Vacation Rentals by Owner

Dream Golf Vacation

Guest: Sedona Golf (Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

We have just returned from a fabulous 2 week stay at the "Resort at Bill Gray". The listing description of the property was very accurate describing all the amenities, but I don't think it could do justice to the magnificent sunrises and sunsets that we witnessed, while drinking our coffee around the fire pit. After returning from our golf, we would marvel at the scenery, while enjoying a glass of wine from the hot tub. Imagine walking into the kitchen upon our arrival and finding a warm cherry pie waiting for us! The owner was very helpful during our stay, he was able to set up several of our tee off times for us. This vacation was absolutely amazing and we would definitely recommend this piece of paradise to everyone who seeks a unique experience. Gerry & Sue W

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Fantastic Experience

Guest: Betty (Mesa, AZ)
Date of Stay: 02/24/12 Review Submitted: 02/28/12

This property has very beautiful views out every window. The property is well-maintained and clean. The owner is very considerate and caring and makes the experience nothing but easy and pleasurable! I enthusiastically recommend this home for a once in a lifetime experience!

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

A Vacation Destination on Its Own

Guest: Jeff C (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/03/11

We took several families with children between 7 and 12 and found the activities and vistas worthy of more days and more hours at the house. We adults enjoyed sitting poolside day and night,bocce, plasma TVs, Todd's prepared dinner, and running and walking throughout the countryside, all against the surreal, panoramic red rock backdrop. The kids enjoyed the indoor basketball court, pool, hot tub, shuffleboard, and many other games in a house large enough for them to escape and feel independent. There is a drive, but it delivers the isolation and vistas necessary for a unique destination.

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

50th Anniversary

Guest: Sally (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

It would be difficult to add to the reviews so far, as they echo our sentiments. I think we used every amenity except the infinity pool, but that was only due to the cold weather. However sitting around the fire pit, gazing at the stars was pretty darn special! Our 3 sons and Dad loved the "Cave Man" room, while the ladies enjoyed the fires mornings and evenings. All of us tried and loved the unbelieveable shower in the Master Bath, which is very conducive to sharing! The views are spectacular all day as they change with the light and weather. The house was so warm, comfortable and teeming with things to do that we only ate dinner out twice! And, since we all love to cook, the well-equipped kitchen was another favorite gathering spot. When we arrived there was a home-made, warm apple pie and fresh flowers awaiting us on the kitchen island. What a lovely welcome. In addition to being the ultimate host, (answering our multiple phone calls) Todd is also an super chef. He prepared a fabulous 5-course gourmet meal for 8 of us. Be sure to treat yourself to his cooking_____it's worth every calorie! We saved our last day for a trip to the Grand Canyon. Arriving in the middle of a blizzard, we went to the viewing point and could see absolutely NOTHING! However, we did have a most enjoyable lunch at El Tovar, a grand old hotel in the tradition of the National Parks. We awoke Sunday morning to a winter wonderland___4" of snow! Do you suppose Todd arranged that also??? You can be sure that when we return to see the GC, we KNOW where we'll stay! Thanks, Todd, for making our anniversary week so memorable.

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

Awesome location for Birthday Celebration!

Guest: Patty (Pittsburgh)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

Just returned from a fabulous long weekend celebrating my cousin's 60th birthday. We were blown away by the house, the views, sunrise and sunsets. Todd was a fantastic host, who knocked himself out to make us comfortable and happy, starting with an amazing 5-course dinner the night we arrived! He is a culinary school trained chef and the host with the mostest. Eight women aged 52-82 luxuriated in our own beds, and lounged on the huge sectional. He built a roaring fire for us each night, and showed us how to use all the technology, from a multi-head shower to a media system that provides any type of entertainment anyone needs. Although it was too cold to swim, we loved the pool and patio. The kitchen was a dream to cook in, stocked with every gadget we could possible need. The decor is really attractive with lots of beautiful art and local artifacts. We loved every minute! You will too!

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

Quintessential Place for a Get-together!

Guest: Buzz (Honokaa, HI)
Date of Stay: 12/03/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

Five of my college roommates and I recently gathered at the "Resort at Bill Gray" for a long weekend in early December. While it seemed like a "can't-miss" from the photos and description, we were all blown away by the actual place. Indoor hoops - pool table - ping pong; 3 screens of football on Sunday (apres hike to Robber's Roost, of course); fires crackling indoors and out for the cool evenings; outdoor horse shoe pit and shuffleboard court; and a hot tub and cold dip (aka, the pool in winter). The views and peace were heavenly, and the distance from neighbors perhaps essential for six full-grown men trying to behave like college boys. Todd was a great host for our group - suggestions for hikes right from our doorstep, beer runs, and a timely appearance just as we were getting lost searching for the Robber's Roost trailhead. All in all, easily the best get-together we've had in ten or so years of trying, and we would definitely come back,

Owner response:It has been a great first year with VRBO. I have met some wonderful folks and enjoyed the diversity of my visitors. I want to thank all my guests including the most recent, "Boys from Princeton" for choosing my home for their adventures, family gatherings, reunions, birthday celebrations, girls and guys retreats, weddings and corporate events. I look forward to providing the ultimate level of service to all of my upcoming guests who have already reserved for 2011. Thank you again and please contact me if you are interested in staying at "The Resort at Bill Gray".

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

the PERFECT get away !!

Guest: PIP (Seattle,WA)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

Just returned from the perfect family reunion get away. With 14 family members in tow, we had an incredible time. Todd is the consumate host in preparing our requested prime rib catered dinner-- fabulous touch! This home is perfect for active family reunions -- the men especially love what we came to call the 'man cave' -- indoor basketball, pool table, ping pong, and workout facility all in one room! What more would a man want?? Even our 90yr old father-in-law enjoyed the adventure of staying at Todd's home. The views are spectacular! Check out the sunrise and the sunsets! Highly Recommended!! the Shimkus Family--

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Everything We Dreamed....and More!

Guest: Patrick Jones1 (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/02/10

WOW- where I can I even start. You will recognize my name as the first comment ever on this absolutely beautiful property. After we drove the dirt road (have a big truck, not bad at all), I saw the look in Julee's eyes as we walked through the large wood front door -- her dream panoramic wedding location had been found. We absolutely fell in love with the property, the kitchen, the views, the amenities, everything...the home was built with the utmost concern for its occupants. We were the first to contact Todd about a wedding and the first ever to view the property - we spent the past 7 months planning our Dream Wedding. Lets just say, everything was PERFECT!! We had our wedding party (8 total) staying at the home with us, checked in on Thursday and relaxed by the pool. The location just allows you to naturally relax and enjoy your views, we found ourselves forgetting we were there for our wedding. We hiked on Friday morning to Robber's Roost - highly recommend it. Saturday was the big day - we hired Todd to cater for our wedding (55 people total - it grew because everyone wanted to attend our event in Sedona). He prepared 3 types of homemade salsas, chicken and steak fajitas, and all of the accenting items. The food, the prep, the presentation, everything was absolutely amazing. Todd and his small staff did a tremendous job our making our Fajita dinner a huge hit with everyone. Todd stayed to help out and even cut our wedding cake for us. He went above and beyond all expectations. The weather cooperated, the sunlight lit up the Red Rocks like a professional post card, plus the pool and fire pit made for a perfect backdrop. It was absolutely beautiful...our Photographer was amazed at the location, the intimacy of the venue yet the ability to host a large party, our professional singer (Holly Kirsten music on youtube) said she 'has never played at a venue so amazing' and most importantly, myself and Julee could not have been more impressed with everything! Our planning was perfect, everything was executed precisely, and we said 'I DO' in front of the most important people in our lives, the best Sedona location available, and have nothing but the best memories of our day! My beautiful new wife and I could not be happier. Thanks so much for all who helped make our Dream even better in Reality. We consider Todd a new friend and look forward to keeping in touch and spending more time at the fabulous Resort at Bill Gray in the near future!

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

Fantastic House and Location

Guest: James (Yorktown, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

Todd, We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the house. The view and the house were totally spectacular in every way. We visited the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome. Our youngest boy said his favorite part of the trip was the swiming pool. The we and the 7 kids loved everything and hated to leave for home yesterday. The only negative was the long ride from the highway to the house and back everytime we ventured out, but it was all worth it overall. The 360 degree views and bright sky and sun were unbelieveable and far different from eastern Virginia.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Wedding Week

Guest: volnani (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 06/02/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/10

Our family of 14 from Tennessee, ages 3 to 73, enjoyed the most perfect week of meeting, gathering and getting to know the groom's family in preparation for our daughter's wedding which we celebrated in this wonderful property.The ceremony was on the observation deck, with the gorgeous red rocks of Sedona in the background. Then the 35 guests enjoyed the reception around the stunning pool and patio. We lit up the fire pit and partied into the night. Part of the fun of preparing for the wedding was gathering wildflowers and grasses from the desert to create special arrangments in the many containers Todd provided around the entry and patios. We used and enjoyed every amenity this spectacular home offers, and Todd was available whenever needed to take care of any small problem.My only suggestion for future renters would be to pack night shades as the windows are uncovered and the bright sunshine pours in at daybreak. I never before have needed sunglasses in the kitchen at 6:00 a.m.! However, it is worth rising early to enjoy coffee on the patio and watch the hot air baloons rise on the horizon. Spectacular! Thanks, Todd. We will surely be back as soon as we are able to plan another visit to Arizona!

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

The Morton/Nelson wedding

Guest: alison27 (klnoxville)
Date of Stay: 06/02/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

Seriously! Do they offer 6 stars?? What an incredibly gorgeous venue for one of the most important days in my family's life!!! Words fail to describe the colors of the desert, the warmth (but not HEAT) of this place!! We spent every day in the pool and hottub (even when the days were well over 100 degrees!! ) Never could you do this in TN!! The home is so posh yet comfortable---I truly hated to leave! If I had one complaint--and please believe me, this is beyond minor---it would be that the sun woke me too early on my vacation! What kind of a whimp am I??? I know that this incredibly gorgeous home was designed for those who enjoy life (even with some major perks!) but I would have opted for some night blinders in leau of the incrediblly thoughtfull basket of goodies found in each unbelievably appointed bathroom-loaded with essentials, that we may not have needed, but certainly appreciated!!--Honestly!! What a place!! Loved it!!! Can not wait to return!!!

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

Paradise Found!!!

Guest: Jodz (Old Field Point, New York)
Date of Stay: 04/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

You may wonder how all the reviews can be so positive, but rest assured....it's all true. For our group from New York, this turned out to be a vacation that will be difficult to top on so many levels. When you arrive at the Resort at Bill Gray and enter through its front door the "WoW Factor" will absolutely knock your socks off. The view is that spectacular. But it does not end there. Todd's home is inviting, warm and comfortable with every convenience imaginable. Whether you are looking to play hard or work hard, reconnect with your family and friends or just completely remove yourself from your every day life, this is the place to do it. Your options are limitmess surrounded by the endless beauty of a great American southwest landscape. The unique and secluded home site, the magnificent endless pool, the hot tub, the sound and media systems, the lawn games and other recreational activities, the chef's kitchen, the comfy bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms......the list goes on. I can not more highly reccommend having Todd prepare your meals. He elevates culinary skills to an art form. If you are used to fine dining, as we are, or are a chef yourself, you will recognise his genius after just your first taste. Todd has created a sacred space in an atmosphere of calm, where one can reawaken their senses and emerge renewed. Cheers to Todd for exceeding our very highest expectations!!!

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

Fantastic Family Getaway!

Guest: Kimberly G. (Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/30/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

Thanks Todd for an amazing Easter Week and bringing together a family scattered around the country! Our family of 10 loves to meet in beautiful places and vacation together and this was truly the most luxurious and comfortable of our stays. To say this home is well appointed and has tremendous amenities is an understatement...Cooking here was a fabulous experience, but even more was having Todd cater for us! Especially the night we arrived; Todd is warm, accommodating and a fantastic chef. The kids (ages 2 to 11) had a fabulous time in the hot tub, playing ping pong, shuffleboard and basketball. Being able to hike the red rock by just opening the backdoor is another treat! The adults especially enjoyed the fact that the kids weren't trapped in a hotel room or condo with nothing but a TV to entertain them when we weren't out exploring Sedona, the Snowbowl, the Grand Canyon, etc. If you are thinking of Sedona make this your "home" for the time you spend there.

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

The Ultimate Retreat!

Guest: SL Team Week (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

Our firm spent a week here for a team retreat, and it was absolutely perfect in every way possible. The house easily accommodated the ten of us who were staying there, and the location on top of the hill provided spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding red rock. The home is as secluded as it looks in the photos, and everyone on our team commented on how calm and peaceful they found it. At night the stars shine with brilliance as its far removed from any light pollution, and during the day the sun cozily warms the entire house. The photos of the kitchen don't do it justice! It's spacious, convenient, and very well-appointed. We enjoyed cooking for ourselves a couple of the nights, but we took Todd up on his offer to cater for dinner three nights. I would suggest taking him up on his offer if it's an option as he is a great chef and we all very much enjoyed our meals (and we're no slouches about our food)! The house was also decked out with enough TVs and entertainment that we could have been there for weeks. We made ample use of the hot tub, both fireplaces, and the beautiful patio. Todd is a gracious and accommodating host who has balanced the art of being available when we needed him and away when we wanted time to ourselves. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a beautiful a quiet location that is generously appointed with top-notch amenities and great service. We'll definitely be coming back in the future.

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

Great for a Corporate Retreat!

Guest: ChristieG (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

Our company (10 people) stayed at this property for a week in March, and we loved the home, the views, the hot tub, and the gourmet kitchen! Todd did everything possible to make us comfortable and went out of his way to be sure we had everything we needed (thanks for the coffee grinder! :) The amenities are first class, the home is brand new, and we loved the added touches like the remote control sliding doors and the warming drawer in the kitchen. We used this property as a place to hold internal meetings, enjoy shared meals, and relax away from the city. I would highly recommend this property, as well as Todd's extra service of preparing meals for you. He is a top-notch chef and we loved everything he prepared for us.

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 03/03/10

Todd,thank-you for sharing your beautiful home with us. You made sure all our needs were taken care of and were very helpful to us. Your home is immaculate, the view is breathtaking, and I would recommend this 5 star location to anyone wanting privacy and a sense of peacefulness.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/28/10

Todd, thank you for you generosity of spirit and the use of this incredible space. The property exceeded our expectations and your went out of your way to ensure that we were taken care of and that all of our needs were met. The bedrooms and bathrooms were exemplary; the kitchen beyond belief. And of course, the location is beyond description. I highly recommend this property to any one who desires a special, private and unique experience!

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Guest: Kathy132 (Chandler, AZ)
Date of Stay: 02/13/10 Review Submitted: 02/13/10

This house is BEAUTIFUL! Todd graciously showed my fiancé and I his house. After I saw The Resort at Bill Gray it was an easy decision, this is exactly where I want to be married! What an amazing place, all the way around. Whether looking for a relaxing vacation or a place to entertain a large group, this place has everything you need and more. The home is luxurious, the views are spectacular, it’s completely private, and the owners are so accommodating. We are so excited to have our wedding here.

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Guest: Patrick Jones1 (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/10

This is a beautiful property...the pictures do not do it justice. My fiance and I have been looking for a beautiful private estate to host our wedding at for the past 4 months...looks like our search has ended. The space throughout the home, the unique features and the break taking red rock views make this a great place for a getaway for two or a group of 10. We enjoyed the tour and look forward to finalizing our wedding details.

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