Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best Vacation EVER!

Guest: John G.
Date of Stay: 12/31/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/12

This was the best. Mark has gone above and beyond to provide an affordable holiday home. We spent one month here and it was wonderful. First, IT WAS SOOOO CLEAN! Thank you, Faye! Mark has provided almost everything you need. From basic soaps to movies and games it is fully stocked. Beaches were empty and dog friendly. Mark even provided "pick up bags". The neighborhood is very quiet. Some days in January are very cool, so we spent a lot of time in the home. It was great. Great parks to walk the dogs. Appliances are great and that big tub to soak in was GREAT! Can't say enough good things. Suncoast Grill has fabulous food. The Mexican "Peppers" restaurant was wonderful...Tucan's shrimp was yummy...bought fresh seafood and cooked at home. Just a great time. Thank you, Mark. And thanks to Faye for keeping us informed of local activities. Apalachicola was really fun too and interesting.

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Excellent

Guest: Michelle
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 12/31/11

We had a wonderful time on our vacation. Marks house was extremely well stocked and I mean well stocked. Everything you could think of from shampoo to laundry detergent. The place was very clean. The neighborhood was nice and was very close to the beach. We loved it and cant wait to go back. Plenty of things to do and see. Thanks Mark for such a affordable place, we really appreciate it!

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Unforgettable!

Guest: Troy (Macon GA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

We have returned today from Mark's home and it is everything described and so much more. Mark goes above and beyond to make sure you feel at home. It was clean, cool and very comfortable and we truly felt at home there. Everything you need is there. There is so much to see and do just within the home:books, board games, video games, movies, there is even an acoustic guitar that our son played every night we were there. All that before you get to the beach! We were so sad to leave.The people in Mexico Beach and Port Saint Joe feel like old friends and of course the beach is too gorgeous to describe! We will definitely return, the sooner the better! We took a day trip to Panama City and it was great but we were ready to come back "home" at the end of the day. I have already recommended this home-my daughter and friends plan on renting it as soon as they find an opening and we will be back asap! Make sure you take a night walk on the beach, we had a blast dodging the ghost crabs! Mark is great, he called to make sure everything was okay and of course it was fantastic. Thank you, Mark for an unforgettable vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Economical Accomodations

Guest: WI Couple (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/12/11

Based on the reviews, my wife and I spent 2 weeks here in February. We had searched for a reasonably priced place near the beach that would also accomodate our golden retriever. Mark's place was a perfect place to base out of while exploring the "Forgotten Coast". We loved the close proximity to the beach, which is dog friendly, unlike many of the beaches to the west. Located mid-way between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe made for a short drive in either direction for groceries, restaurants, or sight seeing. As advertised, just about everything you could imagine was provided, allowing us to comfortably hang out in the evenings, cook meals and keep up to date on things back home via the internet. The decor is nothing fancy, but everything was spotlessly clean, functional and comfortable. Mark was very responsive and checked in with us to make sure everything was OK. Thanks Mark - we had a great time!

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

Very Peaceful

Guest: TBONE (Lafayette, La)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

My husband, dog, & I visited Thanks Giving week 2010. The weather was perfect - warm days & cool nights. Saturday turned very chilly, which was nice while we loaded up the car. Mark provides everything you need or may need for a restful, fun vacation. Only one beach in Mexico Beach was pet friendly, but all the other beaches in the surrounding areas allowed T-bone. They even had poop bags, as did Mark. We would deffinitely return & recommend Mark's home away from home to friends & family! Even the local grocery store was great! Try the oysters at Regan's on Hwy 98 near time zone line.

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

Um, when can we move in?? =)

Guest: Ashley (Fort Mitchell, AL)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/14/10

As someone before said, I hate writing a good review because that means more people will be taking the available weeks! In looking for a vacation home, we just needed the basics - a shower, a bathroom, and a place to sleep. What attracted us to Mark's home was the price - we're on a tight budget and were in desperate need of a vacation - and the beach gear that was available. What we found when we got there was more than we could have asked for (although some of the items do need replaced, there's plenty more). Ammenities galore! If I needed it, I found it. After a stop at Piggly Wiggly for food and whatnot, we felt like we were at home. Not only was the house great, but the area is Small Town, USA with white sand beaches and beautiful Gulf views with everything from swimming and fishing in beautiful ocean water to kayaking and scalloping in the grass flats. Friendliest locals EVER. Not far from Panama City Beach, Appalachicola, and very close to Cape San Blas and our favorite place, St. Joseph State Park, as well as many other places we didn't get a chance to explore this time around. Not for those wanting to be where the party is at or a fancy huge beach house - but if you want a simple, home away from home experience in a wonderful small town, it's a must see! We'll definately try to stay again in the winter before we move. Thanks Mark for a great beach vacation!

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

Nothin' Fancy

Guest: fifth try (Frankfort, IN)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/10

My sister and I (over age 65) spent two weeks at Mark's house in St. Joe Beach. With separate bedrooms/baths on each end of the house, it worked well. Accommodations and facilities were acceptable--nothing fancy, but for the reasonable rental price, you get what you pay for. If you like entertainment choices (i.e., my bedroom had three television sets plus all the doo-dads in it), this is the place for you. We enjoyed the reading material more than anything! Great location--quiet neighborhood and convenient to restaurants, etc. Would I return? I'll have to think about it. Randy and Barbara February 16, 2010

Owner response:Randy stayed in the bedroom where 90% of the time, it is occupied by kids and teenagers. They like having a tv dedicated to gaming and another dedicated to videos and cable. One of the tv's was in winter storage waiting for it's landfill destiny where it now resides.Gaming tv is now in the Florida room. Bikes, kayak and fishing gear that were in the FL room are in the new shed. I hope this setup works for everyone. BTW, most of my renters are pleasantly surprised of all the amenities provided at my vacation rental.

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

Excellent Holiday

Guest: JRV (Waynesboro, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/20/09 Review Submitted: 01/08/10

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent in Port St. Joe. The house is fully stocked and has a very homey feel. Our little dog enjoyed his stay too.

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

Great location, value, times!

Guest: Mo S. (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 11/01/09 Review Submitted: 11/09/09

I am torn because I know writing a very positive review will mean this property will be in greater demand as time goes on, but in all fairness and decency I have to... We were blessed to have great weather the entire week, including a full moon, and the property is in a great location and is fully stocked with play and some fishing gear, bikes, a sea kayak, and comfy beds, linens, and a lovely back yard too. A garden tub for the romantically inclined to! And yes, it's a nice, clean, comfy, and safe place. With great restaurants around, we ate well, slept very well, and brought our own wireless hub for fast-access wireless internet to post our gorgeous photos on facebook (but that's all the 'netting we did, I swear!) There were games galore, books, and a great day bed out on the porch for resting or painting or whatever... This area (St. Joe Beach - just below Mexico Beach and a short drive from the town of Port St. Joe) is low key, and non-commercial - a real treat for those tiring of nail salons at every street corner, highrises that block out the vista up in Panama City, and Walmart stores. That's available in Panama City and if it's what you're looking for, think twice about this spot. You'll enjoy this best if you appreciate easy-going simplicity and want to get back to nature, with sand, shelling, gorgeous sunsets (and sunrises too), friendly people, and great, fresh seafood.

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

Great value for a beach getaway!

Guest: iluvfla (Dallas metroplex)
Date of Stay: 09/05/09 Review Submitted: 09/16/09

This property was very reasonable. Close proximity to the beach, Port St Joe and Cape San Blas. Very clean and well equipped, especially with items for the beach..umbrellas, beach carts, boogie boards, floats, kayak etc. Away from all of the crowds of Panama City Beach and Destin. We had the beach almost entirely to ourselves the whole week. Close drive to Cape San Blas, Crooked Island, Port St Joe. We have already recommended this property to friends.

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

Great place to stay for the price.

Guest: Matt, Rhea, Baby (Douglasville, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/03/10

My wife and I stayed here the week of June 20, 2009. We had a wonderful experience. The home was stocked with everything you could possibly need even though we brought what we would need. It is reasonably close to the beach, close enough that we walked every day. Great place to bring your dogs as well. We will be back next year. The beach that Mark suggests to go to for shells is everything you would expect it to be. Just don't plan on going swimming in the water at that beach, kinda sharky.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

We really enjoyed our stay there, we loved the area, the neighbors, and the slower pace.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/05/09

We had a great time the week we were there.The weather was perfect and a friendly neighbor was very helpful, explaining some of the history of the area,the best places to see,eat,etc.The house was so wellorganized and immaculate,furnished with everything you could possibly need on vacation.We spent most of our time on the beautiful white sand beach and took a ride out to St.George Island and Aalachicola.Hope to return next year-god willing.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

We had a very enjoyable stay at your house. The beach was wonderful. We will definitely be back.

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What a GREAT time!

Guest: Ware Family (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/06/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

This house is a great find. It is 1 1/2 short blocks from a beautiful beach. A view of Cape San Blass and the open ocean. Wonderful sunsets and clear waters. The house is equipped with fun for the whole family. Just couldn' t beat it for the price. I wish I was there now. Wynema Jim Ivie Jane

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

Great place to relax

Guest: BSE (Logan, Al)
Date of Stay: 07/05/08 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

We stayed at Mark's place a three years ago and loved it!! Apparently so has everyone else because we haven't been able to book it since then. Mark's place is the place to stay if you want to relax. The beaches are not crowded, you can take your items down to the beach in the morning and leave them. No one will carry off your personal belongings. Sand dollars were plentiful as well as the shells. We went to the beach just wanting to relax and that's exactly what we got. The place has plenty of sleeping areas. My teenagers didn't even get on each others nerves because we had plenty of room and televisions to go around. I highly recommend this place, but you better book early if you want it. Can't beat the price either!!

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

Home away from home!

Guest: Just Beth (Loganville, GA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/01/08

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We especially liked having the wagon, boogie boards, and tent. The wagon was a lifesaver. The kids loved being able to ride bikes and play video games when we had to go back to the house and rest. I highly recommend this house to stay for anyone on a budget who also has kids.

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

WOW!! Another Great Vacation Here!!

Guest: Georgia Peaches Again (Warner Robins, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/08 Review Submitted: 06/03/08

We had a great time again, we loved the beaches, you will want to check out the crooked beach just down the road. We had a great time fishing. It made my sons day to catch his first shark!! Again the home was very clean, and well stocked. A very great vacation at a very reasonable price for a family on a budget. Thanks again Mark!

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Guest: Georgia peaches
Date of Stay: 05/13/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

We throughly enjoyed our weeks stay here. As a family of 6 there was plenty of room and all the comforts of home. Mark went above and beyond to make sure everything for taken care of. From the simple things like dish soap to having a VERY CLEAN and organized home. I would definitely recommend this home away from home. We are already planning another trip. My kids really enjoyed their spring break here. See original comment at homeawaydotcom property ID 182595

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Guest: Angie L
Date of Stay: 05/13/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

This rental property was a great place for familys on a budget .It was very clean and everyone in this neighbor was very nice we meet lots of locals who told us all the good places to go and my teenage boys loved the fishing they caught sharks and fish they were so excited just on the beach with the locals they played volleyball with them it was one of the best vacation we have had and very afforable when you have 5 teenage boys the rental had surf boards and bikes they could ride and everything was there we needed ,In the past I have rented $1,200.00 a week condos and this place was better than any of them I have stayed in this place had everything you needed right down to sunscreen It was wonderful !!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be returning again with my family Thanks!!!!!!!! Angie in Tennessee See original comment at homeawayDOTcom property ID 182595

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/22/08

My husband, 9 month old daughter, and I just returned from a week's stay. The house was very clean and had everything we could have needed. I wasn't sure whether to bring certain things like soap, sponges, dish washing detergent, laundry detergent, paper towels, etc. Surprisingly, everything was provided. All of the extras were so nice to have. The beach supplies were great too. We loved the wagon to carry all of our stuff back and forth to the beach, and our daughter had a blast riding in it up and down the beach! The shade tent was nice to have set up all week and was really easy to assemble. The beach is very nice and quiet!

Owner response:Thanks for being appreciative of the supplies although I cannot guarantee there will always be paper towels! My promise is to make this rental affordable and convenient...affordable for large families with the convenience of a supplied home and the beauty of the Gulf Coast nearby. You can use another cart to carry items to the beach and there are 6 bikes, 4 boogie boards and a skimboard you can enjoy at your own risk.

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GREAT FAMILY GETAWAY

Guest: Angie L (BonAqua ,Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 03/22/08 Review Submitted: 04/03/08

This rental property was a great place for familys on a budget .It was very clean and everyone in this neighbor was very nice we meet lots of locals who told us all the good places to go and my teenage boys loved the fishing they caught sharks and fish they were so excited just on the beach with the locals they played volleyball with them it was one of the best vacation we have had and very afforable when you have 5 teenage boys the rental had surf boards and bikes they could ride and everything was there we needed ,In the past I have rented $1,200.00 a week condos and this place was better than any of them I have stayed in this place had everything you needed right down to sunscreen It was wonderful !!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be returning again with my family Thanks!!!!!!!! Angie in Tennessee

Owner response:I am all about families as I have 6 siblings. I hope this is a vacation home where all of the family can come and have a great time. Rather than require a family to rent a uhaul to bring their vacation items, I provide linens and towels, 4 boogie boards, 3 new bikes, 3 used bikes (you can bring your own helmet), a wagon, medium size cooler, outdoor charcoal grill, beach chairs. Unless you have a favorite beach chair, you can leave them at home. Also have a coleman sunshade, beach umbrella, sand shovels and bucket, board games, some books and washer and dryer with detergent. Please bring your own sunscreen as I don't have an endless supply.

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

A GREAT HOME AWAY FROM HOME EXPERIENCE!!!

Guest: Georgia Peaches (Warner Robins, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

We throughly enjoyed our weeks stay here. As a family of 6 there was plenty of room and all the comforts of home. Mark went above and beyond to make sure everything for taken care of. From the simple things like dish soap to having a VERY CLEAN and organized home. I would definitely recommend this home away from home. We are already planning another trip. My kids really enjoyed their spring break here.

Owner response:The vacation home is not be lavishly landscaped yet, but I take pride in providing a clean, affordable getaway for families, couples or individuals. My hope is families will leave Mexico Beach with lifelong memories waiting to be reminisced at the next family reunion.

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