Vacation Rentals by Owner

Funeral

Guest: MARK (FERNANDINA)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/16/12

Not a review ,just a blast from the past.Went to Walt Bennetts funeral in Fernandina last week.Thought you would like to know your late fathers words were quoted during eulogy.Amazing that his words still live.Mark Manning

Recommended for:Tourists without a car

A TRUE HAVEN

Guest: Jana R.
Date of Stay: 05/02/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

Lovingly created with travelers in mind, everything was there, even the jeweler's screwdrivers needed to tighten the frames of my glasses. Pack light and know that Elizabeth has planned ahead for you ... including snacks for a weary arrival! The rental is vaulted, airy, light, peaceful - perfect for two with a pullout in a living room nook for an intimate four or kids. Elizabeth also has a wonderful gift of hospitality which we experienced in so many ways. Be sure to fill up on St. Marys' laid-back nature. Cruises, kayaking, fishing, crabbing are all available in town. The riverfront park is beautiful and picturesque. For good food and outside dining, check out Shark Bite and The Riverside Cafe. Both overlook the St. Marys. Elizabeth provided us with cruiser bicycles and at night we rode to dinner and then "took the long way home." Find kayak lessons and/or tours with Jennifer and Pete - Up the Creek Expeditions. Jennifer spent serious time with us doing a Quick Start review. We are much better kayakers for it and had a great time. St Marys is a great day-trip hub. Jekyll Island has its terrific Georgia Sea Turtle Center, friendly and informative for adults and kids. We got to watch them work on two wounded turtles! Lunch at Fins on the Beach with its beautiful ocean overlook patio and good food will be a repeat. Take the 45-minute ferry from St. Marys to Cumberland Island with its historic tour, wild horses, miles of trails, and gorgeous, unpopulated beach. (Count: 8 people, 3 horses.) Since this protected island has no food service, next time we will take our own and chairs for the beach. Ferdnandina Beach is right across the Florida border on Amelia Island and a very short ride by ferry or car. We poked around the shops of historic downtown and walked Main Beach at sunset. Darien, an hour north, was a good stop for lunch at Purple Pickle, an eclectic eatery with a fun, friendly vibe. You can take a ferry from Dairen out to Sapelo Island. We fell in love with the surrounding marshes. I hear you either love them or ... not so much. In our case, the marshes called us to the rhythms and cycles of life and were part of the calm, reassuring pace in St. Marys which we quickly came to love. St. Marys is a very inviting community which has opened its arms to us tourists without losing its wonderful sense of time and place. We are planning to return this October. Thank you, Elizabeth, for everything - body and spirit.

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

Artist Cottage across from Marsh

Guest: Jo and Les (Freeport)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/13/12

This place is AWESOME in every way: impeccably clean, great location, friendly neighbors and filled with delightful art, antiques and everything you could possibly need for a fantantic stay in St. Marys. Owner thinks of everything to make your stay delightful. I fell in love with the sun porch and spent many an hour hour circled up reading there. My husband has a bad back and appreciated the awesome bed and heated blanket. Everything was just superb.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners.

SUNSHINE, WARMTH AND EVERYTHING THAT IS WOUNDERFUL!!!!!

Guest: David and Phyllis (Westlake, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 02/06/12

Elizabeth's cottage has been the most beautiful and comfortable cottage we have EVER stayed in! Spotless in every room, plush towels, exquisite bed, everything you need to prepare meals (but don't miss the fantastic restaurants in town), friendly neighbors and much, much more. Elizabeth, you are the kindest and most caring host! Thank you for being so enthusiastic about your community and making us enjoy it even more. Thank you for caring about everything. We will definitly return and will tell everyone we know how great it is.

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

Home for the Holidays

Guest: Allison (Virginia Beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this cozy cottage during Christmas week 2011. The rooms are as pictured and the king bed was wonderful. We also found the kitchen stocked with many unexpected goodies. I highly recommend this property and the historic district in downtown St. Marys.

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

Prepare to relax and have a wonderful time!

Guest: Beth (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

Have to say that Elizabeth's cozy cottage met our expectations and more. Furnishings were comfortable, beautiful antiques, bed linens were luxurious. Her art work was everywhere and was the perfect accent to the place. Also was stocked with goodies and drinks so you didn't have to run right out to the grocery store. There were even treats for the pups. We relaxed each evening on the deck while gazing up at the stars. Elizabeth was available for anything we needed. Be sure to visit her art gallery - amazing! Downtown St. Mary's is a quaint little town with just enough to do, but not so much that you can't fit it all in. Sidewalks everywhere, so if you have bikes, bring them. You can walk or bike everywhere. Several great places to eat. The waterfront is a great place to watch the boats and wildlife. There is a park there with swings and a playground for the kids. Would definitely recommend taking the Ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore and taking a kayak trip with UpTheCreek Expeditions. The owners/tour guides were very knowledgeable and certainly added to the experience. St. Mary's is also convenient to St. Augustine and Savannah and everywhere inbetween. Can't say enough about our stay. Can't wait to go back.

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

Amazing Rental !

Guest: twplant (Cookeville, TN )
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

This was our first visit to St. Mary's and from the very start Elizabeth made us feel welcome. She made everything so easy - from the transaction of the rental itself - to learning about the city and helping us plan a family vacation. Elizabeth has thought of everything you could possible need in the rental. It was very clean and the decor was classic. She mixes her work (beautiful you will want to visit her gallery) with antique furniture and carefully selected pieces - to create a warm and welcoming artist cottage. Everything was in working condition and Elizabeth made sure we knew how to reach her with any questions or concerns. She made us feel cared for and welcomed without being pushy or intrusive. The property was described in an accurate manner and it was better than expected. My favorite thing about this rental is the king sleigh bed. It is so comfortable ! Our family of four slept easy in the rental , using the master bedroom and the pull out sofa. If you take a trip to St. Mary's don't miss Cumberland Island. The people in St. Mary's are very friendly and down to earth. We had an amazing time. Thank you Elizabeth for all you do to create a real home away from home. We hope to return.

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

A Retreat filled with Comfort and Pampering!

Guest: Kathy (Altoona, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

From the moment you walk into the cottage, you feel the attention to all the details that Elizabeth has provided. She has made this space such a welcoming, warm and cozy escape. Her beautiful watercolor art work (I purchased one before leaving) adds not only beauty to the walls, but allows you to feel the effort that she has put into making you feel her personal commitment that your stay is beyond pleasant. The cottage has everything and more than you need. Every detail is taken care of. She had a beautiful fresh flower arrangement, fruit in the refrigerator, drinks, snacks........everything! It truly felt like "home" while we were there. Meeting Elizabeth was extra special as well. She is now a friend. I look forward to visiting again and again. Thank you Elizabeth.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Deep chimes and peaceful times

Guest: Mark (Yalaha, Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

First off, St. Marys is a delight, beautiful and historic, low-country marches and open waters, ancient oaks and golden early morning and dusk light. Truly a treasure. And then there's Elizabeth's apartment, fantastic. Those who wrote that one need bring only clothes were right-on correct . . . everything you could need is provided, and not only in quantity but in quality as well. Being so well taken care of really adds to the sense of enjoyment St Marys holds for its visitors. I could go on and on about allowing Elizabeth to be your "hostess" in St Marys -- suffice to say this is a special town, she is a special person, and her apartment is also quite special. It all adds up to a wonderful time (and oh yeah, that king size bed is one of the most comfortable in which you'll ever sleep!). Highly recommended!!!

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

A fabulous time was had by all

Guest: Patricia (Decorah, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/20/11

I spent the 2nd week of my vacation in St. Marys in Elizabeth's other rental, this lovely 2nd story charmer (go to her bungalow to see my first review). This was totally different but equally as fantastic. The dormer window seats begged to be sat on and the king sized bed was to die for with all its plump pillows and comfy mattress. Again antiques were used throughout the home and gave it such character. The Alice in wonderland nook was a great place to sit back and read a good book while looking at the terrific view out of the window. I forgot to mention in the other review that all of Elizabeth's rentals come with scads of good books and dvds for your enjoyment. You can choose to cook a great meal inside or outside , on the grill, or opt for one of the fantastic restaurants in town. Also if you get to Amelia Island they have a bakery with the most fantastic cupcakes. You are also greeted by your neighbors at either rental and they make you feel right at home and they also have some pretty special dogs that you can pet and love. Pets are welcome and Elizabeth even leaves treats for them. All I can say is that I am spending my winters here from now on. If you're smart you'll book a reservation here for 1 week or more, if you're lucky and have the time, anytime of the year. You will ahve the time of your life.

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

Way Beyond My Expectations

Guest: Elizabeth (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/30/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

What a beautiful place… really a home away from home. All my needs were met, from peaceful surroundings, beautiful birds and trees, to snacks, mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer. It was luxury, comfort and beauty beyond anything I could have expected. And a lovely walk away from downtown St. Marys and the waterfront, restaurants, etc. I can’t wait to come back!! If I could give more than five stars, I would. Highly, highly recommended!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Extraordinary Property and Get Away Experience

Guest: Tom (North Wales, PA. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

This B&B was several steps beyond anything my wife and I have experienced. Appearance, amenities, cleanliness and maintenance were all, as advertised. The bonus is that the owner, Elizabeth, is personally involved with all aspects and makes sure guests are over the top pleased (e.g. we mentioned some books that we would have expected to see on the bookshelves, and they appeared there the next morning). She is also an exceptional artist, her gallery a few blocks away. We bought a framed picture that she painted of St. Mary's harbor, that hangs on our family room wall, a reminder of the memorable time we spent together. If you want quaint, quiet, and simple get away, a boat ride away from a place like Cumberland Island, I can't recommend this property and its owner more highly.

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

Elizabeth the Great

Guest: Suzzy (Lubec Maine)
Date of Stay: 02/28/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

What a treat! Elizabeth thinks of everything. We stayed for a week and didn't want to leave. The home is immaculate , comfortable and close to the downtown. Elizabeth is a ball of energy - charming, helpful and genuine. We cannot wait to return to St. Mary's and to stay at Elizabeth's again. Great job! Thank you for making our holiday very special.

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

A very enjoyable visit!

Guest: Rob, Sharon, Bailey & Scuppers (Nova Scotia Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/11

We just spent January (2011) at Elizabeth's cottage and very much enjoyed our stay. It was very cozy & comfortable & had everything you could possibly need for your stay. The homemade spaghetti sauce, spaghetti & wine was a nice surprise & delicious! Elizabeth is immediately available to answer any questions or help with any request. The neighbourhood is quiet & friendly.This was our first time with VRBO and a truly satisfying experience. BTW Elizabeth...Bailey & Scuppers really enjoyed the treats you thoughtfully left for them!

Owner response:My goal is to make every guest feel pampered. We work very hard on our turnovers to get a spotlessly clean, well stocked apartment. My jazz is the first communication from an arriving guest letting me know that not only have their expectations been met, but pleasantly and surprisingly surpassed. It makes me so happy to know that a vacationer immediately feels welcomed with true Southern hospitality in our friendly little town. That guests feel special and appreciated makes this all worthwhile. We try to ensure that they feel part of the community and enjoy every aspect of what our town and surrounding areas have to offer. It is so nice to hear that they've enjoyed a walk, or golf, restaurants, the river, the beach, made new friends, or kicked back on a rainy day in the apartment and snuggled in and watched movies. When guests are anxious to return, we know that we are succeeding.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners.

Artist Cottage

Guest: no nickname (USA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

Sometimes pictures of places look better than the place itself...this place is as cute as the pictures. The cottage has everything you could want...truly you only need your clothes. She even made sure there was a cooler to take to the beach. The house is in a quiet, safe neighborhood within walking distance of downtown St Marys, which is a quaint little coastal town. The owner is very helpful, kind and considerate. When I injured my back, she brought over a care package which included something to eat...you don't get that at hotels!...then there was the chilled bottle of wine that awaited my arrival...it was welcoming indeed. You could not stay in a better place if you find yourself in St Marys!

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

Guest: Jeanne and Wayne
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/10/10

Comments: The Norris St. apartment is absolutely fabulous. I second the previous reviewers' comments about how well stocked it is. We did not have to buy any spices, detergent, soap, etc. Among the thoughtful items provided were: bug spray, a sewing kit, all sizes of ziploc bags, a bird guide and binoculars, tape and a stapler, maps of area attractions and cities, post-it notes...the list goes on and on. Our two children (aged 5 and 7) slept comfortably on the sofa-bed and enjoyed the space as much as we did. Lastly, I must add that the owner, Elizabeth, is a most kind and thoughtful host. She went out of her way to make sure that we had a delightful time. Don't miss visiting her shop, Gray's Gallery. She is a truly impressive artist. Thanks, Elizabeth! We can't wait to come back to Norris St. again.

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better than a spa

Guest: martymo (Decatur, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/10

My stay in Elizabeth’s artist cottage was excellent – just what the Dr. ordered. The apartment was beautiful, - bright sunlit walls decorated with antiques and with Elizabeth’s beautiful watercolor paintings. Elizabeth has outfitted the cottage with everything that you might have forgotten (even a magnifying mirror in the bathroom) and she had cold beer waiting in the ‘fridge. St. Mary’s was quaint and picturesque – a relaxing change from the hub-bub of beach towns, but close enough to drive to Amelia or take the ferry to Cumberland for a daily beach fix.

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

cottage near the water

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/08/10 Review Submitted: 06/19/10

The upstairs cottage where I stayed was nicely furnished and with the sleeper sofa, there is room for four. The neighborhood is peaceful and the cottage is a one minute drive or a half mile or less walk to the waterfront on the St Marys River. The place was spacious and light, and has a great deck to view the neighborhood. I would stay here again on my next visit.

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

excellent property

Guest: dthx (atlanta)
Date of Stay: 05/05/10 Review Submitted: 05/29/10

i had a wonderful time..

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Apartment feedback

Guest: Dorothey & Johhny (North Augusta SC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/10/10

Elizabeth's upstairs apartment is a dream and we can't wait to go back again. Every inch of space is well thought out for visitors, beautifully decorated and super clean. No need to run to Walmart for this or that because everything is already there. We slept like babies in the sumptuous king bed. We were already familiar with Elizabeth's talent as an artist and it was a treat to live with her work which is tastefully arranged throughout the apartment. Easy walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, marina and ferries to Cumberland and Fernandina. Wonderful time, wonderful place, wonderful space.

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A wonderful retreat

Guest: winney (Avon, OH)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 06/22/10

The cottage is great - very clean, terrific decor, just an all-around sensational experience. Elizabeth is a terrific hostess, and really goes beyond the norm to make you feel welcome and at home. We love St. Marys and want to return as soon as we can!

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

Artist's Cottage

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

Very well equipped. A dollhouse in the treetops! We rarely find a place that is as quiet as where we live in the country- but this was it! Day trips to the beach and site seeing, but always delightful to return to a comfortable home. The town of St. Mary's has a beautiful waterfront park, lots of walking and historic information. Cumberland Island is a just a boat trip from the dock, away. What a wonderful week we had....... Thank you Elizabeth, we enjoyed your shop too, as well as your paintings/prints throughout the apartment. Pam and Wendell in Ohio

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

Guest: Terry and Myrna Lambert (Lafayette, Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

I was needing a "home-away-from home" for a long-term project with my company. I found Elizabeth's cottage and from day one my family and I were treated like family. The cottage is in a quite neighborhood with views of the surrounding marsh and located within blocks of downtown St. Mary's. Myself, my wife and our 9-year old pup - Little Girl - were able to walk to the downtown area where there are a few restaurants, a walking park and access to the ferry, which services nearby Cumberland and Amelia Islands. If you're looking for a peaceful place to stay, you can't go wrong with The Cottage. Thank you Elizabeth for your hospitality, and we look forward to visits in the future.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/20/09 Review Submitted: 12/20/09

What a wonderful cottage and gracious host! The cottage had everything which I needed for a month's stay and Elizabeth is such a wonderful host I very much hated to leave! The goodie basket upon arrival was plentiful! And if that wasn't enough, Elizabeth invited me to a spaghetti dinner my first night there where I met many new friends! Cheers to you, Elizabeth! Fabulous place!!

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Guest: John 10 (Hendersonville NC)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 09/12/09

Excellent rental. My dog and I stayed January- March, 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed the unit and the quiet St. Marys lifestyle. Great location near town. The unit is very clean and cozy. The owner has furnished it with antiques and her artwork. The owner is very hospitable and welcomes you with fresh flowers and baskets of goodies. If we stay in St. Marys, it will always be with Elizabeth.

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

I am happy to comment on this listing, which was a pleasant surprise after the original one I had chosen was taken. I stayed a week in July '09 mind you, to do some real estate hunting in the northern Florida area and it was just over the border into Ga. It was very clean, comforatble,quiet, and a bit more upscale than I expected with lovely paintings all over from the artist/owner. Reasonable rates and generous with her goodies left in the fridge. I will always return there when I need to be in that region. You won't be disappointed! Ann G. from New Hampshire

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