Arbor View and The Pines

freedomofspeach

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Unfair reviews are being deleted....

I have written a review on here. An honest open review. It was taken down. 2 other people i know also had theirs taken down.<br><br>Overall I was not satisfied at all with Beechstone apartments. I would not recommend it as it is not worth the money nor the hassle that you recieve from the management agency. This is a honest review and should not be taken down. People need to know what they are getting into before signing up. <br><br>DO NOT SIGN A LEASE.

angelkitty2479

Resident • 2002 - 2004

In Defense to those who "lost" their comments...

With the upheaval of most of the previous tenants' comments. I attest these statements are 100% true and accurate:<br><br>*Mice<br>*Raw Sewage (Carpets were refused to be replaced)<br>*Flooding in 2003(was refused new carpets also. De-humidifiers were placed in apt on MY electric bill to save Beechstone/CP money)<br>*Blue and green (fuzzy-like) mold on walls (most likely what made me and my baby sick because about 24 hours after we moved out, we both started getting better. My baby no longer cries, coughs, sneezes or has fluid in his lungs)<br>*Rotting, cracked door frames and windows<br>*Hole in wall above window(yes - leading to outside!)<br>*Tubs were glazed over old mildew stains, instead of replacing (YUCK!) <br>*Illegal security deposit charges for normal wear & tear<br>*Mis-use of security deposits<br>*Refusal of releasing files (security deposit and proof of replacing carpets)<br>*Poor functioining of equipment (launry, gym)<br>*Fair-Poor management & staff <br>*Poorly insulated basement apts.<br> <br><br>I am warning EVERYONE to STAY AWAY! I am a mature person - a mother with a professional career. I would not waste my time talking negatively about something for no good reason at all. We are all adults here and we feel that our opinions of this apartment community should be seriously validated. <br><br>There has to be something extremely bothersome about Beechstone/CP that people really feel they have to warn others to look elsewhere. I really believe that we are true in what we state because we all have had such similar experiences.<br><br>I would STRONGLY advise that you question the certain posts on here that defend the property owners by pretty much "attacking" the tenants on here, which is downright discriminatory. In my opinion, categorizing unhappy, former residents with negative comments as I have seen posted here, depicts their method of defense as a cheap cover-up to the bogus business conducted.<br><br>In MY experience, the Beechstone/Colonial Pines landlord/property owner has seriously violated countless health codes and has made many illegal extractions of security deposits for normal wear and tear. I know I am clearly not the only one. <br><br>For those whom I may not be able to convince to opt out of moving to Beechstone/Colonial Pines, I STRONGLY advise that you to do your research, KNOW your tenant rights, take pictures of everything on moving day (both moving in and out) and stock up on aspirin.<br><br>If you are interested in more information, please email at the address listed here:<br><br>angelkitty_2479@comcast.net <br><br>Thank you!

alanrabi

Resident • 2004

Beechstone has been a fine place to live

I've been at Beechstone for 5 months so far and have no complaints. For your money you get a safe, clean, relatively quiet place to live.<br><br>I have had some small maintenance requirements and the maintenance staff has been very responsive. My dealings with the office staff and management have been fair, honest, courteous and very friendly.<br><br>There have been some noisy neighbors, but between the Beechstone folks and myself, we have eliminated most of it.<br><br>I've lived in a number of apartment complexes in various cities, and Beechstone is among the top. I'm on a temporary assignment in this area, but if I were to be staying, I'd definitely renew my lease at Beechstone.

nhkenn

Resident • 2004

from a former employee of the complex

for the record. i used to work for beechstone and did not leave under "the best" of situations.<br><br>However. the negative posts about the complex are biased. from those who either got evicted for not following the rules or expected too much for the money.<br><br>to those who claim the property manager has written the posative posts about the place. i know ted, i worked for him for 4 years and while i may have some issue with him, I dont believe he wrote them. the language used is not the way he speaks. <br><br>to those who have had issue with the maintance staff. the dont seem to understand that a crew of maybe 8 is responsable for maintaing 400 or so apts. issues are dealt with on a priority basis. majors issues are delt with immediatly. minor ones have to wait. its common sence<br><br>to the complaints about the office staff. i lived there for over ten years. and even in the several years before i worked there, ive never had any reason to believe the staff was any less than above par in doing thier duties.<br><br>If you really look at what the complex offers in regads to rents in the area. its a darn good place to live if its in your price range.<br><br>great safe place for kids. no drug dealers and the maint staff has actually caught peeping toms and conviced pedofiles lurking around in the past.<br><br>staff tries hard to keep the noice level down and keep thing peacable. <br><br>so, if you can afford it and want a nice decent safe place to live. this is a good bet.<br><br>Kenn<br>NHKenn@yahoo.com

Current Resident 170746

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Good safe place to live

I have lived at Stonecroft and Beechstone Apartments for a couple years and I have enjoyed my stay so far. The people in the office are exceptional and take care of my needs beyond the call of duty. I recommend this Apartment complect to anyone.

corieberry

Resident • 2002 - 2004

beechstone colonial pines stonecroft: Beware

I moved in May of 2002 right before the birth of my second son. We started with a basement apartment nice quite except for the COCKROACHES. Are ApartMent had to be sprayed and bombed 3 times!!! I have never had a problem before any of the other places i have lived. I think what killed them was the flood that happened in 2003 where my family was uprooted into a hotel for a week. It was the cities fault so i understand this was not there problem. My only problem was the fact that they are charging me $400 dollars for 3 hollow retailing at 32$ a piece to replace them that were damaged in the flood.<br>If you dont mind neighboors move in some two bedrooms have as many as 12 two a apartment. The Workout room is a joke thewarsher and dryers eat your money and coast 1.75 to start each one. Move in if you like mold growing in your celing that they wont fix. I have seen it in several apartments. Dont belive me just remeber to look at the celings expecialy in the bathroom. I sugest looking into a specialist to check it out befor you rent.

stolworthy

Resident • 2002 - 2009

Overall - the best value in Portsmouth

Even though I'm on my way out, I still think Beechstone Apartments are the best apartments for the money in Portsmouth. I'm only moving from Beechstone because I'm moving away from Portsmouth. I've lived here 7 years and have had very little to complain about in that time. I live in a top floor apartment. The apartment is over 1,200 square feet - three bedrooms (counting the loft) and two baths. The living room and kitchen are both very large. In 2008, the kitchens and baths were remodeled with new cabinets, light fixtures and appliances. The only complaint is that the oven is not self-cleaning (what were they thinking?) The kitchens are equipped with built-in microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal. The appliances are all black. The apartments are very quiet. I have never (in 7 years) been disturbed by loud noises while I'm trying to sleep. Even though my next door neighbor played keyboards, I was never disturbed by them in my apartment. The apartments all come with laundry hookups but there are also laundry rooms. Beechstone also has a new fitness center. The parking is adequate and each apartment has an assigned parking space right in front of the building and adequate parking for additional cars and guests. Maintenance is great and has been since I moved in. The guys are all friendly and take care of anything I need. Even though I've hardly ever needed them. The office personnel has changed a lot, especially over the last six months. As a matter of fact, I can't keep up with who is running the place now. As for the renovations under way, they just don't seem to know what's supposed to be done and when. All of the buildings are getting new siding. The vinyl siding is purchased and sitting out back, but the work was supposed to start months ago. The parking lot is supposed to be repaved but they're still painting new lines for parking spaces? If there is any complaint it's that, since the new owners took over, they can't seem to decide what to do when. All in all, this is the best value in Portsmouth. The apartments are big, well built, and quiet. The maintenance is great and available for emergencies 24-7. Parking is adequate and the entire place is very safe. I would recommend the apartments to anybody.

Current Resident 638538

Resident • 1998 - 2004

Great Place to Live

I have lived at Beechstone and Stonecroft for over six years. I have always been treated courteous whenever I have called or dropped in the office. The maintenance men have been good and the service has been timely. The manager has always been friendly and always seems to be very attentive to what is going on in the three apartment complexes. I love its proximity to the beaches and all the conveniences are only minutes away. I would recommend these apartments to anyone and advise them to come in and see for themselves before judging the apartments on these reviews.

Current Resident 638600

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Unfair reviews

I have been a resident here for over 1 year now and have never encountered the problems being described. I have found the staff very nice and courteous to deal with. My neighbors are great, walking throughout the property everyone I meet likes living here. The property makes you feel like you live in the country in the middle of the city. The maintenance staff is on top any issue I might have. I believe that these disgruntled reviews are biased and unwaranted. For such a large property (I believe that there are over 400 hundred apartments here) there are more residents who are happy living here than not.

justlysweet

Resident • 2004

GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

I moved into Beechstone a little more than a month ago. Granted I've only received one water bill so far...but all these people complaining about the "hidden" cost of cold water. THEY TELL YOU before you sign your lease. What do you expect when THEY pay for city water. Go out and buy a house...Chances are, you'll pay for water then too..and taxes..and insurance... This is a beautiful place to live. Pay attention to what they tell you before you sign your lease. There are NO hidden costs. BUDGET for the water and you'll be all set. <br> <br>The staff has been wonderful. They are helpful, pleasant and quick to call back when needed. <br> <br>The grounds are beautifully kept, the groundskeepers are constantly working to keep them that way. Walk thru this complex, you wont see a single cigarette butt on the ground! Parking is ample, and marked for each apartment. We have 4 vehicles, and haven't had a single problem finding parking next to our apartment yet! <br> <br>The apartments are great! Not brand new, but heck, are they supposed to remodel each year? They are more than adequate for the 4 of us (and our kitty :). There is some noise from other apartments occasionally...but um, it's an apartment building...what do you expect? <br> <br>Lastly, I believe a lot of these negative reviews come from people that are so anxious to get in here, they don't pay attention when the staff lets them know about the water fees..heck, they give you a whole paper to read on it! Sounds to me like people with late rent (how friendly do you expect the staff to be when your rent is late again??) or other problems are blaming the complex, instead of looking at their own actions. <br> <br>I would highly recommend Beechstone~especially to families as I've found it to be incredibly family friendly. My two kids love the huge park that they have for the kids, and I'd say the complex goes out of their way to keep the kids safe and drivers slow while the kids are playing. <br>All in all, a great place to live!

avoidbeechstone

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Beechstone is the worst place to live!

I broke my lease early to get out of there!!! <br> <br>Noise: You can hear other tenets TV's. I could hear the couple next door fighting all the time. Cars with loud music would drive bye at all hours of the night. <br> <br>Staff: They are nice to you until you sign your lease and then it's down hill from there. They will harass you about stupid things. They are unhelpful when you call. It takes forever to get any thing fixed. <br> <br>Laundry/Gym: WHAT A JOKE! The machines eat your money and never get your cloths dry. The gym has all old broken equipment. <br> <br>Apartment: It has a nice layout, but needs to be remodeled. The brown stained carpets need to go. The Master Bath is way too small, you can't even turn around in the shower. <br> <br>Parking: Is wok, though the spaces are very small, that is hard if you have a SUV. <br> <br>Price: Way to high! They charge you for heat, hot water, and cold water. <br> <br>Pets: Very pet friendly though the pet fee is a bit much, and I'm not really sure where that money goes? <br> <br>I would avoid Beechstone at all costs, there is plenty of apartments in the Portsmouth area..I would shop around and use Beechstone as a last resort. <br> <br>VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure to take pictures of the apartment when you move in. They are known for charging you for "normal wear and tear" I got a bill for $800 to replace the living room carpet. In the letter it stated that they were replacing the whole apartment due to "normal wear and tear" but they wanted me to pay for the living room. Now the living room is the entrance, wouldn't that out of all rooms receive the most wear and tear? In the end after writing letters and calling I ended up paying $350 so they wouldn't give me BAD CREDIT!

happynowimoved

Resident • 2002 - 2003

Families stay away from of this complex!!!!!

I lived at Beechstone/Colonial Pines and Stonecroft with my husband and 2 children for over a year.....that was 1 year too long. <br> <br>We were supposidly renting a "luxury" apartment however it was far from luxurious. <br> <br>There is no control at all over the speed in which people drive. My children were almost hit numerous amount of times. The maintenance were mostly to blame. When you drive in the "Complex" a shiver went down my spine every time. I hated it, but there is nothing else really appropriate around that area. The bills are excessive. They charge you to heat "per unit" then on top of that they charge water and heating and silly rates. <br> <br>The management - the less said about them the better. I have read most of the comments on this website and whole heartedly agree with all the negative feelings towards the management. They are lazy, rude and hardly ever accessible when needed. <br> <br>When considering where to live in the seacoast area please do NOT consider this "hell hole". If you need any honest opinions please email me. I will gladly let you know any more opinions. <br> <br>I am so thankful that we no longer live there. I really only hope that people take notice of what residents and ex-residents say.....because all the negative feelings/comments are 100% accurate. <br> <br> <br>

Current Resident 34414

Resident • 2001 - 2002

No complaints

I lived in Beechstone for six months, and I had very few complaints while I was there. The management was pleasant and helpful when my roommate and I moved in. We were given the option of a six month or one year lease, as well as a discount on rent for our first month there. The neighbors in the building were all very nice, though I didn´t have a chance to really get to know them. The noise level was minimal and I couldn´t hear the neighbors, though there was the occasional car stereo ------ blasting it´s way through the parking lot or the yelling children playing outside. The laundromat had plenty of washing machines and dryers, so I was never stuck waiting for one. The rent and utilities bill can get expensive, but I didn´t find it to be too outrageous, especially for Portsmouth. I did find some of their clauses in the lease a little ridiculous, such as the one about curtains (have to have them up within fourteen days of moving in and no using blankets). I had very few complaints. One of them was that the linoleum in the kitchen needed to be replaced, because it was old. Also, when my roommate and I tried to hang up our curtains, the rods kept falling out, since so many people before us had put holes in th walls (just use nails instead of screws is my suggestion). I did find the maintenance staff to be on the lazy side, since they seemed to not promptly repair things, or do a half --- job of it (our speaker box didn´t work and was never repaired). Overall though, I was happy with my stay at Beechstone and would highly recommend living there to anyone looking to move to the Seacoast.

Current Resident 983605

Resident • 2003

Not bad at all, but don´t think you´re getting "perks"

Living in the Beechtone apartments with 3 roommates isn´t all too bad. The 3rd floor apartments have 3 bedrooms (although one is a loft) so there´s plenty of space for 4 of us, and rent is super cheap. Water, however, is not, and the heat is just plain bad... there´s not thermostat, just a knob with 1-2-3-4-5 on it. <br>Its a quiet, safe place to live, but don´t be fooled by the advertized laundry facility and gym. The laundry place is HORRIBLE and the gym has one treadmill, one bike, one precor, and one weights machine. However, there´s a great laundromat across the street, and Gold´s and Planet Fitness nearby...just don´t think you´ll move in here and save on laundry and a gym membership. Also, watch out for the PET COSTS! Sure you can bring your dog...if he pays as much rent as you. <br> <br>As for the office staff, Donna in there is super nice to us. Apparently you need to watch out for the general manager, but I´ve been here for 7 months and have never seen or heard from the guy, so he´s definitly not bothering us. <br> <br>Its a very mixed community... you could live next to a family with 4 kids, or a group of college kids... I´d just ask who your neighbors will be before you move in! <br> <br>Great part is its close to everything, and pretty easygoing. Worst part...no grills on the porch :(

Current Resident 196546

Resident • 2002 - 2003

Make Beechstone your last choice

The apartments are spacious; however, it is not the "luxury" living as portrayed. The appliances, carpet and lino are all very worn. It is time for a Beechstone Rehab. <br> <br>The office staff does not have any customer service skills. Your best choice is to avoid the office at all costs - email your service requests so that you can avoid speaking with the rude employees. <br>Hopefully for the benefit of all, Forum Management (the management company) will review the number of complaints and see the common theme of their unkind office staff and resolve the ongoing issue. A new friendly staff would do wonders for the community. <br> <br>The heat and water is extremely expensive for apartment living. Expect to pay $100 to $200 per month in addition to your rent. <br> <br>If you have the flexibility of time, your best choice would be to look around.

Current Resident 704886

Resident • 2003

HORRIBLE MANAGMENT

USUALLY REALTORS ARE NICE UNTIL THEY GET YOU TO MOVE IN; FORUM DEVELOPMENT´S ´AGENTS´ THREATENED TO FIRE THEIR EMPLOYEES IF WE DIDN´T SIGN A LEASE AND GIVE THEM A DEPOSIT AFTER WE DID AN INITIAL APPLICATION.

Current Resident 323028

Resident • 2000 - 2002

Good luck finding better

I have read some of the reviews about Beechstone and feel that they were a little harsh. First of all if you´ve ever looked for a place to live in Portsmouth you know that the prices are high, they are hard to find, and often not well maintained. Beechstone was indeed luxury compared to other options offered. Yeah you have to pay for hot water, cold water, heat, heat, more heat, and sewerage, but when you add all these things up and add them to your rent it´s still not a bad deal. <br>There were four of us living in a three bedroom 1100 sq ft apartment and our bill for all was never more than $125. The apts are really well soundproofed and very spacious. The management can be a bit standoffish, if not rude, but if your a good tenent then you never have to deal with them if you´re not a good tenant then why shouldn´t they be rude. Maintenance was alway there within hours of putting in a request and were always super nice. They all have two bathrooms, and eat in kitchen and a huge master bedroom. The third bedroom is really a loft and would reccomend using it as a bedroom but would make a great den or play room. The pet fee sucks but at least they allow pets. The place could use some new appliances and maybe some plaster here and there but what apartment complex in the area couldn´t. They also gave us our entire deposit back after two years even though we didn´t really deserve it (four college aged people may have caused a little damage) Don´t let the other reviews scare you, I moved out about 8 months ago and can´t wait for my current lease to expire so that I may move back.

Current Resident 130735

Resident • 2002

Not the nicest of management

I was going to live in the Beechstone/Stonecroft apartment complex. When I went through on a tour I asked them to tell me all details of the policies, including the pet policies, as there was a chance I would inherit a cat from a friend whose reserve unit had been activated. I was told only that there was a 1 time fee. I was shown several apartments and I wrote down details of all of them on seperate pages and confirmed them all. <br> <br>I went a few days later to make a deposit to hold a place, and sudenly the rate for the apartment had changed. It was significantly different and I let it slide, think I might have made a mistake. I then gave in my fee and THEN the pet policy came out with the addition of monthly fees, spaying recruiments, and a weight requiirment that was less than what I had been told. The overall attitude of the management made me feel uneasy and I wound up not taking the apartment, after they bungled some of the lease paperwork (pre-final signing) so I could not move in on time. <br> <br>I know other people who live in the complex who have not had problems, but they have told me stories about people they know who have. I´d say if you want to rent here do, but be careful with the management and document everything.

Current Resident 4317

Resident • 2002

Not a nice place to live

I had no troubles with the place until my boyfriend & I got the 1st water & heat bill. That was a surprise...they DO NOT tell you that you pay for hot AND COLD water, plus a heat charge for the WHOLE BUILDING´S USAGE. Then 1 month we were 2 days late w/the rent & we received an eviction notice & were told we were going to be brought to court. VERY unruly staff. I recommend not living here....!

likedBeechstone

Resident • 1999 - 2000

I thought it was a great place to live.

We lived there for only a year because we were looking for a house. Approx April of 1999 to May of 2000. Management was Always courteous, professional and accomodating. Whenever I had to call them about any issues, children playing hockey in the parking lot too close to the car, noise, something needing attention in the apt. They always responded right away. I have read the other comments and felt compelled to write. I think you should take these other views with a grain of salt. Visit the apt yourself and talk to the management. I have a feeling those comments were written by a single group of individuals that may know each other. <br>I would recommend anyone to this apt complex.

Current Resident 714002

Resident • 1992 - 1995

STAY AWAY!

I had virtually no problems until one of my friends, who happened to be one of the maintenance men, decided to quit. Well immediately thereafter all of his friends (myself included) started getting notices about minor things and threatening eviction. One notice I received was claiming that I am violated my lease by having a broom on my porch. One month I realized that I was going to be 2 days late with my rent. I called the office a week in advance, they made a note, and it was no problem.(I had done that once before 2 years earlier) Then, on the 6th, one day after my rent was due and one day before I had told them I would pay it, I received an eviction notice. I thought that there was some mistake and approached the manager about it. He said that there was no record of my call. A computer automatically prints out the notices and that was that. He was extremely arrogant about it. Needless to say we had a few words, I paid my rent the next day and immediately moved out the next month. Stay away from this -----managed hellhole.

coolblue

Resident • 2002

these places suck

They say they are luxury but that they are not. the carpets are coming up, the bathroom drainage sticks. They also say that u pay for heat and hot water, not a problem but when u get the bill u not only pay for heat and hot water u pay for cold water and 2 heating charges a base charge that can run from $5 to 20$ plus your heat usage. they are all nice to you untill for the 1st time ever your 2 days late with rent they send u a nasty letter with an stupid amount of money due and a letter to leave the apartment, all in all DONT LIVE HERE

Current Resident 327401

Resident • 2001 - 2002

Would make a great halfway house

First of all the sign upon entering the parking lot says "Beechstone Luxary Apartments". Maybe it´s luxorious for an Afghani refugee but the apartments are as bare bones as it gets. Most of the appointments have not been replaced for over 10 years. <br> <br>Plus, I am a businessman and I travel. The freakin white trash staff can´t seem to understand this concept. I keep getting threatening mail about them towing my car when it snows. I´m not a psychic...how do I know it´s going to snow while I´m in a different state? Plus, the snow removal sucks!! The staff is really rude (like the other contributers say) and they treat me like a second class citizen every time I see them. What can I do?...it´s real difficult to find anything else in Portsmouth. <br>Plus the $30/mo pet deposit is extortion!!!!

Current Resident 928462

Resident • 2000 - 2001

Low price for huge apartment. Not much community feel.

Very large apartments -- 2 bedroom, 2 full bath, HUGE kitchen, and very large living room. The price, although recently raised, is very reasonable, especially when compared with other apartments in the Portsmouth area. <br> <br>The Management, despite the other review, is very nice, organized, and respectful.

Current Resident 840918

Resident • 1999 - 2001

The Apartments are Great, The Management Sucks!!!!

I´ve lived at Beechstone for almost 2 yrs now. Love everything about the apartment, the size of the kitchen, the sound proof walls (or so they claim), and everything else. The only reason I would not recommend Beechstone is for the following reasons: <br>1. They charge you for the water. <br>2. The Management is headed by an Arrogant manager with a Staff to suite. <br>3. They try to stick you with ridiculous charges. <br>4. Snow Removal is Reaaaaallly Bad. <br>5. Insufficient Parking. <br> <br>Rent here if you dont have a choice otherwise (which is usually the case in Portsmouth