Vacation Rentals by Owner

Weekend with family

Guest: Rachel (Mohnton PA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/22/12

Our family enjoyed a very relaxing weekend. Perfect place for the 6 of us. Enjoyed Cowan Gap State park on Sat. Very clean - cozy place to spend the weekend.

Owner response:Thank you for the kind review. Cowan's Gap IS a beautiful lake in the winter months. Glad that you enjoyed it. The Martins

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Quick Get Away

Guest: none (Dauphin, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/27/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

Enjoyed a quick get away at the Gate House. Thank you for all the "extras". Wasn't there very long but enjoyed our stay. Everything we needed was there and it was clean and comfortable.

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Very Warm and cosy

Guest: Sam (New York)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

Our sincere thanks to James & Kelli. We had a wonderful stay. Although we rented the house to avoid hurricane in New York and we were not in a vacation spirit, yet there are so many activities around the area that we completely forgot about the hurricane and had a wonderful weekend. The owners are very welcoming and house is a "Perfect Cottage" with lots of history. Nestled in the woods with huge game room, the kids had a lot of fun and we had a wonderful stay.

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Simply Charming & Fantastic!

Guest: Campbellsoupkid (Palm Coast, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

Just got back from our week's stay at the Gatehouse and we already miss it! We drove up to a lit up house late Saturday night with soft and relaxing piano music playing from inside. Loved that "we will leave the light on for you" feeling we got after a long drive from FL. We walked in to a sparkly clean house and a basket of treats and felt instantly at home! What a delightful time and beautiful yet kid friendly house. We were sad to leave. It was perfect for our family (me, hubby plus three boys). Loved NOT having TV! But a bonus that we did have WiFi to plan our many day trips! We had fun traveling to Amish country, & Gettysburg, sight seeing to see two covered bridges in Franklin County, exploring fun local diners, running around at Cowan SP (although swimming was closed the day we went the park and the drive was lovely) we loved chocolate world at Hershey- we just did the free tour and decorated cupcakes and it was a blast and still affordable. We also enjoyed seeing Chambersburg, DC and so much more! All we needed was more time! Although we didn't get to see the Martin's til our last day (we were daytrippin' a lot) they made our stay great! Having laundry was wonderful with three boys! The kids also loved the creek and running barefoot in the grass! We loved just driving up the mountain and getting ice cream cones at the Twist and Shake and then coming back to the rental and playing Red Light Green Light on the lawn. It was a wonderful place and we fell in love with the area! There is so much to do in the area! It was also great to be able to save money and cook from the kitchen and have family suppers and breakfasts! However the Milky Way diner was a blast from the past and yummy. We also took advantage of the farmers markets roadside to eat lots of fresh and delicious produce all week long! Take time to go to the creamery in Chambersburg for some truly good ice cream and milk! Trickling Springs Creamery. Hubby and I truly enjoyed the cool evenings and being able to kick back, light some porch candles and sit outside and chat after the kids went to bed, too! We really enjoyed a nice family campfire our last night with the yummy s'mores kit provided! We loved the history of the area. Highly recommend doing the auto tour at Gettysburg, so good! We hope to return sooner rather than later! Thank you Martin Family for everything and for the wonderful, relaxing, charming stay! We will always remember PA and how wonderful it was to us.

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

Very pleasant experience.

Guest: Steve, Monda & Spencer (Wylie, Tx.)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

The house is wonderfully decorated and very comfortable. Having a full sized laundry room was extremely convenient and there was plenty of room to relax. We loved being able to disconnect from the normal hectic pace of our lives. The state park was less than 10 minutes away and is great for swimming, having a picnic, or walking the trails and it didn't cost a thing. I loved the book selections available, too. It's a good location to drive to Gettysburg or Hershey, as well. Our favorite part was meeting the Martin family and learning about some of the history of the homes and the area. Very gracious, hospitable people.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Weekend away

Guest: enola3 (Enola, Pa)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

We had a great weekend at the Gatehouse - very accommodating. The house was full of items to make your stay relaxing and easy. Kitchen was stocked well with cooking/eating equipment, house was clean, laundry was a great perk. The convenience to Cowan's Gap (which is a gorgeous lake and park!) is a bonus. We are usually "beach people" and also love to camp but we were looking for a close and easy weekend. This was our first "vacation" with our 10 month old son; having modern amenities was wonderful traveling with him. Thank you for a great weekend retreat.

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

A little paradise in the middle of the woods

Guest: Marie, Richard and 4 kids (northern VA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

We loved staying at The Gatehouse. Everything was perfect. Also, the weather (almost). Our kids enjoyed the creek so much. They did not want to leave...Madame, You have put so much detail in decorating the cottage. I am French and I felt at home! Thanks for all of the little details and accessories that even 5 stars hotels forget sometimes.It 's a clean and well maintained home. Thanks a lot for the welcome baskets, fruits and hot chocolate. kitchen is well equipped with all utensils and dishes. (no dishwasher).The location is ok except for some neighboring properties that do not match the environment and natural beauty of the surrounding nature. good restaurants are nearby.LOT of Sightseeing and beautiful scenics. (thanks for providing TV, dvd player and movies for my children they loved it but preferred playing at the creek ! Nice attention !) it is a good retreat for relax and cut off with the outside world (no cell phone, no phone,internet or tv ... real rustic life... but we had Mr Martin providing us with wi-fi...cool !)We loved the back yard with picnic table, the gas grill , the log pit fire, and the sitting around it. I would definitely recommend the cottage; A little paradise in the middle of the woods.the woods.

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

Providing the peace lacking in modern day life

Guest: Bob, Shawn & Dad (Alliance OH)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

The Gatehouse provided my brother, Dad and I the weekend retreat that we needed together. The accomodations are non-pretentious, simple and clean. The amenities provided everything that the three of us needed while the setting and premises urged us to slow down and reflect. We were greeted by a crock pot of warm stew with homemade bread and butter and quiet, relaxing music. The host was welcoming and everything that was advertised and promised was delivered. I would stay at this property again, if I were looking for a place to disconnect from the world and unwind. While the attractions of interest to us were some distance away, the drive was easy and countryside was a beauty to view. Our thanks to the hosts!

Owner response:Thanks for the great review. Your estimation of our accommodations means that we are achieving our goals of rest, comfort, and service to our guests.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our new cabin vacation spot!

Guest: The Bad News Bears (Harrisburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

What a wonderful time we had!! The place was totally immaculate, we couldn't believe the comforts that were provided!! The place is absolutely beautiful, and thank you again for extending your kind hospitality! My grandsons had so much fun, as we did too, the creek was an added adventure for the boys. We can't possibly find the words to say how much we enjoyed our get away. We can and will say that this is going to be our vacation cabin from now on. If you are looking for a beautiful, comfortable get-away in Fort Loudon, this would be the place to be.

Owner response:Thank you. Creek watching is a real plus at The Gatehouse. But we don't get the credit for that! The Creator does.

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

Home away from Home

Guest: John & Michelle (Saginaw, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Our family truly enjoyed our stay at the Gatehouse recently. Beautiful location but close to many major attractions. We enjoyed day trips to Gettysburg, Hershey, and Washington D.C. The Martin's are kind and helpful. They truly want you to enjoy your stay. If we ever get back to the area again, we would stay there.

Owner response:Thank you for the kind review. The Martins

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

Stream runs clear here

Guest: Sunny day girl (Norfolk VA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/26/10

I came in the winter with my kids and summer with my whole family---we even had our elderly mom with us--- I will remember the sound of the creek running behind the house. I will remember seeing the Milky Way with my family at night. Just had to bring clothes and food- The turn off on 75 is a little tricky --look for the RED mail box

Owner response:Good point about the red mailboxes. We will continue to provide a creekside seat for all our guests.

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

A Big Slice of Heaven!!!

Guest: kb (tampa, fl)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 10/23/10

My son & I stayed at the Gatehouse July 2nd thru the 9th. Four months later I find the time to review our fabulous trip (sounds like I need another!!). I was looking for place that we could unwind after spending the days at Gettysburg Re-enactments and the Gatehouse fit the bill! The Gatehouse had everything we needed and I loved that there was no TV. Jim & Kelli Martin are truly wonderful gracious hosts who have the best children! We loved "hanging" with them several nights....we will never ever forget the truly out of this world 4th of July fireworks. Please stay at the Gatehouse if you are looking for: peace, serenity, calmness, the ability to disconnect from the real world, you can not go wrong with a stay at the Gatehouse! We are planning on returning!!!

Owner response:Our Florida reenactment friends confirm that the The Gatehouse is a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing or traveling. The Chambersburg fireworks ARE an added extra for our 4th of July guests.

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What a relaxing and comforable place.

Guest: Turkey Family (Goochland, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

We loved stay at the cottage. It was so relaxing and comfortable. We will for sure be coming back. Thanks again for everything.

Owner response:Rest and comfort are two things we strive for at The Gatehouse. Please do come back again. Kindest regards, The Martins

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

from Deb + Lou, Johnstown,PA

Guest: Deb + Lou (Johnstown PA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

With college tuitions and such to pay, taking a long vacation is no longer a choice for us. To be able to get away to such a wonderful place as this at such a reasonable price was truly a blessing. The Martins are wonderful people. Their enthusiam to please their guests is outstanding. When we were welcomed by relaxation music and fresh cut peonies I knew it was going to be a wonderful stay! We hope to stay again. Don't hesitate to visit here. The feel of this place is like a quiet home away from home.

Owner response:The tiger lilies are in bloom here now and will be in vases ready for our next guests. Songs of "Relaxation and rest" will continue to welcome folks to The Gatehouse. We've also followed your suggestions so that we can continue to provide a home away from home experience. Kindest regards, The Martins

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

Guest: Chris Williams3 (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 01/26/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/10

A wonderful experience. State Park was great so close and the kids had a ball swimming. Visited Gettysburg and Shanksville on day trips. I would recommend this cottage/home for a weekend or week long vacation. I'd again like to thank the Martin's for their Hospitality...

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Guest: Lots & Debbie
Date of Stay: 07/28/09 Review Submitted: 07/27/09

One step forward and two steps back never felt so right! Back into the Gatehouse of days gone by. Free from politics, commercials and pop royalty. Back to nature at Cowan's Gap State Park with rejuventating walks on summer days to take in the bounty of God's green earth. Back in time to Fort Loudon, Philly, D.C., and Gettysburg. Able to take in the process of creating the freedoms we as U.S. Citizens enjoy like no place else. Back away from the world to live, enjoy, love. Thank you and God Bless. Lots & Debbie, Michigan

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Guest: Zack (Philadelphia, pA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/09 Review Submitted: 05/25/09

My girlfrind and i had a wonderful time at this property. The Martins and their children were very friendly and hospitable. Thanks!

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Guest: Letitia Bullock (State College, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09 Review Submitted: 05/08/09

I needed a place to get away to to just be quiet. My stay here was lovely. I arrived just as the forsythia was blooming and there was a chill in the air. It was quaint, warm and cozy. I highly recommend the Gatehouse for a nice getaway to the country!

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