Vacation Rentals by Owner

Snow vacation

Guest: snowgirl (Plant City, Florida USA)
Date of Stay: 02/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/15/12

My husband and I and my sister and her husband were looking for a good place to go to see snow, as I have never seen snow. Well, we got our wish. The home that we rented was more than we expected.It was exactly where we were expecting it to be. The photos were very accurate and the rental was exceptionaly clean and well-maintained. The owner was overly helpful in suggesting places to go and things to see. He went out of his way to be sure we were comfortable. There was equipment for us to use to play in the snow. We did not have to go somewhere and rent, that was nice. He had the drive snow-plowed for us, which again was really nice. The wildlife was abundant right in our backyard. The mule deer came thru the back yard, there were does and bucks with antlers still on their heads. Also we had beautiful birds come to feed in the backyard. Just about 1/2 mile down the road we saw herds of cow elk and bull elk. What a sight! We would recommend the Egg and I for breakfast and lunch, it was good value for money and very tastful. Also Smokin Dave's Bar-B-Que was a great favorite of ours. The local brewery in town had great wings during the Super Bowl game and the beer was great. We went snowmobile riding in a town about 2 hours for our place called Winter Park. It was a great activity and reasonably priced. We also went to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a very pleasant trip. Again we saw many Elk (both cows and bulls) and Mule deer. I would highly recommend this property to anyone and would like to return in the spring myself!

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

V.Bailey

Guest: V. Bailey (Arvada, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/03/12

The place was wonderful! Our family had a lot of fun with plenty of room to spare. They are planning a trip this summer to stay again!

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

A Christmas week at Mary

Guest: Kathy W.
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

My family of ten found the house,cabin, a wonderful retreat. We had plenty of space for all of us. The view was beyound belief. The grandkis, and adults, loved feeding the animals, most were named before we left. The kitchen was GREAT, as a foodie, I loved it. We can't wait to go back, maybe a different season, I would love to sit on the deck with my morning coffee and watch the sun rise over Mary's Lake.

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8 Days in Wonderland

Guest: JnG (Georgia)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

My wife and I spend 8 days here and it wasn't enough. Just outside the gates of Rocky Mountain Park, and withing close proximity to the town of Estes, you couldn't ask for a better location. Lot's of wildlife in the backyard! We filmed wild Turkey, and Mule Deer from the deck. They were close enough to touch. The kitchen was set up with everything and anything you could possibly want or need. The views are breath taking, and a photographers paradise. I could look out off the deck all day, and it wouldn't be enough! Gary is a pleasure to work with, and a nicer person you couldn't find... Stop looking and book this place. It has it all, and then some! But book well in advance as it stays rented more than most. We will be back!

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

Great base for a wonderful week of hiking RMNP

Guest: Bon vivant (Mpls.,MN)
Date of Stay: 09/06/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

What a place! Beautiful views, lots of room and everything you could want for cooking, eating and being entertained. We've never experienced a better equipped kitchen from the new 3-door fridge to the Cuisinart blender and the professional waffle iron. And the movie library would be the envy of Roger Ebert. Highly recommended for any size group.

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

Wonderful time, wonderful place

Guest: Anne (Kanss)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

Thank you once again (our sixth time) for letting us stay in Dream Lake. It was a memorable stay celebrating the wedding of our daughter in Rocky Mountain National Park and the birthdays of two granddaughters. We have enjoyed the new stove and frig as well as the new bed linens. The house is so well set up, we cannot think of a single improvement on it. The Wii and big screen TV were hits with all the kids. And the expansive decks were the grown-ups favorite relaxing spots--great views and cool breezes. And we had what one of the granddaughters called a “wildlife extravaganza”—visits by bears on at least 3 occasions (never threatening), deer and elk too many times to count, a doe and her spotted fawn browsing in the front yard, watching a wren family grow up, and being buzzed by resident hummingbirds, plus the usual chipmunks, ground squirrels, and rabbits. Together with family events, great hikes, and trips to ride the Go-Karts, a grand time was had by all!

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

Vacation to Remember

Guest: Buckeye Fans (Mason, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

This beautiful mountain home provided the perfect place for our family to start and end our adventures in and around Estes Park. The views were absolutely stunning! We had fresh snowfall several days which was just incredible. We went snowshoeing in RMNP with fresh powder on the ground. Unbelievable! We hiked and took in the beauty of nature and wildlife each day. It was amazing to see so much wildlife in the area. We also went horseback riding in the mountains which we would all recommend. The house was so convenient to everything yet gave much desired privacy as well. There was plenty of space for our family to spread out and relax. Gary provided everything we could have possibly needed and so much more! We have never stayed anywhere that was more accommodating. Thanks much, Gary! The Healy family, Ohio

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

Breathtaking Views!

Guest: Melody (Fayetteville, GA)
Date of Stay: 12/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/02/11

We decided to take a family Christmas vacation in Estes Park. Sometimes it is hard to find a place to stay that is decent and large enough for our family of 7 and within our budget. This place has absolutely everything that you could need and the pantry was packed full of goodies. Gary was very generous, he made sure that my kids had all the latest xbox games, they were very pleased. We really enjoyed just watching movies (Gary has the most extensive movie list I have ever seen, too many to watch)in front of the fire and the views from this house are just stunning. If you choose to stay here, you won't be disappointed.

Owner response: Christmas is a great time to visit Estes. The views are more spectacular with fresh snow on the mountains and trees, and we have time do extra things for guests, like a Christmas tree, putting out snow sleds, and stocking the pantry. The town of Estes is lit up with Christmas lights and the herds of Elk are wandering through town. The best "Elk watching" is in the winter time. I am glad your family enjoyed the new games! The X-box Kinect was a hot item before your visit,and I thought your kids would enjoy it. I did not know about the Kinect, but every store I went in that had a Kinect game set up had all of the teenage attention. I had to get it right away for the house! My family has "discovered" Rock Band, and we now have four guitars,three microphones, a keyboard, and drums for family and Guests to play. I think the big screen we have makes gaming really fun here. Three hour rock band marathons have been reported by guests, and I know our family and friends have done the same. When my family does a reunion here the kids play video and other games downstairs and the "adults" watch movies and enjoy the views upstairs. We also see guest's families doing the same thing, so the entertainment options have been adjusted to enhance both the "upstairs" and "downstairs" experience. Thank you for your review!

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

Beyond Expectations

Guest: Binkett (Fort Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 03/28/10

My parents and I found this wonderful retreat last year but due to a job issue I was unable to make the trip that I had taken part of planning. This year, after their rave reviews and a years worth of building it up, I finally got to spend sometime in this beautiful house on the side of a mountain. I must say that it was even better than I expected. The furnishings are comfortable, the beds provide great nights sleep with beautiful views, very large and well appointed kitchen (it really does have everything that you could possibly need and sometimes two of them just to be on the safe side), and the balcony (or covered porch depending on which story you are on) was just wonderful with absolutely magnificent views. The wild life in the area in the morning and evening really do come within a stones throw of the porch and was such a joy to experience. The only possible thing that this truly comfortable retreat is missing is a hot tub off the balcony up top...but of course that's just me. I can not recommend this home enough! In my many years of traveling this is by far one of my favorite retreats and plan on visiting again and again.

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

A Labor Day Weekend Spent in Heaven!

Guest: Redhead76 (Ottawa, Kansas)
Date of Stay: 09/02/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

This is the perfect house for families, don't look any further!!! It was after much time and research trying to find the perfect house to accomodate the FIVE teenagers accompanying us on our Labor Day trip that we picked Gary's 'Dream Lake' house. We couldn't have been more pleased! The listing description is accurate, the home is very clean, comfortable, spacious and family-friendly. It came equipped with ample ammenities to accomodate our large group of 12. We felt so relaxed our entire stay. We had everything we could want, short of a hot tub! Hint, hint, Gary! The property management group and the home owner,Gary, were so easy to work with. Thank you all for taking such good care of us and making our trip a piece of cake to coordinate! This was my family's first time to Colorado and RMNP. All their suggestions really paid off, they have the "inside scoop" on Estes and RMNP! We went to Sweet Basillico's to eat our first evening there. They have a lovely outdoor deck and covered dining area built right by a stream. I highly recommend this restaurant for its atmosphere, excellent customer service and great food(: We had a blast walking downtown Estes Park, popping into the coffee houses and shops. The Stanley Hotel is beautiful and offers a fun ghost tour. It has a nice bar and restaurant too. Our hikes to Ouzal Falls, Bear Lake, Flat Top Mountain and Long's Peak were nothing short of amazing. Unparrelled beauty. We also enjoyed a drive along Trail Ridge Road, enjoying the views and stopping at the Alpine Visitor's Center to shop and sight see. We went on a two-hour trail ride from Sombrero Ranch up into the mountains. This was SO much fun and our guides took excellent care of us. The home's huge, movie screen/tv in the basement was such a luxury after our long days of hiking and sight seeing. It was a big hit with the kids to play Wii on! We all enjoyed the ease of this home's close location to the park and downtown, yet it couldn't have been built in a more lovely spot for its mountain and lake views. We sat out on its deck every chance we got. The views from the deck, especially at sunrise, are positively majestic....the sun rising over Mary's Lake, the cool mountain air, the herds of mule deer and elk grazing just below....it just fills your heart and soul with its beauty...we can't wait to go back. We fell in love with RMNP and Estes, everyone must experience this heavenly place atleast once! Thank you, Gary and staff, for all the memories!

Owner response:Thank you for your review! You spent a good deal of your time in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is the "real" attraction up here with its awesome natural beauty. We are lucky to have a location that makes it very easy to get to the Park or to town. You and your family had a wonderful vacation and I hope you can make it back. I am considering a hot tub with your suggestion for the future. Thanks, Gary

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest Comment

Guest: Ed & Karen (West Lafayette, IN)
Date of Stay: 12/24/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/09

The Dream Lake was just amazing. We was not disappointed at all with the view or wild life. We was sorry that we couldn't stay longer. We spent Christmas with the family and was very please with a wonderful real Christmas tree. Everything was provided that we could need, including the well needed wireless internet and washer and dryer. We will keep the place in mind for the next time when we want to get away.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/22/08

This is our last night at the Dream House in Estes Park. We have been fortunate enough to have been here for a week. We celebrated our 41st Wedding anniversary and it couldn't have been more wonderful. In our 41 years we have traveled many places in the world and have never felt more at home on a vacation than here. This home is beautiful, as the pics show, from the view from the balcony to the warmth of the interior. We loved having all the amenities of home from washer and dryer to high speed internet. Even some things I don't have at home like a media room- large screen and all, and of course the wildlife- a friendly doe mule deer ( she let us pet her) and 2 buck muledeer, 5 turkey and a bear that knocked over the trash can while we slept (but our nephew and his wife heard and saw him running off). Ed and I saw his prints. We have great pics of all of them except the bear-gotta love those pics. The barbecue worked great, we're big on grilling, and there is enough kitchen dishes and cutlery to feed a huge family. I'll miss waking up, and having coffee either on the balcony or at the dining table while looking at the beautiful mountain vista. It has been a great week- we even had snow!!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/10/07

June 16-July 14, 2007 Enjoyed your home so much last year as a guest of my brother - decided to bring our family out this year. Had a total of 11 family off & on during our stay.Everyone marveled at the view - the accommodations - and your hospitality. You are the most considerate and thoughtful landlord. The Humming bird feeders were a great success.We had as high as 10 birds at one time. Thank You! Gene & Ruth Rosine Entered from the Guest Book Thank you for the nice comments! We certainly appreciate you.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/10/07

July 14 - July 28, 2007 We had a good time on our family vacation. At various times we had our four kids, their spouses and seven grandkids with us enjoying this very comfortable house. It is our joy to see the next generation enjoy and respect this mountain wonderland. Everything was great - and we liked all the "new" additions - the new BBQ grill, the additional table on the deck, the new blender, and probably a few others I haven't mentioned. The new stairs are nice - and handsome, too - like the "tile" risers. And the pack and play was GREAT - thanks. Once again, thanks for making it available to us - we have already booked it for 2008! The Hutchinsons & extended family Entered from the guest book Thank you, I hope to have more new additions for you next year!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/10/07

July 14-July 28, 2007 We had a good time on our family vacation. At various times we had our four kids, their spouses and seven grandkids with us enjoying this very comfortable house. It is our joy to see the next generations enjoy and respect this mountain wonderland. Everything was great - and we liked all the "new" additions - the new BBQ grill, the additional table on the deck, the new blender, and probably a few others I haven't mentioned. The new stairs are nice - and handsome, too - like the "tile" risers. And the pack and play was GREAT - thanks. Once again thanks for making this available to us - we have already booked it for 2008!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/17/07 Review Submitted: 04/16/07

This Place is awesome! We planned a family vacation here when we got the news that our Son was returning to Afghanistan. With 4 sons and 2grand kids (3yr & 11 days old) it was perfect - complete with kitchen. We enjoyed snow shoeing and the deer coming right up to our door. What a wonderful family get-a-way. Thanx Steve and Rhonda VanRees Entered from the Guest Book, Thank you for your comments and the Pizza cutter!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 01/09/07 Review Submitted: 01/08/07

Your home is wonderful! We moved in and felt as though it were our own. Views from every window are superb - Just wish we could have sat on the deck and looked to our hearts content. Thank you for the use of your computer and the free long distance telephone. We took advantage of both. Barb and Hal Sickler Entered from guest book The Sicklers are former residents of Estes Park. When they were here we had an unusually cold and snowy late December and they were unable to enjoy the decks. Normally winter is mild in Estes Park.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/12/06 Review Submitted: 09/11/06

Aspens were pretty but the dry summer made them not as spectacular as years past. We enjoyed our stay. The fireplace is really nice & we loved the deck. I filled the gas for the grill it was empty. Hope we can meet someday.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/19/06 Review Submitted: 08/18/06

We have to make special mention of the hummingbirds! They are a joy to watch! If you want to feed them, put 1/4 cup sugar in hot water - enough to fill feeder and set it on the railing. Watch for the deer herd that comes through the yard every few days, about 10 of them. didn't see any bears! We trout fished a lot but did not endanger the species. Watched the space station go by from the deck - not a long production but a significant one. We really had a good time! Don, Kay, Bruce, Verla, Loren, Donna entered from the guest book They purchased the first hummingbird feeder for the house. Hummingbirds have been such a big hit with the guests we have since added more feeders. They also found our cheap blender to be leaky, and shipped us a very fine, new and expensive blender as a gift for the house! Thank you. We appreciate it very much!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/12/06 Review Submitted: 08/11/06

We have really enjoyed our visit here! Our 3 families, teens and grand parents alike, enjoyed being together here. We appreciated the lovely porch with great views, the family of deer, and warm sun. There were many added amenities such as the internet, a great T.V., lots of dishes and thoughtful details that we also appreciated. We hate to leave! We will have fond memories in a great house. Zilches from Ohio and New York + Foxes from Longmont, CO. P.S. on our last night here, a bear tried very hard to get into the bear proof dumpster so... be sure to close it tightly! Entered from the guest book

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/05/06 Review Submitted: 08/04/06

Thanks so much for making the Dream Lake vacation home available. we enjoyed our two week stay - and are greedily wishing it could be longer! We have been coming to the area for 7 summers,and we,our kids and grandkids - who all came and stayed a few days each - said this is the best place yet! The wireless internet and internet phone are added bonuses to the great views and comfortable accommodations. The well-equipped kitchen is a plus for our family who like to cook! Our hope is that we encourage our grandkids to enjoy and respect this natural wonderland. Thanks again- we are already looking forward to next summer when we can introduce another grandchild to Rocky Mountain National Park. Entered from Guest Book

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/22/06 Review Submitted: 07/21/06

What a beautiful home! Thanks so much for sharing. The deer in the evening were a wonderful sight. Time went way too fast and we certainly hope to be back soon! Thanks for the affordable price, the great location, and all the amenities. entered from the guest book

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/15/06 Review Submitted: 07/14/06

6/19/06 5:30 AM Yearling black bear having breakfast on the garbage. 6/17 thru 7/15 Our family so enjoyed our stay at your beautiful home. We have been vacationing in Estes Park for 45 years, and the "Dream Lake" home has been the finest place we have stayed- so comfortable with everything to meet our needs- and then some! Visiting family and friends were also impressed as we were with our good fortune. Hopefully we'll soon be back to enjoy those fantastic views from the decks! Thanks again From guest book

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Guest: withheld
Date of Stay: 06/17/06 Review Submitted: 06/16/06

Thanks for sharing your beautiful home. We had an awesome week. Also enjoyed the great price. Thank you for making it attainable! We noticed some sun damage to the table-if you want the windows tinted give John (our Son) a call at (402)560-1234. He will tint it for a weeks vacation! He owns two window tinting businesses. entered from guest book

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Guest: Vick & Curt
Date of Stay: 03/04/06 Review Submitted: 03/03/06

Great Friends Great views-- Great times!

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Guest: The Tonkin gals
Date of Stay: 02/26/06 Review Submitted: 02/25/06

Thank you so much for sharing your home. We had a wonderful weekend "running away from home". You have a beautiful home with with gorgeous views!!! The Tonkins left some fine gifts for the house, including "The Guest Book". We would not have considered a guest book for the home, but their thoughtful gift contains the most prized possession of all - our guests comments!

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