Vacation Rentals by Owner

Average

Guest: Spartan Country (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/20/12

The property does not show quite as nice as the pictures portray. It appears they were taken when the property was in better shape. The listing states the house is "200 yards back from the beach", which is true, however, the actual public access to the beach is a much further walk. In order to get to the beach in 200 yards you have to cut through private property so make friends with the renters actually on the beach. The beach cart and chairs are old and not exactly useable. The owners are nice and responsive, and the house is clean. Gulf shores is a nice place. The private beaches had seaweed issues which we were told was caused by a storm. The public beaches and those in front of hotels/condos are groomed and very well kept. Overall we had good weather and enjoyed our stay. Shopping, restaurants, groceries and entertainment are close by.

Owner response:We definitely are not used to hearing that our house doesn't live up to its photos, usually we hear the opposite. But we agree, our house was looking less than its best since we had to delay our pre-season spruce up from before spring break to after spring break. We had 2 weeks of fog & rain that meant we couldn't touch outdoor painting. The house was due for fresh paint on the decks and trim, and we managed to turn our lawn brown when we treated it. In this climate, our decks have to be painted every other year. We think you'll be pleased with the house now with its fresh paint and fresh chairs/cart to start the season. We can't say how well our guests will care for them as the year wears on--which is why most owners don't try to have chairs/grills/etc for your use. That said, we periodically replace them (you can't buy new ones here in winter, the stores don't stock them) and you are welcome to use what we have while you are here. If you have specific wants or needs, it is always a good idea to bring what you like, or to visit one of the local stores. West Beach has had a long tradition of being able to walk between the houses to reach the beach and that is how we do it unless we are taking lots more than we want to carry, or going with my father-in-law who really can't walk well. In that case, we'll take a car and park it at the end of our block at the public beach walkover. At some point things may change with our up-to-now laid back neighbors, but right now we love the direct route. We hope you'll also read our other reviews to learn more about the house.

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September 2011, 1st level of "WHEN PIGS FLY'

Guest: Margo (Galesburg, Illinois USA)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

PIGS FLY DOWN, 55+ vacation, 4 ladies, Fun was had by all!!! Can't wait to come back. There are no complaints. No false advertising. House, pool, beach and Gulf Shores were exactly what we were looking for. Great weather during stay. Pack less and use the washer and dryer. Property was clean and well maintained, could not tell there was a big storm the week before we arrived. I have already recommended this property to coworkers and my boss. There are all kinds of activities for young and older guests. The pool is actually the length it shows in the pictures as it is a lap pool. Water was great even without pool being heated. The owners respond quickly to any questions or concerns.

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

beautiful and sparkling clean duplex

Guest: cindi (denton texas)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

All I can say is "when pigs fly" is the most wonderful place to stay ever! It looks just like the pictures on the website but even better in person. The owners are absolutely awesome. If you need anything at all, they take care of it immediately. We had 16 people in our family. We rented top/bottom. Everyone had plenty of room. I would highly recommend anyone to rent this property. The walk to the beach was short and easy. We had the most wonderful family reunion ever. We bought a volleyball net for the pool and played water volleyball constantly. You cannot go wrong with this beautiful duplex.

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

Winter at "When Pigs Fly"

Guest: Cathy (Kalamazoo, MI)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

My family and I spent a week at "When Pigs Fly." It was the last week of February 2011 and the weather hit high 70's and up to 81 degrees. Everything about the condo was clean, orderly and perfect for our needs. The pool wasn't open, but I don't think 81 degrees is a "normal" February temperature for the Alabama gulf coast. It was my first time taking a winter vacation away from the Michigan snow and ice and this condo offered everything that the pictures reflected. It was the perfect vacation that I had always dreamed of. I can't wait to go back.

Owner response:"What You See is What You Get." We love to hear that! We try very hard to keep our home fresh, clean and well-maintained. We want you to love it, and to come back year after year.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best Place to Stay

Guest: When Pigs Fly Fan (Fenton, MO USA)
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

Our family stayed in When Pigs Fly this summer [2010] and it was spectacular [exactly like the pictures show]! Even with the unfortunate oil spill, we are all so glad we went! We had a wonderful time and will be back. The house and surrounding area is so very beautiful. There were 13 of us spending the week together and we could not have picked a more perfect house. It was very clean, had everything we needed, and was so comfortable. I would also like to thank the owners for your hard work and for letting us be a part of your home for a little while. We look forward to coming back!

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

Guest: Mike159 (Palatine, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/30/09 Review Submitted: 10/30/09

We rented both "When Pigs Fly Up" and "When Pigs Fly Down" in August of 2009. The home is in great condition and has everything you need to make it an enjoyable vacation. The home is conveniently located to the beach and has many small touches that really improve the experience. The private pool is great for the kids and provides a needed break from the beach. We would definitely recommend renting this lovely home.

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Guest: Delana (Eastview, Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/10/09

We just returned from staying in "When Pigs Fly". My family had the upper unit and my sister and her family had the lower. It was wonderful. The accomodations were better than expected, supplied extremely well. The furnishings were very comfortable. We arrived and there had been a storm and the pool had debris in it. It rained off and on for the next two days, and I called to get it cleaned and someone came the next day so we could swim. The views are breathtaking, go on the deck and watch the sunrise. My family will rent again if we come back.

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Guest: Val10 (Gardner, KS)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

What a FANTASTIC place!!!! We are very particular about where we stay on vacation and this met all of our expectations - clean, all the necessities, fantastic pool, etc. We had 4 kids there along with 9 adults and there was plenty of room. It is in a very quiet area and very easy access to the beach - just have to walk across the street. We will definately be back to visit again. We had to twist my husbands arm to go to the beach and he loved it - nothing else needs to be said. Also, this appeared to be one of the nicer homes in the area. We highly recommend it!

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Guest: Elizabeth45 (Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

We stayed at "When Pigs Fly" in June of "09 with my entire family. The accommodations far exceeded our expectations. Everything you needed for the house, pool and the beach were provided for us. We will definitely pack lighter next year. The floor plan of the house was perfect for our family, where as, the late sleepers were upstairs and the early risers slept downstairs. The closed in railing around the decks were wonderful, which helped keep the little ones from escaping. The owners were so kind and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you to the Gaberino's for providing such a beautiful home for all of us to enjoy while in Gulf Shores. This was the first time we had rented from private owners, after our stay here we will only book with them from now on. We had great weather and an amazing vacation. We look forward to coming back to "When Pigs Fly".

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

My husband and I stayed at When Pigs Fly for 3 days in May. We had never rented using VRBO and were a little hesitant; however, I had some friends that had used the website so we decided to try it. It was a wonderful experience. Susan was so very helpful with making the reservations and our entire trip was perfect. The downstairs duplex looks exactly like the photos. The entire duplex is very comfortable and was extremely clean. I can't think of a single thing the kitchen was missing. The short walk to the beach was always a treat. We totally enjoyed sitting out on the porch in the mornings and evenings; what a pleasant time with no loud music, no traffic sound, no dogs barking.....just a great ocean breeze and the distant sound of the surf. We can't wait to go back and stay longer.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

My husband and I stayed at When Pigs Fly for 3 days in May. We had never rented using VRBO and were a little hesitant; however, I had some friends that had used the website so we decided to try it. It was a wonderful experience. Susan was so very helpful with making the reservations and our entire trip was perfect. The downstairs duplex looks exactly like the photos. The entire duplex is very comfortable and was extremely clean. I can't think of a single thing the kitchen was missing. The short walk to the beach was always a treat. We totally enjoyed sitting out on the porch in the mornings and evenings; what a pleasant time with no loud music, no traffic sound, no dogs barking.....just a great ocean breeze and the distant sound of the surf. We can't wait to go back and stay longer.

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Guest: Shannon33 (Ponchatoula, Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 05/11/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

We had a great vacation! I love the fact the pool was private. There was no one staying upstairs which made the whole trip even more private. The house was well maintained. It was also beautifully decorated and had all the essentials. We will rent again!!!! I can't wait until next year!

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Guest: Peter and Lori Brown (-)
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/09

This duplex is a very nice and convenient family location. We went during Spring Break, so even though we did swim, it was a little cool. The area is very family friendly and the walk to the beach short, easy and convenient. We did have a few small problems but the owners, Geoff and Susan were very available to get things corrected. My one suggestion would be to replace the wicker chairs as they were not in the best shape and not real comfortable to sit and watch t.v. We will definitely visit again and stay with these owners.

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Guest: Jessica and Casey Lormand (Slidell, La)
Date of Stay: 05/22/06 Review Submitted: 05/22/06

I would like to say it was a beautiful place my wedding reception was there May 6,2006. I also enjoyed the week after for our honeymoon it was very relaxing on the front porch, nice pool and great views.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/20/06 Review Submitted: 05/20/06

We spent the months of January, February & March in the second level of "When Pigs Fly" and were very happy. It was very comfortable and roomy. The kitchen was great. The front porch was wonderful to sit and read a book or relaxing while viewing the pool and gulf. Everything we needed for our stay was provided.

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Guest: Jerry Seefeldt (Dousman WI)
Date of Stay: 04/27/06 Review Submitted: 04/27/06

Our group rented both units and you can believe the description provided by the owners. "When Pigs Fly" has everything you need to enjoy yourselves in Gulf Shores. Bring your swimsuits and food/drinks; everything else is waiting for you here. Beach chairs and umbrellas, pool toys, etc. Both units are beautiful. The owners were helpful and responded quickly to our questions before we arrived and while we were there. Nice location, close to everything and priced right. Enjoy!

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Guest: Jane V. (Leavenworth, KS)
Date of Stay: 03/12/06 Review Submitted: 03/12/06

What a great place to stay! My 10-year-old daughter and I, along with my Mom and Dad, rented the first floor for a week in April. We had a wonderful week enjoying the beautiful pool and the well-furnished house. We especially loved the heated pool. We are hoping to get back there again soon!

Owner response:We still have a wonderful pool but after losing heaters to Ivan in '04, Katrina in '05 and lightning in '06, it is now unheated (like nearly all outdoor pools in Gulf Shores)!

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