Spike's Place - Magnificent View - Great Location

• The Ritchies

  The Ritchies

  • Guest mlrevc
  • Date of stay 09/10/12
  • Review Submitted 09/16/12
  This is one of the most relaxing vacations we have had in a really long time. The wiew was fabulous and it was such beautiful weather while we were there... Not one day of rain. We really enjoyed just lying around the dock and reading and just soaking up the serenity of their place. Also the beds were very easy on the back and that is very important for Mike. Thank you both so much for a wounderful time and next year we will have to do some fishing. Again THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike and Edie

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

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• Totally AWESOME!!!

  Totally AWESOME!!!

  • Guest Michelle
  • Date of stay 07/23/12
  • Review Submitted 07/30/12
  This was one of the first times in a long while I've been on vacation and honestly was in no hurry to return. It is just that fabulous of a spot. I agree with the previous reviewer that the pictures do not begin to capture how beautiful this location was, but then again, it was nice to be so "wowed" upon arrival. We were thankful that we could bring our dog, and that we did not have to lug our own kayaks and canoes, which are generously made available for use during your stay. In addition, it was nice to see such a happy and thriving vegetable garden despite the hot hot days we've had this summer in Virginia, and even nicer that you shared your tomatoes, bell and hot peppers and cucumbers. We vacationed at Spike's Place with our teens; two of them love urban areas, and one is a beach fanatic, but all were happy to take in the sights and sounds of SML. It was a very harmonious visit overall, and given a unanimous five stars by all five members of this family, as well as our sixth: we even got our dog to go kayakking with us one morning! The only things I'd recommend adding would be a laminated tutorial for the television for the technically illiterate like ourselves (though we DID find the 24-7 soccer channel!) and maybe a way to reduce the A/C. However, those are such minor things, and all the more reason to get out and enjoy the porch swing, hammock, dock, beach and water. We'd never been to Smith Mountain Lake before after a lifetime in Virginia, and we were delighted to swim in a place with no jellyfish, no sharks, and no rip currents or traffic jams, unlike the large resort beach my husband and I grew up near. We hope to return again soon. Many Thanks, Kathy and Spike!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for such a wonderful review! It "wowed" me also when we first looked at the property. It only took me 30 seconds to tell the realtor it was "sold!" It is great to know that you enjoyed yourselves at the lake like we hoped that you would with our setup, location and toys. We love seeing our renters use it to it's fullest and you did. I'll see what I can do about the tv system and remotes. With tv and receiver changes, they never all work the same! Drives me nuts too. Other than closing the vents on the ac, which I hoped I told you to do, and/or opening the windows, I can always lend you my electric mattress pad (which I adore in the winter and has 2 controls for each side of the bed), some more couch throws or a sweatshirt or two! Again, thank you for the great review and taking the time to write it. We'd love to have you stay with us again. Kathy, Spike & Buddy

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• Great Lake Vacation Rental!

  Great Lake Vacation Rental!

  • Guest Amy M.
  • Date of stay 06/29/11
  • Review Submitted 07/06/11
  I booked this place at the last minute when our other vacation plans fell through. I wasn't sure how it would be since it was a few days before the July 4th weekend and just about every other place was booked. However, the moment we set foot on the property, we realized just how much we had lucked out. Not only was this property booked for the entire rest of the summer except for the 3 days we needed it, but it was also an absolute treasure. We think it was meant to be that our other plans fell through! The pictures & description on here don't do this place justice. It is a true gem! The property and house are very well maintained and clean. We enjoyed sitting on the patio overlooking the lake every morning sipping our coffee before heading out for the day. Our days were spent using the kayaks, paddle boat, and inner tubes to enjoy and explore the water. I also liked just lying around on the dock, reading my book on the long beach chairs. The teenagers loved the hammock. At night we lit a bonfire on the beach and just enjoyed the peace and serenity of the gorgeous view. There are 102 steps from the patio to the lake. I personally enjoyed the exercise, but also appreciated that there were two golf carts available for our use to drive up and down a path for easier access. If you stay here and like taking the steps like I do, be sure to take the golf cart at least once - it's a fun little trip! Spike & Kathy were very friendly, gracious hosts. The kitchen was very well appointed, and even had coffee and creamer for the coffee maker! The property is close to a number of watercraft rental places - I think next time we'll rent a jet ski or pontoon and go out for the day on one of those. Or perhaps we'll get up early and go on a fishing charter with Spike & Kathy. My husband & I stayed here with our son & his girlfriend. We appreciated that there were two beds in both bedrooms. :-) While we absolutely loved this place and definitely plan to return, here were a few minor downsides: The queen-sized bed in the larger bedroom hurt my hips. The twin bed in that room worked better for me. Having just one bathroom was an inconvenience at times, and you have to remember to shut/lock both doors since it's a Jack & Jill style. The bathroom itself is large & nice, though. I missed having a dishwasher. I wished the rental property had a hot tub for use. All in all, you can't go wrong by staying here. I'd HIGHLY recommend it to anyone.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children.

  Owner response: Thank you so much for the wonderful review. You managed to do or take advantage of most all of the ammenities we have on the property and in great style! We love to see our guests enjoy themselves and the lake like we do. It's a special piece of paradise we get to share with others. I also want to thank you for the "pointers" on what we need to fix, improve or contemplate for the future. We just remodeled the kitchen in Spike's Place last year from a mini to a full kitchen, tiled the bathroom and kitchen area and installed new carpet throughout, but I will keep the dishwasher in mind. I went for cabinet space instead but you have me thinking of alternatives that may work. As to the beds, I will get opinions from some of my regular and long time renters on that and try to get a few "naps" myself and see what we come up with. We have considered a hot tub. We had one for years on our personal deck but it finally wore itself out. They are wonderful but a lot of work to maintain especially if used daily by a lot of people. I'm not sure Spike and I can handle any more maintenance along with the golf cars, the yard and garden, fixing anything that needs fixed in addition to doing our fishing charters but I agree it would be nice to soak in one again. This year we also just recently made the family room of Kathy's Place into a game room with a new pool table w/ping pong table top and a foosball table. We also upgraded all of the tvs in both of our units to larger ones with HD and with BluRay Receivers and surround sound bars. This fall we are planning to put a roof with skylights and ceiling fans over the patio in Kathy's Place, and we are also planning to have all of the fireplaces running with gas! Again, I appreciate your review. We feel our property here at the lake is a "gem" as you described but since you were pleasantly surprised when you arrived, I apparently need to convey it better in our listings. We hope you have a great summer and would gladly have you back again in the future. If you think of anything else we can improve on, please do not hesitate to let us know. We appreciate the input. Sincerely, Kathy & Spike

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• Fun on the lake

  Fun on the lake

  • Guest Mr. Clean
  • Date of stay 04/02/11
  • Review Submitted 04/10/11
  Although the April temperatures varied during our week (45 to84), we had a wonderful time. Kathy and Spike are very mellow-just what you need on vacation. The views were beautiful, and Spike's place was a CLEAN, comfortable home away from home. No need to fear renting this one. Sue and Fred. 4/11

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with young children.

  Owner response: Dear Sue & Fred - Thank you for this review and also the handwritten note I received in the mail yesterday. We thoroughly enjoyed having you stay with us at the lake and I was so glad that you garnered the courage to go out on the boat with Fred and I on his charter with me. It was a perfect spring day to enjoy the sunshine and all of the trees flowering AND we caught fish! A great Christmas present for Fred from you for sure. Next time you wash and wax your car here, you need to use Spike's stuff and do the tires also! And thanks for picking up all of the sticks in the yard. Since you like to stay busy, next visit I'll make you a list!! Only kidding!! Take care and hope to see you in the fall. Your lake pals, Kathy & Spike

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• We had a great vacation.

  We had a great vacation.

  • Guest Rush
  • Date of stay 07/24/10
  • Review Submitted 08/06/10
  Everything was exact as listed in the ad. It was very clean and in good shape. Kathy and Spike could not have been any nicer. The vegatables from there garden was great. The veiw was beautiful. This is the first vacation that we did not have alot of things to do, and we were so relaxed and felt like we had a vacation for once. Our grandchildren loved the fishing off the docks and made friends with the people renting Kathys place. The steps are ok going down, but a little rough coming up for older people, but then you have the golf cart that you can use. We will diffently rent here again.

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

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• Tom and Jan

  Tom and Jan

  • Guest Janet the cook
  • Date of stay 06/08/10
  • Review Submitted 06/12/10
  We had a great time fishing and eating and resting and partying at Spike's place. The kitchen was very well appointed, the best I have ever seen. The home was immaculate and very comfortable, and the view is breathtaking ! The hospitality offered by Kathy and Spike was outstanding, they clue you in to all the necessary information you will need while there. They are true pros !!!!! The fishing was great, we ate fish for dinner and had plenty of fish to take home too! Overall, we highly recommend this spot for 2 or 4 people wanting to get away for peace and pleasure and great fishing due to the experience and guidance of Spike and Kathy.

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

  Owner response: We thoroughly enjoyed having Janet, the cook, and her group. Her response is exactly our goal and what we hope all of our renters experience while here at the lake in our rentals. We look forward to seeing our new friends soon. Kathy and Spike

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• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Jason & Michelle & family
  • Date of stay 08/12/00
  • Review Submitted 04/14/10
  Our third year in a row & we plan on coming o your place again next year - we love the house! Thank you.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Nora Lee & family reunion
  • Date of stay 08/05/00
  • Review Submitted 04/14/10
  Visitors from PA, DE, NY, NC, Az. We have had a marvelous week, and have been impressed w/ the quality of your furnishings and the comfort of the house. We thank you for sharing with us. The weather was fantastic, & the water fine. Can't wait to come back! Thank you, thank you!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Jim & Eydie & family
  • Date of stay 06/24/00
  • Review Submitted 04/14/10
  We had a fantastic week. You have a really nice home!! Having rented many houses at the different beaches in Virginia & N.C., this was by far the best house!! Thank you so much for all the little extras like the garden, use of the paddle boat, etc. It made being here a real pleasure. We hope to be back again next year.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Brant & Nancy & family
  • Date of stay 06/26/99
  • Review Submitted 04/14/10
  Wonderful accomodations! Great place to enjoy a family vacation. Thanks for everything. Jake & Betty Thanks for letting me stay in your house. Joey We had a great time in your house again this year! We're looking forward to next year (remember we're already booked for a week in July.) Thanks so much! Brant & Nancy Note: As of July 2010 - 11 years same week renters

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Summer - 6/15 thru 9/1 ... $168/night ... (2 nt min) ... $1025/week
Spring - 4/1 thru 6/14 ... $138/night ... (2 nt min) ... $800/week
Fall - 9/2 thru 11/30 .... $138/night ... (2 nt min) ... $800/week
Winter - 12/1 thru 3/31, 2014 .. $98/night ..(2 nt min).. $550/week
Add 10% Sales & Occupancy Taxes(Add $50 cleaning fee on weekly rentals)
Pet Fee: $50 each pet/crate & flea treatment program required.
Bed & Bath linens provided on nightly rentals.  Bring your own beach towels.
Summer Weekly Rentals - BRING YOUR OWN BATH & BEACH TOWELS!!!

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.