Vacation Rentals by Owner

location location

Guest: holland1 (Netherlands, Europe)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/16/09

Last summer we, 2 adults and 4 children stayed at the overlook. We had a wonderful time and what a great location, lots of fish to catch and other wildlife we have seen, also a great pool. The only thing, the house realy needs a lot of attention, and the surrounding must be cleaned and the bikes are all broken and the canoe and boat gets water. Take care of this and it will be the best place to stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, pet owners, sightseeing.

Overlook on Big Pine Key

Guest: Breathe (Traverse City, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

Our family stayed at the Overlook on Big Pine Key and it was a wonderful vacation for the whole family. There was something to do for everyone. The property was beautiful and it was a very safe place for my three boys to run, fish and play. The boys actually caught snapper for dinner right at the house on the channel. They loved waking up every morning to see all the Key Deer on the property. We all loved the pool and the outdoor shower was a big hit! We rented a boat for the two weeks which was delivered to our dock at the Overlook. The owner of the Overlook was so kind to give us advice on where to fish and directions on how to get there. I loved the fact that I could relax at the pool while the guys were out fishing. What a great vacation that we will never forget. The Overlook is a great home and it is definitely worth the money. We will be going back for sure!! I wish I was there right now.

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

Not represented accurately, not worth the price

Guest: wooby (Jacksonville)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

The description or pictures on the website were not at all accurate. The property is old and is not very well maintained. There is debris in multiple areas on property perhaps left from previous renovations? The pictures of the pool on the website must have been taken when it was 1st built, because it now has displaced and sunken pavers which are a safety hazard especially for children. Both bedrooms have multiple blind slats missing - we had to hang blankets up for privacy/to keep sunlight out (these are not missing in the pictures on website). The wireless connection was unavailable throughout stay. The"private beach" described on the website is actually a gravel entrance into the canal, there is not actually a "beach" accessible to tourists anywhere on Big Pine Key (this is very misleading to someone unfamiliar with keys). The canal was full of upside down jellyfish and was not hospitable for swimming in, as advertised on website. The mosquitos make any evening activities more than challenging (even with repellent). The opportunity to observe the protected key deer is definitely a positive and the attractions on the other keys are numerous, however, very little to do on Big Pine Key. Would not recommend property to a friend.

Owner response:Many regard Big Pine Key as an oasis in an otherwise mad, rushed world. I have been here for four decades and remain as passionate and enthusiastic as ever… Big Pine Key is untrammeled wilderness and wildlife, back country flats, blue water fishing, snorkeling over shallow coral heads and diving the magnificent canyons of Looe Key. The island has a family atmosphere, is not overcrowded, and has a rich history for those that enjoy wildlife, fishing and water sports. Located minutes away from the nicest beach in Florida (Bahia Honda) it is also located 30 miles from Key West. We have dozens of satisfied families that have stayed with us over many years. I make it a point NOT to solicit reviews because, frankly, we like keeping Big Pine Key off the radar. For most who come, they leave with a profound impression they have found one of America’s best kept secrets. June 2009 BPK received the largest amount of rainfall in history, the deck did settle but was immediatly repaired after reading this review. Debris from the storms had accumulated and were picked up that weekend. We constantly maintain the property, the blinds as well as other furniture was replaced. Our free wireless connection is always available and we were unaware of any issues in June. As property owners we can respond to any issues within a few hours if we are made aware of them.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Privacy with easy access to entertainment!

Guest: Be the Light you wish to seek (West Michigan)
Date of Stay: 04/04/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

We were looking for privacy, our own pool and to be in the Middle keys. We were able to take day trips easily to any of the Keys and that kept us busy and entertained. Other days, we chose to lounge around our own pool all day. The rental company was very friendly. We have rented private homes many times and have chosen to use vacation be get away from our busy, busy schedules. We do not like to be emeshed in over-stimulating actitives but like to have the option to drive to it. If you are looking for the same, you will like the seclusion and peace at the Overlook.

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

great family getaway

Guest: mother of five (Orlando, FL)
Date of Stay: 03/28/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

our family of 7 (kids ages 11-14) spent spring break this year at The Overlook at Big Pine. we are outdoors people and this place was great. The property is huge, and the end of a dead end street on the edge of the island, and has key deer in the back yard and fish right off the dock. We went kayaking over to No Name Key which was great. Bahia Honda State Park and beach are a short drive and this is the most lovely beach you can imagine. The have great snorkel tours from the park which are affordable and amazing. The back yard pool at the house is an oasis where my husband and I read books for hours. The kids collected fresh coconuts from the palm trees on the property. You are not supposed to feed the deer, but they are obviously very tame and one even climbed into my son's lap to get into our salad one evening! The house is not fancy, but it is well-equipped and has a decent full kitchen and it is just what our family needed as a home-base. The management was great in terms of communication and responsiveness. The island is not fancy. One supermarket with chickens in the parking lot! The coolest restaurant is the No Name Pub, a dark little hideaway with thousands of people's dollar bills written on and stapled to the walls and ceilings...good food and beer and really nice people. Not fancy, again. (I know that there are some fine restaurants also, but we did not try them out...we grilled out a lot in the back yard...the set up is awesome) Key West is a little drive and a good day trip (we did it twice). Do not stay here if you like fancy resorts. Stay here if you want a sweet retreat with your family. We would go back.

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We want to go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest: The Crew from Punta Gorda (Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/09/08 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

If our daughters had their way, we'd LIVE at The Overlook all year round. :-) We spent a week here in August 2007, and I can't tell you how many times when we are driving across the Charlotte Harbor bridge in Punta Gorda that our girls ask, "Daddy, can we please, please, please go back to the Keys this weekend? We loved it there!" Little do they realize how long it took us to trailer our boat there. Our first impression of the upstairs housing unit was great. It was very clean, smelled fresh, and the decorations were tropical and relaxing. We slept like babies in those beds! We LOVED having the dock right at the house, as well as the ability to lock up all of our fishing gear at night. We fished nearly every morning early until about 2 p.m. or so, and then we'd head in to relax at the pool and grill our dinner on the gas grill. The pool was another highlight for our daughters, even though we have our own pool at home. We loved the ability to fix our own dinners whenever we were hungry and yet not heat up the kitchen. We grilled what we caught or threw on some steaks from the store. The location was ideal for us. We were far enough away from the main road to not hear traffic, but we were still only 5 minutes or less from the Winn Dixie. Prices were comperable to home. Sebastien and Nickie were outstanding to work with. We were able to reach them multiple times before our arrival. They had prepared us so well ahead of time that we didn't need anything from them during our stay. We unreservedly recommend their properties in general, and The Overlook specifically. One of the unique touches that our daughers still remember vividly is the little Key deer that visited us every morning and evening, as well as the tiny crabs that were on the road. To this day, our daughters tell anyone who will listen how beautiful the deer were and how close they would come. Perfect!!!! Although the August temps weren't condusive to our using the fire pit, if we make it back at a different time of year, the girls have already planned the meals we'll cook on an open fire (think camping) and of course, s'mores!! Our only disappointment had nothing to do with The Overlook. Many local restuarants close in August since that is when the locals take their vacations, but we managed quite nicely. We drove down to Key West for sightseeing and dinner. Thanks again, Sebastien and Nickie! We'll never forget our trip to The Overlook, and look forward to returning again!

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

Every year

Guest: Teri F. (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 08/08/08 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

As I owning my own business find you can not please everyone and that people who say bad things usually are not nice at anything. My experience at BPK Overlook is fab and we have been several times and plan on going again in 2010. If you are looking for a serene place with style and comfort look no more. This is a fishing heaven, with key deer who are serene and loving. If you are looking for shoping and fun Key West is a short drive. I have stayed at a lot of places and I think Overlook is the tops!!

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

Convenient and Relaxing

Guest: julie family vacation (Ft Myers FL)
Date of Stay: 08/02/08 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

Had a great time here, Coveniently located to shopping in Key West, and groceries. Great and Easy access to gulf and Atlantic, Comfortable surrounding. Great Pool, Wonderfully Private, Great Screen Room. Very Comfortable vacation spot. Thanks for working with on our trip. We will definately book again.

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

Beautiful and Serene

Guest: Kidd Family
Date of Stay: 01/14/06 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

This has been the best vacation ever! We thought it was great last year but with the beautiful weather we had it was excellent. The Overlook is great, located where you can relax but close to Key West so that you can do all the tourist things if you want to. The key deer are beautiful, Sebastien, the fish was great! We went on an ecotour with Big Pine Kayak Adventures, highly recommend that! We had friends and family come down and they all loved it also. We'll be back next year! Beautiful and serene, you can experience the Keys from the Overlook and dont forget to see the sunsets on the roof. Thanks Again!

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Lots to to and see

Guest: Franklin Family
Date of Stay: 01/07/06 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

Bill Keoghs Kayak nature tour was great, highly recommended, plus it is right around the corner at the No Name Bridge. I bicycled over 150 miles from 7 mile bridge to the Southern most point. We spent out second day in downtown Key West. Pirate Soul was great, stopped to eat at Mangrove Mama's for dinner and sat right next to Big Paul Teuttle from American Chopper and got a picture with him. Thanks for the great time!

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Uncrowded Paradise

Guest: Lewis Family
Date of Stay: 07/02/05 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

We had a great time snorkeling, fishing, lobstering, exploring and just hanging out. It's a terrific, natural place far from any crowds. Thanks Sebastien for the tour and lobster training.

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Beautiful Home

Guest: Miller & Bachman Family
Date of Stay: 06/05/05 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

We had a wonderful time at your beautiful home. Thank you so much for your hospitality and your fishing advice. The weather was great and the kids really enjoyed themselves with the canoe and slide!

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A Great Time

Guest: Nancy Beam
Date of Stay: 05/07/05 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

One fabulous vacation packed with memories. One day I hope I can come back abd bring my grandchildren. I had a great day on a scooter in Old Key West. The key deer are beautiful. I enjoyed the flowering shrubs and bushes. A great time!

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Lifetime Memories at the Overlook

Guest: Tabone Family
Date of Stay: 04/30/05 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

This vacation was one that we wil not soon forget. Seeing the Key Deer in the morning and evening was great. Old Town in Key West with all the shops and vendors was memorable. The two most memorable things we all did was snorkel off of Looe Key. That excursion will remain with us for a lifetime and the second most memorable thing was the outside shower! We hope to come back and visit in the near future as your location provides some of the most quiet nights that we've had in a long, long time.

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Island Paradise

Guest: Walsh Family- Seattle, WA
Date of Stay: 09/16/04 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

Thanks so much Sebastien & Trish for a taste of island paradise. We especially enjoyed the boat rides, snorkeling and sunsets. Loved being surrounded by deer, iguanas and herons & having all the comforts of home in your home.

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Excellent Stay

Guest: Aflleje Family- Jacksonville, Fl
Date of Stay: 07/03/04 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

We had an excellent stay here at the Overlook and have fallen in love with the beautiful keys. Your lovely home was perfect and just out of the way enough from the hustle and bustle. The deer and iguana, and other wildlife were a hit with everyone. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is a trip we will not forget!

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Wow! Awesome! Fantastic! Wonderful! Spectacular!

Guest: Boykin Family
Date of Stay: 06/12/04 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

Wow! Awesome! Fantastic! Wonderful! Spectacular! Thanks for sharing your Florida vacation home with our family. Everyone has a great time-from the fishing, to the snorkeling, to the sightseeing to the shopping. Seeing the key deer and the angel fish reef where we snorkeled was incredible-it would be hard to believe if you did'nt see it yourself. We would love to come back & stay longer.

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