Vacation Rentals by Owner

1923 Bungalow in National Historic District [#327762] | View Property

Tampa
House, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 2-4)
1050 per week
Write a Review

Traveler Reviews (16)

• Thanks for Generous Hospitality

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Thanks for Generous Hospitality

  • Guest Jim & Peter, Skaneateles, NY
  • Date of stay 02/11/13
  • Review Submitted 02/18/13
  Your unique home is a beautiful and relaxing base from which to explore the Tampa Bay area. Your suggestions were extremely reliable. We had 2 excellent dinners at The Refinery and enjoyed seeign Quartet at the marvelous Tampa Theater. So much to do. So little time. Our suggestions for future guests? Tampa and St. Petersburg both have excellent art museums, but the area has parks and preserves that should not be missed. We enjoyed very much Hillsborough River State Park dating from the Civilian Conservation Corps era and the present day effort to preserve the area, the Robinson Preserve in Braedenton. For guest not up to an easy hike in the woods or a stroll along Tampa Bay, try a drive to a charming rural restaurant outside Dade City called Pearl in the Grove. Where has all the time gone to? Oh well, we;ll try to come back some other time. Cheers,

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

• Lovely, But With Flaws

  Lovely, But With Flaws

  • Guest Peggy F.
  • Date of stay 02/04/13
  • Review Submitted 02/18/13
  Feb 4, 2013 through Feb 11, 2013 My sisters and I rented this bungalow after seeing it on this website. We read the reviews and it seemed to be a lovely place to stay as the pictures indicated. The Bungalow preserved from the 1920’s, was perfectly restored. It was decorated in the style of the time and had beautiful furniture, lamps and pottery on display. The owner, who lives next door was very nice and had suggestions for where we could eat and recommended sights in the area to see. We discovered the next morning while having our Starbucks on the patio (the coffee maker was broken) that the landlord’s office faced where we sat and he seemed to observe us while working on his computer. He came out to visit, which was fine, but we became uncomfortable with him being a constant presence while we were outside. We felt we were being watched the entire week we were there. He even mentioned to us after we told him we had returned from a walk, “I know, I was watching you.” The stone steps leading to the patio were unstable causing us to wobble a bit. Our stay at the bungalow was comfortable enough, but the lighting is almost as low in wattage as it would have been in the 1920’s. It was very difficult to read inside until the sun came up and impossible to read in bed at night. It was a nice return to the past but don’t expect to have all the creature comforts you are used to, such as chairs and couches that you can slouch on. The smaller bathroom is almost unusable for a grown adult, so the four of us had only one bathroom to share. Our toaster also broke within a few uses and both that and the coffee maker were replaced the day before we left. The TV base was broken as well, and propped up on some DVDs. The TV, as I understand it, has since also been replaced. The owner complained that we did not check out properly but we thought since he kept such a close eye on us, he was aware of all of our movements.

  Owner response: The guest describes an unsatisfactory check out - who leaves the keys on a table, the doors unlocked and never discusses early departure, or even leaving a cell phone message. The result was someone robbed the home of its flat screen TV. During this guest stay, I was advised that the coffee maker, toaster did not work and they were replaced the next day. In addition they broke a wine glass. As for lighting, all overhead lights have a reostat in the wall switch, perhaps they didn't notice this. I was advised one month prior to check in that one sister is somewhat disabled. She is not wheelchair bound but does have trouble going up and down stairs. We advised that the rear entrance uses stone paver stairs, the bath rooms both have shower/tubs and that one bath room was very small and provided the link to our website with the floor plan. I was very concerned that the renter did not advise me at the point of their inquiry that she had a member of your party with mobility issues and offered to refund the bungalow fees suggesting a hotel would be better suited to her requirements. Our office does look out on the deck but during their entire stay they were comfortable enough to have breakfast on the deck in their sleepwear and our luxury robes. --

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

• Great Alternative

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Great Alternative

  • Guest Mark & Mary, Chicago, IL
  • Date of stay 01/28/13
  • Review Submitted 02/02/13
  Henry thank you for sharing your lovely house. It was a great alternative to the boring hotels near the convention center, yet conveniently close. It provided the comfort of a visit to grandma's. We enjoyed the neighborhood and the charms of some fun restaurants in Tampa: Columbia in Ybor City, Edison, Boca, Bern's in Hyde Park; and especially nearby Refinery. We leave looking forward to returning.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

• Home Away for Art Workshop

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Home Away for Art Workshop

  • Guest Deanna, Needham, MA
  • Date of stay 01/26/13
  • Review Submitted 01/26/13
  Thank you for your hospitality. Your home is very gracious and lovely. I wish I could have done more of the sites and activities you recommended, but the painting workshop was great.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

• Home Away from Home

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Home Away from Home

  • Guest Kathy & Rick, Muncie, IN
  • Date of stay 12/28/12
  • Review Submitted 01/06/13
  This bungalow is located in a quiet neighborhood with fast access to key locations in and around Tampa. Henry met us on arrival with suggestions and maps for local attractions and restaurants. The home is comfortable!!!!!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

• What a treat

  Guest comment entered by owner

  What a treat

  • Guest Connie & Merrill, Coppell, TX
  • Date of stay 08/25/12
  • Review Submitted 08/31/12
  Henry, What a treat it has been to stay at Erehwon Retreat Bungalow. Merrill and I enjoyed our time in Tampa with all the RNC Convention excitement, but the calm & comfortable bungalow was a welcome and most appreciated retreat. We loved our daily walks through the neighborhood, and found some delicious treats at the bakery. Thanks for sharing your amazing home with us.

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

• You Thought of Everything

  Guest comment entered by owner

  You Thought of Everything

  • Guest Colleen, Sean, Paul & Judy, Mason City, IA
  • Date of stay 04/23/12
  • Review Submitted 04/29/12
  Thank you for extending your season for us this week. Your retreat is wonderful. We looked forward to coming back each evening after fun days around Tampa. Everything from the slippers to the shower gel and beach towels was so thoughtful. Definitely look us up if you come to Mason City to our period Park Inn Hotel.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

• Wish there had been time for a massage

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Wish there had been time for a massage

  • Guest Irv, Hammonton, NJ
  • Date of stay 03/31/12
  • Review Submitted 03/31/12
  This is so good I shall have to recommend publication of a companion piece for Samuel Butler's novel with "The Erehwon Way" a Guide to the Restoration and Management of Historic Properties." Attention to detail, providing many extras and little touches that can't be ignored as well as personal involvement with guests according to their wants and needs is key to the way. Erehwon also has a Swedish Massage Therapist and I wish their had been time for a massage.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

• A new, different & totally enjoyable Vacation

  Guest comment entered by owner

  A new, different & totally enjoyable Vacation

  • Guest Joann - Webster, NY
  • Date of stay 02/11/12
  • Review Submitted 03/10/12
  Henry thought of everything to make our stay the best it could be. We were lucky to have him nearby to share his stories & recommendations. He even provided groceries to get us started. The home is so comfy, well appointed. The neighborhood is lovely & convenient to points of interest, restaurants & the airport.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

• Best Sleep of My Life!!

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Best Sleep of My Life!!

  • Guest Anne & Paul, Fair Haven, NY
  • Date of stay 02/01/12
  • Review Submitted 02/04/12
  Rest, Relaxation and Rehabilitation. Best sleep of my life! Walking the neighborhood and exploring the area was a great joy. So much to do, so little time (1 week). Note to future residents, when Henry recommends - DO IT! Brunch at the Thai Temple was memorable. Caladesi Island State Park was almost a place away from time (except for the Ferry). Henry thank you for your hospitality.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/6

• Lovely House and Area

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Lovely House and Area

  • Guest Alexandra, Edmonton, Manitoba
  • Date of stay 01/12/12
  • Review Submitted 02/04/12
  What a lovely house and area! I had a great meal at the Front Porch, thanks for the suggestion! Ybor City, the acquarium and the bus system were all fantastic. Tampa is a great city and its too bad I had to spend most of the week at a business conference. Thanks Henry for your hospitality and the arrival groceries. You've thought of everything a visitor could need: bandaids, spices and make up remover. You are a wonderful host.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/7

• Very Pleasant Stay - Beautiful Home - Nice Area

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Very Pleasant Stay - Beautiful Home - Nice Area

  • Guest Christina
  • Date of stay 11/18/11
  • Review Submitted 11/22/11
  The house is very nice. Bed was very comfortable. Everything is top quality. No sparing of expense here. Two things that would make the place even better would be a microwave and a barbeque grill. To reheat leftover, coffee etc. a microwave would go a long way. Grilling outside on the nice deck in the beautiful Florida sunshine would be an added benefit. I do know that Henry is working on a brick barbeque grill currently, so that will be there in the near future.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/6

• "Historic Bungalow Bliss fit for a Family!"

  Guest comment entered by owner

  "Historic Bungalow Bliss fit for a Family!"

  • Guest Natalie, Nyon, Switzerland
  • Date of stay 04/01/11
  • Review Submitted 04/20/11
  Having traveled quite a bit with our son since his birth, we've had 2 years of experiences to compare with our latest, and not a single one compares to that which we had at Henry's beautiful home in Seminole Heights. Traveling from Europe, it couldn't have been easier... the house was fully stocked and comfy beds beckoned us from the haze of our long journey. We were a little concerned with all of the antiques in the home, but Henry was extremely welcoming and allowed us to move the delicates to higher ground. Henry is the perfect reference for visiting Tampa and gave us all of the up-to-date recommendations in the area and beyond. Thanks so much again for everything, Henry, and we'll see you next time we are in town!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/10

• "Perfectly restored and appointed retreat in an hi

  Guest comment entered by owner

  "Perfectly restored and appointed retreat in an hi

  • Guest Alica, Urbana, IL
  • Date of stay 01/16/11
  • Review Submitted 02/27/11
  A beautifully restored bungalow with all the comforts needed for a relaxing stay away from home. As a business traveler, I look for unique places to stay for a more enjoyable stay away from home. Erewhon Bungalow was a delightful and spacious home in the middle of a quiet neighborhood making it the perfect respite after a long day of meetings. I loved the comfortable furnishings, the equipped kitchen, and the infusion of period antiques throughout the property. Henry, the proprietor was a gracious host, providing wonderful restaurant recommendations, tips about travel around the Tampa area, and an insider’s view of the surrounding neighborhood. This is one of the most outstanding homes that this seasoned traveler has rented.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/11

• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Alicia (Urbana, IL)
  • Date of stay 01/12/11
  • Review Submitted 01/30/11
  Henry, Thank you for making my stay at Erehwon Retreat (Bungalow) a wonderful experience. You made my business trip turn into a memorable first time in Tampa that won't be forgotten. Your attention to detail, friendly suggestions, and well appointed home were all welcoming as your smile. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home. Alicia PS I can't wait to return

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/10

• Erehwon Retreat defines relaxation on an otherwise hectic business trip....

  Erehwon Retreat defines relaxation on an otherwise hectic business trip....

  • Guest Rob
  • Date of stay 01/05/11
  • Review Submitted 01/18/11
  I have to admit, when I first checked into Erehwon Retreat, a 1920's era bungalow on the outskirts of downtown Tampa, I was a bit unsure of my initial decision. After all, I was in Tampa for business and this place, in an up-and-coming older neighborhood, was a bit off of the beaten path. Boy, did I leave with an altogether different impression! The house was full of antiques and architectual appointments, which certainly set the ambience. However, behind the 1920's appearance, modern conveniences abound. The thick, plush mattresses in each bedroom were dressed with Egyptian cotton linens. A towel warmer graced the master bath. Plenty of bath provisions, including high-end body wash and shampoo were included. The kitchen was equally as impressive, and amazingly stocked with cereal, spices, soda, butter, tea, coffee, liquor (No, I'm not kidding!), mixers, food products and on and on and on....There was more cookware than you could ever require, antique china and crystalware, sterling silver cordial cups, coffee mugs of every dimension and so much more. Although I didn't get much use out of it, there is a lovely wood deck attached to the house with a resident kitty who spends a lot of time keeping you company. About the only shortcomings were a rather outdated TV (with no ESPN), reduced water pressure (particularly evident on the shower) and a coffee press, furnished in lieu of a real coffee maker. Henry (the owner) swore by the French Coffee Press, but after drinking several cups of luke warm coffee and then having to clean the press, I found my Mr. Coffee to be far more efficient. If you want a coffee maker, you will have to go about 2 miles to the Walmart Supermarket and buy one, as I took the one that I purchased home with me. But, these "shortcomings" are mentioned more for informational purposes, and did almost nothing to diminish my overall positive experience. Coming home after a long day of work, turning on the salsa music and grilling a steak on the brand new gas range beat the hell out of being cooped up in a 300 square foot hotel room. This place is flat out, relaxing. You will, guarenteed, leave this bungalow with less stress than when you came. As a matter of fact, I found myself looking forward to my next trip to the Tampa area so that I could stay here again. Henry, the owner, will bend over backwards to make your stay memorable. I have no doubt that the next renter will leave an equally enthusiastic review. Kudos to Erehwon Retreat!

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

  Owner response: Robert, Many thanks for your thoughtful review. So interesting about the French Press, I have added a Brewmaster for those who want drip coffee. TV is a Flat screen now, remember that you asked if I could open a few days early for your stay. With your five night stay, I so value the insights for our first review of the Bungalow. Many thanks. Hope your travels bring you back to Tampa next year.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 20/20