Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fantastic Family Vacation

Guest: Sharon (Simcoe, Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/23/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

Having been to Barbados on our honeymoon, my husband and I made our return visit with our grown children, and we couldn’t have chosen a more remarkable spot. Shutters is absolutely beautiful, we loved the scenic views from the bedroom balconies each morning and enjoyed having our breakfast and evening barbeques on the patio overlooking the pool and lovely back gardens which provided complete privacy. The bedrooms were lovely and with 3 full baths, there was never a line up for the facilities. The neighborhood was friendly and helpful, especially Jenny at the store next door and a lovely neighboring lady Caramen who made us feel so welcome upon our late arrival. The beach nearby (Reeds Bay) was beautiful and quiet, and snorkeling couldn’t have been better provided by Mark and Laron found at the quaint local beachside restaurant Surfside in Holetown. We rented a car for the week to enjoy all the island had to offer, however, buses did run very frequently with a stop just outside the house. We quickly became absorbed in the Bajan culture with the early morning chatter of the locals as they began their days, the birds and neighboring roosters which reminded us of back home. Our children filled the week with amazing site seeing, history lessons (our photos are remarkable) and shopping, while entertaining us with simple scrabble games and relaxing swims in the pool in the evenings, they are already busily planning a return visit for next year. We highly recommend Shutters, the staff and owner Jennifer went beyond to make our stay comfortable, relaxing and memorable. We will definitely be back for a longer stay, and have recommend Shutters to all our friends and acquaintances, what a fantastic holiday!

Owner response:Thank you so much for your review; you have painted a very vivid picture of Shutters and Barbados. One of my favourite things to do over there is to sit on the side of the pool with my feet dangling in the water, drinking my morning coffee and listening to the birds as the sun comes up over the garden. You seem to have noticed all the things I love. We look forward to your return trip. Best wishes, Jen

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

Beautiful retreat

Guest: Dodds Family (Oakville, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/11/12 Review Submitted: 03/30/12

My family and I recently stayed at Shutters and we had a fantastic time. The house is lovely, the area is great (provided you aren't looking for 24 x 7 partying !!) Local fish fry fantastic, local bar entertaining. Less than 5 minutes walk from a wonderful beach Towns of Speightstown and Holetown are only a five minute, $2, whitenuckle bus ride away. Both of these have some great restaurants and bars. The wildlife is plentiful if a little noisy !! We had hundreds of birds in the garden including a baby heron that came looking for fish in the pool every morning !! The noise from the cockerel, birds and local dogs can take some getting used to. If you are a light sleeper definitely recommend taking some ear plugs for the dawn chorus !! All in all a great holiday in a lovely part of this beautiful island.

Owner response:Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, and for sending the film of the turtle. I'm so glad you had a great holiday, and look forward to your return visit. Maybe you'll be able to add monkeys to your list of wildlife next time. Best wishes, Jen

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

Great Family Holiday

Guest: Heather ( Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/10/12

My husband and I had been to Barbados once before, but this was the first time we brought the whole family. We had seven people ranging in age from toddler to middle age. The house is right in a neighborhood and everyone on the street was very friendly and helpful. Between the little shop next door and Carlton's down the road, we could get many of the things we needed and for the rest the grocery store in Holetown was just a short drive away. The pool in the backyard was nice--not large, but perfect for cooling off. The beach was a short walk and it is quite a nice beach--clean and not overcrowded. We went down several times just when the sun was setting and it was really beautiful. The only thing that was a surprise was the amount of noise, especially at night. There were several dogs nearby who were quiet during the day, but at night one would start barking and then all the others would join in. There was also a rooster next door who usually got started around 4 am. The first morning I was worried I wouldn't get any sleep, but after that I usually surfaced and didn't wake again until breakfast. The ceiling fans in the living room were great for cooling off the downstairs. In fact, we only used the air conditioning at night for sleeping. All in all it was a great vacation and we'd love to come back some time.

Owner response:Thank you so much for taking the time to write. One really does get immersed in Bajan life at the house. I'm glad you had a great family holiday, and look forward to your return trip. Best wishes, Jen

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

Great Home - Convenient Location

Guest: Lea Matyuska (Thunder Bay)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

Just stayed at Shutters for 4 weeks and have booked for 6 weeks in 2013! A beautiful spacious home, and it was great to have a pool to ourselves. Shutters is also located close to a great West Coast beach which also boasts great snorkelling! Short walk to busses so we were minutes from both Holetown and Speightstown. Located beside a neighbourhood store - which provided most of our food and beverage needs at great prices. Wonderful local area with friendly neighbours.

Owner response:I'm delighted that you enjoyed your stay, and look forward to having you again next year. Thank you so much for the review. Jen

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

Sara (Calgary, Canada)

Guest: SaraYYC (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

We stayed at Shutters for 2 weeks over Christmas. Our group was 9 people (my family of 5 with kids 1, 9 and 12) and two sets of Grandparents. The house had plenty of room for all of us and the pool was wonderful for cooling off after a busy day. The air conditioners in the bedrooms are incredibly quiet and work very well. The table outside was great for our meals and easily fit all 8 'grown-ups'. The showers are very nice and the beds were quite comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped though the BBQ was a bit small for grilling for 8 people. The house is exactly as depicted in the photos and the information provided in advance during the booking process was fast, effective and useful. Lots of useful information was provided about the house, surrounding amenities and tips on how to get around. The bi-weekly cleaning service was fantastic. The location of the house immerses you in the local surroundings and it was so nice to get to know some of the locals - who are all very friendly - especially Jenny at the store next door and we got to live like Bajans for two weeks rather then in a hotel where we would have been more isolated from the culture of Barbados. The noise of the birds, frogs and roosters early in the morning is a bit overwhelming for the first night or two, but you get used to it amazingly quickly. The beach is a short walk away, though the road is quite busy and narrow, which was a learning experience for our kids. We loved the beach down the road (Reeds Bay) and found it much nicer and more relaxing than Paynes or Mullins. We didn't rent a car but used both the yellow and blue buses which were fun, cheap and efficient. The few times that we ventured beyond bus distance (i.e. to east side of island) we used Drayton Transport company and they drove us around and provided some excellent local knowledge at very reasonable prices. I would highly recommend Shutters for anyone looking to really experience Barbados and have a comfortable, relaxing stay.

Owner response:Dear Sara It sounds as if you lived Barbados to the full. Thank you for the photos of your family at the house - I'm glad you all enjoyed it so much. Do come again. Very best wishes, Jen

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

4 th time for us

Guest: Clive (London, England)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

This is our fourth stay at Shutters. Its so lovely to come to such a real part of barbados and it has the best undiscovered beach on the west coast just 5 mins walk away. The locals make you feel very welcome and we can heartily recommend the fish fry at the store at the bottom of the road for friday and Saturday night. Some of the tastiest fish we had any where. This is a fantastic family house so with just two couples on this trip we had plenty of room. One of the real luxuries is the brilliant maid service that comes in twice a week -hotel standard not usually given in self catering rentals. One of our party loves diving and Reefers and wreckers came to collect him (based in Speightstown). Our golfing friend enjoyed Apes hill and the royal westmoreland golf courses which are both just up the road (5-10 mins drive). Had the additional excitement of playing a round of golf with Andy Cole ( Man u footballer. The new shopping Mall in Hole town is now open and is definitely worth a visit. The cinema there will be an added bonus soon if you dont fancy driving back to bridgetown for the open air cinema (which we'd also recommend). Overall a fantastic stay - would definitely go again.

Owner response:Dear Dawn Thank you for the review. It's always a pleasure for me when guests return to Shutters. Perhaps we'll see you back again???? Jen

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

2 Weeks in Paradise!

Guest: Sally (London)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

We have just returned from a 2 week stay at Shutters, a beautiful house in the St. James area of Barbados. The house was clean and well-equipped, a lovely lady welcomed us and gave us all the information we needed, there was also a folder of useful info. The pool was a Godsend and it was only a 5 minute stroll to a beautiful beach. Overall a fantastic experiace!

Owner response:I am so glad you had a great time. We look forward to hearing from you when you visit Barbados again! Very best wishes, Jen

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

Villa in Barbados

Guest: Becky (Bristol)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

The house is really comfortable and spacious. The pool and gardens ideal. We loved the location and got a real sence of being part of the local community albeit for such a short time. Everyone was friendly and always eager to chat. The buses are very cheap and the music is brillant, no speedo, but great sound systems! The beach at the end of the road and Crane were are favourites. Food from the dinner vans fab and good value. We would go back tomorrow!!!

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

A wonderful location

Guest: Alison (Leeds, England)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/01/11

We stayed at Shutters for Christmas 2010. The house is lovely - all the bedrooms are attractively decorated with two of them having scenic views over the back garden. The pool was big enough for the children to keep occupied and cool off, and the beach (absolutely beautiful and never busy) was only a short walk away. Whilst the villa is the only one of its kind in the neighbourhood, we found all the neighbours/local people incredibly friendly and helpful. We didn't bother to hire a car because we could take the bus at the bottom of the road (and the kids loved the reggae bus!). The villa has lots of great recommendations for places to go and to eat so that you can have a really authentic experience. It really is worth a vist.

Owner response:Thank you for the review Alison. I'm delighted that you had a great time and hope you'll be back soon. Best wishes, Jennifer

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

Summer 2010 @ Shutters

Guest: Hien (Montreal, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

1st time visiting Barbados, and everything is as expected and more. Shutters absolutely beautiful, comfortable and very clean. Everything is as shown in pictures. Aside from the 2 small stores nearby, there is barbecue night (friday and saturday) down the street, sold by the local and is very good . You could also buy fresh fish, vegetable @ fish market near the beach.The beach nearby (Reads Bay) is very nice, and quiet.The buses are frequent, safe and quite cheap (.75 us/ride). Holetown is about 10 minute bus ride, and Speightown is 15 min. The locals are friendly and polite. I would definitely be back !!!!!!!!

Owner response:We're delighted you enjoyed your stay at Shutters and that you found all the local spots. Do come again. Jen

Recommended for:Families with young children

Guest: Sharon (Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/09/10

We stayed st Shutters for 4 weeks in Jan. and Feb. 2010. Some of the many pluses, which are too many to list, the house is big and well laid out, we loved the pool area and deck. The location was perfect, with 2 small stores so close and the bus stop and beach just down the road. The pool area and covered deck are so nice we rarely went to the beach. The kitchen was well stocked and it was sure nice to have a BBQ and cellphone. There are roosters and dogs in the neighbourhood that do cause some noise. Overall it is a great place and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

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Vacation at Shutters house for two weeks July and Augus. 2011..

Guest: sarabi (Canada, Brampton)
Date of Stay: 08/23/09 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

The description of the property and the location of the house was accurate. The pictures presented on line accurately reflected the house. The house was very clean and well maintained. There is a store located right next to the house which is so helpful. The people in the neighbourhood are very friendly and helpful. One day the lights went out for a short time and the store owner next door came over to the house just to make sure we were ok and if there is anything that we required. The owner of the property was very helpful and provided an aoopportunity for us to ask questions and also provided some helpful tips and information about activities and provided a map and directions to the house. The house was exacelty as described, no even better-the house had a lot of room, a fabulous backyard, a pool , fabulous kitchen, barbeque, and verandas at the back of the house and directly off the two upstairs bedrooms. There is a beach close to the house and water activities and it is very easy to catch the bus to go anywhere you wish to go. There is also another store which is just a few steps from the house We loved the house and the location. I would stay at this house again and would reccomed this house as a beautiful vacation property. I travelled with teenagers who also loved the house. The only thing to add would be cable TV and the internet.

Owner response:I'm glad you all had a great time. All you have to do is plan your next trip now!! Thanks for the review. Jen

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Helen (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

Our holiday in Barbados was the best ever, made even better by our stay in Shutters, a fantastic house perfectly located a short walk from a quiet beach. Shutters is beautifully designed, well equipped and a delight to come home to after an exhausting day at the beach. It was a treat to stay in such a comfortable house in a friendly neighbourhood. We can't wait to stay there again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Tim (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/23/08

The most relaxing holiday I have had in a very long time. This house truly will become your home! A beautiful quiet beach is within a five minute walk. And it is only a short commute to town for necessities or some macaroni pie and local charm and hospitality. But, quite honestly... you may never want to leave Shutters! I can't wait to go back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anita (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/22/08

This was one of the best holidays of my life. The house is so close to the beach and accessible, yet private. It is a very large and comfortable house with well considered amenities. The neighborhood is incredibly charming. I've never been welcomed and cared for so well. I was torn between drinks at sunset on the deck or sunset on the beach (just a couple of minutes down the path) every night of my stay. Both Shutters and Barbados are often in my thoughts and always make me smile.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Frank (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/22/08

omment Text: Wonderful house for a relaxed vacation. Many unique features (shutters, beautiful wood throughout) made it a more Bajan experience than a resort would have been. The neighbors are very friendly and everyone says hello as you pass on the short walk to the beach. The beach is wonderful and uncrowded. The fish market and fruit/veg. stand are walking distance. Cold soda and beer are right next door. Bus routes can get you around if you need to go farther. Having a car is an option, not a necessity. The only problem is that time passes too quickly.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Clive (London, England)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

Have just got back from a fabulous two weeks in Shutters in Barbados. Fantastic house, beautifully decorated and lots of thoughtful touches which made our stay very comfortable. It was great to have such nice neighbours who were also able to cook evening meals for a very reasonable price - restaurant standard food and plenty of it. It was great having such a quiet beach just at the end of the road - and the pool for when we couldn't be bothered to make even that short journey.

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