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Canaan Realty & Resort Rentals When visiting our area, all guests must follow the guidelines provided by the Governor of West Virginia found here. The lake is open for guests and equipment is available, but if possible please bring your own life jackets. For questions or concerns, please call our office at (304) 866-4400 or email us at rentals@canaanrealty.com. The perfect destination for your next vacation. Whether you are looking for adventure, recreation, or simply relaxation, we have four breathtaking seasons for you to enjoy.
Reviews (16)
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Kerry Owens
Feb 18, 2022
There is no method of posting a property-specific review on the realty site which makes one wonder where the published reviews come from. Our large multi-family group recently stayed at Larkwood Lodge for a weekend of skiing at Timberline Mountain. We weren't looking for luxury and were grateful to find a place with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms we needed. Unfortunately, the safety issues and lack of advertised amenities were problematic from the start.

Our arrival was marked by the discovery that the basement fireplace flue was not connected properly, and the doors were broken so that a log could easily fall out. There were no carbon monoxide detectors and only one smoke detector in the main stairwell. The pool table was broken and unable to be used. We reported these issues to the rental company, who responded by sending portable space heaters.

These were unable to be used because the electric receptacles were loose and the plugs wouldn't stay in place. The pool table was unable to be fixed so was unavailable for the duration of our stay. The basement bedrooms did not have adequate fire escape egress; several of the kids ended up sleeping in the common area as a result. We soon discovered that the plumbing was a major issue, with water becoming scalding hot after it had been appropriately adjusted in the showers, then abruptly shutting off after a few minutes.

This happened repeatedly regardless of the number of showers in operation at a time. The same scald/shutoff cycle happened at the kitchen sink as well. Shower curtains were moldy. Knives were all dull. Furniture was broken and old/uncomfortable with compressed sofa cushions and uncomfortable bedding. Climate control was a challenge with some spaces remaining very cold while others were unbearably hot. Potholders available for use were in such poor condition that one of the kids burned themselves when removing food from the oven.

The loose receptacles made it challenging to charge our phones/devices during our stay. WiFi was unavailable for most of the weekend despite resetting. Some of these issues were minor inconveniences that truthfully would have been overlooked if there hadn't been such major safety concerns. I did see on one review from May 2021 that another family brought up similar concerns and were told they were being addressed.

The rental company representative did listen to our concerns, but it was clear that this property has been neglected for a long time and has not been properly vetted by the rental company. This property provided shelter and was in reasonable proximity to skiing so it served that purpose but it was otherwise a major disappointment. We love this area and enjoy travelling as a larger family group but will be much more careful about where we choose to stay in the future. We were very disappointed with the response of the realty company.
Christine Mulgrew
Oct 15, 2021
I used VRBO to rent a 1 bedroom condo managed by Canaan Realty. The listing included internet; however, the unit didn't have internet. At first, they told me that service would come on in the morning but it didn't come on, ever. I requested to be reimbursed for cellular data charges that I paid and they said no. They told me that out of the 70 units they manage, I was the only one that complained so it was not a problem.

The staff also said that internet coverage was not guaranteed because it was West Virginia but I could go to a different building for service next time I come and need internet. Additionally, the front door could not be opened by me or 2 others upon arrival. 30 minutes after we called for help someone came. We requested that it get fixed and it was never fixed.

Not one of the 4 staff I spoke with expressed sympathy or understanding at these inconveniences. They had pat answers at the ready which indicated to me that they knew about these problems and were not planning to fix them, ever.
Jm Bauer
Aug 30, 2021
We rented a house in Timberline through Canaan. The place was in good shape, well maintained and stocked. Checking in and out was straightforward. The booking process on the website is user friendly, what you see is what you get. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and cool temps. My kids enjoyed kayaking on the lake near the agency office (free access to the lake + kayaks for people renting properties with them). You will want to book months ahead for popular times.
Kurt Pfund
May 23, 2021
Had a great experience with these folks on our first rental weekend. They were professional, organized, and went out of their way to help when our plans unexpectedly changed. Cabin rentals in WV (or anywhere, for that matter) can really be hit or miss, so I would definitely recommend Canaan Realty for maximizing the chance that your stay is a hit!
Heather Lytle
Nov 20, 2020
The cabin itself is beautiful but in serious need of upgrades. There were alot of damages to the cabin including windows that would not close. The TV was an extremely outdated model with a fuzzy picture. Made for a long day on a rainy day with kids. The grill is a very tiny charcoal grill that was not nearly big enough to cook for 6 people. It was a relaxing vacation in a beautiful area but for the price I would not stay again.
Jonathan Jessup
Nov 18, 2020
Canaan Realty took over our rental once Timberline Realty shuttered. We were not happy with Timberline's maintenance. We are happy that Canaan Realty took over the rental and they fixed most of the issues. They've been flexible and easy to work with and hope to work with them again. I also rented through them back in 2004 and they were great then too. Thank you Canaan Realty! Please keep Canaan Valley Wild & Wonderful!
Peggy E.
Aug 13, 2020
I found a lovely house that my husband and I (both retired and older) were willing to rent in September. We were very excited about it and were able to work out a slight discount for staying longer than a week. Unfortunately, the reservation could not be completed. The documentation required by Canaan Realty to finalize the rental stated that: "no refunds will be issued for mechanical equipment or property failures." Given that nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s, we asked for a change that said if the heat were to go out, that we would receive a pro-rated refund based on the number of days we could not occupy the rental.

This is the type of arrangement I have always had when I have rented a property. I have never been denied. They refused. I offered to go directly to the owner (a physician!), to confirm that he would be willing to allow this amendment for our safety, noting the house would not be habitable at these temperatures. Their reply indicated that they would prefer not to rent to us at all, given that "we do not have the ability to provide you with the comfort level you desire with the conditions of renting." I view this as completely contrary to good guest policies and customer relations. If I could make this rating a zero star, I would.
Lisa Schmidt
Jun 14, 2020
What a beautiful area. very scenic. Not much in the arena of swimming though. The Mirror Lake was mostly dried up. The workers at Canaan Realty said it would be fixed in September and be full again. Big bummer! Not much to offer restaurant-wise. that is good anyway. The house -starry night- could have been better cleaned and maintained. Needs new carpet, deck furniture, couches (new or at least cleaned) and a paint job. Also the side yard is a mud pit so no place for kids to play. But the space inside is great! TV's and dvd players in every room which is great.
Gene Harpold
Dec 23, 2019
Canaan Realty has been our go to realty company in Canaan Valley for over 8 years now. We have used others during our 20 years of vacation home ownership in Canaan Valley, but they have earned our business and we enjoy working with Jenni and her team. They work hard for both the home owner and the renter to insure a great experience for everyone. Our experience with other realty companies had one consistent issue, their ownership was never to be found when you had an issue. That's not the case with Jenni. She's always available for us and she'll be available for you too!
Theresa R.
Oct 01, 2019
The staff at Canaan Realty is helpful, friendly and responds quickly to inquiries. The property we rented was well kept, cozy and definitely somewhere we would stay again. It seems that there has been a change of ownership in the past few years and the current owner provides a wonderful vacation experience.
Carter Cullers
May 19, 2018
I recently rented a house through Canaan Realty and could not have been happier with my experience. Everything was perfect. Mirror lake is my new favorite getaway. It is beautiful and peaceful. Everyone in the Valley is so friendly and welcoming. This will quickly become my home away from home. I wish there was a way to rate it with ten stars; it is a little piece of paradise.
Behdad B.
Jul 16, 2016
Horrible customer service! Never again. There are plenty other companies in WV please don't do business with Canaan.
Monique M.
Jan 28, 2013
Horrible customer service! Never again! My family rented a house from Canaan Realty for the weekend, so that our friends from Brazil could experience the beauty of Canaan Valley. When we got there, the house that we originally rented had had a water damage and they switched us to another house (with less features than the original one). When we got there, the driveway had not been cleared, my sister-in-law had to hawl all of her stuff with her two young children up the long driveway, at least 150 yards. When we went to rental office to express our concers, all we got was a "We're sorry".
Lise R.
Jan 10, 2013
Stay clear away from Canaan Realty Company. They are very deceptive in their business practices. I made reservations on the phone to rent a home in the Northpoint neighborhood. I was never told that this house and neighborhood are positioned on a very steep grade hill. After we checked in and attempted to drive to the rental home, I was unable to reach my place because this steep road was icy.

I didn't have any problems driving the roads in Canaan Valley, but when I approach Northpoint neighborhood, it was impossible to get up to the rental homes without a 4 wheel drive. If Canaan Realty would have told me that when booking this home, I would have not rented this place. I called the receptionist from my cell to tell her that I couldn't get to the house and asked if there was another house near the base of this hill that we could rent out.

Her response was "You will need to park at the bottom of the hill and walk". After I stated that it was a 2 mile hike up the hill and that wouldn't be possible with luggage, She responded "That is what another family had to do the previous weekend." Clearly this told me they routinely don't tell their customers that you need a 4 wheel drive.

When I followed up two days later with Cary Reed, I was encountered with a very rude, arrogant and snapping man. I attempted to explain that I was very disappointed that we were not able to stay in this home, and wished that they would have told us where this house was situated and that a 4 wheel car is needed. He responded "My staff always tells people they need a 4 wheel drive; you just weren't listening", and then a statement later "Where do you come from". He proceeded with a snooty statement, "I would consider giving you $100.00 back.so you can buy chains for your tires. That statement was followed by a click of his phone.
Nancy A.
Sep 05, 2012
My cousin rented a house for us to stay in while visiting my uncle for his 80th birthday. This potentially beautiful home had extremely filthy carpets, cobb webs & dead bugs everywhere. The appliances were dated & were not operating very well. The upstairs bathroom tub was very slow to drain, so water was up to your ankles in the middle of the shower.

I think it was absolutely ridiculous to ask for a security deposit on a home that was filthy & had a lot of damages. This is the second rental in less then a week for me that had below average conditions. It makes sad that it seems fewer & fewer businesses take pride in what they do. I still recommend the Davis/Thomas/Canaan Valley area to anyone! It is gorgeous! Just use a different realty company.
Melissa K.
Oct 02, 2011
Initially, I was pleased with our rental. It was as advertised. We had to give a $300 security deposit upon arrival. We were 5 couples, 30-somethings, away from the kids for the long weekend. We used the hot tub on our first night, and after extreme winds, found the lid off in the morning, and the water level quite low. The hot tub also no longer displayed a temperature setting, but instead said "ECN." Not knowing anything about hot tubs, and not being left with any instructions, we attempted to fill the hot tub to a reasonable level, in hopes of "jump starting" the heating mechanism - the water was quite cold. Eventually, it displayed a temperature of 62 degrees.

We left the hot tub covered all day and night during our second day, rendering it useless to us. Finally, Sunday morning, after checking the temperature and noting it was only at 64 degrees, we called the realty company to send a maintenance person. They did, while we were skiing. When we returned, the water was well-heated. A week later, $47 was withheld from my security deposit.

When I called to ask about this, I was told it was for an unnecessary maintenance call. The maintenance person reported that we filled the hot tub with cold water, and that was why the temperature was low. This was an absurd, and inaccurate statement. I attempted, through multiple emails and calls, to rectify the situation. No one ever called me back or responded - I had to keep contacting them. I am extremely disappointed, and will NEVER rent from this company again, and will do whatever I can to ensure no one else does. I would have given them a glowing re