Vacation Rentals by Owner

Girls Getaway

Guest: Susan (Point Pleasant, NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

Thank you Michael for sharing your beautiful, clean, funky Key West home with us!! The house met all our expectations of what we wanted our vacation to be. The pool was our late afternoon gathering place accompanied by Pina Colada's. The well equipped kitchen made us all feel at home with all that we needed. The location was perfect as we found a great little coffee shop, great restaurants and a bike rental shop all in walking distance. We look forward to another trip back down in the future and would love to come back. Thanks again!!

Owner response:Hello Susan and "Ladies" ... So glad y'all had a GREAT time in Key West AND MORE IMPORTANT a WONDERFUL time at "SOUTHARD COMFORT". It was so nice to meet you and Thank You for ALL your kind and glowing words about the house. I look forward to see you again AND next time I want to join you for a "Pina Colada"!! Again "Girls" Thank You - see you soon!!! Best Wishes, Michael

Recommended for:Girls getaway

Our vaccation at the great Southard Comfort

Guest: Santos (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/07/12 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

Hello Michael We left the Keys on Saturday morning with a heavy heard! We had a wonderful time there and we fall in love with this great Island! How special and great it is and how wonderful the people! When we came to your house it was absolutely wonderful! We smelled the cookies you backed for us, The wine and cheese for our first Apero was also in the Fridge!!! We saw the pool with the great fountain!! Wow!…. and then the whole house, Absolutely wonderful, great and amazing and so wonderful special!! Lot's of "wonderful" but it really really was!! Thank you so much for sharing with us, we had a wonderful and relaxing time and enjoined it very much!! Hope to see you an other time; we would love to come back soon! You were so nice and wonderful to us! See you Iris and Ernst

Owner response:Iris and Ernst, I am so happy you enjoyed Key West and your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... The times I checked in with you to make sure everything was Ok you were all smiles and very excited!! That makes ME HAPPY!! You are GREAT house guests and it was so nice to have you stay with us... Thank You for the wonderful "Swiss" chocolates, I enjoyed them VERY much, they WERE delicious!!! Very sweet of you to remember me. I look forward to your return... Be well, stay warm and hurry back!!! Warm & Sunny Regards, Michael

Recommended for:Age 55+

Pictures could never do justice..

Guest: Amy and Chris (Hampton VA)
Date of Stay: 10/26/11 Review Submitted: 12/06/11

Upon arriving, we were speechless. We literally wandered from room to room, just amazed at the charm and attention given to every detail. The house, the decor, the pool, everything was beautiful and perfect, and better than we could have imagined. Michael was the perfect host, with cookies cooling, the fountain running and the house open to that amazing Key West breeze. He was very responsive to all our needs and made our stay the best it could be. We couldn't have asked for a better house for our vacation!

Owner response:Chris and Amy ... Thank You for your very kind words, I am so glad you had a great stay and you enjoyed Key West AND "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... The porch light is on awaiting your return! Hurry back...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Wonderful

Guest: Christine (New York)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/10/11

Dear Michael, We all LOVED your home, it was so inviting, comfortable,beautiful, fun, and the list goes on...I have nothing negative to say. We were sorry we didn't get to meet you but Ray was a pleasure. I would,( and already have), recommend this property to all my friends, it is Key West at it's finest. I hope to return at least once a year. Thank you :)

Owner response:Christine, THANK YOU so much for your glowing remarks... I am also sorry we did not meet BUT am DELIGHTED you all had a GREAT time in Key West and enjoyed your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT" ... It was our pleasure to have you stay at our funky - Conch Key West House and I so look forward to your return next year ... Be well!! and again THANK YOU!!! regards, Michael

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

terrific hospitality

Guest: Annie (Indianapolis)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

My girlfriends and I were looking for a house for a girl's get away. We weren't sure if there would be 6 or 8 of us. I contacted Michael and he called me back right away. He gave me soooo much info about Key West and was just a sweetheart! We weren't able to rent from him because our group ended up with 8 and this house is only for 6. But, I would recommend his house just based on his hospitality and professionalism over the phone. Maybe next time Michael!!

Owner response:LADIES... Y'all are SOOO sweet!!! I hope we get to meet sometime in the near future. Taking time to write this review was very kind and much appreciated and I did not even have to bake any cookies... :-) Here is looking to the future and our meeting in Key West and your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... Regards, Michael

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Nothing short of perfect!

Guest: Patrice (Troy, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/11

This place lived up to all the glowing reviews that I read before booking. This place is just perfect! We were able to comfortably walk to the nightlife, but the house location was peaceful. Truly the best of both worlds. The house was clean and neat, the decor was fabulous! Truly a "key west" feel. The outside shower was very cool. Nothing quite like looking at the stars while showering at night! We loved hanging around the pool every evening. Thank you Michael for all your help and warm welcome. We would recommend your home to anyone!

Owner response:Hello Patrice, Thank You for your kind, kind words... So glad you all enjoyed your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... you guys had some trip down and back home but so nice to have the warm memories of Key West and your enjoyable stay on Southard Street. Look forward to your return... Be Well!!! Regards, Michael

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WOW

Guest: Barb (Effingham, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 12/21/10

When we arrived and walked in we immediately said "Wow!" and kept repeating "Wow" as we toured our home for the week. The home is super clean and totally Key West! The owner (Hi Michael!) is super sweet and came by to welcome us. The pool area is the ultimate with the huge mermaid waterfall, lots of seating areas, the beds are super comfortable, and the outdoor shower well you just have to experience that~~~ Nights on the front porch were so enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing your piece of Key West. Heaven...................

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Nothing shy of outstanding!!

Guest: Bill McCabe (Naples, Fl & Crown Point, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

4 of us travel annually to Key West for the Supernationals Boat Race. This year we chose Southard Comfort after my daughter (a Realtor in Naples) suggested it. We were totally impressed and will definitely be back. We arrived to find fresh cookies, wine and cheese and a nice hand written note from the owner. We showed up after dark- after a day of deep sea fishing in Islamorada-and the lights and fans were on, the pool was lit up and the large sliding doors to it open. This owner has it decorated and you feel you are at a home, not a rental room. He has everything there you can imagine and you feel like you are in your own home. He followed up with a call and a even popped in the next day to introduce himself and ask if there was anything more he could do. The location is great, just a short walk to Duvall. It is very quiet there and I slept great, as opposed to the noise we previously experienced near Old Towne and Duvall. The last thing I will say is I never took an outdoor shower (completely private). That was very enjoyable and I will say I wished we had one at home. I can only say you have to try it!

Owner response:Hello Bill, Thank You for you super kind words... So glad you guys enjoyed "SOUTHARD COMFORT". Always makes me happy when people appreciate and really get the "Key West Way of Life" and when I walked in and sew you guys with the doors open and y'all just relaxing and enjoying life... that put a smile on my face. It was a pleasure to meet you and look forward to seeing you again at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... till then be well!!!! Regards, Michael

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Key West Summer 2010

Guest: wanna go back (Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 09/06/10

Like many, Jimmy Buffett made us curious about the Keys, but the island itself calls us back. My husband and I have been to Key West many times, but this was the first visit with the kids along. We had a great time!! The home was clean, and well maintained. It was a little further walk from Duvall than we had stayed on previous trips, which without kids, would be no problem. That being said, Michael payed attention to every little detail (from the glass collection on the kitchen shelves to the broken coffee cups decorating the outdoor shower). My kids loved the fountain and the pool. I absolutely loved my midnight showers under the stars!! Our favorite places to eat were the Blue Heaven on Petronia for dinner, Two Friends on Front St for breakfast. We love the cuban food at Le Mason de Pepe at Mallory SQ. Thanks Michael for your kindness and the use of your conch home, you decorated it beautifully. It was truly "old towne". God willing, we will meet again.

Owner response:HELLO K and K and family... Wonderful to have y'all stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"!!! Glad you enjoyed your stay, not everyone "GETS" Key West and it's decor... you did and enjoyed it and that makes me VERY happy... Hurry back and see me and remember the porch light will be on to welcome you Home... Be Well!!! Best Regards, Michael

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

WOW! First Impression is always the best

Guest: Bob (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

I should not give away this hide-a-way with it's refreshing in-ground pool, all of the kitchen gizmo's, pots pans and dishes any chef would desire, and the comfortable bedrooms. Wait...there's an outdoor shower I thought my daughters would certainly "NOT" try out...but that was short lived...as they absolutely loved it. BTW, there's a surprise in the shower. But what about the owner? When we first entered the home, there was the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies...and there they were sitting on the counter. A bottle of wine and cheese was awaiting us in the fridge. Michael has a wonderful home, and he is absolutely the person one would want to rent from. Please don't tell anyone about this fantastic find!

Owner response:Hello Bob... THANK YOU for your kind review. It was a pleasure to have you and your wonderful family stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... The outside shower is the BEST and so glad you all enjoyed it!! Look forward to your return and I promise to bake more cookies for you... Take care!!! Regards, Michael

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Vacation Home

Guest: Steve, Peggy & Emmy (Hershey, PA.)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

Upon arriving at "Southard Comfort", we were treated to the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and then found wine, cheese, and crackers left there by Michael, our gracious host. Words cannot fully describe how wonderful this property is. From the wide open layout of the house to the pool just outside the doors everything was just fantastic. And what more can be said about the outdoor shower! We were a little hesitant about this at first, but quickly gave in to its' unique charm and beauty. Try to take advantage of as many of Michael's recommendations as possible. Great food and fun everywhere! We hope to be able to return in the future. Thank you again for sharing your home with us.

Owner response:Hello Steve and Peggy, THANK YOU, THANK YOU... I am SOOOO glad you had a great stay!!! It was a pleasure to meet you and have you Enjoy "SOUTHARD COMFORT". You said it all, and very well I may add!!! There are so many special features but the "Outside" shower is very fun, you are so right... Look forward to your return, be well. Regards, Michael

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Third trip to Key West

Guest: Genie H. (Cedar Rapids, Ia)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/10

Michael, We have rented homes from this site in other areas of the U.S. and NOT ONE has had an impact on us as yours. You have created a space where you feel as though this is your own home or the home of a close relative. I look at the pics on your site and all I see are wonderful memories that were created while we were there. For those of you who are reading these reviews, Michael is beyond wonderful. He welcomes you with cookies, wine, and cheese and then he will meet you in person to make sure all of your needs and wants are meant. It is very obvious that it is just as important to Michael as it is to you, that your stay in Key West and his home are special. Thank you so much Michael for everything, you truly set the standard that other home owners should follow. Tips for future renters... within walking distance to Duval or a $5.00 cab fare. $5.00 cab fare can also take you to Seaport Village. we also walked to Truman Annex and Fort Zachary Talyor. GREAT BEACH. Great Cuban coffee shop and grocery store, 1 Very short block away. take Michael's dining advice, wonderful places. and if you rent this home, I hope you ENJOY Michael's shower, truly wonderful after a day at the beach. I want one of my own...:)

Owner response:Hello Greg, It make me so happy that you enjoyed your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"! What can I say BUT the plain and simple fact is YOU GET IT!!! The house is to be "ISLAND", Funky and FUN and it is and I am so happy you enjoyed it to it's fullest. Look forward to see you again in Key West and "SOUTHARD COMFORT" will be ready with open arms and the Porch lite on to greet you... Best Wishes! Michael

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: John, Kelly, Alli and Alex (Plymouth, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/21/10

Michael - Let me start by saying WOW!!! Your home was simply delightful and we want to thank you for sharing it with us. The layout is tremendous with the pool literally two feet from the living area. Southard Comfort is located a comfortable walking distance from Duval St. and to most all of the site seeing attractions in Old Town. We enjoyed sitting on the front porch and watching passers-by as the strolled by the house. Finally, thanks for your generous hospitality. We will be back! Thanks - John, Kelly and Alli.

Owner response:THANK YOU John, Kelly and Alli...It was great to meet you all and have you as guests at "SOUTHARD COMFORT". It is an amazing home and it makes me so happy when people, like yourself, appreciate the effort into keeping the "Island Life" look and making it comfortable. The front porch is the best spot and my personal favorite. Till next time we meet, I know there will be a next time we meet, stay warm and look forward to your next trip to Key West and "SOUTHARD COMFORT"...BEST WISHES!!

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Guest: Pierre3 (Cheshire, CT)
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 03/03/10

Michael, Jan and I would like to thank you for sharing your home with us. It was truly a piece of heaven in Old Town. We felt perfectly at home from the moment we arrived.

Owner response:Pierre, THANK YOU for your kind words... It was a pleasure to meet you and Jan and have you as guests at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... look forward to see you both again in the near future. Best Wishes!!

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Guest: Johnny Sims (Birmingham, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 03/02/10 Review Submitted: 03/02/10

Michael, Thank you for a great week. The house was perfect and we really appreciate your tending to our every need. Weather was almost great with a few cool rainy days...Loved opening the house up to the pool. You have a great set up there....we too caught ourselfs not wanting to leave the house. Thanks again for everything...Enjoyed spending the week with my Mom she loved it...Hopefully we will see you in the fall.....Johnny

Owner response:Johnny, it was a pleasure meeting you and your family... I know Mom enjoyed her time in the pool and sitting on the front porch...I am so glad you and your family had a great time at "SOUTHARD COMFORT". Thank you so much for all your kind words...look forward to seeing you in the fall. regards, Michael

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Guest: Ellen Collins (St. Catharines, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/10

Six friends shared this house to celebrate together a milestone birthday. I knew from the pictures that the house would be beautiful, but this is one of those rare occasions when the reality was even better. We were greeted with wine and fresh baked cookies(How did Michael know about a certain sweet tooth in the crowd?) This is not a house but a home, and Michael has woven a magic tapestry in this creation; as a result there was such a sense of intimacy and much shared laughter in that week that I know was a result of our wonderful surroundings. Thank you Michael for going beyond expectations!

Owner response:Ladies THANK YOU it was a pleasure to have you stay with us at "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... look forward to you returning for more good times and laughter. The porch light will be on to greet you back home... Again, THANK YOU!!!

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Guest: Natalie C (Montclair, NJ)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/10

Michael, we absolutely LOVED your home. It was so comfortable and welcoming we felt as if we were our home. Ringing in the New Year in KW is always amazing but I think we found an even better reason to come visit (more often). The toughest decision we made that week was to either have a drink in the fabulous yard by the pool or on the front porch toasting to passers. We found ourselves just wanting to stay "home". Thank you again!

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Guest: Karen Cunningham (Latrobe,pa)
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

Upon our arrival at Southard Comfort,there was brie,crackers and a bottle of wine.Michael had recommended Alabama Jacks and their conch fritters while driving to the Keys.(absolutely delicious)The house was exquisite and certainly worth what we pd.We tried to try all recommendations for dining but couldn't fit it all in.My fave was Mangia,Mangia.My son,his wife and her Mom were all pleased with our stay and wish to move there when I hit the lottery.Seriosly though,the people,in particular impressed me with their kindness and carefree attitudes.This was a really nice street to be on also;So centrally located without all the hustle and bustle on Duval .We thank you again Michael for allowing us to share your lovely home

Owner response:Karen, THANK YOU for your kind words ... I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay in Key West and "SOUTHARD COMFORT". It was a pleasure to meet you and have you stay at my Island home. Good luck in the lottery, I will wait to hear from you when you win!!! Look forward to seeing you again in KW.

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Guest: J and MS (Cicero, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

"Southard Comfort" is an absolutely charming home owned and "tended to" by the outstanding host/owner, Michael. It was lovely to arrive and have wine and cheese waiting for you. Pictures do not do justice to this house. We just loved all the island "touches" throughout the house. My husband now wants an outdoor shower at home!!! The pool area was fabulous for reading, morning coffee and the pool was great for floating your worries away. Great job Michael, we will see you next year.

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Guest: R & J Lavers (The Treasure Coast of FL)
Date of Stay: 04/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/25/09

We rented Southard Comfort with extended family in celebration of a "milestone" birthday.  There were four adults and two children in our party.  Awaiting our arrival was a fresh bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine and chocolates.  A nice touch to start off our celebration week.  Southard Comfort is exactly as it looks in photos.  It took several days to soak in the nuances of the incredible decor and the outdoor living is fabulous! It is located in a great old Key West neighborhood, close to all the action, but has a quiet residential feel.  Michael checked in with us our first night, and is incredibly friendly and helpful.  Although it was not needed he was a phone call away for any questions.  Our granddaughter wanted to stay here forever, until she discovered Hemingway's home and all the cats, sorry Michael. Southard Comfort was a lovely oasis for our visit to Key West...we look forward to returning.

Owner response:Hello Judy and Ralph, so glad you enjoyed your stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT" in Key West. It was a pleasure to have you and your family celebrate at my home. That's the big different,it really does feel like you are at HOME and I am so glad you appreciated the fun, funky, cozy feeling of the house/home! Thank you for your lovely note you left me, regards to Ralph and do come back to Key West and when you do " SOUTHARD COMFORT" awaits your return. Best Wishes and again, Thank You!!!

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Guest: Jason Dzikowski (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 05/26/08 Review Submitted: 05/26/08

Six of us rented Southard Comfort for a reunion, and it was the perfect venue. As woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers, we were extremely impressed with the historic value of the house, which Michael has done a wonderful job of accenting and preserving. The decor is wonderful--exactly what I would expect of the "Conch Republic". As mentioned in other comments, the pool and garden was our favorite spot. We had to drag ourselves away just to go and see some of the town! The house is conveniently located close to Duval St. and the center of nightlife, and the walk affords an excellent opportunity to see one of the old Key West neighborhoods. Michael was the consummate host; he made us feel at home from the first minute we were there. He was also extremely helpful with recommendations for both eating and entertainment. I can't wait to get back.

Owner response:Jason, Thank You for your very kind words ... It was a real pleasure having you and "the guys" stay at SOUTHARD COMFORT and to hear your appreciation and respect for the historic preservation and decor makes me very happy. when ever you all return to Key West the front porch lite at "SOUTHARD COMFORT" will be on to Welcome you home ... Again, Thank You!!

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Guest: The New England Girls (NH)
Date of Stay: 04/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/08

Four of us women stayed at 'Southard Comfort' for our 5th annual 'girls week' in the Keys! What a time we had! More than enough room for all of us to have our own space. All the comforts of home. So much to look at with all the incredible decor - and everything was impeccably immaculate! The french doors from the living room to the pool area were the biggest highlight. We LIVED out there... with the tunes cranked, floating in tubes. Another highlight was the outdoor shower. We were nervous at first - but it is COMPLETELY private! Also, the alarm system in the house made us feel extra safe. Our landlord (& now friend) Michael couldn't have been more accomodating. We mentioned one thing that we couldn't find in the house - and he bought & delivered it the next day 9 AM! Incredible! We can't say enough great things about our week on Southard. Highly recommend this property!

Owner response:LADIES!!!! Thank you for the glowing review ... It was a pleasure to have you stay at "SOUTHARD COMFORT" I am so glad you ALL had a memoriable stay at my home and enjoyed Key West TOO!!!! In the kitchen I have a fram, I qoute, "FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE FOR YOURSELF", how nice for us both, you all arrived as renters/guests and leave as "friends/family", that makes me very happy ... Thank You for the picture on the Family board, see you all next year. Best Wishes!

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Guest: Linda Grunewald (Oxford, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/19/08 Review Submitted: 03/19/08

I gave myself the most incredible birthday gift this year by booking the Southard Comfort for two of the three months I stayed in Key West during the winter of 2008. It was by far my most favorite place of all. The photos you see are exactly what I found when I arrived. The lush grounds and pool really are just one step from the living room! You can keep the three sets of French doors open 24/7 to let in the cool breezes without worry or even the need for air conditioning. The owner is a great guy and was a very hands-on landlord who catered to my every whim and request. The house was packed with guests during my birthday-bash week, and there were six of us in the pool with floats and all. The highest compliment I can give is that no one wanted to leave to go into town much or do anything else but relax and enjoy this private heaven. The roomy outdoor shower was one of the biggest hits of all. Everyone lined up to shower outside daily with the warm sun and the blue sky as their ceiling. I mean…..What’s not to like?? Thanks for the memories!

Owner response:THANK YOU LINDA, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU STAY AT "SOUTHARD COMFORT"... AS I HAVE SAID SO MANY TIMES, "HONEY,YOU GET IT!!!!"(MEANING THE KEY WEST LIFE STYLE), YOUR THE BEST!!!!!

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Guest: H. and J. Schmidt (Missouri, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/08 Review Submitted: 01/04/08

Southard comfort was a fabulous place for our family of four. As always, the house and pool do not seem as big as in the pics, but the house and patio have the funky charm to make up for it! We have fond memories about staying at Southard Comfort, and would stay there again if we got the chance. Can't go wrong with the Gentry's management, they responded to our every whim!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/20/07 Review Submitted: 07/20/07

We truly enjoyed our week at Southard Comfort...The house was perfect for our stay.

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