Vacation Rentals by Owner

You will not believe your luck...

Guest: Christopher and John (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/26/11

Having read all the feedback from former guests, it will not surprise you to hear the we second their statements without reserve. Mary uses the word "idyllic" in her description of the property and I used the word "idyllic" a lot during our stay. That is the mot juste - the house is an idyll - a poem to pastoral peace and contentment. And the garden is a completely private place to "regroup" your body and soul - it is an oasis in a private canyon that seems to be completely separated from the din and drone of 21st century. We choose to stay in rental houses far more often than hotels or B&Bs. And we have rented properties all over the country. From a cabin that Booth Tarkington used as a writing studio in Nashville, IN to many trips to Lake Arrowhead, CA - Mary's house in Carmel is the standout of the lot. The house is so beautifully decorated. Very modern and luxurious touches have been placed throughout - such as the spa tub in the master bathroom - both bathrooms are very nicely done - and the beautifully appointed kitchenette. Everything was so clean and remarkably well cared for. (And the pantry is better stocked with cookware than in any similar place we have stayed. Every option has been considered and provided for.) Mary provides a very helpful binder full of Carmel/Pacific Grove/Monterey restaurant descriptions and recommendations. One of her suggestions - Passionfish - turned out to be the best meal we had in the area. I am a very poor sleeper, in general. Here in L.A. I do my Lady Macbeth impersonation more often than not - but in Mary's house, I slept the sleep of the innocent. Without stirring. It was heaven. I am so happy we found the house (and garden!). We had a lovely time. And when in the area we'll be back - oh yes - we'll be back. Mary has created a very potent atmosphere - full of charm and her generous spirit. I recommend it highly - once there, you really won't believe your luck.

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

Guest: Jerry and Esther, Colorado
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, This home of yours is so comfortable and beautiful. We enjoyed our week here with lots of privacy and quiet. Your decor and upkeep is perfect! Thanks for all that you do to keep this a great place to vacation. We want to return soon . . . Happy New Year!!

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Guest: Andy and Rosemary, Monrovia, CA
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, We had a wonderful vacation in your beautiful home. Thank you for everything. We will definitely try to stay here the next time we visit Carmel. We wish you a very happy New Year! Thank you.

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Guest: Frank and Sheila, Chicago, IL
Date of Stay: 09/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Thank you, Mary - Best Vacation of Our Lives -. . . Hope to see you again.

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Sanctuary Indeed!

Guest: Frank and Sheila (Chardon Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 09/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/24/10

We enjoyed are stay tremendously. The information on the website listing is spot on perfect. It definitely exceeded our expectations. The interior decor, the outdoor wonderland is absolutely serene and perfect! We'd love to do it again.

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

Guest: Rosalie and Jaime, San Francisco, CA
Date of Stay: 08/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, You have created a beautiful, restful space. Your attention to detail is remarkable. The decor is at the same time simple and sophisticated. We did not want to leave. We try to pick special places to celebrate our anniversary, and we have to say that your wonderful little house is now one of our favorites. We hope to return. Thank you so much for making our stay memorable.

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Guest: Mike and Anne, Phoenix, AZ
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, Thank you very much for letting Anne and me stay in your beautiful home. We enjoyed every second. Your garden is wonderful and the wildlife great. Coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. Perfect! We do hope you will allow us to do this again. What a wonderful week. All the Best.

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Guest: Bill and Tammy, Vancouver, Canada
Date of Stay: 08/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, Thanks so much for having us as guests in your beautiful home. Your home has been a wonderful retreat for us from the craziness of Concours week! We had a great time, and hope to return to see you again next year. You truly have a wonderful place here!! Thanks again, Bill and Tammy

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Guest: Matt and Lauren, San Luis Obispo, CA
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Dear Mary, What a wonderful place to spend our honeymoon! We couldn't have imagined a more perfect setting! Your home and garden are absolutely idyllic. As soon as we pulled up the driveway, we knew our week here would be lovely. Every morning we chose a different spot to sit outside and enjoy your tranquil and beautiful garden. We really felt at home here! Thanks so much for everything! Matt and Lauren, San Luis Obispo, CA

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Guest: Mike & Nancy, Ogden, UT
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary........What a beautiful home and such a special setting! We can tell the great care that has gone into each detail inside and out. Thank you for letting us spend a relaxing time in your home. We only wonder why you would ever want to leave?? Mike and Nancy, Ogden, UT

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Guest: Dina, Berkeley, CA
Date of Stay: 05/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Dear Mary, Thank you so much for opening up this very special place to me. Your home and gardens are truly a peaceful sanctruary. I love all the textures of warmth that you have created in the house, and I don't have the words to describe the garden. In my weeks here, I have seen a pair of quail introduce their brood to the neighborhood, robins, woodpeckers, countless other birds whose names I don't know - and this morning a baby bunny scampered up the path! This has been a wonderful place to lay fallow for a bit. I feel refreshed and ready to face the rat race again. I will cherish the calmness that I leave with, and do hope I can come again. May you enjoy good health and joy in all your endeavors!! Love Dina

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Guest: Mardy, Shirlee & Scotty
Date of Stay: 04/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Mary, We have very much enjoyed the beauty, warmth and peacefulness of your home - there are no words for the garden, of course! Your attention to detail made us feel quite pampered. Our time here has been a wonderful, relaxing time and we are most grateful! Peace * Love * Health to you - Mardy, Shirlee and Scott.

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Guest: Kristie, Leonard & Baby Brooklyn, Reno, NV
Date of Stay: 03/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Dear Mary, Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us. Your garden is absolutely divine. We found it to be tranquil and relaxing and a glorious place to re-charge . . . especially with a 7-month old baby. Thank you! Blessings, Kristie, Leonard and Baby Brooklyn, Reno, NV

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Guest: Blake Boecking
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/21/10

Hi, Mary - I want to thank you for letting us stay at your place. It exceeded our expectations and was absolutely perfect for us. Can't wait to come back! Also wanted to thank you for restaurant recommendations, they all had amazing food. Passion Fish was especially excellent. Best wishes, Blake Boecking, Oklahoma City, OK

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Guest: Debbie & Scott Gaskill
Date of Stay: 01/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/10

Dear Mary, Thank you for inviting us into your beautiful, warm, well-appointed home! We especially enjoyed having the fireplaces - very romantic. We loved our stay - and the incredible Quiet that you have - it is priceless. We sat out back and just listened to the quiet. Wow! We do want to return during the season of the garden; OH MY, it must be a treasure! Debbie & Scott Gaskill, Arvada, CO.

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Guest: Debbie & Bill Barrett
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/31/09

Happy New Year, Mary! Many thanks for a delightful time in your jewel of a house - close enough to downtown Carmel to enjoy restaurants and shopping but far enough away from the tourist centre to enjoy peace and tranquility. Your attention to detail and many kindnesses were sincerely appreciated. Love the kitchen and baths. A perfect base for a couple. May great health and joy be yours in 2010. Once again, thank you.

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