Vacation Rentals by Owner

Highwoods

Guest: Alex (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

My husband and I and our 4 kids, ages 8-12, loved Highwoods! ! The home is gorgeous and Bill was very attentive to every detail . The home is not only beautifully decorated but also extremely comfortable. Feels like a 5 star hotel! We look forward to staying again!

Owner response:Alex with everything you have going on between work and children, I cannot believe you had the time to post this nice review. Thank you so much.

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

Perfect Getaway

Guest: travelalot (Mobile, Alabama, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

This trip was for 4 very tired adults looking for the perfect home and location to relax and recharge our batteries. This home was so comfortable and the location had lovely views. We only had 4 nights there but no one was ready to leave. The owners have carefully thought out all of your needs and are quick to communicate with you when needed. The home is beautifully decorated. You will not regret renting this home but you better hope we don't book it first.

Owner response:Lynne it was such a pleasure having you. Keep an eye on the calendar and come up soon. September is a secret - the leaves are wonderful.

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

The perfect Highlands vacation rental

Guest: Chris (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 03/08/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

Perfectly spectacular is the best way to describe this Highlands vacation home. This is our third year renting this home and would highly recommend to anyone considering the highlands area. Bill is a pleasure to work with and has tons of recommendations on restaurants and places to visit when in the area.

Owner response:Thanks Chris we will see you next year!

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

a fabulous weekend

Guest: The Dickersons (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/14/12 Review Submitted: 01/17/12

Our family just returned from a fabulous weekend at the Bill's mountain house. WOW were were blown away at the house. It is a beautiful retreat from our busy lives. Each room is fully furnished with the best linens and even Bvlgari hand lotion at each sink. The kitchen was fully equipped to cook and the table sat all 8 of us very comfortably. Bill did not forget anything when it came to furnishing the house. We truly were in awe at his knack for decorating. We enjoyed our stay there very much. The ladies went to the spa in Highlands while the boys babysat and watched football. We do hope to return in the near future. We had a ball.

Owner response:Thanks so much for the kind words, we are so glad you stayed with us - see you next time.

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

Did not want to leave

Guest: maddie (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 11/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/27/11

It was one of the most enjoyable times of our life. It was peaceful, beautiful, and had everything we needed. It is rare in this day and age to have your expectations met, this home and working with Bill exceeded our expectations. I can't wait to go again.

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

Mother of the Bride

Guest: Jan
Date of Stay: 10/10/11 Review Submitted: 10/27/11

Hi Bill, I just wanted to take a few minutes to say “thank you” for sharing your beautiful home with us. It was perfect for our wedding weekend! The weather and the trees were beautiful as well (I know that wasn’t up to you) but it was a gorgeous place for us to stay and with the rehearsal dinner at the country club it was very convenient as well. We put your kitchen to good use and found it was very user friendly ?. Thanks for the tip about the biscuits from Dusty’s. We loved them and wished we could get them shipped back here. At any rate, you have a lovely home and we truly enjoyed spending time there. My pregnant daughter and her husband really enjoyed the hanging beds for napping the day after the wedding ? Thanks again and I hope we get to return someday.

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Birthday Getaway

Guest: Alissa
Date of Stay: 09/29/11 Review Submitted: 10/03/11

Hey Bill, As I am sure you get sick of everyone saying, your house was absolutely perfect. It is so refreshing to find a house on VRBO that the owners truly care about and it's obvious that you guys are very proud of your house and clearly use it for more than 'just a rental property". Not a detail was missing and everything was just amazing. A million thanks for being as great as you guys are. My husband and I loved the pictures on the bulletin board downstairs...looks like we have done some similar trips and have a similar passion for traveling as you guys do. I went ahead and ran a load of dishes as well as the towels and sheets and I don't think your housekeeper had too much to clean up after since we only stayed on the first floor. We look forward to renting from you again and having many more memories up in Highlands. Thanks again, Alissa

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Fabulous House!!!

Guest: rsm (Dallas)
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

We had a wonderful six weeks at HIGHWOODS last summer. The pictures don't do it justice! The house is fabulous and in a great community with lots to do and great restaurants. Would highly recommend it. Can't wait to get back next summer.

Owner response:We are looking forward to having you next year as well. It will be here before you know it!

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

Wonderful week at Highwood Trace

Guest: Melle (Rocky Face, Georgia 30740)
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 07/27/11

This home is even better than the photos, we can't say enough good things about the owners attention to every detail, the decor, the linens, and the kitchen has everything you could possibly need. The home is immaculate and very tastefully furnished. Our family enjoyed our week there very much including the use of the club facilities. We plan to return and would recommend to our friends and relatives.

Owner response:We enjoyed having you and your family and thanks for the photo of the whole gang in front of the house. What a pleasure to know we were a small part of facilitating the creation of family memories.

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

Wonderful week at Highwood Trace

Guest: Melle (Rocky Face, Georgia 30740)
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 07/27/11

This home is even better than the photos, we can't say enough good things about the owners attention to every detail, the decor, the linens, and the kitchen has everything you could possibly need. The home is immaculate and very tastefully furnished. Our family enjoyed our week there very much including the use of the club facilities. We plan to return and would recommend to our friends and relatives.

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

Guest: The New Orleans Group
Date of Stay: 06/23/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

Bill, I have been meaning to write you this note and am only now getting to it. I hope you all found everything in good order when we left. We tried to take care of things as we would do if it were our own home. I have to tell you, Highwoods is probably the best rental house we have ever stayed in for many reasons. You all have stocked it so well with everything you could possibly need, so much more than most people do. The house was spectacular. When I got there I was so excited that I had almost 3 weeks to live there. Also, you were so nice with the information and support you provided. We used a lot of your recommendations and they were spot on. I really can’t think of anything you could do to provide a better experience with the only exception being my children, who would have liked a television in their rooms! Let me just say that it did not hurt them to do without it for a bit. We really hope to stay there again if you will have us. Thanks for everything! Ellen

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HAPPY IN HIGHLANDS

Guest: Judy (Braselton, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

Our stay was fabulous! After reading all other reviews, all we can add is that WE have NOW discovered the HIGHLANDS ST. REGIS!!!!! Mack & Judy Langston 2/16/2011

Owner response:Thanks Judy - Wow what a compliment!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: An Email from the Eufaula, AL Group
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

Bill, Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful home with us all. We had a great time and made many special memories. The sleeping porch was amazing, and the master bed was the most comfortable ever! I have tried to find the same mattress, but haven't been able to find one matching the name or item number on the label. Can you give me any info that might help me? I hope you were pleased with us as renters!! I look forward to hearing from you. Betty

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Guest: 60th Birthday and Golf Extravaganza
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

WOW! What a beautiful retreat. Warm, cozy, and masterfully equipped. Your attention to detail is amazing. In short: We loved it! Thanks for sharing it with us.

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Guest: 40th Birthday Surprise 3 Couples
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

I wanted to be sure to send you a note to let you know how much we enjoyed your home this past weekend. Often online pictures can set expectations that ultimately disappoint in person. That was not the case with your property. We were all incredibly impressed both with the home itself (quality of materials, layout, etc) and with the work you all had done in terms of decorating and stocking. From plates to linens to bathroom items such as lotions and shampoos, you all thought of everything. We actually cancelled our Saturday night reservations at Wolfgang's just to be able to spend more time at the home itself. We did, however, take the opportunity to do some walking/hiking, some shopping on Main Street (the girls took true advantage of the shops!), and relaxing at the Rib Shack watching some football. I also wanted to let you know that we took good care of the property and left it in really good shape for the cleaning crew. Used linens/towels were in the closet baskets, ice makers were turned off, and so forth. We did leave the dishwasher with dishes that were likely only partially clean. We attempted to run the dishes through on Sunday morning, but we also wanted to be sure to turn off the water, so that may not have run a full cycle. Our wives had a fantastic birthday weekend, and have informed us that this will now be a yearly retreat. I don't see us coming to Highlands again without staying at your beautiful home. Thank you again for all you did to accommodate us!

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Luxury in the country

Guest: Brigette M. (Delaware)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

We truly enjoyed our stay. The views were spectacular, the neighborhood secluded and the furnishings were top notch. The layout of the home was terrific. Nothing was overlooked. There was a separate living space upstairs & down which included a kitchen & bedrooms/bathrooms. The screened in porch, the decks and the hanging beds.....the list goes on. Our little dogs felt right at home too. If you enjoy luxury in the mountains & you want your furry friends to accompany you, this is the place to stay. It was a terrific vacation & we will return! Thank you for your hospitality Bill.

Owner response:Thanks Brigette for taking such wonderful care of our home. You must stay longer next time and thanks for your comments to assist other clients.

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Two couples and two children
Date of Stay: 04/30/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

Bill We had a great time and the house was beautiful. Both Claire and I and the couple who went with us felt that it was the nicest, most well equipped rental property that we had ever stayed in. I honestly can't think of anything to change. What a relaxing getaway! thanks again Mark

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April Renters

Guest: mary Durham
Date of Stay: 04/21/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

Hello, Bill. Your house is lovely. We had a great time and the house served our purposes perfectly. We both had the same reaction: the house felt like home! It has many aspects of our own home in the mountains in eastern Washington. We were so busy with 2 birthday parties (one for Jim's 90 year old mom and another for his 30 year old daughter) and a wedding that we spent a good deal of time in the kitchen shoveling out food and chasing dishes and glassware for the dishwasher. The outdoor porch with fireplace was everyone's favorite hangout. (It was COLD, so we enjoyed the warmth of the outside fireplace, although we never had time to build an indoor fire. Too bad!) Anything to improve the visit? That is a tough one, but we asked ourselves that same question, too. Jim--the gourmet who dished up a lot of meals while we were there--said he would have loved a great set of chef knives (he is spoiled). However, we BOTH commented that you have really fitted the house with great quality furniture/linens/dishware, etc. that we would be reluctant to share with renters!! You are a trusting soul! It is a truly wonderful house and we are very glad we found you. Our best to you and our thanks for a wonderful experience.

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Perfect getaway retreat!

Guest: VRL (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 04/02/10

We spent a long weekend with 2 other couples watching NCAA basketball in front of the fire and cooking in the oh-my-whatta-fabulous kitchen. I have never stayed in a rental property anywhere that had such a well-appointed kitchen, and the complimentary firewood was a lovely touch. The weather did break long enough for a vigorous walk around the empty golf course and there are amazing views from the house itself. Truly luxurious beds, linens, towels, and a very complete user manual for the house made us feel right at home. The owner was very responsive when we had minor difficulties with the internet access, and we hope to return later this summer. Definitely five stars!!

Owner response:Thank you. It is always affirming to hear from our clients. We take our client experience very seriously and always hope to exceed expectations. With the wonderful help in the Highlands community the Internet wireless fix was just a phone call away. PS Easter weekend with the warm temperature we slept outside on the hanging beds both nights. I highly recommend this to all our Peak Season renters.

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

Guest: Chirs
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/20/10

Hey Bill, I wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed the house this weekend. It was decorated beautifully and was very "Warm" and functional for our group. Each year we always find something that we don't like or would like to change but, I can say that was not the case with Highwoods. It was just perfect and we will definitely choose your home again when visiting Highlands.

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Guest: scarlett1 (woodstock, ga)
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 12/27/09

Where to start?? This home is amazing. No detail has been overlooked. My family and I rented over the Christmas holidays. We were delighted with everything from the decor, linens, location to the hospitality given prior to our arrival by the owners. This is a top notch retreat for anyone. I would definitely rent over and over again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/09/09 Review Submitted: 12/09/09

We have stayed in 8 VRBO properties and this one is one of the best. The furnishings and artwork are appropriate to the beautiful mountain setting. Every detail for comfort has been carefully prepared. Linens and tableware are of the best quality, and the kitchen is stocked better than my kitchen at home. I had no trouble preparing Thanksgiving dinner for 9 people. The stove has six burners and the oven held a turkey and had plenty of room to spare for several baking dishes. Every kind and size of baking dish that you could ever need is provided. There are enough private spaces in the house to allow everyone to find a place to read or work - my sister loved the desk area and worked on her book there. My little niece took her book to the swinging beds. Every morning I would wake early, fix my coffee and then just "tour the house." The sun comes up behind the hills at the rear of the house, and so if you sit in the living room and look out at the mountains, you can watch them slowly take on the morning light. The artwork and rugs compete with the view - all beautiful. My mom commented that the place "feels" so good - careful attention has been paid to fabric textures for bedding, chairs, etc. Beautiful tile work and very nice bath fixtures. We took our small dog, and enjoyed the good walking areas with him, and twice came upon a large flock of wild turkeys that live in the woods behind the house. The golf course staff could not have been more welcoming. We had planned to have lunch at the clubhouse before golf one day, but the restaurant was closed. The golf pro found sandwiches in the kitchen for us! What more could you ask . . . but there is more . . . the course is beautiful and the pro shop full of great gear. It is a short drive up to Highlands for shopping and dining out, and a short drive down to Cashiers for groceries and farmers market. One great feature we had never seen was the gas starter on the fireplace. The fireplace burns wood, but starts with gas. Wish we had that at home!!

Owner response:This is also from our Thanksgiving Renters. Just couldn't resist not posting this version. Thanks for staying with us T.B. - Bill

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/30/09 Review Submitted: 11/30/09

We have rented many wonderful vacations properties, but this one is the most thoughtfully appointed and tastefully and beautifully decorated. The first mornings there, I would wake early (without backache, because the beds are so comfortable, and the linens and blankets so plush), make a cup of coffee, and then "tour the rooms," so I could enjoy the beautiful artwork, rugs and color combinations. My niece could not resist taking her book to the swinging beds on a sunny afternoon. The dog enjoyed many walks in the woods, and twice we came upon a flock of wild turkeys. For Thanksgiving Dinner, the oven held a large turkey as well as several baking dishes. Cookware, china and glassware is best quality. The grill is a dream. There is enough room (outdoor living areas are varied, beautiful and comfortable) (lower den is cozy and has a bar and ice maker) for everyone to find a quiet space. My sister found the desk area in the lower den to be a very comfortable and out-of-the-way place to work on her book. Lots of firewood and an easy-to-start fireplace - burns wood but starts with gas - we had never seen that combination, and we wish we had that at home! The Old Edwards temporary membership was a blessing - golf staff could not have been more welcoming, and the clubhouse and golf course are beautiful. This home with golf ammenities was great in November, but would be beyond compare in spring, summer and early fall when the mountain scenery around the golf course would truly shine. It's a short drive down to Cashiers to Ingles for groceries and a short drive up to Highlands for great shopping.

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Guest: Marti & Curt
Date of Stay: 11/12/09 Review Submitted: 11/11/09

I will tell you that we loved the house - especially the kitchen and the beds. My friend and I cooked breakfast for seventeen on Saturday morning and were elated with that HUGE frying pan that held the entire pound of bacon. Mercy! There was nothing to want for in your kitchen. I think that I would enjoy cooking again if I had that bright, open and well stocked kitchen. Everyone raved about the beds and the wonderful night sleep. Each of us loved the way the rooms were decorated. Now that is a real accomplishment! The guys were all engineers and they do not recognize anything that isn't greasy or dirty as being pleasing to the eye. So, a hearty pat on the back for you two! Even the towels and the view from each bedroom got rave reviews.The small touches through out the house did not go unnoticed either. I especially loved wrapping up in the white lap blanket. Curt's engineers loved the screened in porch and the gas fireplace. And they all loved sitting around the dining room table as my friend and I worked in the kitchen. Nor could we get over how many places you two have been via your photo log! That was so interesting because we are retired military and have moved all over the world and the USA. So we tripped down memory lane or expressed our desire to go to some of the places that you have vacationed. In case you have not gotten the drift - we loved our week-end at your home. Your home is awesome and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to stay there. Marti PS: We read your instruction booklet and tried to follow them to a "t". I hope that we did not fall short! The booklet is a wonderful idea. We did not have to guess at how to operate anything or what you wanted done, etc. Kudos for this also!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/12/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

Beautiful house---like something from a magazine! A wonderful retreat! This was a fabulous home for a family weekend away. Well-decorated with lots of attention to detail. Very comfortable. Private lot with fabulous view. We can't wait to visit again!

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