Luxury! New 2500 Sq Ft Home W Great Room, 2 Avail Bdrms, Private Dock

• Todd (Peru,il.)

  Todd (Peru,il.)

  • Guest Coral
  • Date of stay 03/31/13
  • Review Submitted 04/14/13
  Stayed from 3/31/13 - 4/09/13. Great house! Everything was exactly as described.House was spotless and came with everthing to make your stay painless.In a good neighborhood,very quite.If you want the noise of springbreak on Duval st., this is not the place for you. We visited several Keys on our trip, and found this a good location for a short trip to most destinations. 30 minutes to Key West and Marathon, 60 to Islamarada.Several great beaches within 30 minuites, closest about 10 minutes away. Kids enjoyed feeding the fish off the rear dock. Have no problems sending any one here to stay.Can't imagine anyone being more concerned about his guests than Joe. Joe was great to meet our travel schedule, and made sure everthing went smoothly. He is easy to communicate with and will ensure all your need are taken care of. I agree with all the previous reviews and would highly recommend a stay here.

  Recommended for: Families with young children.

  Owner response: Dear Todd, Jaci, Payton and Sheridan, We don't think of our place as good for young children, since we have just two bedrooms and two beds. But YOUR kids were great and seemed to not mind a bit with one sleeping on a bedroll! My wife and I were particularly taken with daughter Sheridan's two (very intricate colored tape) flowers she made herself to leave in the vases on the dining table, along with her note, "To: The Shaefer's -- Thank you! From Jaci (Mom), Todd (Dad), Payton (Son), and Sheridan (Daughter.) PS -- Sheridan made you all of this!" along with her cautionary warning, "Please Don't take unless you are the Shaefer's!" You have a true budding artist in Sheridan! Some guests want to just relax when they visit and make it no further than the Looe Key Tiki Bar and Restaurant. We were pleased to hear that you REALLY got out and saw so much of what The Keys have to offer. All the best, Joe

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• Awesome Home Base for the Keys

  Awesome Home Base for the Keys

  • Guest Marsha E.
  • Date of stay 04/09/13
  • Review Submitted 04/12/13
  This home is probably the best rental we've ever had. The home is beautiful and equipped with everything needed for a great vacation. It's a nice quiet location and yet close to two great evening hangouts, Looe Key and Boondocks. The location is perfect for exploring everything the Keys have to offer.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: What these iTravex guests did not mention is that our cleaning crew screwed up, but fortunately the guests before them had left our home in good shape except for some laundry. Still, Marsha, I learned a great deal from you two and am delighted you chose our home to exchange to. We could not have asked for more considerate and understanding guests! We're delighted you had a good time and hope to see you again! My best regards, Joe

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• Who Could Ask for Anything More?

  Who Could Ask for Anything More?

  • Guest Cathie and Brad
  • Date of stay 01/27/13
  • Review Submitted 04/11/13
  Once again we spent two months in this marvelous house. And it’s even better the second time around. We felt like we were “coming home.” All the accolades still apply from my previous review posted last year. Because my husband is still working, he greatly appreciates the upstairs office. He just told me, in fact, that we would be hard pressed to find another house of this quality, cleanliness, comfort, or convenience. We’re always surprised by the spaciousness of the rooms (and the closets!) and the comfort of the furniture and the well-equipped kitchen. It’s a bright and airy house. There are still a lot of great restaurants nearby; Bahia Honda – only 10 miles away – continues to be a special place; driving into Key West is a breeze; and there is easy access to any aquatic activity. A short walk through the neighborhood leads to an open wetland where many species of birds congregate and cavort. And, as in the past, the owner, Joe, has been only a phone call away and responds immediately and is friendly and caring. Thank you again, Joe, for two wonderful months. See you next year!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Cathie, you are too kind. You took such great care of our home that our cleaning crew thought someone else had just been there! And I am watering 'Cathie's Herb Garden' you planted back by the dock and will include something in our updated home instructions to tell people the fresh herbs are from you. I welcome the two of you any time and have already blocked your dates for 2014. All the best, Joe

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• Immaculate, Beautiful Home

  Immaculate, Beautiful Home

  • Guest Christy
  • Date of stay 12/24/12
  • Review Submitted 01/08/13
  I used to love Family Feud with Richard Dawson from Hogan's Heros, So I took a survey from each member of my family about the Keys and the great house on Ramrod! SURVEY SAYS: # 1 answer when asked about favorite keys activities: Fishing under the bridges in the boat we rented, and off the dock at the house. #2 Snorkling at Looe Key. We saw Goliath groupers and porpoises playing! Favorite Place in the Keys: #1Bahia Honda #2 The Aquarium at Key West at Mallory Square Best Memory of the Keys: #1Beach at sunset on Bahia Honda #2Fishing #3Snorkling : that 1st look underwater is so wonderous! #4Goliath Grouper at Looe Key House memories: SurverySAYS: Favorite things about the house, besides it's REALLY clean, like new: #1The balcony at sunrise- instantly heals the SAD we people from SW Michigan often suffer from every winter. Also a good cure for effects of "Lake Effect." #2 Natuzzi couch #3Beautiful kitchen , dining room, and living room #4Dad "the athlete" liked the stairs- got a great workout(?) I know, you can't make this up! Best memory of the house: #1 eating fresh seafood at the table together as a family #2Cooking in the well appointed kitchen, all new appliances:it has everything! #3Warm weather on balcony/ dock #4 Comfy beds with nice linens and blankets Things we most appreciated having : Two great big screen TVs , books, nice towels, nice shower and hot tub; hair dryer; fishing dock and fish cleaning station. Grounds: lovely and private, Saw a big iguana, our 1st "wild" one. And Key Deer are adorable!The neighborhood was very quiet and the neighbors were friendly but not nosey! Most importantly: Our host Joe was always available, gracious and Top Notch in every respect. We will definately would love to come back.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: ...and we'd love to have you back -- any time! You were not only wonderful guests, you also took advantage of all the great things to do close by. Sometimes when we come down, the first day we might just sit and watch the sunrise or the fish jump in the canal but after that, like you, we want to go play. Thank you for your kind remarks -- we look forward to seeing you again soon!

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• Best Stay Yet in the Keys

  Best Stay Yet in the Keys

  • Guest El Snowbird
  • Date of stay 11/18/12
  • Review Submitted 11/25/12
  Everything about this Ramrod Key house is first-class, and we would definitely stay here again. Very accessible to everything lower Keys have to offer, and a great place to return to after day of fishing and/or exploring. Didn't get to try the whirlpool tub, but hubby was very happy to have all that floor space in MBR for his morning stretching routine. Kitchen was well-equipped, with plenty of counter space for prep (I'm a fussy chef and brought my own knives, but the ones provided were just as sharp, so will leave mine home next time!). Wi-fi worked great, and loved the "not wimpy" showerhead in master bath. Everything was just as described (or better), which hasn't always been our experience with other VRBO rentals, and Joe is a most helpful and considerate owner. If you're looking for a great getaway in the Keys, this is definitely the place!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Guest Cathie and Brad
  • Date of stay 01/29/12
  • Review Submitted 04/01/12
  What a terrific house. My husband and I just spent the past two months here and truly felt like we were “at home.” I’m just sorry I can’t rate it at more than five stars. The house is new, spacious, bright, and clean. It’s beautifully furnished and comfortable. All the rooms are large – no feeling cramped or crowded here. My husband needed to work most of the time and the office area is comfortable and convenient. The wireless internet service is reliable; we never lost the connection. Both the Master Bedroom and Master Bath are enormous and well-appointed. The kitchen boasts cherry cabinets and granite countertops and is well-equipped. The appliances are all up-to-date. Its layout makes it a pleasure to work in, and with the dining area adjacent to it, an inviting place to eat. I never expected to cook so many meals at home, but there was no reason not to. In addition to how spectacular the inside is, there is a wonderful deck leading out from the dining area. It holds a good-sized table and four comfortable chairs and is the perfect place to have morning coffee or any meal, and is a great spot in which to relax and enjoy the weather. The property is beautifully landscaped with mostly native trees and shrubs. In addition to the wonders of the house, the location is perfect. Close enough to Key West to take advantage of the “city life” – music, theater, tours and great food; and far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet. It is also a short drive to our favorite beach, Bahia Honda; and to Marathon, and the Old Seven Mile Bridge. And there is a wonderful fruit and vegetable stand on Big Pine Key where you can purchase locally grown produce. But I’m saving the best till last - the owner. Joe is thoughtful, friendly and responsive. He is dedicated to ensuring that your stay here is perfect for you and is genuinely concerned about your happiness and comfort. Also, a Guest Book which contains information on local restaurants and activities is included. Thank you, Joe, for a wonderful two months. See you next year!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Wow back! It was easy to be friendly and responsive with guests as delightful as you. And I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness in making suggestions on what we might do to make our place even better. When you return next year, you'll find some heavy wrought-iron furnishings on the boat dock (that won't blow away in -- most! -- big winds) and landscaping that will be a year more mature. We look forward to your next stay...

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

• Karen and David - South Bend, IN

  Karen and David - South Bend, IN

  • Guest Karen and David
  • Date of stay 12/12/11
  • Review Submitted 01/26/12
  We rented this beautiful, new home for nearly five weeks over the holiday and it became our "home away from home." We spent a lot of time in the home as my husband worked, writing and researching - and found the office area very comfortable and the internet connection convenient. The rest of us enjoyed the comfortable and well appointed great room, porch overlooking the canal and the large landing upstairs to read, play music, watch TV and generally be together. The location is great, with canal access to the open water, and we took advantage of renting a jet ski and kayak. We brought our bikes and also enjoyed riding them on Ramrod and even ventured to nearby Big Pine! The home provided everything we needed, with satellite TV, internet, fully equipped kitchen, laundry, comfortable beds, and linens. The owner, Joe, provided all the information one needs to enjoy the lower Keys and was very responsive to my every request. His description and photos accurately reflected this rental. The home was brandy new, immaculately clean and well maintained. I would highly recommend this property to friends and relatives! We went on the Looe Key snorkeling excursion which departs from the Looe Key Resort right on Ramrod Key and often visited the Looe Key Tiki Bar for food, drinks and live music. Boon Docks, across the street from Looe Key Tiki Bar was also one of our destinations a number of times, and we played miniature golf there on a very well maintained course. Other favorite food destinations was Square Grouper and Mangrove Mamas west of Ramrod Key about 10 minutes away. The Winn Dixie on Big Pine was very convenient for our shopping needs. A 40 minute drive and we were in Key West where we enjoyed all that big hunk of coral-rock has to offer! We took family on a sunset cruise on the Jolly Rover schooner which was great fun! Thank you Joe and Heather for creating such a wonderful home which we thoroughly enjoyed!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Thank you, Karen and David! We'd love to see you return any time. We've really done some great landscaping since you were last our guests. All the best, Joe

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

• Guest e-mail -- asked owner to post...

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Guest e-mail -- asked owner to post...

  • Guest Jim and Kaye deHayes (name used by permission)
  • Date of stay 08/01/11
  • Review Submitted 10/05/11
  "We spent the whole month of August in this beautiful Ramrod Key home. My mouth literally dropped open when I first walked in the home. It is beautiful ! Tile floor in the entry and kitchen, brand new appliances in the kitchen and leather furniture in the living room. The kitchen was fully equipped and I felt like we were arriving in a 5 star resort, including Tervis tumblers in the freezer! Upstairs the bedrooms are huge and everything was immaculate ! The whirlpool bathtub in the master bedroom was a welcome retreat after a day on the water. The owners were very helpful and gracious hosts and I highly recommend their home to anyone wanting a vacation in the Keys. Thank-you, Joe, for a fantastic vacation!"

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

• Absolutely Wonderful Place to Stay!

  Absolutely Wonderful Place to Stay!

  • Guest Ken and Holly
  • Date of stay 07/17/11
  • Review Submitted 08/17/11
  This house is such a wonderful place to stay. It is absolutely spotless and has plenty of room, which is ideal for one to two couples. It is very convenient to Looe Key if you have a boat and to Key West by car. The owner supplied a restaurant guide to establishments all the way from Marathon to Key West, which was very helpful and accurate for the places we went. One day we went to the Mel Fisher Museum in Key West and if you're into old coins you will find this very interesting. We've been going to the Keys for over thirty years and can say if you like a relaxing and slower-paced environment then the lower Keys where this property is located will be your best bet.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Thanks, Ken and Holly, and thank you, Holly, for sharing one of your incredible paintings so that all future guests can enjoy it and feel right at home in the Keys! Joe

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

• Great House and Perfect Location!

  Great House and Perfect Location!

  • Guest Chuck E.
  • Date of stay 07/01/11
  • Review Submitted 07/12/11
  My wife and I had a wonderful time while staying in your home over the 4th of July Holiday. We found the home to be very comfortable and well appointed with great furniture, large bedrooms and bathrooms and the whirlpool tub in the master bath was fantastic! The home is well located within an easy 30 minute drive to Key West to the south and Marathon to the north and a lot of interesting Keys in between. The beach at Bahia Honda State Beach is wonderful and only a short drive from the home. And located right on Ramrod Key near the home was live entertainment nightly at the Looe Key Resort Tiki Bar and Boondocks Restaurant and Tiki Bar. We really enjoyed viewing the sunrises and sunsets from the rear porch overlooking the canal and we were able to view fireworks displays from 4 different areas from the porch on the 4th of July. Both the Satellite TV and wireless Internet worked great and the kitchen had all the appliances and utensils necessary to really enjoy our home cooked fresh fish (grouper) and shrimp dinners. This is a quality property located in a quiet neighborhood that we will definitely recommend to our friends and you can expect to see us back again in the future.

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

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

Additional information about rental rates

Rates are guaranteed once your reservation is confirmed.

We travel often; if we are at sea it may be days before we can respond to a rate inquiry, so it's best to simply figure how many nights you want, add 12.5% for the county and state, and $125 for our cleaning crew. Your e-mail expressing your desire to be our guest will be honored on a first come, first served basis, however!

Our published rates are what "we" receive. You must also consider the cleaning fee of $125 and the 12.5% occupancy tax we are required to collect and remit to the state and county.

A $500 security deposit or credit card guarantees your early reservation. Full payment is due 45 days prior to occupancy.

Additional Fees and Taxes:

Our cleaning fees are just $125.

Per Florida law, we collect 12.5% state and county occupancy taxes as well.