A nature wonderland

Guest: jean h.
Date of Stay: 11/27/11 Review Submitted: 12/14/11

This is the kind of property we would love to go to again and again. First of all, the setting is lovely with bay views all around the neighborhood. It's right by the Audubon nature preserve, which is great for quick walks. We loved riding our bikes around the area, and the yard was just wonderful with plenty of sunshine, butterflies and hummingbirds during our stay. Sitting out there with a cup of coffee or glass of wine looking at the tidelines and gorgeous sunsets was a highlight of our stay. The house is clean, comfortable, and real-home-like, though nothing fancy, and we liked it that way for a beachy vacation with our dog. The rooms are much bigger than they look in the pictures, the garage with washer and dryer was very handy, and the fenced yard was wonderful for our pet. We really appreciated the way Jean, the owner was very helpful and pleasant to work with.

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

Great Base of Operations for Exploration of the Central Coast. Love this place, we'll be back!!

Guest: Kim (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

We just got home from a wonderful week at this cozy little spot. Where do I start? We arrived at night and were so happy to wake up the next morning to walk out on the deck from the master bedroom with a cup of coffee to behold the glory of The Rock! The home had all that we needed. It was a great base of operations for various trips; The Hearst Castle, Paso Robles Wineries, San Luis Obispo (the Farmer's Market and the Mission), Cambria, Harmony, Cayucos, a beach on CA 1 that allows dogs, etc, etc!! Short drive to Montana de Oro State Park and Morro Bay Park with lots of great hiking trails. It was clean and comfortable and we felt at home here. Saw some deer wandering through the green space while we were sitting on the deck having cocktails. This house backs up to a bird estuary that has walking trails, too. The skies were clear and we saw lots of stars while we sat in the hot tub on a couple nights. We cooked a lot and the kitchen had all that we needed. There were also lots of options within a short drive to great restaurants in the various towns nearby of which we also availed ourselves. Jean, the owner, was very responsive to our needs for information and provided prompt assistance whenever necessary.

Recommended for:Pet owners, girls getaway, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.

Cozy and Warm

Guest: N&M (Northern Ca)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

Just finished another great getaway to this warm and cozy place tucked away near the Elfin Forest and a short walk to the south edge of Morro Bay. If you like the rural country feeling of Los Osos but still within easy reach of the towns of Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo then you have to check out this place. My family have been coming here for several years and this is our favorite spot. The house literally wraps you up in its old world warmth and charm. The owner is very friendly and accommodating and a creative thinker should any special needs arise. I especially like the area for the hiking trails in Montana de Oro and the remote beaches. There is also a lot of biking, both road and mountain. Also visit Baywood and Avila Beach, there is so much to do here any time of year.

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

Cozy, Comfortable Favorite of Ours in Quiet Nature Reserve and near spectacular Montana del Oro

Guest: ash (Walnut Creek Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/16/11 Review Submitted: 11/05/11

The Broderson House (as we like to refer to it) has been a haven for us and our family over the years, and the owner, Jean, could not be more accommodating. It is a very relaxing, comfortable, and welcoming house - like a wonderful, favorite friend. Broderson House is an inviting, unassuming, very well equipped house located in Los Osos - which is a unique laid back community (somewhat of a throwback to the 60's like Bolinas or Bodega near Point Reyes) located along the southern tidal estuary of Morro Bay. Coming into the "funky" town of Los Osos you pass two big bear statues (just 10 minutes from upscale San Luis Obispo) and driving there one sees beautiful farms and ranches in glorious countryside. This is a special place within easy reach of all of the sights - yet sequestered in serene, down-home privacy for total relaxation. I suspect the former reviewers were looking for something more "touristy" or "glitzy" perhaps in the town of San Luis Obispo or Cambria. Too bad they did not give Broderson a chance as they may then have discovered its many charms. It has certainly become my very favorite place to unwind and kick back.

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

convenient and roomy

Guest: Shreddy (Aspen, CO)
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/04/11

My wife, I, and our 2 "cattle dogs" stayed here for 8 nites recently. The house is cozy and roomy with a fenced yard that was perfect for the dogs. The location is extremely quiet, adjacent to a preserve, near a couple state parks with great hiking. The garage was a great place to store my road bike and our outdoor stuff. The location in Los Osos was perfect for out forays into SLO and up and down the coast.

Owner response:I am greatfull for this review. I am a senior citizen who has owned this property since 1989. I have newer clean carpet 3 satellite tv's, wireless internet, unlimited long distance phone calling, hot tub, 2 BBQ's, trash compactor, 4 recliners in 2 lazy boy sofas, (two reclinere vibrate,) a side by side refrigerator that now offers a working icemaker. I have addeded a skylight a few years ago to bring more light to the living room. There is a gas fireplace in the living room to make it cozy. I have upgrades on my wish list. Help me attain them. When you leave the premises turn off the lights. When you are not in the hot tub close the cover. I now have 2 BBQ's because one guest repaired one after I had replaced it and had not removed the one with a problem. I am so grateful for the guests who leave this vacation rental better than they found it. I offer so much for so little.

Recommended for:Pet owners, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.

Worse than Poor

Guest: bambooecho (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

Do not rent this derelict property on the edge of a swampy, dying grove. The house needs serious work inside and out, and is surrounded by equally junky property. We arrived, took one look and left after just one of us verified that house had not been cleaned, laundry was strewn in one bedroom, back yard was an untended mess with filthy grill. The photos do not represent the current reality, in and out. We lost our deposit but left without paying the balance. Without questioning motive, we have no idea how the owner continues to get away with renting this sad place.

Owner response:My husband and I were not able to give the vacation rental the ususl attention due to a late check out and major probleme with our R,V The guest arrived minutes before us but left before we met him. He left a message saying that he was not staying and that we had the deposit ant that that should be the end of it. He did now answer my emails or phone calls. The laundry strewn in one bedroom consisted of a clean pile out of the dryer. The unattended mess in the back yard consisted of trimed hedges where there was a view of mature trees and deer habitat bay and Morro Rock and sand dunes.Part of the hedge has been delibertly left unattended to accommodate Monarc butterflies and humming birds. This guest was a city dweller who may have mistaken low tide to be a swamp. Low tides is a feeding time for pelicans, egrets, ducks, geese,great blue herons and many migrating birds. The Audobon society owned bird refuge is far from dying. They have added 8 acres to the existing 24. I would hardly call a spring feed pond a swamp. As for my 4 neighbors one is a college professor, another a local merchant. Call me for more information.

Recommended for:

Cozy Getaway

Guest: maxy (canyon country CA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

We had the most relaxing time there, very cozy home, reminding me of my grandmother's. Loved the Jacuzzi and the view of the Morro Bay "Rock". There is a beautiful nature walk right outside the front door. Very peaceful "wetlands" with many plants and birds. It was so wonderful to not hear any cars or trains. I will definitely come back again. Kristin

Owner response:The nature walk is Sweet Springs nature reserve. owned by the Audobon Society soon the 24 acres will be expanded to 32. It is so quiet that I have seen a deer asleep behind the house in the daytime.

Recommended for:Pet owners, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.

Tired old property

Guest: Paul (Palm Desert, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

This is the most disappointing VRBO property we have rented. It is old and tired and in desperate need of maintenance. The ice maker in the fridge does not work and shelves are missing. The disposal is not capable of disposing of egg shells! The wi fi never worked. And the much touted view is only visible from a corner of the back yard. Too bad, because this is a really interesting area to visit. Next time, another house for us.

Owner response:I met this guest on arrival as I always do with rare exceptions. When there was difficulty getting on to the wireless enternet due to pass word issues I let him use my wireless computer which he used to pick up his messages and then tried unsuccessfuly to reset the password. I showed him how to use the dsl which he was content to use. I left him to his privacy. A few days later he called to tell me that the garbage disposal quit I came 15 minutes later to remove eggshells and was not able to reset the button. When the handy man arrived 1/2 hour later he removed a bone and restarted the garbage disposal. The house has a side by side refrigerator that has more room than the average refrigerator. I will try to find another shelf. I have handy men who respond quickly to any mantenance problems. I will continue to meet guest on arrival to deal with any issues and respond quickly to repairs. I want to continue to be worthy of your trust when you plan your vacation.

Recommended for:

Great Location for walks, nice view of Morro rock, Comfy family house

Guest: Limeygary (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

We have stayed at this home twice within the last 4 years. If you are looking for a pristine, newer home look elsewhere, however if you like a well lived in cozy home like Grandma's house, this is the place for you. We have always enjoyed our time there and are well rewarded by the location and the warm comfy feel of the house. it is very child friendly and there is always plenty of bedding, towels, pots and pans, etc. The house is located right by a wonderful nature reserve with trails and great nature photo areas, plenty of shorebirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. There is a nice farmers market in Los Osos (baywood area) that is within walking distance (1/4-1/2 mile away) We will keep returning as long as Jean has this available

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

Very Relaxing Stay

Guest: pat (San francisco Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/05/10 Review Submitted: 10/22/10

I have stayed at this wonderful vacation home several times. The house has a down home feel, is at the edge of the bay preserve and very comfortable and relaxing. The master bedroom has a private doorway to the back deck and hot tub from which there is a beautiful view of the bay and Morro rock. Kayaking the bay is a must and kayaks are provided. The owner is very friendly and accommodating and the fully equipped kitchen and gas BBQ make meals a real treat. This area is a bicycling paradise (try Montana de Oro) and abounds with sights activities and restaurants. For a treat don't forget to visit the little adjacent area of Baywood where there is a nice little sandwich shop right next to the bay. Also for a killer burger try Sylvester's on Santa Ynez and 11th in Los Osos. Highly recommended for for a peaceful relaxing stay.

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