Vacation Rentals by Owner

DC Vacation

Guest: Cindy (Olive Branch, MS United States)
Date of Stay: 05/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/25/12

Such a nice retreat from the city after touring DC! The setting was quiet and peaceful. It was everything the owner described. The house was a much nicer escape than a hotel room in the city. It is located just 10 miles from DC and 4.5 miles from Mt Vernon, right by the Potomac river. There was a transit link within walking distance, though we drove in and did not need the service. Old town Alexandria offered shopping and eateries and was just a few minutes away. The owners were courteous and helpful and their companions, Bird and Oscar were a delight. This was truly a home away from home.

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

JUST AS NICE THE SECOND TIME AROUND!

Guest: Dorothy & Sharon Jones (Venice, Fl)
Date of Stay: 04/26/12 Review Submitted: 05/23/12

This was our second stay at "Granny's Cottage" and it was just as nice as I remembered. Driving down the lane to the cottage, it felt almost like coming home. This cottage is so charming and inviting that you just feel welcome immediately. The cottage is exactly as pictured. We especially enjoyed having our morning coffee at the kitchen table. The view looks out to a pretty rock garden. One morning a busy little hummingbird danced over the flowers trying to sample them all. We also saw a fox crossing the yard right behind the rock garden and a pair of very healthy looking deer ambling across the yard. We loved being close to all of the attractions always knowing that we could come "home" at the end of the day. Thank you Jim & Lisa for sharing "Granny's Cottage" with us.

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Washington DC Trip

Guest: Brookfield Family of Five (Brookfield, WI)
Date of Stay: 04/10/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

We had a great stay at the cottage. It was great to be a short Metro ride away from the excitement in DC, but nice to return to a quiet place in the evening. Having River Farm (American Horticultural Society) a short walk away was a bonus. The owners were very helpful in providing information and available for anything needed at the cottage. Outside of DC, but much to do very close by, including Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Great paved walking/jogging/biking trail along the George Washington Parkway. Would love to have stayed longer. The cottage had all the amenities we needed. Thanks Lisa and Jim!

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

Go! Go! Go!

Guest: Linda (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

This place was wonderful. Jim and Lisa were so friendly and made us feel right at home. Very convenient to Metro Station and all of the sights of the city! Loved it! Beautiful, quiet place to land at the end of the day after sightseeing. I would recommend this little place to anyone!

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

Family Vacation in Washington D.C.

Guest: Cardinal fans (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/25/12

What an awesome place to stay! The cottage was clean and wonderfully charming! The owners, Lisa and Jim, were very helpful and could not have done more to make us feel welcome! The cottage was in a beautiful quiet neighborhood, yet just minutes away from the Metro Station and downtown Alexandria. My family stayed here 5 days while vacationing in D.C. My kids couldn't wait to return to the cottage at the end of each day. We were able to access the Metro and use public transportation each day- so we didn't worry about parking, etc. I would DEFINITELY recommend this cottage to any couple or family who is visiting the area. We could not have asked for better.

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

Perfect cottage!

Guest: cbdehoff (charlotte, nc)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

our family of four (kids 5 and 8) stayed in the cottage for 5 days while visiting DC. the owners were extremely pleasant and helpful! the yard was great for the kids to explore after long days in the city. the little kitchen was just right for quick breakfasts and dinners. the screened porch was lovely!! very easy access to the metro. we could not have chosen a more perfect place to stay!

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

Home Away from Home

Guest: Jim (Webberville, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

What a great place! I can't say enough about how great this place was and the owners, Lisa and Jim, were wonderful. Sightseeing can be almost like work. Going back to Granny's Cottage was very comfortable and relaxing after a long day of sightseeing in DC. It is close everyhting, DC, Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetary, Old Town Alexandria, and the Metro. The next time we go to DC we will definitely stay at Granny's Cottage...if it is available. Thanks for sharing your wonderful cottage with us.

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

Perfect for a family

Guest: Raul and Malena (Milwaukee, WI)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

We stayed in Alexandria for a week in July and the cottage was great. We had a nice relaxing place to go every night after sightseeing and the location was fabulous. We were able to go on our runs, get groceries, go to the Potomac and drive into Old Town with ease. The kids loved Jim and Lisa's dogs and the huge yard to run around.We will definitely be back next summer.

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

Nothing but perfect for our stay

Guest: Eric (Bend, OR)
Date of Stay: 06/21/11 Review Submitted: 07/11/11

We stayed 10 nights with 2 kids to enjoy the sights of DC and the surrounding areas. The place was simply perfect for us. Jim and Lisa are great hosts and made us feel 100% at home. The kids enjoyed the yard after some long days being tourists. The cottage has great character, is well maintained was was perfect size for the 4 of us. Very easy access to metro as well as a great central point for having a car to do some out of DC sights. 20 days on the east coast and staying here was one of our highlights. Thanks again Jim & Lisa.

Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing.

Just can't say enough

Guest: Ryan (Spring Hill, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

We stayed in the cottage for a week while visiting DC. The commute into the district was a breeze. We drove to Huntington metro station and were on a train in no time. It was simple, inexpensive, and beat trying to drive and park in DC. Initially, we chose this option because staying in the heart of DC was so expensive. In the end, we got so much more than we paid for. There was more space than we'd have had in a hotel, and the beds and pillows were AMAZING! I'm a pretty picky sleeper and RARELY am I comfortable when I'm aware from my own place, but this place made it happen. We had the benefit of a kitchen, washer/dryer, and some space to stretch out that hotels just don't offer. We didn't get to spend much time with Lisa and Jim in person, but they were very accommodating. Before our trip, they answered every inquiry promptly and efficiently. They were excellent hosts, everything was in order when we arrived, and we had no problems during our stay. The cottage has charm that no hotel can offer, and the grounds are simply beautiful. If you're considering staying here, and are worried about renting from an owner (this was our first, and I was initially somewhat afraid of it) or staying too far outside the district...or anything else, really---put it aside and make your reservation! You won't be sorry. Lisa and Jim, thanks for opening up your cottage to us. This was our recharging point in a very busy vacation. We wouldn't have made it through long days in DC without rest and relaxation in the evenings. You rarely get more than you pay for, but I think we did in this case. All of our expectation were far exceeded! Thank you!

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

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!

Guest: Dorothy & Sharon Jones (Venice, Fl)
Date of Stay: 03/31/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

My daughter and I stayed in "Granny's cottage March 31-April 8. It is a charming, cozy, comfortable "home away from home." Everything you can possibly need or want is provided. It was so surprising to find that this little hide-away was just 10 miles from Washington D.C. It had been years since either of us had used any type of public transportation, but found the Metro to be safe, clean and really very easy to use. (We used the Huntington Metro Station,) There is so much to see and do that we feel that we barely skimmed the highlights. We did take the Tourmobile for 2 days. What a great bargain!! We had outstanding narrators (Norman 1 day, Armand the next day) They have so many little tidbits of information to share. Things you either never knew or that you had forgotten. Each time I return from a trip, I try to think of the things that were expecially memorable. For me, one of those things was the tour thru Arlington Cemetery. We happened to be there during a military funeral, (there are between 25-50 per day.) The honor guard, the riderless horse, the flag draped coffin, all of these things brought a lump to your throat and tears to your eyes. It was very moving and will long be remembered. The other thing that I will remember is the absolute peace you felt when you returned to Granny's Cottage after your day of sight seeing. Playing tourist was fun, but Oh my it was so nice to come home, kick off your shoes, find a cold drink, and crash on the inviting screened in porch. The hosts, Jim & Lisa, and the dogs Oscar & Birdie are all delightful. Always gracious and helpful but never intrusive. We are already thinking about a return trip to D.C. and it would, without a doubt be at "Granny's Cottage." Thank You for sharing this perfect little hideaway with us.

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The Perfect Spot!!

Guest: Donna/Bill (Tigard, OR)
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

My husband, daughter, son-in-law, 3 granchildren and I spent a week here the last week of October, 2010. It was perfect for us, although we wish we could have actually stayed on the premises for longer periods of time but were too busy sight-seeing. The cottage was homey, clean and the vision of what our granddaughters thought east coast houses would be like. We would have liked to stay longer to take advantage of the lovely big yard, bicycles, screened porch and the walking/biking trail. Lisa and Jim were welcoming, friendly, accommodating and such a pleasure to meet. They also have great dogs!! We didn't have a single negative experience, including the sharing of one bathroom for 7 people. The upstairs bedroom mirror was great for those needing to put on make-up and comb hair! We used the Huntington Metro - easy parking and quick drive - to get into D.C. every day. Also enjoyed the easy drives to Fredericksburg and Manassas for Civil War battlefields. When we have a chance to return, it will be to this cottage. Thank you!!

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

The Kildays, Pine Grove, CA

Guest: Bob and Shana Kilday (Pine Grove, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

We stayed in the cottage from September 16, 2010 until September23, 2010. It was so cozy and quiet and so nice to come back to after a full day of sightseeing. It was very clean and the surroundings were wonderful. It is in a very quiet area away from all the hustle and bustle of Old Town Alexandria and Washington DC but yet close enough that it is convenient to access all the sights. We took the Metro into Arlington National Cemetary and took a TourMobile sightseeing bus into Washington DC. It was much easier to get around than I had imagined and very convenient from the cottage. I would highly recommend this rental to any one coming to this area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't be better!

Guest: Texan Family of Four (Flower Mound, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

This cottage by the Potomac was everything it was advertized to be and more! The place is truly as beautiful and well-maintained as it looks in the photos. While retaining the original charm of Granny's house, the owners have modernized the property in key ways, such as with an updated bathroom and kitchen and nicely tiled floors downstairs. The location of the home is outstanding. We were surprised at how beautiful and tranquil the neighborhood was--and so close to the D.C. Metro park-and-ride, Mount Vernon, or the freeways. Perhaps the icing on the cake was how hospitable, friendly, and helpful the owners were to us. They made us feel completely at home. It was the perfect vacation house for our family of four!

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

A great place to come "home" to while vacationing!

Guest: Barbie (Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/17/10

My husband and I stayed at the Cottage with our three children (ages 14, 9, and 6) in July of 2010. We found it to be very homey and comfortable, perfect for relaxing after a long, hot day in the city. The home is extremely clean and nicely furnished, with every need provided for down to extra air mattresses and games for the children. The grounds are beautiful and the location perfect for the short drive into the city. We highly recommend this property to travelers seeking more than just a box hotel room.

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Mellow spring days

Guest: Barb from colorado (Cortez, Colo)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

We stayed in the cottage for 4 wonderful days. As others have mentioned, both the house and yard are beautiful. It is apparent that both Jim and Lisa have made the cottage a true labor of love. We enjoyed the screened porch a great deal. It was so nice to relax there in the evening, watch the squirrels and listen to the birds after a day of walking and sight seeing. This was one of the nicest VRBO rentals we have stayed in. It is beautiful, peaceful and in general..... wonderful Thanks Lisa and Jim

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

Fantastic!

Guest: Zik (USA)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 05/12/10

My wife and I have stayed in several quality rentals in England and the US and this is the best. Thank you Lisa and Jim.

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

Our Spring Break Haven!

Guest: Leslie, Steve and the girls (Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

My husband and I wanted to take our teenage daughters to visit DC for their first time but staying in a cramped hotel room was not an option. So I heard about the VRBO website and we lucked into this cottage. As an experienced traveler, I know that sometimes the brochures and pictures somewhat exaggerate the property. But this place far exceeded our expectations! It is incredible!! Beautiful yard, flowers, lots of outdoor space, immaculate inside, tons of amenities and my favorite was the screen porch! After a hectic day in DC doing all the touristy things, it was such a relief to come "home" to our little cottage for some peace and quiet. Our daughters loved their cozy bedroom, the big yard and the hiking/biking trail by the Potomac while we relaxed on the porch. Lisa and Jim were such welcoming hosts and very helpful as we navigated the Washington area. Lisa even recommended an outlet mall where my daughters and I had a fun shopping spree! So it was a vacation full of great experience and memories and our amazing cottage made it even better! I will definitely be using VRBO again.

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

Guest: Maurisa1 (-)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

Our family of six stayed in the cottage for a week in July. We were amazed at how quiet the area is! It was hard to believe we were within miles of DC. Lisa even provided lawn games and gave me flowers to take home. By car, it's about a ten minute drive to the metro, a little less than that to the grocery store. This is the best value for a vacation week we have ever experienced.

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Guest: Martine, Bill, Alex and Ben (Gastonia, NC )
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 09/12/09

We stayed in this lovely cottage from September 7-12, 2009 to tour Washington, DC. As soon as we arrived, Lisa (owner)greeted us warmly and showed us around the cottage. This vrbo far exceeds the description and the photos don't do it justice. It was even NICER than the description! There were fresh flowers and candles everywhere. All the amenities were easily found, including full bottles of shampo and conditioner and a fresh bar of soap (none of those cheap samples taken from hotels!). The towels are plush, the bed, sheets and covers were heavenly and we slept very very well! We easily found the grocery store, drugstore and Metro station (Huntington). We'd leave our car there every day and take the Metro into town. Highly recommend this method of travel. Visited all the museums we wanted to see. One day rented bikes (highly recommended when touring the war memorials and Lincoln Memorial (no subway close). Go to Federal Triangle and rent from Bike the Sites (across the street from the Metro station). We went "home" every evening to a peaceful property. Then we'd get refreshed and go into Old Town Alexandria for dinner. Highly recommend the Chart House (pricey, by well worth it for the food, service and view). Also, La Madeleine on King Street for great french food (fast, quiet, delicious). Also, take the water taxi over to the Maryland side (Harbor/Gaylord Hotel/restaurants/shops) and stroll around. We came back just as the sun was setting over Old Town. Just strolling the old brick lined sidewalks with the refreshing evening breeze was a relaxing experience. Then "home" again to unlocked doors, open windows and the sound of gentle rain or crickets lulling us to sleep. This is by far the NICEST vrbo we've ever had the pleasure of discovering. HIGHLY recommend it to others. Great second honeymoon (or first!). It was neither for us, but, after 15 years together, it's always a "second honeymoon" when we can get away and find such a GEM of a place! Thanks, Lisa and Jim, for a wonderful stay. We wish you success, but not TOO much...we don't want to find you "booked up" next time we want to visit the area! Best wishes! Bill and Martine Vaca. Gastonia, NC

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Guest: karen157 (Jamaica, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/02/09 Review Submitted: 09/02/09

This is just a comment to let other prospective vacationers how wonderful my experience was dealing with this homeowner. I had planned to vacation here in August and unfortunately the day before my vacation a family member was injured and placed on bedrest and I was unable to make the trip. The owner was gracious enough to give me a full refund on such short notice. Lisa you're the greatest. I really appreciated that in these tough economic times. I look forward to doing business again with you in the near future.

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