Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful Wonderland...

Guest: Mrs. Lee (Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/06/12 Review Submitted: 05/16/12

Everything in the description of Pelican Watch was accurate. We were 7 adults--myself and husband, three of our children and two of their spouses. The place was very well equipped--almost everything needed in the kitchen was available. The upstairs (kitchen, dining, living room) areas were roomy and comfortable. The 1/2 bath in the family area was very convenient. The elevator was a wonderful convenience. The view from the front deck was lovely. I sat in the afternoon sun, reading, and just enjoying the view of the ocean/beach. The owner was very helpful in answering all our questions and getting all necessary information to us in a timely manner. I do have two complaints. The bed in the second floor bedroom was too high for me--I am handicapped. We had to go out and get a step stool so that I could get in and out of the bed. Even so it was still difficult. Also, we had the pool heated but it was still too cold for us to use. Of course we did not go into the ocean--way too cold. I would go back again.

Owner response:Thanks for the kind observations you offered for Pelican Watch. We took great care in the design of this house to be both attractive and functional for a wide range of guests, including those with some mobility issues. It does not meet federal handicapped accessibility requirements, and I refer to it as being "mobility impaired friendly." I take great care in discussing the feautures and limitations with perspective renters, without inquiring too much about their mobility issues. My goal is to make our house available if it meeets the renter's needs. Unfortunately the bed was too tall for this renter. With repsect to the heated pool, we have a solar blanket, plus offer supplemental pool heat guaranteed at 82 degrees F for a very reasonable $100 to $200 per week, depending on the month. This supplemental heat option was offered in advance and renewed even on the check-in day and not taken. Two days later it was ordered and pool heater was activated and set at 82 degrees. We can assure and provide pool water at 82 degrees, which for most people is very comfortable. Personal taste, preferences and needs vary from person-to-person. If we were all the same, this world would be really boring. In closing, I go out of my way to help perspective renters select a place that meets THEIR needs, not mine. I do appreciate that even with 2 problems, this Florida renter / reviewer concluded the rating was 5 out-of-5 and titled the review "Wonderful Wonderland" Thanks, Irv.

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

We'll be back!

Guest: abpie2009 (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/12/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

This was our first visit to Holden beach and it did not disappoint. Beautiful home, perfect for a relaxing getaway! Owners are great to work with!

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

Relaxation!

Guest: John B. (Chicago, IL United States)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

We came down there with our 4 daughters (8-24) It was the quiet before the storm. The weather was awesome. The house was very clean. The Ocean was a little cool, but it was still the end of March. We absolutely loved it there, and plan on coming back soon.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Beach Vacation- Holden Style

Guest: Don M. (Millsboro DE)
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

My wife and I have rented many homes on the East Coast and this was one of the best we ever visited. Holden Beach is a throw back to the way we want a beach community. The house is decorated tastefully and exactly as it appears in pictures on the web. It is clean and welcoming. The views of the ocean from the decks to the bedrooms are second to none and it couldn't have been a more perfect getaway. This place is great for familes- a romantic getaway or just about any excuse you can come up with. The Brunswick Catch Shrimp are some of the best I have ever had. I was really impressed with the NC Crab- We live on the Eastern Shore! Go to Holden Beach- you won't be disappointed.

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The Perfect Beach Getaway- Holden Style

Guest: Don M. (Millsboro DE)
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

I couldn't have been more pleased with the house and the area. My wife and I have rented many homes along the East Coast and this is one of the finest we have ever stayed in. The owner couldn't have been more helpful and professional. The decor is tasteful and exactly as pictured on the web site. Views from the deck are second to none- sunsets surreal. Pelican Watch is appropriately named as Pelicans glide by out over the ocean or over the deck. The Brunswick Catch Shrimp are some of the best I have ever had and the NC crab meat we found was even better than the crab back home on the Eastern Shore. Truly a remarkable family and romantic place that we can't wait to return to next year.

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

Great Vacation Week

Guest: Linda and Family (Roanoke VA)
Date of Stay: 09/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

Pictures say it all, this home is lovely, very comfortable and clean...we didn't have to do a thing but unpack!! The Woods were very helpful and just the nicest folks you would ever want to do business with, very accommodating. There is a Food Lion (and WalGreens) just over the bridge, right at first stop light...several restaurants nearby but we liked cooking in most nights. We had a very dinner at Capt. Jack's (under the bridge) and Mrytle Beach is just a short drive if you need to shop or want more night life. Main Street Grill was also good and Silver Hill Grill seafood take out was very good, reasonable and lots of food! Highly recommend.

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

Truly a Home away from Home

Guest: airisi (Bristol, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

Fantastic well-cared for property, so relaxing; can't imagine renting something on the beach without a pool, it was great! Perfect water temperature in both the ocean and the pool (spent half our time in the pool). Two families w/ children (12, 11, 3, 10 months) that have travelled all over the world felt so at home here. We plan to return and next time get really settled for a stay of two weeks. I doubt you will find a better property with all the amenities and location or a more attentive property owner; I highly recommend staying here.

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

Lovely House

Guest: Thoms Sisters (Terre Haute IN USA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/27/10

My sisters and I had a wonderful, relaxing week at Pelican Watch. We loved the beach and pool, and the beds were the most comfortable we had experienced. The house is tastefully decorated and very clean.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway.

Positive review

Guest: Amanda and Mike (Columbia, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

We had such a great time at Pelican Watch! The owners were extremely nice and accommodating! The view was outstanding, the house warm and cozy, and the location was the best we had ever had! It was so close to everything! We are definitely looking forward to staying there again. Our friends kept raving about what an awesome house it was! That made me feel great, since I am the one who booked it. Thank you to Irv and Nancy for their wonderful hospitality! See you soon! Amanda and Mike- Columbia, SC

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

Wonderful House & Beach

Guest: Nancy Lou (Hemingway, SC USA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

Four couples spent a long weekend at Pelican Watch--The house is beautiful,the view is georgeous, the owner was so thorough in all our planning & so considerate of us. Holden Beach is such a quiet beach from what we are used to in the SC area & we loved it. We would definitely consider going here again. Nancy & Johnny & our friends.

Owner response:Thanks for the nice comments... Most of my off-season renters are couples, often only one-couple in a 4-Bedroom house, but they all go for the views, walks on the beach, solitude and top-quality and value of Pelican Watch. The private pool is an attraction in late spring/ summer. Irv

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/17/09 Review Submitted: 09/17/09

Excellent vacation home... great location, layout, and ammenities! We spent a week with 6 adults and three young childer - perfect home for our family with plenty of room for privacy and spending time together.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/13/09

Pelican Watch was wonderful.It was everything Mr. Woods said it was and then some. The pictures are exactly the way the house looks Perfect. Mr. Woods was so accomidating and very helpful. Its nice to know that good people still exist in this day and age. I would recommend this house to anyone. It is so relaxing and stress free.

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Guest: The Gould Family1 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/12/09

We had a fabulous one week, three generation, family vacation in Holden Beach. The house was perfect for us (three couples and two young children) and the location terrific. We had not spent any time on the Atlantic coast previously; the water and beaches were great. We were extremely happy that we decided on Pelican Watch, with the pool. There were plenty of pelicans to keep us captivated. We settled into a routine of the beach in the morning and the pool later in the afternoon. There was a problem initially with the elevator but the owner was very responsive and it was resolved to our satisfaction. There was also a problem created by the prior renters, but again, the owener was very responsive, and what a shame to not have renters take care of this great house. If it wasn't so far to travel, we would make it an annual event. The Gould Family

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Amazing Beach House!

Guest: Brad from Loudoun Co, VA (South Riding, VA, United States)
Date of Stay: 05/31/09 Review Submitted: 06/08/09

I can't tell you how wonderful this week was at Pelican Watch. My seven-year old daughter told me it was the best family vacation we've ever had. My wife and I felt the same way. My wife, Amy, told me she wants to go back to Pelican Watch next year and many years after. The house is beautiful, very clean, and has lots of room. I've been going to the beach my whole life, and I've never been to a nicer, more relaxing beach. Thank you so much for the amazing experience.

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

Guest: Tess4 (Springfield, IL )
Date of Stay: 04/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/29/09

Dear Irv,we just wanted to drop you a quick email and tell you how much we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pelican Watch. Even without "perfect" weather, we had a wonderful time. The place is gorgeous, yet very comfortable. It was the best "no-stress" vacation we've had in years. Our teenage kids both loved it. It is perfect for the over-scheduled family that just wants to get away. This was our first VRBO experience and you set the bar very high! Can't wait to go back. Tess, Eric, Lauren & Aaron.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/25/08 Review Submitted: 09/25/08

What a great place! I communciated to the owner that this was one of the best and most relaxing vacations we have had in years. The combination of comfortable new house, balconies for viewing the beach/surroundings and pool for ultimate relaxation. We highly recommend this beach home.

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Guestbook Comment

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

We could not have asked for a better vacation experience. The communication with the home owner, condition of the house, location to the beach were all outstanding. You can tell the pride in the property and attention to detail is eviedent throughout the property. We have already booked our stay for 2009. I would highly recommend this home if you are considering a stay at Holden Beach.

Owner response:These were the first full-week renters of Pelican Watch, and as with any brand-new house, there were a couple of items the contractor and I missed. The renters were great, and are welcome back in '09. Thanks, Irv

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