Vacation Rentals by Owner

Guest: Becky 7 (Bethel, ME)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/24/10

We took our Senior Class to Ski Esta for their Senior Gala which is hosted by our Alumni Association. From hors d'oevres on the deck to guitar hero in the game room, everything was perfect. One of our Seniors claimed it was the best event he had attended in his four years at Gould. Thank you, Sophia and Walter, for a perfect venue at which to hold our event.

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Guest: Aubrey2 (Maine)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

This was the most perfect long weekend ever!! We started out by getting married at the covered bridge and then had the reception party at the house, our guests are still talking about the outstanding accommodations and the best wedding they've ever been to! We had out family stay with us for the weekend, it the perfect place to gather everyone at. Plenty of space and activities for all! Everyone loved it...so much so, that I think the next wedding in the family is going to be planned for here too!Thanks Sophia for all the awesome pre-stay communication! Thank you to your staff for a beautifully, clean and well maintained home. I give it the best ratings and recommend it for everyone!

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Guest: Priscilla Dorman
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 05/09/10

I certainly want to congratulate you and Walter for creating such a luxury home. Our group was reluctant to leave when Friday arrived and left with wonderful memories to share with colleagues and friends. Please accept my sincere thanks for your generous donation for our retreat. Our group is already putting together details for the annual 20th retreat to be held the last week of April or the first week in May of 2011. If you and Walter would like to consider another form of donation for rental of the home to the group for next year please let me know, they’ve already indicated SkiEsta is where they want to meet... Priscilla DormanExecutive SecretaryPenquis PO Box 1162Bangor, Maine 04402

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Guest: Arden2 (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

The house is fabulous!!! We stayed at Ski Esta back in February during the big snowstorm (it snowed the entire time we were there!). There were 35 of us in the house, and at no point did it ever feel crowded. The house is gorgeous and has the most amazing views of Sunday River. We couldn't have asked for anything better! The house has everything (and more) you could ever need/want. We are already trying to plan our next trip!Sophia was also wonderful to work with. She was able to answer any question that I had and was so helpful during the planning process.

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Guest: Karen Davidson (Woodmere, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/25/10 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

We had a fabulous time at the SkiEsta home with my children and grandchildren. The house is a reflection of excellent taste, very high end details, every specialty feature a house could want and an exceptiona artistic slant. All the little thoughtful details made it feel like we were visiting a best friend's home. The sleds and sliding toys, the videos, games, books, DVDs,even an electric car for the kids, I've never been to a rental house that was so well equipped and so thoughtfully stocked. The staff member who helped us,Holly, was the best right hand I have ever worked with and I only regret not being able to take her home with me. Thank you again for sharing your lovely home with us and I hope we can book time next year with you.Best Regards Karen

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Guest: Teresa Sanfilippo Malfitano (Braintree, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/09/10

AMAZING! MAGNIFICIENT! BREATH TAKING VIEWS! DREAM KITCHEN! There were 38 of us staying there. Never a dull moment. So much to do, so much fun. The house is incredible. We will be going back again next year. Sophia was a pleasure to deal with.

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Guest: Nicole Rowe (Hermon, ME)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/06/10

This house is AMAZING! I only wish I had more money to spend a longer time here. I will still close my eyes and remember the views and restful thoughts whenever I need a 5 minute vacation. Someday soon I would love to return to your beautiful Maine paradise.

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Guest: Neil Peden (Manchester UK)
Date of Stay: 02/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/28/10

We returned last week from a truly fantastic holiday at Ski Esta near Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine . There were 30 of us over from the UK and the Middle East and on the Wednesday evening we were joined by a further 15 friends who were staying locally for a celebration dinner. The age range was from 7 to 53 and there really was much for all to do .Hard skiing during the day and much relaxation in the evenings . We have rented properties many times before usually in France and Ski Esta " trumped " them all . Many Thanks to Sophia ans Walter for your kind assistance in helping the whole trip come together . We certainly hope to visit again !! :-)

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Guest: Katie L. (Bangor, ME)
Date of Stay: 02/14/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

This house is amazing! Our group takes a vacation every year in the best house we can find, and we are already planning on returning to Skiesta next year. I can't decide which was better, the view from the roof top hot tub, having a huge pool all to myself first thing in the morning, or the steam shower in my bathroom with 10 showerheads! The kitchen is set up to feed an army. We had everything we needed to cook and feed 25 people. And the built in cappuccino machine was my favorite. With so much to do in the house we never even made it skiing!! Everyone is still talking about the heated toilet seat with numerous wash & dry options:-) Sophia was extremely accomidating and easy to get ahold of by phone. She was very helpful and happy to answer all of our questions. I can't wait to vacation at Skiesta again!!

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Guest: Matt70 (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/10

Just took a long weekend at SkiEsta, and it was incredible! Jaws dropped as each arrival walked through the front doors. Group members went to the mountain Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and we had nice weather (but cold). Luckily, there was plenty of space in the hot tubs, sauna and heated pool to warm us up! Saw a nice sunset from the rooftop hot tub Sat evening. Enjoyed the massive dining area, and the multiple large screen HD TVs to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. Plenty of recreational activities around the house with the pool table, chess set, and games provided. Impressive collection of bedrooms and bathrooms as well, true luxury. We are already hoping to plan a return trip next year. Thanks for a great stay!

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Guest: The Donahues (Medfield MA)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

WOW! What an amazing weekend we had! We arrived Friday, and boy was it cold, but never a cold moment inside! We were 7 families - 14 adults, 1 nanny and 18 kids (ages 2-16). The house was more glorious than expected, so extremely warm, well insulated and gigantic, we barely knew that the kids were with us. Between the 3 outdoor hot tubs, the full sized heated pool, theatre room and so much more we thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend! The views of Sunday River were amazing and only 5 minutes away! Heather at the Good Food Store brought us all of our groceries (as we didn't want to leave for 1 minute!) a chili dinner Friday night, then a spaghetti/meatball dinner served to the kids followed by a luxurious sitdown dinner served to the adults Saturday night. We know how to enjoy life! We had an amazing time, with great friends at the Castle in the Hills. Our only regret is that we haven't booked our next trip yet... it was the vacation of a lifetime! Extraordinary!

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Guest: Greg Parsons (Danvers, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

I just got back from a 3-night stay at Ski Esta with a group of 35. We really enjoyed the indoor pool (incredibly clean and warm), the rooftop hot tub (amazing views), and the kitchen (fantastic). The level of detail throughout every single room of the house is phenomenal. When you stay here, you feel like a king or queen. I seriously doubt that there is a finer ski house that you can rent in New England. We hope to return next year!

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Guest: Rich Ditaranto (-)
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

If you are accustomed to staying at the St. Regis this house has better accomidations. We had 8 families with 22 children. The kids had a great time and we rarely saw them. It is close to the mountain with a great view. The best part of the house is the owners are very hands on and will made sure the vaction will not be interupted for any reason. The house will be on cribs at some point.

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Guest: Keith37 (Braintree, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/21/09

SkiEsta was the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving and my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Everyone was together and it was a much better experience than throwing some large party or staying in a hotel. The house and bedrooms were the perfect set-up for our group of 30-35 people. There was something for everyone to do from ages 3-75. Every detail was thought of in this home. Highly recommended!!!

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Guest: Allisyn Deyo (-)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/18/09

We rented Ski Esta for our wedding for a week in early December and it was perfect. Both of our families stayed at the house for the week, then we had the wedding on Friday for 50 guests. The house was gorgeous—everyone asked how we had found it—and during the wedding people were constantly walking around and taking pictures. Our wedding lasted until 4AM, as we had encouraged everyone to bring swimsuits and we partied in the indoor pool, hot tubs and game room for hours. Sophia and Walter were wonderful and we look forward to renting Ski Esta again!

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Guest: Dawn Canan (St. Augustine FL)
Date of Stay: 11/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

Our family, 23 of us, thoroughly enjoyed our summer family reunion at SkiEsta. The house fit our group, which ranged in age fron 8 to 55, so comfortably. The spacious kithcen was a pleasure to work in, and the household ammenities kept us all busy. The spacious dining room allowed us to sit down in one room and dine comfortably. We enjoyed several day trips to watering holes, Mt. Washington, and even spotted a moose . Maine was a lovely change in climate for the Floridians and Ski Esta was the perfect place for the family. Sophia and Walter are so organized and kind, they were a pleasure to deal with. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.

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Guest: Maureen30 (-)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/16/09

I must echo the other comments in the guestbook. Ski Esta is quite simply the most luxurious rental house I have seen. We held an anniversary party for about 35 members of our family there. The online pictures do not do the house justice. It's much larger and much more luxurious. We had no problems cooking for everyone in the extensive kitchen. We also had a lovely full sit-down dinner in the dining room. Everyone found something to do between the four hot tubs, the indoor pool, the pool table, the ping pong table, and places to sit and just chat or enjoy the view. The bedrooms were decorated with incredibly luxurious linens, and everyone commented on how comfortable the beds were. Plus, dogs are truly welcome! And our dog had a great time with everyone. They have made it incredibly easy to clean up with the several dishwashers and laundry rooms. I don't think anyone wanted to leave at the end of the weekend. It was beautiful, peaceful, quiet, and an incredible amount of fun.

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Guest: Nicole Couture (Maine)
Date of Stay: 10/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/14/09

We just returned from our honeymoon to hear that friends and family are still buzzing about our wedding weekend at the Ski Esta. Because we booked the whole weekend, we were able to have our loved ones spend real quality time together. The rehersal, wedding and reception all occured at the house and everything went beautifully. Everyone had a fabulous time, from the youngest (4) to the eldest (75). There was so much to see and do. The kitchen was heaven for the cooks in the group. The pool and theater were in almost constant use. There were many hotly contested games of pool. The beds and linens were so luxurious, I don't think I've ever slept better. Thanks to Walter and Sophia for making everything so easy, and for thinking of our every need. Hope to see you again someday!

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Guest: France Lamonde (Montreal (Qc) - Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

Dear Sophia, We were looking for a place to celebrate a prize we won in 2008...we definitely found it! All 15 of us enjoyed the jacuzzis, the large kitchen, the amazing view and the comfort of your home. We would also like to mention that it was very clean and nicely decorated. The only downsides were the wireless Internet which was not working properly (but we were only there for a few days) and the stereo system (we never seemed to understand the information you had left in the house book). Once again, thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions we had before we visited. You are very well organized! Hope to have the chance to go back. Eastern Canada Key Account Team

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Guest: Michael Curtis (Bar Harbor, Maine)
Date of Stay: 10/04/09 Review Submitted: 10/04/09

Hola You have such a nice spotI tried to cram a little bit of everything into one night, should have had a week!! I have been telling everyone about the place using various adjectives, however, the best one another guest used descibes it best, Castle!! I truly felt like a king! Thanks! Class of 69!!!!

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Guest: Wendy Leighton
Date of Stay: 10/03/09 Review Submitted: 10/02/09

Dear Owners,I had the opportunity to stay in your incredible home in Newry, Maine, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week... I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful your house is. I have personally never seen such opulence and luxury. And in the midst of all that I felt so welcome! The house reminds me a bit of Neuschwanstein Castle. It is lofty and elegant but in contrast to Neuschwanstein it is cozy and so comfortable. The views from the house are amazing. I took a dip in the pool and I felt like a princess.Thank you so much for your beautiful home. ... It is such a delightful and restful home.Again, many thanks.Sincerely,Wendy~

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Guest: John Thurston (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/28/09

Words fail me in describing how well conceived, well constructed, well appointed and well maintained this house is. Nothing lacks. Truly awesome.

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Guest: steven H (Windham, NH)
Date of Stay: 09/19/09 Review Submitted: 09/19/09

This home truly is amazing. It has everything you could ever want for -the pool, the steam room, sauna, home theater and the list goes on. Definitely the most put together vacation home we have ever seen. The decorating of the whole house was amazing, not to mention the views are breathtaking! We loved how it was located at the very top of the community. Sophia really thought of everything and was extremely accomodating.

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Guest: Leon S (Needham, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/14/09 Review Submitted: 09/14/09

We visited Ski Esta in early Sept 2009 and had really GREAT time together, having some time outside, in pool, hot tub The house is really amazing, Sophia and Walter put so much attention to details and high-tech in the house it is really outstanding! The house is located in from of the Sunday River hills, so when you sit on the deck you can enjoy great view to the hills around. If you want to spend time with your family and friends - this is the place! Sophia and Walter are doing great job working with guests and trying to address any of their concerns and requests!

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

We had our annual family get-together this year in Maine with members from San Diego, Boston, and NJ all making it. We couldn't have picked a more beautiful place to do it. It was a real pleasure coordinating the vacation with Sophia. Their property is spectacular. We will definitely be coming back again.

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Guest: Sarah Southam and Ellen Marshall (Bethel, Maine)
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/31/09

Telstar High School of Bethel would like to thank Sophia for the gift of Ski Esta for their junior/senior prom on May 9, 2009. It was a magical night for our students. Everyone had a wonderful time and we will never forget the beautiful setting for the evening. The kids danced the night away in the lower dining area. They had an elegant sit down dinner in the dining/living room area. They played pool, watched movies, hung out on the deck and sat by the fire. There was something for everyone. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for many of our students and we appreciate the trust and generosity Sophia gave us for this event. Ski Esta is a magnificent house for visitors to enjoy the Western mountains of Maine. We are fortunate to have such kind neighbors. Thank you again.

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Guest: Liam
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

Dear Shevchuk Family, Thank you for inviting me to SkiEsta. I had so much fun! I loved the mountain hike and taking the Chondola. One of my favorite things that we did was go in the spa on the roof. You are lucky to have such a beautiful place to visit! Thank you for including us....

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Guest: Aidan
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

Thank you for inviting me to SkiEsta... I love your house. I liked playing pool in the game room. Also I loved swimming in the pool, sitting in the spa, being in the sauna, and also being in the steam room.

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Guest: Delich
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/23/09

On Wednesday, May 20th, 2009, our son and his bride had the honor of being the first couple to be married at Ski Esta in Maine. This glorious event was made more magnificent by the elegance of “the castle” as we affectionately call it.We arrived three days prior to the wedding date, along with friends and family, to enjoy this stately mansion and the amenities offered. The beauty of the White Mountains , along with the surrounding quaint villages, all contributed to an amazing week that we and our guests will never forget.Ski Esta has endless possibilities for hosting special events. We converted the living room into a chapel with a lighted arbor, candles, flowers and bowed chairs. The loft was the perfect spot for the piano player. The lower level and terrace were the sights for the cocktail hour following the ceremony. With guests downstairs, we were able to move the chairs form the living room to the dining room. Sixty-four guests comfortably enjoyed a family-style dinner in the formal dining room and danced the night away! We would be remiss without thanking owners Walter Shevchuk and Sophia Bilinsky. Their constant support was greatly appreciated as we planned this wedding 600 miles away. We look forward to returning in the years to come and will always remember our fairy tale wedding in “the castle”!Warmest regards, Don & Teri Delich610-826-5217

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Guest: Sue Dunn (Newark, DE)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/13/09

Thank you to Sophia and Walter for allowing us to stay in your amazing home. Our 21 member family stayed at SkiEsta. The home was unbelievable, our family enjoyed the pool, theater room and the hot tubs. Cooking for a large family was a dream because the kitchen was equiped with every modern amenity. There was something for everyone to do in the house from the young to the older we all had a wonderful time. The people in the town of Bethel were very friendly and helpful, all seemed to be a part of skiesta we were very proud to say that was where we were staying. I would recommend this home to any family as the ultimate vacation home.

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Guest: Amanda Delich (Allentown,Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

I hardly have words to decribe the beauty of Ski Esta and the mountains that surround it. It was the perfect place for Nick and I to say our vows and we couldn't imagine having done it anywhere else. Our guests can't stop talking about how fabulous, not only the wedding was, but the luxuries of the estate as well. Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of starting our marriage at Ski Esta, it will hold a lifetime of memories for ouselves as well as our friends and family. We greatly look forward to our next stay!

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Guest: Karl4 (Dorchester, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/08/09

Just got back. 20 of us went up and everyone was amazed. From the pool and hot tubs to the theatre and deck you really can't ask for anything more. Can't wait to see what is done in the back yard. Thanks Sophia. See you next year.

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Guest: Telestar High School
Date of Stay: 06/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/31/09

Hi Sophia, I apologize for delaying this message to you. However, I can't say in my 8 years as a high school principal that I have experienced a most challenging preparation for a junior/senior prom, while experiencing a beautiful site that was overwhelmingly well received by all attendees, than this year's prom at Ski Esta! I realize you took a big risk to trust and provide us your beautiful facility. Thank you for doing so. We, especially Sarah Southam and Ellen Marshall, ensured that every detail, promotion and schedule of the event was well thought out and prepared. Telstar High School has experienced three positive school wide experiences in May 2009 - the drama production of Fiddler on the Roof (May 14, 15 & 16), with the highest attendance of a high school production in years; the Contractors' Day event, with 85 different volunteers providing interior and exterior 'make over projects on May 16th of which provided school and community spirit; and of course, the Junior/Senior Prom of May 9th at Ski Esta!! Thank you for supporting our high school. You provided our student body and staff a memorable and magical prom. More importantly, I respect and value you as a trusting and special community member of Telstar High School! :) Have a super summer. Respectfully, Dan Hart Daniel Hart Principal Telstar High School, MSAD #44 284 Walkers Mills Rd Bethel, ME 04217 207-824-2136

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Guest: Michael 4 (Franklin, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/04/09

The house was absolutely incredible. Everyone in our group had the time of their lives. There is something to do for everyone. The house was everything we expected and more. We hope to make this a yearly trip from here on forward. Thanks for everything!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

There are too many fabulous things about this home to list in this short comment. Suffice it to say that this is the nicest vacation rental I and my friends have ever experienced. You will never want for anything in this home from the view to the comfort of the beds as well as the willingness of the owners to work with you on special requests. Do take the on-line tour if you are considering renting this home, but keep in mind, the tour does not do it justice.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/26/09

Family Vacation Skiing- something we anticipate annually. This trip to Ski Esta was the ultimate. Ages from 2 to 75, everyone had outstanding accommodations. Ski Esta is a place to make life long memories. From our family to yours, don't miss out on this opportunity, you will never regret the outcome.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/22/09

Me and my family stayed at the skiesta a couple of weeks ago for our annual ski trip. The house was amazing. it had so many nice details. It was perfect, it had so many amenities, and the hot tub and pool were great to have after skiing, the views were great as well. We would defenitly stay there again. It would be great for any season or event as well. Sophia was really nice to work with adn very helpful through out it.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/22/09

There are too many great things to say about the property to mention them all. We had a total of 16 adults and children staying at the home and at no time was there any real down time. Between the indoor pool, the movie theater, and the gameroom (don't forget the great skiing) there was always something to do. Friends and family did stop in to see the home all of which were completely impressed with home and location We are all looking forward to our next stay at SkiEsta !!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/16/09

Myself and the group I went with fully enjoyed the Skiesta house, it was done beautifully. There was so much to do. It would be great for any season, and also for a destination wedding! The views were awesome(especially from the outside hot tubs!) It could easily be the best ski house in the east! Sophia was great to deal with aswell.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/09

I have to begin by saying the pictures online do the house NO justice. There is so much detail put into the house. Its absolutely gorgeous!! The view are also amazing. There is nothing like coming back from a day of skiing and being able to jump into one of the many hot tubs or pool. Sooo Relaxing, would definitely go back agian.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/09

We spent a 3 day weekend with 4 other families in Ski Esta. We were thrilled with the property and the attention to detail and responsiveness by the owners (Sophia and Walter). They have thought of everything in the amenities and we could not believe we were staying in such a wonderful property. The swimming pool, hot tubs and sauna were all enjoyed after a day of skiing. The kitchen was fantastic. We loved it so much we are planning another trip there with our group next year.

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Guestbook Comment

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

We have rented vacation homes in the past and been sorely disappointed...Ski Esta was everything it was represented to be and more. The Home and it's accouterments were first rate. The location was convenient to a host of activities and Ski Esta comfortably housed our large extended family.

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Guestbook Comment

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

As one of the first guests to stay at this home..we were so impressed by the beauty and location of the house. Walter and Sophia (the owners) paid attention to every detail in building a ski home that offers everything from soup to nuts. The gourmet kitchen was a dream to cook in and every amenity possible is offered in this house. It was clean when we3 arrived and the beds, linens , furniture etc..were soooocomfortable. The viewfrom the home is magnificent and we could even see the house from the ski lift. Our group consisted of 17 people and the house allows for much more. At no time did we feel ontop of each other or crowded. The pool , sauna, and steam room were of hotel quality. The place is worth every penny. Please do not hesitate to rent this home which belongs on the slopes of Colorado. Sophia was wonderful to work with, answered all of our questions and was available for any issue that arose. She reaaly cares about your family enjoying every minute of their stay. Thumbs up to 5 star SKIESTA!

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