Vacation Rentals by Owner

A great place in a great town.

Guest: James (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

This was our first trip to Delaware. Lewes is a neat town, and Laughing Gull is a really nice house. Spacious and clean with excellent appliances, it was exactly as described and in a very good location. No, you cannot see the water, but access to the beach is very easy -- about a 4 minute walk. Our two daughters and their families (with 4 toddlers) live in the DC area, so it was an easy drive for them. We flew into Baltimore and found it a bit tortuous getting out of BWI in a rental car. Next time we would probably go into Philadelphia. Helen Raleigh is outstanding. She is rightfully very proud of and particular about her place. Most of our questions were answered in advance; she encourages phone calls about particular details. All in all it was a great experience. For a family beach vacation with small children it is highly recommended.

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

A Beautiful Beach House in a Great Location

Guest: Barry (Vienna, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

All our family (three generations) agree this is the best beach house we have ever rented. As a result this was a repeat visit and we have already advised the owner that we want to return again next year. It has an excellent layout for multi-generational families. It is also very well equiped and very well maintained. The owners are very responsive to questions and concerns. The location provides easy access to a variety of interests for all members of the family . It is only 200 paces to a less crowded section of the beach and is an easy walk to the shops, restaurants and the fascinating history of Lewes. It is also an easy bike ride to Cape Henlopen State Park with its access to the ocean, as well as to the ferry to Cape May (if that is your pleasure).

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

Great for two families

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

Overall a very nice stay. The home is beautiful. The decks are fabulous. All but one bedroom has a deck off of it! We loved the screened in porches. We loved dining outside without the mosquitos! It is just a short walk to the beach. The house was very well stocked when we arrived. The kitchen actually has lovely dishes - we loved the large Crate and Barrel mugs for the morning caffeine. There were adequate knives for cooking and lots of different types of glasses. Very nicely stocked in terms of kitchen gadgets, bowls, utensils etc. Helen was always reachable, from the time we first inquired about the house to weeks after we rented the home. I would highly recommend staying at this house, especially nice for 2 families with children. The two master bedrooms are such a good idea. We were traveling with a two year old, so the only down side was all the sliding doors - he had many routes to escape by, but the house would be perfect for older children.

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Beautiful beach home

Guest: Maddi (York, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

We stayed at 214 Midland for a week with our 2 children, ages 6 and 2 along with our friends, their daughter (age 5) and 2 other adults. The bedrooms were spacious with plenty of closet space and outdoor amenities. We loved the bathrooms and the open floor plan. The kitchen was outfitted for any type of meal you would want to create. The home itself offered plenty of space to move about, both inside and outside.

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

The Quintessential Beach House

Guest: Annie (Wilmington, Delaware)
Date of Stay: 04/08/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

I invited four friends to celebrate my birthday for a long weekend. I was delighted because my friends raved all weekend about what a gorgeous and spectacular place it was. The house was beautifully furnished, very well maintained and spotless. We had more than enough room to celebrate and enjoy because of the size and wonderful layout of the house. We loved the fact that downtown Lewes was so close, quaint and charming, affording us the opportunity to stroll on Second Street and enjoy all of the interesting shops and great restaurants. We also loved the proximity of Lewes Beach (200 steps!) and the amazing Cape Helopen. The house and our stay could not have been more perfect.

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

Our 2010 stay at The Laughing Gull

Guest: Santita (Tulsa, OK)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

July 31 - August 7, 2010 This was an absolutely perfect meeting location and house for my family of ten, ages 4 to 79. We came from Oklahoma, New York, and Virginia. The four grandsons (cousins) loved the house and location too. We went to the Lewes beach (200 steps from the house) and we also spent a lot of time at the beach in Cape Henlopen State Park (just a few miles away) because we all liked the waves. We enjoyed going through the Seaside Nature Center, walking around Fort Miles, shopping at the outlets, eating homemade ice cream at King's, going to the Zwaanendael Museum, and to Assateague island to see the wild horses. Fun! Every day was sunny. We were fortunate. Everything was exactly as pictured and described in the listing. The house and furnishings are beautiful and very well maintained. Our only surprise was that this house has seven porches. It took awhile before we could figure out where they all were and count them! We had all three meals each day on the screened-in porch off the living room/dining room. Santita

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

Great place to stay

Guest: Johanna (Hellertown, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/15/10

I can't say enough good things about this house. It was impeccably clean, beautifully decorated, spacious and comfortable. The beach is only a short walk and downtown Lewes is easily walkable as well. We had a great time!

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car.

Guest: Jennifer & Mike1 (Bethesda, MD)
Date of Stay: 08/28/09 Review Submitted: 08/28/09

This house has everything you could possibly need, from beach gear to kitchen gadgets. We stayed for a week with our boys, ages 6 and 2, and were able to take many easy trips to the beach (on foot) in addition to touring the surrounding area -- Rehoboth (Funland), Cape Henlopen, and other spots. Very relaxing and easy vacation in a wonderful house.

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Guest: Carol & Rich Rhodes (Duluth, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/09 Review Submitted: 06/19/09

Wow, what a fabulous beach house! It was the perfect place for me to host a surprise 60th birthday celebration for my husband and family. The Laughing Gull far exceeded our expectations. The Raleigh's have thought of everyting to make your vacation effortless. I love the way Helen has labeled everything, taking out the guess work. The house is beautifully decorated. Light and airy for the beach. The kitchen is so well equipped. Making it very easy to cook for a large crowd. We loved the screened porches. The outdoor shower helped keep the house clean after a day at the beach. My brother-in-law commentted that we were so comfortable, it was hard to believe none of us lived there. Our stay at The Laughing Gull is filled with many wonderful memories. Thank you for all the special little extras that added to our memories.

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Easter Week 2010!

Guest: Centreville (VA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/09 Review Submitted: 04/20/10

We had a great time at the Gull Easter week 2010! Our family made last minute plans to stay at the Gull Easter week . Even though the home was not ready for the vacation season; Helen was very gracious in make all the necessary preparations for our family. We found the Gull to have all the amenities and comfort of our own home. The cleanliness and detail of the property speaks volume to the love and pride that Helen and Steve have put into their home. We highly recommend the Gull; and hope to be back every year to build on our family memories. Thank you again Helen + Steven!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Guest: P.T.
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 10/10/08

I had a 50th birthday PJ party here this weekend. It was PERFECT. This house is so beautiful and inviting, we loved it. We are planning to make this a yearly get together and could not ask for a better set up to stay!

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Guest: Zach
Date of Stay: 10/04/08 Review Submitted: 10/03/08

I had a great trip. I went to the beach and collected seashells. I had a great time! I would like to come here again! Zach (8 years old)

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Beautiful Home!!

Guest: LizT (Bethesda, MD)
Date of Stay: 09/19/08 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

Dear Helen, We just looked at your calendar to plan another stay at the Laughing Gull and are not surprised that it is already booked for the entire Summer. We are the family who arranged with you to add another few days to our week because the house was absolutely wonderful. Entertaining and dinners were a breeze - especially out on the deck after a long day at the beach. When both sets of our parents came for the weekend they each commented on how gorgeous the layout and furnishings were. We have been staying in Lewes every Summer since 1997 and you were one of those stand out owners who really impressed us. We look forward to staying at the Laughing Gull in the future. Take care.

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

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/16/08 Review Submitted: 09/15/08

Dear Helen, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had at your house, the Laughing Gull. It was so comfortable, it felt like our house. The location can't be beat: 2 - 3 minute walk to the beach and 5 - 10 minute walk to "downtown" Lewes. The town of Lewes is so lovely and charming-- definitely one of the area's best kept secrets. We walked all over and ate at many of the restaurants and cafes. The beach was also perfect for our one year old. Lots of other kids but not too crowded like Rehoboth. The house could not be more beautiful. I can see why it is your dream house. Best wishes, Deborah Washington, D.C.

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Guest: S.W.
Date of Stay: 07/19/08 Review Submitted: 07/18/08

There's not much more to be said other than "simply the best" and thank you.

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Guest: M.J.
Date of Stay: 07/12/08 Review Submitted: 07/11/08

What a great week! We had the best time enjoying the comforts of such a beautiful beach house. Our family filled the house with lots of laughs...we managed to read a few books while enjoying the porches and the great breezes. Thanks for sharing your home with us. Hope to return next year!

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Guest: H.W.
Date of Stay: 07/05/08 Review Submitted: 07/04/08

Another (our 2nd) wonderful year at 214 Midland- and a fabulous weather week for the beach! Our three generations so enjoy this house, the beach, the town and our time together. Our days were filled with sun, laughs and fun on the beach! Thank you again for sharing your home with us, the new grill was greatly appreciated! Looking forward to next year!!

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Guest: Kelly
Date of Stay: 06/29/08 Review Submitted: 06/28/08

Hi Helen, We are back from our truly wonderful week in Lewes. The house fit nine of us comfortably and is perfectly laid out for a week at the beach (multiple screened decks, outdoor shower, grill etc). We all loved it. The Lewes beach was ideal for our five year old twins, with its gentle bay surf, and the town charmed us with so much to see and do and eat. We added a brochure to the house book for the pirate ship ride which docks near Irish Eyes -- the pirate crew could not have done a better job entertaining the kids, including a battle at sea with water canons! And we recommend the dolphin watching boat trip too; from the tip of the canal out to the lighthouse and back, we must have seen 20 dolphins multiple times, a few even leaping up out of the water (apparently it's a popular feeding site). By the way, it was generally agreed that the Lighthouse Restaurant serves the best fried oysters we've had in years. The Buttery and the homemade ice cream shop on 2nd street in town got 18 thumbs up too. We even made it over to the boardwalk in Rehoboth for the girls to get in a few rides at Funland, and a gelato for the grown ups, more than once. But I think the best times were eating steamed crab and grilled rock fish on the upstairs porch at the end of the day with all of us together. We wish we were still there!

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