Reviews for Governor's Harbour Vacation Rental - VRBO 306279ha - 1 BR Eleuthera Cottage in Bahamas, Beautifully Relaxing Beach Front Cottage

Pebbles beach

Guest vickie G.
Date of stay 10/08/12
Review Submitted 01/06/13

My husband and I absolutely loved staying at Pebbles. We wanted a quiet, peaceful place to stay where there wouldn't be a lot of people around and we definitely found the place. Overlooking the ocean and out in the country type of place. The caretaker was very helpful and was there whenever we needed anything but was very careful to give us our privacy. I would most definitely come back again and hope to ....would love to bring our extended family and rent out the bigger house too. Thank you again for the hospitality that was shown to us while we stayed there.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Great Beach Vacation

Guest Barry M.
Date of stay 06/10/12
Review Submitted 08/21/12

This was our 3rd trip to Eleuthera so know the island quite well and what makes 'Pebbles' great. A big part of it's appeal is the location. The cottage is really right on the beach; you have near 180 degree views from the deck and living rooms, filtered only by swaying palm trees. The beach is beautiful; 'Culmers' rocks provide visual interest and also some nice snorkeling in the pool and around the rocks. When the wind is from the south they also create a nice lee which is sheltered for younger kids. If bigger waves are your thing then you can go north up the beach a bit. There are no other houses north all the way to the point, and only a couple of houses to the south. We only ran into people staying at the main house once. Both sunrises and sunsets are beautiful from here. 'Pebbles' is only 10 minutes from Governors Harbor and it's shops and restaurants, you are about 5 minutes from North Palmetto point and very close to Tippys (walk down the beach!), Banks Road Deli, Leon Levy preserve and Club Med beach. It's also located on a well paved road (you can't take this for granted on Eleuthera!). The neighborhood is Eleuthera's 'gold coast' with many fine homes but a low key atmosphere. The cottage is spacious and very well equipped for a beach vacation. The owners thought of all the apparently small things; for example coolers to take down to the beach with you; portable beach chairs we were able to take with us on day trips as well as very nice loungers for the deck. The blender is a really nice touch ... blend your own pina coladas with rum, coconut cream (from the store at the shell station) and Eleuthera pineapples!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Does not get much better

Guest Barry M.
Date of stay 06/09/12
Review Submitted 07/31/12

This was our 3rd trip to Eleuthera so know the island quite well and what makes 'Pebbles' great. A big part of it's appeal is the location. The cottage is really right on the beach; you have near 180 degree views from the deck and living rooms, filtered only by swaying palm trees. The beach is beautiful; 'Culmers' rocks provide visual interest and also some nice snorkeling in the pool and around the rocks. When the wind is from the south they also create a nice lee which is sheltered for younger kids. If bigger waves are your thing then you can go north up the beach a bit. There are no other houses north all the way to the point, and only a couple of houses to the south. We only ran into people staying at the main house once. Both sunrises and sunsets are beautiful from here. 'Pebbles' is only 10 minutes from Governors Harbor and it's shops and restaurants, you are about 5 minutes from North Palmetto point and very close to Tippys (walk down the beach!), Banks Road Deli, Leon Levy preserve and Club Med beach. It's also located on a well paved road (you can't take this for granted on Eleuthera!). The neighborhood is Eleuthera's 'gold coast' with many fine homes but a low key atmosphere. The cottage is spacious and very well equipped for a beach vacation. The owners thought of all the apparently small things; for example coolers to take down to the beach with you; portable beach chairs we were able to take with us on day trips as well as very nice loungers for the deck. The blender is a really nice touch ... blend your own pina coladas with rum, coconut cream (from the store at the shell station) and Eleuthera pineapples!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Wenn auf Eleuthera dann bei Pebbles :-)

Guest Isabel A.
Date of stay 08/24/11
Review Submitted 08/30/11

Wir haben auf der Insel Eleuthera ein Haus gemietet, welches uns leider gar nicht gefallen hat. Notfallmässig mussten wir daher eine neue Unterkunft suchen. Durch eine Bahamaianerin sind wir dann auf das Pebbles Haus gekommen und konnten noch am selben Tag einziehen! Die Vermieterin hat sich enorm Mühe gegeben uns das Haus sofort bezugsbereit zu machen und hat sich voll und ganz bemüht, dass alles so ist wie wir es uns wünschten. Das Haus ist einfach super! Direkt am Meer, und man hat einen privat Strand welcher schöner nicht sein könnte! Auch das Haus an sich ist super - sauber und modern. Können es also nur wärmstens empfehlen! Und die Ownerin Patricia ist auch super, auf die kann man sich verlassen! Merci noch einmal für alles, war super! LG Isabel & Roger

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Yearning to go back

Guest Kim A.
Date of stay 07/01/11
Review Submitted 07/27/11

We spent a weekend in Pebbles recently and the moment our feet touched that beautiful beach we could feel the stress of our busy lives melt away. A quick and easy trip from Nassau on the impeccable Bohingy, we were met by a friendly local Taxi and drove through the picturesque settlement of Governor's Harbour, after having sampled some delicious conch at the "Fish Fry" washed down by a Kalik or two (local beer). Pebbles is literally a stone's throw from one of the most glorious beaches in the Bahamas...pink sand, long lazy walks, and deep water. We only saw a total of four other people on the beach during our entire weekend...and a dog. A nice but not too long a walk takes you to a fabulous restaurant called Tippy's,,,we highly recommend... There little reefs dotted along the beach make for hours of free entertainment watching the fish and corals would just feet from the beach! The actual cottage is unassuming but has every mod-con we could have asked for, plus a very comfortable bed...The main house is off to the right and somehow out of vision. Plus a tv set if you care to allow the outside world into your retreat! This cottage is a little dream house tucked away in Paradise and we can't wait to free up our busy schedule and get back there soonest!

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

Owner response: So enjoy guest who enjoy Eleuthera and it's beauty!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Pebbles is the Charm!

Guest Island Fans
Date of stay 05/23/11
Review Submitted 06/12/11

My wife and I recently returned from our week's vacation on Eleuthra. It was a great trip and we felt so fortunate to have spent our time at Pebbles Cottage. The location is perfect and what a beach!! The house was really comfortable and had all that we needed. It was nice to meet Audrey and Joseph, as they were helpful and friendly like most of the locals. We enjoyed dining out at Tippy's, The Beach House, Sunset View, Coco di Mama, and The Bucaneers. We have already talked of our return to Eleuthra since our third visit was the charm! For our fourth visit, we'd definitely like to make Pebbles our first choice! Thank you, Patricia for sharing your wonderful cottage. The Cleavers from Manteo, NC

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Where to begin...

Guest Josh M.
Date of stay 05/15/11
Review Submitted 07/25/11

Booked 6 nights, stayed 18 hours. Absolutely horrid: dirty, unmaintained, sliding doors all broken and oxidized shut. Water reeked of sulfur (which smells strongly of rotten eggs if you’ve not enjoyed it personally), window A/C emitted odor so strongly I nearly threw up trying to shut if off. We found blood stains on the bedding, broken "provided snorkel equipment" that should have been thrown away years ago. There were more things plugged into a single outlet than I’ve ever seen near the bedroom door - complete with extension cord strung across the doorway. Combine that with having all the windows and doors inoperable turns "Pebbles" into a death trap if there were to be a fire. I called the owner, explained our concerns and was offered a "full refund" straight away. We departed and stayed elsewhere for the remainder of our trip. 2 MONTHS later, after countless reminders and emails, received her "full" refund less $300 which including our damage deposit and “administration fees”. Ironically enough, two reviews - one from a Bahamian IP address coincidentally - contradict our EXACT complaints. The “main house not affecting the privacy of the cottage” - that couldn't be a bigger lie. The first, and only night we slept in that disaster of a house we awoke to a women digging in the garage of the main house, a garage that stands within 30 feet of the cottage bedroom's window. The “secluded” beach... nice in pic’s, yes - but chalk full of trash, broken glass, bottles and more biting sand flies than you could believe. The reviewer that posted about the "sound of the waves with the doors open or closed"; I was told by the maid when we arrived that those doors have "been busted since the last hurricane here years ago", so it’s a bit odd that a reviewer would mention specifically that those doors work. I have a strong suspicion that (the owner) has a hand in these positive reviews - which is completely possible with the way this site review is structured. It is the only explanation for ANY positive remark concerning this cottage. Lastly: do not under any circumstances allow this owner to suggest a local car rental for you. I've driven some run-down automobiles in my day, in some very under developed parts of the world, and I can say with 100% certainty that the Taliban, even in remote Afghanistan, drive safer more reliable cars than we were provided my this owner. It was expensive, even by Eleuthera's standards, and outright dangerous.

Owner response: It is always a shocking thing for a home owner to get a review like this, especially when we make every effort to keep up with maintenance and are constantly making changes large and small, to make our guest comfortable.This is quite challenging on an island with few shops and no Home Depot down the road! Many guests return often, and new ones are thrilled with what they find. But when these renters started to complain about the beach, which is considered one of the best in the Bahamas, and praised by our renters, I knew there was nothing we could do to make these guests happy! They have written a very unfair review, which is clear by reading the other enthusiastic reviews we have received. One or two were written by people who stayed just before and just after these guests! You cannot please all the people all the time, although we do try! Patricia Leigh-Wood

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

RE:

Guest robyn h.
Date of stay 04/26/11
Review Submitted 09/11/11

I came across the review titled "Where to begin..." from Lincoln Nebraska and felt it directly referred to my previous review (see "Honeymoon getaway") and actually insinuated that I am a liar. I maintain everything that I said in my review after our stay in April for our honeymoon. If memory serves me there is a sort of garage / storage near the beach with kayaks etc that is actually located near "Pebbles" but the main house itself is not that close and apart from seeing lights on and movement in the main house on our way home each evening, we never saw the occupants! In regard to the sliding glass door - the screen of it was not operating the way it would have when first installed but it was still operational and we had it open every day...though when it was closed at night we could indeed still "hear the waves crashing"... until we turned on the air condition that worked perfectly and certainly did not give off an odour. We found "Pebbles" exactly as it was shown to be in the pictures on this web site and loved every minute of our stay. Perhaps the writer of the "where to begin.." review should book themselves into a huge resort that each morning scrapes sand up out of the water and on to the beach to maintain their 'natural' beach and then rakes it clean of all seaweed and any other debris that may wash up. Clearly a secluded, NATURALLY stunning beach is not in their taste. It seems unbelievable to me that 'Nebraska' stayed in this house a month after me and during the SAME month as another raving 5 out of 5 review (see "Pebbles is the charm!") and supposedly found it so horrible. I would recommend Pebbles to anyone looking for relaxation or a fun, family vacation.

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

Owner response: Luckily it is rare that we get a bad review, and more often we are greatly gladdened by the warmth of our renters enthusiasm. So many return, if not each year, then every few years! Eleuthera is an unspoiled island, which also means un-manicured...the beach is public, and at the whim of the ocean. Unfortunately humans throw rubbish out of the cruise ships...I know it's not allowed, but hey, who's watching? This arrives on our shores after a storm. I keep the beach in front of my house as clean as possible. If you want miles of beach with nobody else around, then the beaches of Eleuthera are for you. This honeymoon couple understands the island, with all its natural beauty and easy relaxed style! We want our renters to be happy! Guest alike this are always welcome back again and again! Patricia Leigh-Wood )owner)

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Honeymoon Getaway!

Guest robyn h.
Date of stay 04/26/11
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We stayed at Pebbles in April 2011 for our honeymoon. We found the house perfect for what we needed...relaxation! Whether the sliding glass doors were open or closed we could hear the waves crashing in the surf. We did not have a car the first day so we walked the short distance to the cafe down the road for lunch and to Tippy's for dinner. Once we did get a car we found this was a perfect hub for heading to some of the numerous beaches nearby. Although there were people renting the main house we never saw anyone on the property or beach. Lots of privacy and peace. I would highly recommend this house for anyone seeking relaxation.

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

Owner response: Pebbles is indeed a relaxing, romantic place! Because there is no light pollution, billions of stars are visible...shooting stars race across the sky! As this renters says, you are not aware of the Main House or anyone in there. The houses face away from each other, giving both privacy! Come and enjoy! Patricia Leigh-Wood

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Pebbles

Guest EK
Date of stay 06/01/10
Review Submitted 08/21/10

We spent a glorious week at Pebbles in June. We had stayed at the main house (On the Rocks) before but this time as there were only two of us, we opted for Pebbles. I thought we might find it a little small but this was not the case. There was plenty of room and we had everything we needed. There is also a pull out couch in case there are more than two, and it has two full bathrooms. Wireless Internet was easily set up and Cable TV worked well. Good choice of DVDs to watch also. The beach is one of the best in Eleuthera and as usual was empty except for a few walkers. The perfect place to spend an undisturbed week! We hired a car and explored several other beaches but this one at the house is so great we spent most of our beach time there. Plenty of restaurants nearby so no need to cook unless you want to. We will definitely be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Fantastic, romantic, isolated cottage by the Sea.

Guest Myriam 1
Date of stay 05/13/10
Review Submitted 05/13/10

I cannot imagine a better place for a relaxed, beautifull, romantic vacation than "Pebbles" in Eleuthera Island. It doesn't have to be romantic. I took my teen age kids over and they loved it! They needed a good rest from stress and hard study. The colours of the Sea in contrast with the sand are exquisite! snorkeling or just swimming is great. No currents and no danger. If you want to scuba dive, the best scuba is available not too far away (good instructors for beginners). Want to have a good dinner by the Sea? "Tippys" at walking distance through the beach. If you are the type that prefers loud disco dancing music, this is certainly not the place for you. For those of you who got ants in their pants, I'd recommend renting a car and have beautiful drives around the Island. Go to the "Windows" and see the place where the Atlantic meets the Carribean. Fantastic sight! I'd choose Pebbles as my next abroad trip anytime. I'd best describe Pebbles as the Place where heaven meets the earth. This is Paradise!

Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Perfect trip.

Guest Elrupe
Date of stay 03/29/10
Review Submitted 05/18/10

‘Pebbles’ was the most romantic and charming little hideaway we could have possibly imagined. We were looking forward to our trip so much and finding such a quiet and beautiful place to stay was just epic! You have your own, almost private, pinky white beach that we saw two people on all week. I would also recommend the cocktails at Tippys Bar (Bahamamama is v nice) 10 min walk down the beach….hic! Also try some bone fishing. Thank you to Patricia Leigh-Wood for her help in booking us into to stay in her amazing cottage!!!! See you next time for sure.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Dream pebbles

Guest skbasta
Date of stay 04/02/09
Review Submitted 05/13/10

We loved being at Pebbles, set on one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches I have ever been to. The sand is actually pink in certain places! The house itself is extremely comfortable - it feels like the Riviera in terms of its luxurious and tasteful interiors. At the the same time the house maintains a simple, colorful bahamian charm. We were enchanted!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Property # 306279

Guest Bruce and Margaret-Anne
Date of stay 12/18/08
Review Submitted 05/15/10

We are Canadians who have stayed at this property 4 times. We would recommend this property to our friends and family. The location on the beach is fabulous, on a beautiful Caribean beach, perfect for long walks, swimming etc. The view from the cottage is amazing. The cottage is clean, well maintained and a delight to stay at for a relaxing quiet, beach vaction. The owner was very helpful, gave us accurate information and excellent customer service. We enjoyed the beautiful location so much that we packed our groceries and stayed in!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

One of my favorites...

Guest Zanderson
Date of stay 10/18/06
Review Submitted 05/13/10

One of my most favorite places to visit in the turquoise waters of the Carribbean, this little cottage never fails to provide exactly what I need. Sparkling clean, spacious and well-appointed, I feel at home instantly upon arrival. Literally steps away from an extremely private beach, and at the end of a long private drive, I'm never worried about running into someone I know (which happens everywhere I go!) - or even anyone at all. Literally, if it weren't for trips into town for provisions, or the comfort of the cottage, one feels as though mired on a deserted island (with perfct pink sands, of course). This is the perfect getaway for a couple or a group of friends (the couch pulls out) or a writer or an artist to gather inspiration. A short walk down the beach is "Tippy's," a Carribbean style restaurant tucked just back from the water and a fantastic option for those not wanting to cook or to have some of the specialty cocktails they serve there with a fine cigar and a good mood... (watch out for high-tide!) Pebbles is extremely easy to get to as it is just a short drive from the airport in Governer's Harbour. Day trips to the island's myriad local attractions or near-by Harbour Island offer activities other than snorkling, diving, swimming and general lounging around. On Friday nights the locals put on a fish fry with drinks and dancing just a few minutes drive into town; always a good time! Eleuthera and "Pebbles" offer a view into an era where Club-Med hadn't yet mucked up the pink sand beaches of the Carribbean. The owner's relationship to the Bahamas goes back for generations and her knowledge of the history of the Islands is both deep and broad. If you're lucky, and you happen to get a chance to converse with her, she might share some of her knowledge with you. Would I recommend Pebbles to anyone? Absolutely! And I have, time and time again. For larger groups of people or families I would also recommend "On the Rocks" which is a larger house on the property and down the beach, under the exact same pretenses. Magical. Truly magical.

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

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

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautifully Relaxing Beach Front Cottage [#306279ha] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (15)

Pebbles beach

Pebbles beach

Great Beach Vacation

Great Beach Vacation

Does not get much better

Does not get much better

Wenn auf Eleuthera dann bei Pebbles :-)

Wenn auf Eleuthera dann bei Pebbles :-)

Yearning to go back

Yearning to go back

Pebbles is the Charm!

Pebbles is the Charm!

Where to begin...

Where to begin...

RE:

RE:

Honeymoon Getaway!

Honeymoon Getaway!

Pebbles

Pebbles

Fantastic, romantic, isolated cottage by the Sea.

Fantastic, romantic, isolated cottage by the Sea.

Perfect trip.

Perfect trip.

Dream pebbles

Dream pebbles

Property # 306279

Property # 306279

One of my favorites...

One of my favorites...