Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect Romantic Getway

Guest: MJ (Golden Valley Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 10/31/11

We enjoyed a beautiful October weekend to celebrate my husbands birthday. The cabin was so beautifully appointed and cozy - we truly felt welcomed into another world -that was conveniently 15 minutes from our home! We hiked, fished, and enjoyed a bonfire under the stars every night. We hope to return!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

We'll Be Back

Guest: Gary & Deb (South Dakota)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

My husband and I stayed at the cabin on three of the hottest nights of the summer - the heat index was over 100! The cabin was cool and comfortable and we had a great time on the lake. The furnishings are upscale and lovely. Wish we could have enjoyed the fire pit and hiking trails - we need to come back in the fall! We appreciated everything Jody did to make our stay enjoyable.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Great Vacation

Guest: Randy and Kathy (Minneapolis )
Date of Stay: 07/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

We had read about this cabin in a Startribune article in 2010, so we decided to book our vacation time almost a full year ahead of schedule. As it turns out, it was one of the best decisions we ever made. We needed to stay close to home this year, and despite the fact that this cabin is just 20 miles from our house in Minneapolis, it had the feeling of a cabin deep in the north woods. It’s located on a hill with great views of Lake Minnetonka. And it’s near the cities of Excelsior and Wayzata. So going out to dinner after a day of fishing and water skiing wasn’t a problem at all. It’s a beautiful little cabin, perfectly clean with all the comforts of home. It was one of the best vacations our family has ever had.

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Perfect Fall Getaway - Exceeded Our Expectations!

Guest: Nicole & John (Shakopee, MN)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

We live in the area and never thought we would actually "vacation" on Lake Minnetonka and much less Big Island. We have always known the island as a spot where people go to party and never really noticed the beautiful cabins. We were more than pleasantly surprised to find this cabin to be incredibly private and in the PERFECT location. It is perched on a hill with a commanding view of the lake and flanked by state-protected park land. You can't see the neighbors. The brilliant fall colors were stunning and the cabin is SO cozy. We are both pretty particular and found the cabin to be super clean and included every amenity you could possibly need. Our blissful weekend was filled with boating, walking the qaint and quiet island, went to Wayzata for a lavish dinner, had a bonfire, watched a movie on the huge sectional couch, enjoyed the jacuzzi tub, grilled out... It was so perfect that we've already reserved it for next year as well. Wish we were still there!!

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

Home Away From Home

Guest: DeEtta & Jerome (North Dakota)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

This is the second year we have stayed at your beautiful cabin on Big Island and we hope to return next summer. This cabin truly is a home away from home! We find the entire experience to be very relaxing and re-juvinating. We were greeted by two bouquets of fresh flowers. Our kids from Woodbury joined us during the day and we had fun cooking, playing games, boating, and exploring. We saw deer and an eagle this year and docked at the nature park for awhile. We laughed a lot because it was windy and we went out on the lake anyway getting wet almost every time, thank goodness it was so warm! The property is clean and well maintained. We used the grill every day and only ate one meal in town. We ran low on gas in the boat due to the wind and Jack helped us out. Thank you Jack and Jody for being so helpful and caring. We recommend this cabin to anyone looking for a relaxing time on Lake Minnetonka.

Owner response:It is wonderful to hear how guests can enjoy themselves even in high winds and laugh at getting a little wet! The cabin is great for a couple to stay over night and have daytime guests to share the fun with. The cabin is perfectly clean and decorated, ready to have company and entertain!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Little Spot

Guest: Kevin (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10 Review Submitted: 08/21/10

I wish I owned this place, because I would be there every weekend. My wife and I spent a week here and had a blast exploring the lake. It was so easy to get on and off the island, and it felt like we were all alone on the island until 2 fawn showed up. Jody did a great job of making the place clean and relaxing. They also took care of all of our other needs very well. When exploring on the island, watch out for poison ivy. In august the water was very warm and amazingly refreshing.

Owner response:We were happy to assist this young couple being that they had a unique situation…..A Jet Ski for transportation. We were glad to help them by hauling their food and belongings to the Island and back in our fishing boat. They were very appreciative and excited to go out exploring the lake and the Island! They enjoyed the beauty of the cabin and its views and the outdoor activities; jet skiing, hiking, swimming, viewing wildlife, and eating out at the restaurants in Excelsior and Wayzata. A great invigorating and refreshing vacation, on and off of Big Island!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic Fourth!

Guest: Jeremy (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Every year, a small group of old friends and I spend the Fourth of July holiday on Lake Minnetonka, and for the past three years, it has been at this gem on the backside of the lake's Big Island. The views of the lake and sunsets are sublime, and it really feels like a trip away "up North". Jodi does a fantastic setting up the cabin for any occasion, and it really couldn't be more peaceful and quiet when you need to relax. However, if you're looking for a nice dinner or drinks in town, the charming lakeside hamlet of Excelsior is just five minutes away by boat.It really is the best of both worlds. We return every year to this cabin for a reason, and couldn't recommend it more highly. Thanks for everything! -Jeremy

Owner response:We were happy to have these same wonderful guests out at our Lake Cabin again. They were very responsible and respectable guests of our secluded lake home. We also, like them, grew up on the lake all our lives and came to love Lake Minnetonka and all it has to offer! Within minutes, be on vacation, feet up, enjoying the views and sailboat regattas before your eyes. If you don't feel like cooking on our outdoor grill, you can boat over to the outdoor restaurants and let them tie up your boat and enjoy casual dining on the outdoor deck and listen to live music inside. When you get back start a bonfire in the outdoor fire pit surrounded by six Adirondack chairs and roast marshmallows for S’mores! It is a beautiful ending of your day...to watch the full moon rise over the lake and enjoy viewing the glistening white sparkling water! A magical paradise!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Retreat!

Guest: kate & chris (san francisco, ca)
Date of Stay: 06/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Thank you Jody and Jack for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful cabin. We had the most fantastic weather. Went to bed early and slept late. A very restful break from our two small boys. We were impressed with the cabin's design and build. And all of the furnishings were cozy and clean. It is obvious that a great deal of care and love has gone into this home. We look forward to returning! Only wish you were closer to San Francisco, we would come every month! Best to you all and hope to see you again. Kate and Chris Foss/San Fransisco, CA

Owner response:We love when we hear how families come back home refreshed after unwinding and having spent quality time with each other! We also pride our selfs in the cleanliness of the cabin, with an eye for perfection. We are always upgrading our furnishings to enhance their stay.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

Noisy neighbors

Guest: the anniversary couple (twin cities)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

We stayed at the cabin the weekend of June 24,25 and 26. We were very pleased with the cabin itself. We got to see two baby turtles being born and fed the fish who hung out at the end of the dock. We really enjoyed seeing all the mom geese and their goslings. The only drawback was that there were two big noisy parties going on each night. One was next door and one was across the island but very audible. So days were a delight, but nights didn't feel like a get away.

Owner response:We especially love renting to couples for a vacation getaway! The "Up North" feel and lush green scenery, is perfect to relax to! While sitting on one of the two decks, enjoying conversation and cool beverages and watching the boats go by! Since we are on an Island surrounded by water, voices and music do travel. That is a given, especially on weekends. Our cabin is secluded up on a hill overlooking the beautiful bay, with no close neighbors. The island property owners, further down the shoreline, are retired and very quiet. As all of our guests have commented on, we have made sure the cabin is beautifully decorated and supplied for their comfort and relaxation. We have an air- conditioner in wall, half way up stairs to the bedroom that our guests can turn on for cool quiet sound. There also is an osculating fan and CD player in the loft bedroom for them to relax to, and enjoy. A perfect paradise retreat!

Recommended for:Girls getaway

Guest: Jeff & Joyce (-)
Date of Stay: 07/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

We had a wonderful time at your Island retreat and so close to home! We saw more wildlife here than Up North! We saw turkey, eagles, deer, raccoon, turtles, etc... It was fun to learn more about the History of our local Big Island. The cabin was the best stocked and equipped cabin we have ever seen by far!! Every thing was perfect!! We also really loved the fire pit and outdoor cedar shower!! Jeff and Joyce

Owner response: We were very happy to have this wonderful couple and two teenage daughters stay with us. It is fun to hear how much renters love viewing all the variety of wildlife on the Island. It is nice for the renters to slow down from the stresses of life and stop and enjoy all of nature and the views! We also keep the cabin well stocked for your peace of mind and enjoyment. We would hate for a vacation to be in trouble if you forgot something basic. That is why we stock up on condiments in fridge and seasonings in the cupboard. Toiletries in Bathroom in case you forgot something. We want the vacation to be stress free.(Besides, there is no corner store. Your on a private Island!)Enjoy!!

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Guest: Grant and Meredith
Date of Stay: 06/25/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

Thank you for the perfect weekend! Your cabin is beautiful and so clean and well maintained! Your lot is very private with such wonderful views- you definitely get the "up north" feeling but are only minutes from the cities. Every aspect of our stay was great and we plan on returning next year. Thanks again!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/07/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Just wanted to say THANKS! in the 11 years that we have had kids (4 of them), we have tried to go away once a year or so, we have never gone the same place 2 times, but I told by husband that I wanted to return! It has exactly what we both need, great fishing for him and great relaxation for me, it was so comfy wherever we went in or out of the house!! Romantic dinner (we grilled it) on the deck, movies and scrabble on a cold rainy day (that wood burning stove really heats things up!) Thanks again for sharing your house.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/01/08

My husband and I decided to take a brief retreat from our two young childrend the weekend of July 17-20 to this cabin. Our goal was to relax, fish and just enjoy eachother. Our goal was achieved and the mini-vacation was beyond our expectations. The cabin was decorated so nice and was equipped with everything we needed. We fished alot...which was nice since I have not been able to fish for years (before our kids were born four years ago). We caught pike, bass but unfortunately no muskie. We caught several nice sized sunfish from the dock. As for the cabin, we loved how nicely decorated and well equipped it was. The huge windows provided an excellent view for watching all of the sailboats drift gracefully by. I even read an entire book (another luxury I haven't been able to enjoy since prekid days). I was so pleased there was a coffee pot and a blender. We had that blender running almost all day for drinks to enjoy on the deck over looking the lake. Of course, the outdoor cedar shower was fun and rejuvenating for those really warm days. We had two big bucks wander by our cabin Sunday morning as I sipped coffee on the couch. One afternoon I shared the private beach with a huge snapping turtle, which was kind of fun. The hostess did an excellent job of preparing us for our arrival and her we really enjoyed visiting with her father Jack who helped us settle in to the cabin. We definitely plan to return to this beautiful little escape that is only 20 minutes from home.

Owner response:It was our total pleasure to see and hear how much they enjoyed their stay!! That is what our goals and dreams are for all of our quests! They totally used and enjoyed every aspect of the cabin, designed for relaxation and pure pleasure for couples to get away from it all and enjoy nature and each other!

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Guest: Mike Martinson (Mound, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/17/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

My wife, son and I completely enjoyed our one-week stay at this unique location! Even though we sail and enjoy a slip on Lake Minnetonka, this well-equipped cabin and island location gave us the "up North" feeling and seclusion without having to drive 4-6 hours. I highly recommend this cabin rental from the very hospitable owners!

Owner response:Our renters were very enthusiastic about the cabin,its views and our 75ft dock to tie their beautiful sailboat to!! They were very responsible wonderful guests!! They have with 3 other returning families, Booked 4 weeks in July! Excited to have them all back, because they all were so responsible and respectful of property and got to thoroughly enjoyed their families and friendships!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/31/08 Review Submitted: 05/31/08

We stayed at this lovely home last summer and can't wait to return. It's very comfortably furnished, has a great kitchen and a fabulous outdoor cedar shower (it has indoor facilities as well). The view is fantastic and it offers virtual seclusion. We'd highly recommend a stay here and look forward to returning.

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