Vacation Rentals by Owner

January 2012

Guest: Lisa (Rochester, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/29/12 Review Submitted: 02/28/12

The house was very comfortable and well maintained. The kitchen was nicely stocked with everything we needed to cook the meals we had planned. We especially liked the keeping room off the kitchen with the TV. My sister and I spent a lot of time in this area while the guys hung out in the living room. The bedrooms were a nice size and the beds were comfortable. Bill was very helpful and very informative about the house and attractions in the area. It was just a short drive to town which was very convenient if you didn't want to ski down. We had dinner at the La Petite Paris in Breckenridge and I would highly recommend it. Great food and the owners make you feel like you're their personal guest. It's small, so make a reservation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place!!

Guest: Jessica (Dimmitt Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 12/19/11

My family had a great time we hope to go back next year!

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

Great all-season vacation home!

Guest: Bill (Chicago, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

Bearhaven could not have been more enjoyable for a summer stay. We’re most anxious to return for ski season. The accommodations were superb: ample privacy; exceptionally clean; gas stove (for cool nights); indoor hot tub; outdoor deck, grill, and picnic area; up to date furniture and fixtures. The sun streams into the kitchen/sitting/tv area in the morning with a partial view across the valley. Bearhaven is uphill from Breckinridge and less than a 5 minute drive from the center of town. The trail access is about 75 yards (on mostly level road) from which, in the winter, one can ski down to the lifts or to which one can ski to from above. A short walk of this upscale area provides views of the peaks across the valley as well as the ski slopes; it is a perfect setting for a vacation at any time of the year. The owners, Bill and Kathy, could not have been more helpful and attentive. The maintenance and upkeep of their property, and their attention to details—from soaps and shampoos to perfectly folded and new towels—is absolutely first-rate. I most highly recommend choosing their property as your Breckinridge vacation home.

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

ski vacation

Guest: Ullrich Family (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

Great place, comfortable, convenient, up to date and like at home. We traveled with toddler and even a crib was provided. Easy communication made arrangements easy. Home like in the pictures and am sure that was not the last time we stayed there. Thank you !

Owner response:Lars and his family was great to work with. We have tried to set up the home so that a few couples out for a romantic week could enjoy beautiful Breckenridge or couples with small children could get equal enjoyment out of the home. We hope that Lars and his family join us again for a little slice of heaven in Breckenridge. Bill & Kathy Handley, Owners of Bear Haven and Mountainwood Alpine Paradise

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

Loved staying at Bear Haven!

Guest: Chelle (Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/22/11

I can not say enough good stuff about this place or the owner! The owner was very helpful in the beginning, giving a lot of information that we needed about the house and about the slopes. He was very informative about things we needed to know when traveling to a higher altitude. He gave us a lot of information about different points of interest in Breck that helped us in making decisions on what to do other than skiing. The house is located in a beautiful area, close enough to town, but up far enough for a wonderful view! It was easy to find and when we arrived everything was just as we pictured it to be. It is a beautiful home that easily accommodated six adults and two children. Everything you needed was there. We had no trouble at all cooking our meals because all the utensils were right there. It was very clean and beautifully decorated. There was enough room for all of us to either sat together and watch t.v. or if you wanted privacy there were t.v.'s in each bedroom plus the living room and the den. Three bathrooms made it easy for all of us to get ready. Being from the south the altitude can really affect you and there were humidifiers in each room that really helped you to overcome the shortness of breath. One afternoon we were watching t.v. and looked out the window and there was a beautiful red fox right outside the window. One of the guys in our group skiied from and to the house and had no trouble. There is a great view of the slopes from the front of the house. It snowed eight inches one of the nights we were there and by the time we were ready to leave for the slopes, which was early, our driveway was already cleaned off for us so we had no problem getting out. I can not say enough good about this place. Like I said, everything we could have possibly needed was there and Mr. Handley was so helpful to us prior to our arriving. I loved Breck and hope to be back next year! I highly recommend this place to anyone who is going to Breck. Also, if you get a chance, go dog sledding!!!! It is very affordable and something that the entire family can enjoy. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

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

Absolutely beautiful.

Guest: Tim and Cindy (Macon, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

My family and I enjoyed this beautiful home. It was everything Bill said and more. It was like staying at home and had everything we could possibly need. Home is close to town and easily accessible to the lifts. We would definitely stay in this beautiful home again.

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

Bearhaven in July

Guest: Greg T (Springdale, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

We stayed at Bearhaven in July 2010. Bill and Kathy could not have been more helpful. Every last detail was taken care of, right down to a discount card for the local grocery store. We loved the open floor plan. The open kitchen with attached TV room was great for preparing family meals. We also enjoyed the fact that all of the bedrooms were large, so there was no debate over who got the "small room" that can happen with other homes. The location is convenient to the trails (hiking or skiing) and only 1 mile from main street in town. A trail at the end of the street leads right to town, which is a nice alternative to the road. When we go back to Breckenridge, we will contact Bill and Kathy before we even consider other options.

Owner response:Greg and Laura and their two sons had a blast. We love to show people to how great Breckenridge and our home can be in both the winter and summer. Thanks to both for watering our Columbine flowers in the front yard. Bill & Kathy Handley, Owners of Bear Haven

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

Couldn't Be Happier

Guest: LRS (Largo, FL )
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Bear Haven is a fantastic, upscale, luxury property. Bill and Kathy have gone out of their way to upgrade this wonderful home. Granite countertops, hickory cabinets, leather couches, a warm, cozy gas stove all lead to the ambience of this home. The location was superb. In a residential ski in and out neighborhood, yet close to town. You exit the home, walk about 75 yards and ski Lower Lehman to either the Quick Silver or Beaver Run chairlift. An added bonus is that you ski right by ski school. Bill & Kathy are easy to work with and provide a lot of information to make this a very enjoyable vacation.

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Guest: Ron and Natalie Aiello (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 01/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/31/10

Bear Haven was a perfect home in a perfect location in breckenridge. Far enough away from town to be peaceful, but close enough to drive for restaurants. The house is wonderfully appointed and has all the necessary amenities. The hot tub truly rocks! Bill went out of his way to make sure this stay was seamless and worry free. He even went so far as to mark the way to ski home from the slopes! I would recommend this house to anyone looking for a great stay in Breckeridge....being short of breath constantly never felt so good!

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Guest: John & Cheryl Fox (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 01/10/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/10

We had a wonderful ski vacation the first week in January and thoroughly enjoyed returning to Bear Haven after a long day on the slopes, and an adventurous trip home through the trees, which we decided unanimously that we also enjoyed. The kitchen was very functional and it was nice to have the many spices and condiments readily available. The fire place was quite efficient in heating the house warm and toasty and the "bear theme" decorating complimented the Western ambiance. We also enjoyed the convemiently located indoor/outdoor jacuzzi. We didn't use the outdoor grill, but it was nice to have it available. The beds were quite comfortable and bathrooms modern and functional. At Bear Haven, we felt like we were staying at a friend's home. Bill and Kathy have put much thought and detail into the comfort of their guests. Thank you for sharing your home with us. We would definately stay there again!

Owner response:We love having guests like the Fox family and hope they return many times in the future. Bill & Kathy.

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Guest: Nancy Wendt (Fairway, KS)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

My family has used VRBO for several years in CO. Bill's home is by far the nicest accommodation we have stayed in. It's in the mountains, yet close to town. The decor is lovely, the kitchen is wonderful and the mountain views are great. My family would happily stay at Bill's house again.

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Guest: Raul Brito (Wichita, kansas)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

We stayed here the second week of August. The house is very well kept and in an area of homes next to the National Forest. We were very close to hiking trails and a five minute drive down to Breckenridge. The house had a very nice back deck with patio furniture that fit the decor. We enjoyed reading and sunning on the back deck.

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Guest: Gary & Lori Rahlfs (Plano, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/09

We stayed at Bill and Kathy's little slice of heaven for the week of July 4th and had a fabulous time! The house is very nice and the street worked great for our boys to bike up and down. We took a couple of different hikes on the mountain from the end of the street and the location is convenient to downtown. We've visited Breckenridge in the Summer and Winter before and this was the best home we've stayed in. We look forward to coming back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

We just returned from a wonderful stay at Bill and Kathy's home. We have rented many vacation homes over the years and this one was one of the best. In addition to its convenient location, the home is stocked with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen, plenty of linens, and a place to toss your snowy boots! We had a great time and look forward to returning again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/04/09

We had a wonderful stay at this delightful property during our recent Spring Break trip to Breckenridge. The house met all of our expectations and more. We will definitely return! Thanks for the great hospitality and helpful tips Bill. We couldn't have asked for more.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

We had a great vacation and this house was a big part of it. It was well equipped, very clean (very important to my wife), roomy, and convenient. It felt like we were staying at our own home. Skiing out was easy for everyone in the party but skiing back to the house was challenging for the weaker skiers in the party. But, we drove the Gondola one day and parked there and that was very easy.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/06/09

thank you for an outstanding vacation. The pictures do not do this home justice. As soon as we walked in the door we felt like we had come home. Kitchen was outstanding and had everything we needed plus some. The beds were very comfortable and you could feel how much thought and feeling had been put into bear haven. The hot tub was off the hook...the perfect end to a day out in the snow. Will absolutley stay in this home again and highly recommend it. thanks again bill and kathy bill and laura

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/01/09

Bill and Kathy's home in Breckenridge is really nice. My wife and her family (6 adults total) had a wonderful ski vacation in Breckenridge and found the home to be very accommodating. Here are a couple of high points to the place. 1. The garage can handle a full size suburban 2. The kitchen is newly remodeled and has all the gadgets one needs 3. The family room is really nice. It is big enough to have 8 people sit around and watch a movie or chat around the gas fireplace. 4. There is a large table that sits everyone for nice dinners - and also works well for card games! 5. The ski in ski out is really easy... Just stay high and to the right when you come in off the trail! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. Lastly, Bill is really easy to work with and he readily returns emails if you have questions! - John and Elaine Westmoreland Renters in January 2009

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/09

Wow!! What a great home,felt so at home there,comfortable, spacious,relaxed- felt ya'lls petsonality in every nook and cranny.Beds were excellent ..Enclosed hot tub was perfect to relax in . Looked forward everyday to getting back and enjoying your home.. Can't wait till next year to book Bear Heaven.. Thanks again Bill and Laura

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/30/08

This home was absolutely wonderful. We really enjoyed the large and updated kitchen and all of the new appliances. The house was conveniently located close to the slopes and downtown. Everyone in the house also enjoyed the enclosed hot tub. We would definitely come back given the opportunity.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/19/08

This was a beautifully decorated, upscale, modern home. The spacious home was perfect for our large family. We really enjoyed the Jacuzzi after our days of hiking, biking, and rafting in the area. The kitchen was well equipped to prepare all of our meals. In the evening, we loved to just sit by the fire place and play games, watch TV, and use the wireless internet. We can’t wait to come back next year.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/16/08

This place is heaven! We were very impressed with the beautiful furnishings/decorations and the roomy interior -- even with several of us visiting, it never felt crowded! We were so amazed to see a hummingbird right outside the window! It was very relaxing to be able to enjoy the jacuzzi tub too. We will definitely be staying here again. Thanks for the incredible hospitality!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: TulsaJim (Tulsa, OK)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/18/07

Very nice upscale home. Liked the private hot tub. The owner has put many finishing touches that makes it a joy to just sit and have a glass of wine. Sking home through the well spaced woods was a blast. Hope to come back in the summer.

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