April 22-April 25, 2004 stay.

The Woods House B&B IS under new ownership and is somewhat DIFFERENT but not necessarily any better or worse. My wife and I have been once per year continuous patrons for 12 years and find the new owners engaging & charming physcians who have studied under a French Chef while stationed at Midway Island. Husband works under Federal contract providing health care on local Indian reservations - I finding his medical and health care experiences with the Native Americans current situation absolutley riveting. Celeste is a charming doctor from Indiana who will eventually take Woods House in her direction - while maintaining (and in some cases) and mending relationships with past patrons.

Yes, Jasmine and owner have gone on to New Mexico. The new owners will try to keep what people have liked - while upgrading the property in key infastructure areas - such as new stairway framing - tiling in the bathrooms, etc.

We find the place as charming as ever - the children are not in- nor ob-trusive with the guests. The breakfasts remain delightful in taste and presentation. Landscaping does need some work - but it always did in the last years of past ownership.

Would I recomend this place under new ownership? For our tastes - yes!

I have been to many B&Bs in Ashland through the years, however the Woods House exceeds them all. The cuisine will appeal to the gourmet "foodie"; the service and the graciousness of the staff and owners create the perfect setting; the location is great. We will be returning to stay! Thank you!