Vacation Rentals by Owner

The perfect place

Guest: DennyW41 (Burlington, Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 05/23/12

For a weather-perfect April, we enjoyed all the features of Zen Cottage, exceeding our expectations and accurately described in the VRBO listing. Nigel and Greta are great hosts, their taste in equipping the cottage "the way we'd like it ourselves" is impeccable, and it comes equipped with every imaginable amenity and gadget you could hope for. The community is quiet and peaceful, the private beach is only a short walk away, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink if you don't care to use the fully-equipped kitchen. The beds are extremely comfortable, and the place is immaculate. Redington Beach is centrally located along the Gulf Boulevard strip, so those who want some night life will find it only a short trolley ride away in Treasure Island or Clearwater Beach. Nigel's neighbor Steve is a charter boat captain and will happily take you cruising or fishing on the Inland Waterway or on the Gulf. We and our guests enjoyed the beach, walking, parasailing, and renting Segway's (two-wheeled electric scooters). And if you like, Nigel will take the adventuresome sky diving. All in all, the perfect place to relax, enjoy the great weather, and take in the surroundings. We're going back!

Owner response:Thanks Denny. Glad all went well and was to your satisfaction! Your timing was perfect with the weather! Enjoy the Ontario summer! Nigel & Greta

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very satisfied renter

Guest: John (Washington, Pa)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

We are repeat renters and we continue to enjoy the Zen cottage as much if not more than the first time we rented it. Nigel and Greta are very kind and responsive when contacted. They are eager to make sure the cottage is well equipped, and clean. It is so comfortable and not your typical vacation rental. We highly recommend this wonderful place. There are a few restaurants, convenience store, coffee shop, ice cream/candy shop within walking distance.

Owner response:Thanks John and Debbie - always welcome and we always appreciate the fantastic care you take of our cottage when you stay! Have a good year! Nigel & Greta

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

A Wonderful Getaway

Guest: Karol (Greensboro, nc)
Date of Stay: 11/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

We feel like we've won the lottery since we found this perfect cottage. Having for years spent family visits on a sleeper sofa in someone's living room, we finally investigated the possibility of a close by rental. We love this cottage! It is the perfect fit for us. Quiet, immaculate, convenient and cozy. Every convenience of home awaited us upon arrival and we had a relaxing stay. Exactly what we had hoped for and more, we will definitely be returning in the future. Thank you so much for your courteous hospitality!

Owner response:Hi Karol Thanks much! Glad you and Michael enjoyed your stay at our cottage. Have a great Christmas and New Year - see you soon. Best wishes Nigel & Greta

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

5 star holiday rental

Guest: Nicky & Clare (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

Just got back to the UK after spending 2 weeks in Zen Cottage. I couldn't recommend it more highly - beautifully decorated, all mod cons and facilities, comfortable, clean and conveniently located. The cottage is located in a nice quiet, friendly area just across the road from the beautiful white sandy Gulf beaches. There are lots of restaurants and coffee places within easy reach (and a grocery store and an amazing ice cream/candy store within a 2 minute walk!). Sunset on the beach is not to be missed. To top it all Nigel and Greta are lovely owners, really kind and helpful. Whilst I was in Florida I did a tandem skydive with Nigel which I would highly recommend - I felt really safe and it was the experience of lifetime! All in all a 5 star holiday cottage.

Owner response:A great job on your skydive, Nicky, and I gather you raised a huge amount of money for Alzheimer's Research as well. Come back and see us! Nigel & Greta

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

Wonderful Beach Vacation!!!

Guest: Linda & Jim (Berkley, MI)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

Staying at the Zen Beach Cottage was truly a wonderful experience. It is truly beautiful and stocked with everything you could imagine!! Close to the beach and perfectly located!! We feel it's the best location on the coast. The perfect weather also was a big plus! Also many restaurants, stores, grocery, etc. are conveniently located. Dealing with the owners was a smooth and easy process. We would definitely come back again. A 10 out of 10 vacation! Thanks Nigel and Greta!!

Owner response:Thanks Linda & James - we do our best to arrange excellent weather as well!! Glad you enjoyed yourselves and see you next time! Best wishes, Nigel & Greta

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

Great Rental, Reasonably Priced

Guest: Brian (Nashville, Tenn.)
Date of Stay: 01/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

I'm a little biased given that we used to own an adjacent property. But after selling our place in 2010, Zen Cottage provided a great great place to return. Well-appointed, clean, comfortable and conveniently-located to everything you might need. Get your morning coffee across the street, a slice of pizza a few blocks away and you cannot beat those inevitable 9 p.m. runs to the Candy Kitchen for a scoop of your favorite ice cream (it's okay, you're on vacation). Sadly, unfavorable weather on our three-night stay in January prevented us from enjoying Margs on the patio. Also, Nigel is super easy to work with. ENJOY

Owner response:Thanks Brian. Glad it all worked out for you guys. I'll do my best to ensure there is better outside aperitif weather for your next visit! Nigel

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

A week of relaxation......

Guest: *** (Avon, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

My wife, mom, two dogs, and I all enjoyed our experience at the beach cottage. It offered all the positive expectations we anticipated before making the trip. The inside and outside of the cottage was unbelievably clean and provided a true "comfort" as home, away from home. The hospitality and information that Nigel provided was extremely appreciated during our stay. We truly see ourselves returning again in the future!

Owner response:Thanks, Clay for your kind words! A pleasure to meet you and the family. Glad you had fun at the cottage and hope you got your fill of seafood! See you next time! Best wishes, Nigel & Greta

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

Reluctant first time in the US? Not now!

Guest: Carolyn, Alan & Tasha (Doncaster)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/11

Apologies to Nigel for such a late review! After a busy week of New York sightseeing Zen Cottage was perfect for recharging our batteries. Beautifully decorated and very comfortable it felt like a home from home. My first experience of a real American Fridge and I loved it! We picked the cottage based on the wifi and ice dispenser and were not disappointed, Nigel and Greta have thought of everything from crockery to beach equipment and more and we've never stayed in such a well appointed property in Europe. We'd highly recommend the 4th July fireworks on the beach, a trip north to Homassassa State Park to visit the manatees and the legendary coconut shrimp from PJ's Oyster bar, which is remembered frequently, but the highlight of our stay in mid Florida came courtesy of Nigel. An unforgettable experience sky-diving with Nigel and Tim, amazing! One of the best days ever, I can't recommend it enough, everyone should jump out of a plane at least once in their life! Although we've still not convinced Tasha to have a go! Nigel's professionalism was fantastic, checking that the harness would fit me comfortably and safely (I was around 200lbs at the time) before confirming we could jump, then making all the arrangements and calming our nerves with humour! Thank you so much! And Nigel's kindness didn't stop there, with recommendations for our onward trip through the Everglades and the Keys. A lovely, lovely property, and one of the key factors in my conversion from a sceptic to a US addict, but which state to experience next? I'm recommending this property to all my friends looking for Florida away from Disney and it will be our first choice if we return to Florida.

Owner response:Hi Carolyn Glad you all had a great time and enjoyed our cottage (and thanks again BTW for bringing my 'order' of English chocolate out with you!). And so glad you and Alan took the skydiving plunge with me and my colleague. Maybe Tasha will have a go next time! (In a few jumps I'll be celebrating taking my 2,500th passenger). Hope to see you again this side of the pond but if you're looking at another state to visit and want some great scenery, try the Glacier National Park in Montana - stunning! Happy travels! - Nigel & Greta -

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

Tropical Zen

Guest: Lesley & Sean (Kansas City, Mo)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/22/10

I knew we had picked the perfect place for our romantic getaway the second I saw this place. My husband and I were planning our beach wedding in Florida and wanted a place to spend our Honeymoon. It was perfect! Everything was wonderful! Perfect white sugar sand beach just a few minutes away. We walked down to the same spot we were married every night after our wedding and watched the sunset. The cottage was nicely decorated, very clean & comfortable. The Lanai was shaded with tropical plants and foilage, the ultimate in relaxation on comfy patio furniture. We felt right at home. Nigel and Greta were excellent hosts and are not far away. This is the best rental property We have ever stayed at. We enjoyed P.J's Oyster Bar, Friendly Tavern, The Candy Kitchen, Conch Republic & The Frog Pond's all day breakfast was to die for. Also a 7-11 Nearby and Beach Pizza! Never saw any oil on the beach. This is the best decision you will make in planning your next vacation! We can't wait to celebrate an anniversary here!!

Owner response:Lesley & Sean - a pleasure to have met you and to have played our small part in your beach wedding. Glad it all went well and you enjoyed the cottage on your honeymoon. We eat at PJ's and the Frog Pond also and agree! Look forward to your anniversary visit. Our best wishes ... Nigel & Greta

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Comfortable and Clean

Guest: angeioma (Chapel Hill, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

We loved staying at the Zen cottage. The house is clean and beautifully decorated. It is furnished with everything you might need to enjoy your vacation. Loved the easy access to the beach. The flat screen tv's and wi-fi were much appreciated. Would definitely recommend to others and hope to stay there on our next FL vacation.

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

Great Times in Florida

Guest: Florida Envy (Tacoma, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/29/10

Thank you Nigel and Greta for providing such wonderful accomodations. My family and I really enjoyed the comforts of the Zen Cottage as it was like a home away from home. The location was excellent with easy access to the beach and local restaurants. The patio out back was peacefully nestled in amongst the foliage. It was perfect to sit and relax after a long day playing on the beach while we barbequed a nice dinner. We love visting your kneck of the woods and can't wait to come back. It is always so difficulty to leave. Thanks again for everything!

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

Good times

Guest: Kathleen H. (Delaware)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

This house is beautiful, inside and out. We got a lot of use out of the side porch. Nice to come home after a long day at the beach and sit outside surrounded by palms. The neighborhood is quiet and secluded. It is a short walk to the beach however you do need to cross a 4 lane road. I think it would be helpful to people who have children to mention this in the description. 7-11 around the corner and Walgreens and Publix about 5 minutes away. Great restaurants up and down the strip. All and all, great vacation. I would recommend this cottage to anyone.

Owner response:Glad you enjoyed yourselves and that the weather was perfect for your vacation. Thanks for your positive comments - 'crossing the Blvd' suggestion is now mentioned more prominently. See you next time! Best wishes, Nigel & Greta

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

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Guest: Phuong Tran (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/21/09

This is a way overdue comment since we stayed at the cottage in May 2009 and it's already September! However, I fully enjoyed my stay at this cottage. It has everything one would need for an incredible vacation right beside the beach. It was our first time in Florida and stay at Redington Shores. The cottage is clean, modern, and fully loaded with necessities and much more. The bedrooms are comfortable with nice beddings, the bathrooms are clean and the shower is spa-like, the kitchen is stocked with cooking utensils, and the living room has a great, big screen TV. All in all, perfect! I'd recommend this cottage in a heartbeat and I would defintely stay here again, which I am planning to in the very near future. Thanks Nigel and Greta for everything!

Owner response:Thanks for your comments - glad you enjoyed the place. It's handy living close by to make sure all is good! Best, Nigel & Greta

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Guest: Swegles Family (-)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

By far and away the best place/location that we have stayed in Florida. Nigel was great. We would definitely stay there again!

Owner response:Hey Dawn, we always aim to please! See you soon, we hope. Nigel & Greta

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Guest: Tom, Dolly & Gordon (Cincinnati)
Date of Stay: 05/02/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/09

My family just spent two weeks in the cottage and could not have been more impressed. We spend about 6 weeks a year in Florida and this is an excellent choice. Everything was new and the home was spotless. It's a short block to the beach and very private. The owners could not have been nicer. We look forward to returning at the first chance we have. Great value and location. Don't pass it up.

Owner response:Always good to see you! - Nigel & Greta

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Guest: Renae & John See (Deerwood Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 01/10/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

Everything about our experience renting this cottage was so positive - from making arrangements with the owner to our wonderful week there. We have rented numerous times in various parts of the country and this home is by far our favorite. The owners truly want you to have a relaxing time. It has very comfortable furnishings, all the amenities you could want, beautiful private outdoor areas and it's a very short walk to the beach. It is truly a gem! Did I mention the beds are awesome and the home was immaculate? Don't pass this one up!

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Guest: Shirley G. (-)
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/01/08

This was our first visit tp the area! The Cottage was marvelous; just a few minutes to the beach. Very comfortable furnishings and very nicely appointed. Greta and Nigel were excellant hosts. We hope to return soon.

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Guest: Debbie Rheel (Washington, Pa)
Date of Stay: 10/21/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

The Zen Cottage is a delightful vacation home!!! The furnishings and appliances are of the highest quality. The owners thought of everything in providing a vacation home that is not only beautiful but very comfortable. It is so tastefully decorated in a Zen theme and the Asian antiques are a great addition. The kitchen appliances (large and small) and cooking supplies are excellent. The inlet location is beautful and the proximity to the gulf and activities make this a great vacation spot. We enjoyed the linai,the quiet neighborhood, walks to the beach and beautiful sunsets.

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