Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great Get-Away On Cape Anne

Guest: Empty Nesters from Oregon (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

The description of this property was spot-on! The apartment was very clean, well maintained and comfortable, It even had everything that we would need to cook breakfast. There is just a beautiful view of the bay from the deck and bedroom. Linda, the owner, was extremely helpful in providing advise on what to do in the area. Upon arrival, Linda provided us with a handy personalized guide to Gloucester and Cape Anne area. Her recommendations were great. We even had the pleasure of watching Linda's jazz trio perform at the Franklin Cafe - a must see if you are in Gloucester. The food and atmosphere at the Franklin Cafe were also outstanding. We used the apartment as our home base to explore Boston, Salem, and the New Hampshire and Maine coastal areas.

Owner response:Thanks, guys... you're the best!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Vacation!

Guest: TravelTime (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/03/11

We stayed in this property for a week & had a great time! The rental was the perfect size for us & had a great view! The sunsets are truly amazing! It is a great centuralized location to take day trips to surronding areas in the Cape Ann area. Linda was very helpful when we first arrived, giving us plenty of information & a printed sheet that had some of her favorite spots & resturants. It truly was like "going home" after a day of traveling & sight seeing. Thank you for sharing your place with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful stay!

Guest: Amanda M. (Horseheads, New York)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/25/11

We had a great time at linda's! The appartment is attached to her home but is compleatly cozy and sucluded. It is beautifully decorated and very clean! Bed is super comfy! She takes the time to get to know you and is very polite and accomadating! We were sad to say goodbye. The deck and sliding glass doors had to be our favorite!! We insist anyone staying should go see rockport, beautiful 10 min drive up the coast! We visited Salem which is a short 20 min drive that is beautiful the back way on 127 ( thanks to linda's husband's advice). We took the train into boson which was 1 hour long, seemed much quicker than that and the train station is very close! The home is very near to local resturants and the good harbor beach!! We are telling our friends about it! And can't wait to visit again!! Tony & Amanda Up-State NY

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Gloucester Sunset Serenade

Guest: Kristin S.
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

My husband and I spent a week between two New England weddings at Linda's perfect place in August '11. It is indeed clean, peaceful, well stocked and beautifully decorated. Comfy. We did not have the best weather every day, but because there were two rooms (fully stocked kitchen), it was a good space in which to "hang out." Also there are MANY things to see and do in the area, rain or shine, and Linda has information about everything. The unit is attached to her home, yet it felt wonderfully private, and I enjoyed being in the town. I am partial to the New England coast in general - the sights, sounds, smells, and "feel" of seaport towns are my recipe for bliss. The view over the inner harbor from the bedroom/deck was all I needed. I did a lot of exploring on my own, but I would like to spend much more time in and around Gloucester. For the best lobster roll you've ever had in your life, go to Lobsta Land at the end of 128! It's also great fun to go out in the evening and listen to Linda sing (various spots around town) while you're in Gloucester. She's terrific. We took the train to Boston one day for a Red Sox game and dinner - that was fun and easy to do. If you're a walker, visit Halibut Point. There are lovely beaches nearby, and beautiful drives. To sum up, there couldn't have been a better place to stay. Highly recommended. Kristin Stewart Ithaca, NY

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

One of the best weeks of our lives!

Guest: Amanda S. (Baltimore, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

A Sunset Serenade was absolutely perfect; beautiful, quiet, cool, close to everything...truly an amazing find! Linda was the perfect hostess leaving us tons of restaurant, live music, and day trip suggestions. We loved our stay there, and will hopefully visit again soon, and will be suggesting A Sunset Serenade to others. We couldn't have asked for more.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Artist Retreat

Guest: Jnet (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

Sunset Seranade was the perfect location for an artist retreat. I had signed up for a 3 day oil painting course with David Curtis from the North Shore Arts Association (NSAA)- also highly recommended. Linda's place is only minutes away from NSAA and the Rocky Neck Art colony, so I was literally in "the footsteps" of Homer, Gruppe and many other American Impressionist painters all week. Her Studio apartment is just as it was pictured online. The quality of furnishings, kitchen utensils, cooking dishware made my stay a Home-away-from-Home: cosy yet elegant and clean. It felt great to relax on the porch overlooking the Bay after an intense day of painting. Early morning sunrises over the Bay seemed as if I were transported to a small fishing village on the Coast of Provence: the colors were brilliant. For those who are looking for a church on Sundays I tried out the Gloucester Methodist United Church on 436 Washington St. Warm and friendly congregation. I attended two Sundays. Before the 9:30 am Service I had Breakfast at The Two Sisters, a great breakfast place, near Main and Washington Sts. in Gloucester. The Beaches, Long Beach and Good Harbor Beach and others are only minutes away from Sunset Seranade. If you don't have a lot to carry and just want to stroll along the pounding surf you could walk from 3 Stanwood Terrace to Long Beach. There is a soft ice cream Stop near this Beach with 31 flavors, not to be missed. Parking at Beaches can be pricy for visitors, but their rates drop (or are free) after 3, 5, or 6 pm. This varies with each location. Rockport, Ma, is only a short, but very scenic drive along 127A and I attended the Rockport Art Association Art Show there. Rockport is amazing for art, seaside culture and history. Good Day Trips are Essex, Ipswich, The Crane Estate, Newburyport, Rowley (The Pancake House) and Plum Island. Make Plum Island a Day trip with a packed lunch and then have dinner before sunset at Plum Island Grille, 2 Plum Isl. Blvd. At the end of my 2 week holiday in Cape Ann, I packed my suitcase, paint supplies and had my nails done at Ultimate Skin and Nail, 48 Bass Ave., Gloucester, a real “spa” treat before heading out west.

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

Highly Recommend This Wonderful Studio!

Guest: Jean-Luc & Brigitte, Montepllier, France
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

Coming from France we spent such a nice week in the wonderful Sunset Serenade apartment. The house is very clean , decorated with taste, fully equiped. We appreciated breakfast on the flowered deck. The view over the harbour is terrific and it's the best place in town to watch the 4th. July fireworks. Linda's welcome is perfect. She is full of attentions, she even provided me a wheelchair because I broke my knee the day before we arrived.The house fits for semi handicaped people (with crutches). Restaurants on the harbour are so good. Taste lobster and do'nt forget to visit Rockport, the ocean's coast! The whole region is magnificent and peole are friendly. Ideal for young or over 55 romantic couple. We will highly recommend Linda's place to our friends and family.

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wonderful stay

Guest: usabima (Germany)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

This was a very clean, comfortable, well maintained property and we had a wonderful week in this very cosy and beautiful studio with a georgeous deck and view over the harbor. Lots of tipps from Linda were helpful - a highlight on our tour - join all the performances of the Amero-family in local restaurants - it is always worth a visit we would like to come back as soon as possible (not only to hear Lindas singing!)

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

Wonderful week!

Guest: Denise (Ottawa)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/10/10

We really enjoyed our stay-the apartment was very clean, nicely decorated and very well equipped- a home away from home. It was also very scenic, serene and quiet. The location is perfect for exploring the area and the commuter train to Boston provides a stress free way to visit the city. We greatly enjoyed meeting our warm and friendly hosts who made sure that we experienced "local culture". We will certainly recommend it to friends!

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

Lovely Stay

Guest: Karen and Doug (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

We had a wonderful stay at the "Sunset Serenade" . The unit was perfectly set up for my husband and I, and we used it as a home base to travel extensively around the area. Would highly recommend taking the ferry from Salem to Boston if you want to tour Boston for the day - saves a very difficult drive and is a beautiful boat ride! The apartment was spotlessly clean, very quiet and well decorated - made for a wonderful stay. We loved the region. Highly recommend!

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

Wonderful Getaway!

Guest: Leslie (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/06/10

I just ended a wonderful 2 week stay at Sunset Serenade and it couldn't have been more enjoyable. The property is beautifully decorated and peaceful. The sunsets are amazing. I had guests over on a few occasions for cocktails on my deck and they all agreed the view was absolutely stunning. The apartment is immaculate. Linda has thought of every necessity you would need and more. I love to cook and she has supplied the apartment with great amenities for cooking. The location is perfect. Close to beach, beautiful Rocky Neck and shopping. I can't wait to book it again next year! I'm already thinking about booking it again next year. The locations is close

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

June vacation

Guest: Karen (Gloucester, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

I just came back from a week in "Sunset Serenade" and it was fabulous. Linda was so nice and the accomodations were cozy and comfortable. Everything was provided, even a list of Linda's favorite things to see and do. I'm back at work now and feeling blue. Thanks, Linda

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Amazing!

Guest: Kristi K (Faribault, MN)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/10

We just got back from Gloucester and the Sunset Serenade last week. Our trip was so wonderful. The apartment is so cute! It is very cozy and well stocked! We made lobsters for dinner our last 3 nights! You can't beat walking 2 blocks and buying your own live lobsters! So fun! The apartment is in a quiet little neighborhood with a view of the harbor, so amazing to see at different times of day and changes weather conditions! Linda does a great job explaining the apartment. I was very pleased when we arrived. It was exactly as the pictures showed, and as was explained. The commuter train is close. We spent a day site seeing in Boston, highly recommended! Linda provides great suggestions for places to go, foods to try, and things to see! Sincce returning not only have I recommended the trip to friends and family, but also this rental. Would absoultely return again! Kristi and Nate Minnesota

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Janice & Bill - St Simon's Island, GA
Date of Stay: 10/03/09 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

We had a great visit here in Gloucester and Cape Ann. The scenery is out of this world and your accommodations are so very nice, we had everything we needed.

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Very comfortable, well equipped studio apartment

Guest: Janice and Bill (Golden Isles, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/26/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

Linda has thought of everything when equipping this lovely apartment. Everything in the listing was there, and more. It made our stay very comfortable, and provided a place for my husband to work while I attended an art workshop. The WiFi allowed him to connect to the internet to work, and the fully equipped kitchen gave us the opportunity to prepare our own breakfast before I shoved off to paint each day. The apartment was clean and pleasantly decorated, and the location in town gave my husband a chance to get out and stretch his legs and sightsee when he needed a break from work. The deck overlooking the harbor is awesome and this is also the view from the bedroom. The bathroom had lots of storage so we each had plenty of room to tuck away our toiletries, just like at home. We cooked in a couple of nights, and also enjoyed wonderful meals at some of the restaurants Linda suggested. It is a short drive around the 'island' and there are many other interesting places to explore including Rockport. Our last night there we ate at the restaurant where Linda sings jazz and had a wonderful evening. We would definitely rent this apartment again if back in Gloucester.

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Guest: Ramon & Lizette - Larchmont, NY
Date of Stay: 08/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

When we received your call months ago, it was the sound of your voice that convinced us to stay with you. Linda and Hank, we will always remember your friendship, kindness and just the right place to stay. We will return, and you have friends in Larchmont.

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Gloucester, just the two of us plus the boy

Guest: Cuatro (Mamaroneck, New York)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/08/09

Everything in the right place, all the right stuff, even pots for people who cook. The view, the sounds in the distant of a working harbor and strong gliding seagulls bring so much to the already terrific ambiance supplied by your hosts. Linda is just wonderful. It is perfect for a couple, but no more. We had our 19 year old with us and he slept in the kitchen. He was in a Play and surprised us with his invasion, because his accommodations had soured. So, he lurked but it was good to be with him our Actor in College. The location of the place is perfect, it overlooks the harbor and you can walk or bike anywhere, to Main Street proper or to Good Harbor beach, the best we found. Put your hands in LInda's recommendations for places to eat, but remember you've got a nice little Weber grill and a real kitchen to cook in. You can't get fresher fish. So, if your looking for a classic New England experience in a place that is real, this comfortable and welcoming place is the gateway to a relaxing time for grown ups. We read, so even though we bring enough with us, there are used book stores in each town, the one in Manchester has a great fiction section. The library is worth a visit for bookish people. Coffee in the Leaf and bean in Rockport, the Gull coffee place in Gloucester and a Tea place on Mt. Pleasant will meet high standards. Eat breakfast at your place, nothing out there that I could find with Maple syrup and great breakfasts, but if you must there's plenty basic eggs, etc. The people are nice all over, there is night stuff to do, (our host sings jazz and standards in a local restaurant with a pianist and stand up bass. She's good too. I liked to get up in the morning and walk, the cool breezes even in August comfortable and the light highlighted the already beautiful locations. We will return. The Chamber of Commerce should pay Linda and her partner Hank, they are an advertisement for Gloucester. My only suggestion is to make sure that there is a few good knives, we brought our own, but that's all I have to say. And of course, if you don't like the Red Sox, you'll have a hard time, because there is a "B" shirt or hat at every point of the compass. In closing, I'm a sailboat and seafaring nut, all I need is a place to be in contact with saltwater, the smell and the special ambiance of the oldest seaport in English speaking America did it for me, Linda's place and Gloucester is... as they say "finest kind". W/Respec

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

Guest: Eddie & Katherine - Ireland
Date of Stay: 07/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

This place is fantastic. It sure is one of the best apartments we have ever spent time in. We enjoyed our stay here, the bikes were great. Thank you for being so nice to us, and we really enjoyed your singing on Friday night! The views are something else - fab, fab, fab. P.S. Change nothing here.

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Loved it!!

Guest: Lynn & Tracy (Chicopee, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

Beautifully decorated, very clean, towels, linens, cooking needs are all high quality - no skimping here; thoughtful extras - small cooler, beach chairs - perfect for a trip to the beach or a ride on one of many boat tours - everything you need! Centrally located - a short ride to downtown Gloucester, downtown Rockport or the beach. And Linda is amazing, you feel like you've known her forever after just a few minutes. She'll fill you in on all the restaurants, hot spots or just supermarkets or she'll give you all the privacy you desire! I would recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Lynn & Tracy - New Hampshire
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

You are a real gem. and you've made this place a gem! It's beautifully decorated and we really appreciated all your little extras! You made us feel so welcome, it's been on of the best vacations I've had.

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Guest: Suzanne & Scott - Wellesley, MA
Date of Stay: 07/04/09 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

Thank you for sharing a little slice of heaven here in your home. The apartment is wonderful - beautiful views. Thank you for your suggestions, it helped make our vacation so enjoyable.

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Memorable!

Guest: jpgarciasp (Madrid)
Date of Stay: 10/13/08 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

This place is fantastic and the surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. The sunset view here is astonishing! Linda and Hank, the hosts, are simply the best. They will help you take full advantage of your visit in Gloucester. There are beautiful beaches, a gorgeous golf club by the ocean, many local restaurants with excellent seafood, and great live music, for those who want to venture into the night. Before you leave, ask Hank, the host, for his famous Hank Splash, a soon to become worldwide trademarked drink. It's all part of this memorable experience. You'll come back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Dawn & Sherrie - N. Carolina
Date of Stay: 08/23/08 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

Dear Linda and Hank, We will be back to visit for sure. Sherrie and I have fallen in love with your place here, and we also love the two of you guys! Thank you very much for the friendship and love you have shown us, we will never forget you.

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Perfect getaway!

Guest: sing (Charlotte, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 08/23/08 Review Submitted: 09/05/08

We loved our stay here. Perfect little getaway with all the right touches.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

A Wonderful Experience

Guest: John 1984 (Litchfield, Ct.)
Date of Stay: 08/16/08 Review Submitted: 03/12/09

Our hosts were very welcoming and a lot of fun. They made the atmosphere very relaxing and were always willing to point us in the right direction for a great meal. The apartment is small, but cozy with a great view, especially at sunset. You are in walking distance of some great areas, and other great spots are just a short drive. Bike riding around the harbor is also a lot of fun. We were completely satisfied with our stay and hope to return one day for another "Sunset Serenade".. John &Tori from Connecticut August 16,2008

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Hyacinth - Boston, London, St. Tropez
Date of Stay: 08/08/08 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

Lovely! Glorious! A perfect hideaway... sunset serenade, a beauty. I look forward to relaxing on the deck again.

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Guest: Mary & Jay, Delaware
Date of Stay: 08/02/08 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

We absolutely loved the accommodations - quiet, lovely and friendly. We hope to return soon one day and when we do, we'll be sure to take in another sunset serenade.

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Guest: Paula - Providence, RI
Date of Stay: 07/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

Your charming apartment exceeded my expectations. I appreciate your decoration, the DVD player, the air conditioning and easy access to my car. Thanks again!

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Loved It!

Guest: Chuck & Robin (Maryland - Eastern Shore)
Date of Stay: 07/06/08 Review Submitted: 02/04/09

Its the perfect sized apartment for 2 in a very convenient location! Having the owner onsite is great for tips/advice & directions. Look forward to going back one day!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Shawn & Steven, Salt Lake City
Date of Stay: 06/21/08 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

We had a wonderful week in this little home away from home. Thank you for your thoughtfulness - like the small shampoo & conditioner bottles, the soft toilet paper & the plenty of towels (and the beach chairs!). Think you should add a small desk/writing table in the bedroom, that would be nice.

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Guest: Gretchen & John
Date of Stay: 07/21/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

Thank you for sharing your home with us. We have enjoyed this apartment and all your beautiful flowers. I love having my coffee on the deck in the morning while looking out to the harbor - the week went by too quickly!.

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Guest: Jay & Kate, Los Angeles & New York
Date of Stay: 06/30/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

What a great hideaway, this was so much more than we expected. It truly is a sunset serenade and I'm so jealous that you get this view and surroundings all year long. Kate and I hope to visit here again, thanks so much.

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Guest: Mary Ellen, New York
Date of Stay: 06/02/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

What a great little place! I hope I'll be coming back to Gloucester soon - and that you'll have an opening! Thanks so much for letting me come.

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