Vacation Rentals by Owner

A wonderful stay!!

Guest: Españolesporelmundo (Murcia ( Spain))
Date of Stay: 10/04/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

We are a couple of spanish people who went to Boston on holidays in October'11,and the days in Cape Cod were the best of the trip.The cottage is the perfect place to stay if you want to spend a few days in Cape Cod.It is not only a beautiful house but also very confortable,with interesting sorroundings like a private beach, terrace, barbecue.Its really near to Boston and perfect located to visit the islands, and the rest of the Cape.We enjoy very much unless it wasn't summer time.The owner is really such a kind person,( it is always pleasant to find good people when you are traveling) and we encourage everyone to visit the cottage and Cape Cod.Pablo (33) &Gloria( 31)

Owner response:Gloria and Pablo, it was a pleasure having you stay at my home this fall. I am pleased to say that now I have two more friends in Spain. I hope that one day you will be able to experience a summer holiday here; you are welcome at any time!

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

Comfortable and charming

Guest: Anne (Acton Ma)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

Very cute cape cod house. Nicely decorated with lots of "beachy" charm. Quiet neighborhood and short walk to a private beach. Rooftop deck has a beautiful view of the bay and sunsets ! Great puzzle tables in case of inclement weather!

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

Lucky last minute getaway!!

Guest: Dawn & Mario (Burlington, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/27/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/09

We were extremely fortunate to find the 'Starboard Cottage' for the last weekend in August 2009. Our family dynamics do not allow us to plan a getaway much in advance, that said I vigorously searched for a place that would be comfortable, spacious, and close to the water. Having grown children who live in Boston, narrowed my search to the upper Cape area, so they could easily join us. Never having stayed in Mashpee, we were pleasantly surprised to have every amenity possible at our fingertips. Janet has thought of everything to make the stay so comfortable. She assured us that all we needed to bring were our food and clothes. Everything else, she provided....what a relief not to have to pack anything else! Sure makes for a lovely getaway! We had a delightful expirience with this rental and would love to revisit in the future!!

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

Quaint Cape Cottage

Guest: TEAM FARKEL (Torrington, CT 06790)
Date of Stay: 05/22/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

I would like to say to begin the cottage is a bit smaller than the pictures so be aware of that. However, there were 6 of us and we were able function remarkably well in the kitchen and all areas of the cottage. This is definately a place to rest and relax. Perfect for adult getaways. Janet definately thinks of every detail known to man. She is a pleasure to work with and very patient. I would reccommend this cottage to anyone who just needs to get away from all that day-to-day drama of life. Would not reccommend this cottage to anyone with very small children though. The stairs to rooftop could be dangerous but otherwise, awsome!!!!!!!!

Owner response:As any parent of young children knows, all stairs are dangerous to children. In fact, my website has listed in the amenities that "a gate is provided for the spiral staircase" (this statement has been there since 2003). In addition, I meet all of my guests at check-in and those with children are instructed how to attach and advised to use the gate for the safety of the children. If my cottage had a regular staircase, I would provide a gate for that as well. Safety comes first. I also believe in warning parents about the locks on the gates to the road and the beach, and have installed a lock on the screen door to keep escaping children (and/or pets!) in. I provide the protective measures for safety at my cottage but it is ultimately the responsibility of the parents. A picture is worth a thousand words! Fortunately, my renters usually come in to the cottage saying, "It looks exactly like the pictures!", so I imagine this is all in the perception and intent. While this renter first requested a weekend for 3, possibly 4, in fact 6 adults arrived, and on a damp, chilly spring weekend, any home would feel small! I have a family that comes back each year with 8 adults and 1 child who love staying here. As a photographer of fine homes, it is my job to ensure that the photos are a true representation of the properties I shoot, and I stand behind my work. Had I known that this party was to be larger and an actual "party", (complete with a request for finding a local party boat), I would have suggested they rent my other cottage next door which is larger and more suited to this purpose. All in all, "Team Farkel" was delightful, respectful, a pleasure to have in my home and I would welcome them back in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

A lovely vacation home on the cape

Guest: Terrill (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 09/03/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

We enjoyed a peaceful four-day stay at Blue Hydrangea in September. We had our two daughters (ages 2 and 10 months) with us, and it was a great place for them. My older daughter played in the fenced-in yard, and there were no breakable items to move out of my baby's reach. There was a supply of beach toys and beach chairs in the shed, which we used several times. We enjoyed walking around Seaconsett Island, especially the boatyard. . . we got to see a boat being lifted up to its third-story bunker. My husband and I enjoyed sitting up on the roof deck after the kids had gone to bed and gazing at the stars. Everything was clean, and we enjoyed the supply of books and coloring books. This location is close to the Cape Cod Children's Museum and a lovely beach (both about a ten minute drive) and only twenty minutes from Falmouth.

Recommended for:Families with young children

Serene and peaceful cottage vacation.

Guest: Don and Geri (NJ)
Date of Stay: 08/22/08 Review Submitted: 09/29/08

My family and I spent the last week at this cottage for two years in a row. The cozy and peaceful atmosphere of the cottage with it's enclosed yard is perfect for families with children or pets. The convenience of the kitchen with all the new appliances and every gadget you could ever need is more than efficient. The whole cottage is very clean and the washer and dryer are such a god-send. Outside the pathway to the bay is a short one maybe 100 ft and the scenery is beautiful.The ocean is near-by and clean. Boat rentals, Mashpee Commons and wireless make this cottage an A-1 place to stay. Not far from Falmouth, outlets etc. The owners try to make your stay a comfortable one and are available should you need them. I would recommend this cottage to family and friends alike.

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

Renter beware! Falsely advertised and filthy!

Guest: Cheri-berry (Brockton, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/16/08 Review Submitted: 09/27/08

There is NO private shared beach! It is a 10-12 minute ride to South beach and 20 minutes to Old Silver Beach from this address. There is only a private water access. There are very large rocks with no sand, lots of algae and very smelly water ( due perhaps to someone's septic system leaking) and I was told that there is sand beyond the algae under the water when asked where the beach was. There were mouse droppings in my daughter's bedroom closet and spiders and cobwebs all behind the beds. We had to clean when we arrived. Janet withheld $75.00 from our deposit because she said we left sand on the floor and food stains in the refrigerator. She said that she had to shake out the rugs when we left. We thoroughly vacuumed with the vacuum provided before we left (I would think that vacuuming would suffice and one would not need to take rugs outside to remove the sand). And, I cleaned the refrigerator-- it was sparkling when we left. I would like to think she confused us with someone else; however, she did not want to discuss it with me and hung up the phone. Beware it could be possible for anyone to lose their deposit. I would not rent from her ever!

Owner response:Unfortunately every now and then a homeowner gets a very negative person that just can't be happy about anything. I have been fortunate to have had so many years of wonderful renters, all of whom compliment how very clean the cottage is and how wonderful the private beach is. Let the photos of the private beach and cottage speak for themselves - I often hear that the cottage looks just like the pictures as my guests come in. I also direct my guests to notify me right away if there are any problems; I was never notified of any during this person's stay. It is interesting that the only negative comments I've ever had come "after the fact" from those who are embarrassed by having a portion of their deposit retained for their lack of cleanliness; fortunately, I rarely have to retain any deposits! Most people come with the desire to "leave it better than we found it", and most do. I'm sorry that this renter felt she had to embellish and create complaints, try to make herself an injured party and seek revenge in a public forum for the retained funds, but I'm not surprised, and had already suggested to her prior to her "review" that another rental would meet her requirements better in the future. To all future renters, I apologize in advance if you find a spider or two under the bed at my beach cottage, if you aren't aware that both high tide and low tide are twice daily happenings on the ocean, and that sometimes you'll find seaweed on the beach or the odor of the marshes nearby when the wind shifts. I do guarantee that the cottage will be clean and warmly greeting you upon your arrival.

Recommended for:

Location, location ... continues to bring us back!

Guest: Pat & Donna (CT, RI, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/09/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

We’ve been staying at one of the two cottages owned by Janet Gary for the past four years. During this time, we’ve grown in the number of family members and their families joining us … so has our move from the “Starboard” cottage to the larger next door cottage being a “no brainer”. What brings us back each year has to do with the closeness to “kid friendly beaches”, great seafood restaurants, and even those deep sea fishing excursions about which we still get excited! To get a sense of this past summer’s events, we had our three children (now young adults), their families, and grandchildren. The location allows us to split up at times for those who want to visit Silver Beach. As a group we traveled to the nearby Cape Cod Brewery, the local winery and Cape Cod Chip Factory. Our bottom fishing excursion out of Falmouth was the highlight for those adults and grandchildren who were so inclined while a shopping trip for the others to the nearby malls and outlets met their collective interests. Leaving is very difficult, but the memories each year bring us back. With so many of us, we leave in stages. One family leaves the night before and for one family living in Canada, they leave at the crack of dawn. Our youngest helps with the final cleaning while we flip a coin to see who is going to go a local laundry with the five or so washes we’ve accumulated. Despite a washer and dryer on sight, with our group, it is good to get everything “good as new” within two hours. If you’re thinking about the cottage, come for a visit. Janet is quite a host in identifying local amusements, beaches, and things to do. We’ve come to think of the cottage as “our own” and always don’t mind leaving it the same, if not better than we found it! Pat & Donna and all Enfield and Simsbury, CT; Providence, RI; and Lévis, Québec

Recommended for:Families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Blue Hydrangea Cottage

Guest: Cape Gem (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 08/02/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

My family and I had an enjoyable stay in this quaint cottage last summer. I was impressed at how the owner provided all the necessities for us to live comfortably for the week from the linens, to paper products, and all of the kitchen supplies and staples that one needs to cook were provided! I decided to cook one night and needed a drop of olive oil. When I opened the cabinet, there it was! It's so nice to go away and not have to think of every little detail. I highly recommend this bright, clean, and comfortable cottage.

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

Wonderful Cape Cod Cottage

Guest: Cape Kathy (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/08 Review Submitted: 10/18/08

Every year my husband and I take a week in June to stay on Cape Cod. This year we selected this cottage and were extremely happy with our choice. Everything in the cottage was clean and very welcoming. It was perfect for us and our 4 year old son. He loved the private beach and was always playing in the sand or climbing some of the rocks. The water was great for him to play in too. Everything about the cottage and the location allowed us to relax and enjoy our vacation better then we ever have. We came down from Boston and usually stay in the Brewster area, but decided to try something new. We had a lot questions about the area and the cottage and the owner was great about answering them all for us. South Cape beach was a quick drive and there was plenty of things to do locally that kept us busy. We have been looking forward to going back for our vacation in 2009 since we left.

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

Can't wait to come back!!

Guest: Pyper (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/08 Review Submitted: 10/20/08

This cottage is perfect for whatever haven you may be seeking. The owners keep the cottage impeccable inside and out. The amenities are outstanding. And the locale is perfect. Close to everything you need, dining, shopping, beach, boating, etc. My sisters and I make an effort to get away at least once a year. This time is precious and goes by very fast. So we appreciate all the extra effort & care the owners put into making the cottage comfortable and special. Every year that we visit, it's like an old friend welcoming you back.

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

Best cottage ever!!!!

Guest: sister 1 (Boston, Ma.)
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

My sisters and I have a "sisters" weekend to catch up and relax. We found this property by chance the first year it was available to the public. We go back every year without looking elsewhere because the cottage is clean, well maintained and stocked with essentials, just add food.The owners are friendly and considerate. As a plus the neighbors are also laid back and friendly. The cottage is easy to reach but off the main roads. Close to shopping and dining. I tell everyone about this place and highly recommend a visit.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Rooftop escape

Guest: Pearson (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/21/08 Review Submitted: 02/03/09

Janet's little blue cottage reminds me of the James Taylor song Up on the Rooftop. Simply climb the spiral staircase onto the roof deck and enjoy the fresh, clean air and serenity where all your troubles will float away. We've stayed at Janet's cottage for over 4 years and always are welcomed with a nice basket with a bottle of wine. The place is always stacked and clean. She has thought of everything and then some. You'll even find laundry detergent and fabric softner! Our little Bassett Hound, Liberty knows 3miles away that we are soon approaching her little retreat from the city life. Recently, recovering from medical issues, our week away at this place has helped tremendously. Janet has alwasy been kind and generous...knowing it may take us a little longer to get ready, she has allowed us to stay an extra day -- that is if the next guests weren't coming for a few days. If you're looking for an escape in a cozy cottage this is the place.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.