Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful place

Guest: Donta (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/14/12

Had a great time. The condo was roomy and nicely furnished. The beach was clean and the water was clear. We plan to head back next next.

Owner response:Thank you so much for the great review. I am glad you had a great time. I enjoyed working with you. Looking forward to hearing from you again on your next family vacation. We appreciate your business!

Recommended for:Families with young children

Gorgeous Condo

Guest: Pam and Jim (Lebanon, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/06/11

Perfect vacation spot. The view was beautiful and such a comfortable balcony to sit and watch the dolphins from. Thanks for sharing your lovely vacation home with us. It was beautiful and comfortable and having the covered parking area was wonderful. We would definitely like to vacation here again.

Owner response:Pam, so glad you had a nice time at the condo. I love watching the dolphins, especially when they are young, jumping out of the water. Looking forward to hearing from you on your next trip to the beach. Thank you for your business. Sheila

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

beach vacation

Guest: dj (sikeston, mo. 63801)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

absolutly the perfect vacation spot, loved the condo,everything you could ask for. (just wish it had a hot tub at the pool) otherwise had a marvelous time, will definatly be back, very clean, full kitchen, wonderul ocean view from living room and master bedroom, easy driving to restrauants, love pompano joes, crab trap, hogsbreath saloon, one broken egg, donut hole, just didnt have time to go everywhere we wanted.

Owner response:DJ, thank you so much for the review. Glad you had a great time. I love the hot tub idea. Will bring it up at the owners meeting. I am fortunate to have a great cleaning crew. I appreciate your business and hope you will return again. Thanks, Sheila

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

Second time around

Guest: Donna and Eric (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/14/11

This is our second stay at Shelia's condo and will not be our last. Her condo is beautifully decorated and with the photographs of her family, you really feel you are staying in a friend's home. I really appreciated her well stocked kitchen that even included a crock pot that provided a ready made dinner after a busy day of beach activities. In the 96 degree sun, it was very nice having a covered parking space which was very convenient to leave our beach supplies in to pick up as we went out each day. After coming to Ft. Walton 15 plus times, we discovered some great new snorkling sites within a short drive. Again, we enjoyed the wonderful location that keeps drawing us back.

Owner response:Donna, glad your family had a great vacation. I love having repeat customers. I have never taken the time to snorkle (much of our time is spent maintaining the condo's) but will do that in the future. Thanks for the compliments on the condo. Looking forward to your return visit. Sheila

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

Fabulous vacation!!

Guest: Stephanie (Nashville, Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

If you're looking for a relaxing vacation for your family, THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU!! Room 504 is a beautifully designed, yet "homey" atmosphere with all the luxuries of home. You can spend a quiet day at the beach, or go just down the street to many great restaurants. The Gulfarium is a fun and educational way to spend a day as well. There's great shopping just over the bridge in Destin, as well as go-karts, putt-putt golf, bumper boats and more at The Track. Okaloosa island gives you the peace and quiet of exclusive beaches, yet is very close to any and all manners of entertainment!! Will definately be back!!

Owner response:Stephanie, Thank you so much for the review. Many people ask me for recommendations for restaurants and things to do. I give them a list but the best recommendation is to read the reviews (like yours). Families with young children are looking for the type of activities you listed. The advantage of Okaloosa Island, besides the beautiful sand, is the fact that no building is more than seven stories high. It is quiet, safe and laid back. I am looking forward to your return visit. Thank you for being a repeat customer. I appreciate your business!

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

No Worries with this Condo!!

Guest: Kev, Carri & kids (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/10/11

This condo is PERFECT! We have vacationed in the Destin/Okaloosa Island area for years and this is the first condo we have stayed at that really deserves a glowing review. It has all the amenities you can imagine and was super CLEAN!!!!! Beach service is included as is a covered parking space which is right by the door. Sheila is wonderful to deal with and was very accurate with her property description. We will be back again!! This one is worth the $$. Thanks Sheila!!

Owner response:Carri, that you so much for the wonderful review. Glad you had a great trip with your family. I enjoy working with people, answering questions about the condo. I have a great cleaning staff especially during high season with a quick turn-around. There is no beach in the world like this one! Thank you for selecting my condo. Looking forward to your return visit. Sheila

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Relaxing Week on the Beach

Guest: Sondra (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 04/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

This condo was just like it stated on the descriptions and the pictures. Gulf Dunes is located gulf front with a beautiful view from the living room and master bedroom. The kitchen had all the needed items for cooking. Sheila (owner) was great to work with and made renting easy. We plan to be back with our family next summer and hope to stay in this condo. We really enjoyed eating at Floyd's Swamp at the pier, all you can eat jumbo shrimp for $18. If you are looking for a great location directly on the beach this is your place..

Owner response:Sondra, Thank you so much for the wonderful comments. I love to read the comments to see what people do while they are there and the best places to eat! It is people like you that the owners (like myself) depend on. We appreciate your business. I look forward to renting to you again soon. Thanks, Sheila

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

klosdiamonds

Guest: family jewels (Huntsville Alabama)
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

From the moment we walked in, this gracious appointed condo was just what the doctor ordered for the perfect get-a-way. The owners Sheila and Craig were a pleasure to deal with and gave us everything we needed including the best restrauants in the area to go to. I would highly recommend this property to anyone who wants a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for a family vacation.

Owner response:Thank you so much for the great review. Glad you had a wonderful get-away for your family. It is a fun place to go for all ages. We enjoy having repeat guests. You are welcome to come back any time. Thanks, Sheila

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

Everything & More!

Guest: Jennifer (Noblesville, IN)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 04/12/11

My family & I couldn't have been more pleased with our accomodations & hospitality for our stay. The description & pics do not do the condo justice as everything is as good or better than shown. Beach access is perfect, plus the use of 2 chairs w/umbrella came in very handy! It is in walking distance to pier & very nice restaurants should you wish to venture outside the condo for eats. During one evening we had a bit of disruption from the condo above as there was a Cheer Convention in the area & I believe some of the girls were practicing their jumps in the room...a bit noisy for awhile, but no fault of the condo :). Definitely a "home away from home" for a wonderful vacation. Our only negative was that we had to leave! Thanks so much for a great stay!

Owner response:Jennifer, First of all, thank you for your business. Second, thank you for the nice comments about the condo. Okaloosa Island is a beautiful place to visit and when you have a nice condo to stay in, it makes for a perfect vacation. I love hearing the stories of the great time everyone has. I appreciate having people that take care of my condo. Looking forward to renting to you again in the future. Thanks! Sheila

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great Experience

Guest: Micheal & Judy (Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71913)
Date of Stay: 06/28/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

We arrived at the Gulf Dunes June 28th and left July 10th 2010 I want all to know that we had a great experience . No oil and even if there would of been oil the landlord of this unit will work with you and is very understanding of your concerns and not theirs. We always come down to the the Gulf Dunes every year and the rest of our group besides one who also rented the other unit this landlord ownes had troubles with losing their moneys and fees on top of that and would have had to cancel early. We waited till the very end and could of canceled then but didn't have to and because we could wait till the end we kept our room and are we glad we did. It was a great room and very understanding landlord. This unit is very well maintained and beautifully accessorized. I will always rent from Mr. and Mrs. Watson if available . Beaches are great down here right now and hope to God that it stays this way but if it doesn't you can rest assured your landlord here is very understanding and that means all the world to Judy and I. Sincerely, Michael and Judy Mattingly Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71913

Owner response:Michael and Judy, Thank you so much for your response. I hope this is the only time we experience this type of disaster. I believe that giving people the option of renting or returning their money is the only fair thing to do. Thank you for taking the chance to come. Okaloosa Island has been very lucky in that we have missed much of the disaster. It is a beautiful place. Thank you for being return customers. Glad your family trip was successful. Looking forward to your next return visit. Sheila Watson

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

Memorial Day Getaway was Heavenly

Guest: Amy and Robby (Woodway, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Sheila, We can't begin to thank you enough for working with us to make our "last minute" trip to Ockaloosa not only a reality, but a dream come true! While your site describes the property very well, we still had the "wow" factor when we arrived. Nothing can compare to entering Gulf Dunes 504 for the first time; getting your first look at the beautiful condo and then seeing the lovely emerald coast beyond through the patio doors. Like so many others, we were just amazed at the endless amenities that awaited us. You truly have "thought of everything".....from the covered, dedicated parking spot just steps from the elevators, to the high quality kitchen and bath amenities, to the comfortable and clean furniture and bedding, to the huge flat screen TV (not that there is time to watch it)! We truly cannot wait to come back to the awesome location on Ockaloosa Island ....and I must say, as guests over the Memorial Day Holiday 2010, the sugary white sands of the Emerald Coast were pristine and glistening..........it needs to be noted that no matter what is happening with the recent developments regarding the oil situation, it was very clear to us that there are countless resources in the greater area ready and able to continue to keep the water and shoreline clean and beautiful. Furthermore, if I were lucky enough to be booked there again this summer, I would not even consider cancelling. There is so much to do, see, enjoy and behold; not only the beaches, but so much more. Gulf Dunes is truly a perfect spot to come and go, to be as active or as lazy as you want. I whole-heartedly believe Gulf Dunes 504 is a perfect vacation retreat and would come back today if I could. The wonderful and friendly people of the greater Fort Walton Beach area who make their homes and living there deserve and need our support now more than ever. The best way we can support them is to visit and patronize their wonderful shoppes, restaurants, galleries, parks, events and activities. And I can think of no better "home away from home" to do that from but Gulf Dunes #504. Thanks again Sheila............can't wait til the next time!

Owner response:Robby & Amy, Whoa...what a review! This is better than the description I have on the web site! I enjoyed working with you on booking the condo. As I have said before, I love having nice people stay there. Our beach is so beautiful that it is only right to have a beautiful condo that everyone can enjoy. We have another condo in the same complex that is equally as beautiful (vrbo #263775). Thank you for your comments and support during this sad time of the oil crisis. I am so upset over this. I am thankful the oil has not reached us at this time. You are right, there is so much to do in the area for all age groups. Once again, thanks for this wonderful review. I too read reviews before I travel. I trust someone else's first hand experience and thoughts. I am fortunate that I have never had a negative review. I am looking forward to your return visit to our paradise! Thanks again! Sheila

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

Guest: Donna and Eric (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/11/09

Shelia, Your condo is beautifully decorated and well appointed.The complex was very family friendly and convenient to stores and restaurants. I have already recommended this unit to friends. Thanks for a wonderful vacation!

Owner response:Donna and Eric, Thanks for sharing your feelings about my condo to your friends. Word of mouth is my best advertisement. Glad you had a great vacation and I hope you return again soon. Sheila

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Guest: Melinda Marshall (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

We absolutely loved our stay in the condo. It is spacious, comfortable, great balcony and view of the beach. Beachfront with chairs and umbrella make for a perfect stay! We had great weather and it was very relaxing. I would recommend this condo to anyone. Wish I was still there!

Owner response:Melinda, Thanks so much for the nice comments. I hope you get to come back again soon. It is beautiful all year round. Each day or season is a different view. Wish I were there too! Sheila

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Guest: The Abbarno Family (Clermont, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

Hi Sheila, thank you so much for having such a beautiful place for us to stay. We loved it!!! The condo is wonderful and the view from all rooms is spectacular. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Thanks again and we hope to be back again some day.

Owner response:Thank you so much for the wonderful comments. It helps other people to read the reviews, I do it myself when I stay somewhere. Thank you for choosing my condo.

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Guest: Donna Daniel (Tulsa, OK)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/03/09

Shelia, We loved our stay in your condo! It is so nice and clean and beautifully decorated. We had beautiful sunny weather (only one afternoon of rain). Having the beach chairs was a plus! We would love to come back and visit again. Thanks so much!

Owner response:Donna, Thanks so much. Hope you can return again soon. Sheila

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Guest: Carla 2 (Louisville, Kentucky )
Date of Stay: 06/16/09 Review Submitted: 06/16/09

Sheila, Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful condo. It was everything that you could ask for to make a wonderful vacation. I appreciated that it was so well kept and beautifully decorated. We were the envy of our family staying in other units. Thanks again, John and Carla

Owner response:John and Carla, Thank you so much for the nice comments. I hope you return again soon. I enjoyed working the rental with you. Sheila

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Guest: Kirk Bolton (Newnan, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/08 Review Submitted: 07/30/08

We are staying here at Gulf Dunes #504 this week of July 27th, 2008. The condo is awesome. The biggest surprise was probably the spacious balcony overlooking the ocean and pool. It's really nice at night. Also, on the beach right in front of the condo is a lifeguard station - I don't see another one for a mile in either direction - so that is nice. What a great place. I just wish it were my own!

Owner response:Kirk, Thanks for the nice comments. I appreciate you making the choice to stay at my condo. There are many other condo's in Ft. Walton. Some cheaper and some more expensive but this condo and Gulf Dunes has a lot to offer. Hope you return again soon. Thanks, Sheila

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Guest: Teresa Salmon1 (Huntsvill, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

This is the most beautiful condo I have stayed in on the Gulf Coast. Not only was the condo gorgeous, the view was spectacular. All the ammenities of home plus close to great places to eat and shop. I will definetly be back.

Owner response:Thanks Teresa! Ft. Walton is so nice and less traffic. Glad you stayed at my condo. The view is worth the drive from any location. Wish I were there now. Sheila

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Guest: Teresa Salmon (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

This is the most beautiful condo I have ever stayed in on the Gulf Coast. The condo was great and the view was great. Close to a lot of places to eat and shop. I will definitely be back.

Owner response:Thanks Teresa! After all of our years of working together, glad you finally got to stay there. Wish we were there now. Sheila

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Guest: Shelly Melancon (Baton Rouge, La)
Date of Stay: 06/08/08 Review Submitted: 06/08/08

We had our 9 and under baseball team stay on the 5th floor on the east unit and had a blast!! All of the parents were very jealous how beautfiully decorated unit 504 East is compared to their unit. Lots of comments how well maintained this unit is. By far the best unit!! Very roomy, great views of gulf from the living room/kitchen. The balcony was a great place to eat breakfast or lunch and watch the boys play in the pool. Weather has perfect!! Would definitely stay here again if we come back for another tournament next summer.

Owner response:Coach Shelly, Thanks so much for the nice comments. Glad your team did so well. Enjoyed talking with you. Come back for a trip with your family & friends. An easy drive from Baton Rouge! Sheila

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Guest: Chris L.2 (Hammond, LA)
Date of Stay: 06/06/08 Review Submitted: 06/06/08

Your condo is fabulous. We all had a wonderful time, the weather and beach were beautiful for the entire trip. We had a large group at Gulf Dunes(about 40) for our reunion (about 30 years now), and those who saw this unit seemed a little jealous of how nice it was, and how excellent the view is from the 504 balcony.

Owner response:Chris, Thank you so much for the nice comments. Glad your reunion was a success. Thanks for sending the picture of the reunion from the balcony. Makes me want to be there. Please return again. Sheila

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Guest: Chanda1 (killen, Al)
Date of Stay: 06/02/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

We had a great time on our vacation. The condo is very roomy and nicely decorated. Love the balcony with an awesome view of the water. Great patio for grilling and a heated pool. Thanks Chanda

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Guest: Marcy2 (Decatur, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/14/08 Review Submitted: 05/14/08

The condo was beautiful. There was lots of room and also a nice, large balcony. We had a fantastic time as usual. Thanks so much!!

Owner response:You are so welcome. Glad you chose to stay there and had a great time. Hope you return soon. Thanks! Sheila

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Guest: Julie39 (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

Thanks Mom! We had a wonderful time at the condo! We were able to sleep 8 people comfortably, grilled chicken one night, enjoyed hanging out on the balcony, and lounging on the beach! The condo is within walking distance to Fudpuckers and one of my favorites: Old Bay Steamers! The washer and dryer was especially helpful! Thanks again! :) Love you! Julie

Owner response:Julie, Glad you had such a good time. The large balcony is almost like another separate room. Perfect to watch the sunset, one of my favorite things to do. Mom

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Guest: Tracy14 (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

The condo is beautiful and is in a great location. There are several restaurants in walking distance. Everything is well maintained and I would recommend this condo to everyone.

Owner response:Tracy, Thanks so much. It is a beautiful condo on a beautiful beach. I have never seen sand so white. Ft. Walton has less traffic and offers so much enjoyment for family and friends.

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Guest: Monica Miller (Decatur, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

The condo is beautiful and in a perfect location. It was very convenient to great restaurants and shopping. We had a fantastic stay! Thanks so much!

Owner response:Monica, So glad you enjoyed the condo. Perfect for your girlfriend trip. Thanks, Sheila

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

This condo is fantastic! Very comfortable, outstanding views and fully equipped. The property is managed very well.

Owner response:Thank you for the nice comment. I hope you will return to the condo in the near future. It is a beautiful condo at beautiful Ft. Walton Beach! Sheila

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