Willow Beach,New,Fabulous,5 Bedrms, Stunning Sand, Sun & Views

• Dream Vacation Home for R & R

  Dream Vacation Home for R & R

  • Guest Cooky
  • Date of stay 04/20/13
  • Review Submitted 05/02/13
  We absolutely loved Willow Beach. The description and photos on VRBO are very accurate. It was amazing, beautiful, clean, well maintained, and well equipped with everything you would need for your trip. Cathy thought of everything! The main floor was designed for entertaining and the kitchen was a cooks dream come true. Anything and everything you would ever need to make a meal of your choice. Equipped with every utensil and piece of cookware imaginable. Cookbooks, dishes, cocktail glasses....I could go on and on. The suite on the top floor is marvelous for In-Laws...very quiet, or roomy enough for an entire family. The entire house was beautifully decorated and comfortable. The elevator was well worth the extra money. The beach is pristine, quiet and not crowded. I don't know what was more fun, watching the dolphins swim and play, or the dogs playing on the beach and in the water. Two must tries, The Steamed Shrimp at The Market Place (Blue Store and Gas Station) and the massages by Paula, as recommended by Cathy. Three members of our family had massages and loved the experience. Paula was very friendly and everyone enjoyed their massage. The first night we were at WB, we stepped out on our balcony, & the sky was so clear we could see the Milky Way, and crystal clear stars. We were fortunate enough to experience a full (Pink) moon while we were there too. Cathy was so helpful to make sure we had everything we needed to make our vacation pleasurable. You can tell she really cares about her guests, and goes above and beyond her responsibilities as an owner. I would highly recommend Willow Beach to all of my friends and family. .

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

  Owner response: Wow guys! What a wonderful review! Thank you all so much! I have a lot of help making sure all our guests have a great time. Having Jim, my all round handy dandy property manager that lives on the island, knows everyone & can fix anything is a huge plus. As is my friend Paula, who is not only a great lady but a killer masseuse. And to Dawn and her staff of house keepers who are as particular as I am.To have a successful rental takes a team of dedicated folks. I am very lucky I have all of them. And oh yes, my husband, who chuckles every time I am going to the beach house to check on this and that. His comment is always didn't you already do that? Guess I'm a little OCD, but I want folks time at Willow Beach as great and fun as it can be. Thanks again, Cooky & Company.....love what you wrote in my guest book!

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

• Family vacation starts here!

  Family vacation starts here!

  • Guest Sharon
  • Date of stay 03/23/13
  • Review Submitted 04/01/13
  Great house to stay while making memories at the beach. Loved the Main floor layout. Very spacious and the kitchen is fully stocked (pantry too)! Everything you need to accommodate the kitchen chef! Had a few issues with the hot water heater but it was resolved quickly. Thanks Jim! The elevator was a plus while hauling in luggage, groceries, baby items, loading and unloading since the house has 4 floors. Much needed! The grandchildren loved the beach house a lot. Plenty of room to play. The only "bad" thing was the wooden deck and boarkwalk leading out to the beach area...on the back elevation had plenty of splinters and several nail heads and screws popping up on several boards. We pulled many splinters out of little hands and feet during our stay. Other than that....perfect place to vacation with family! We had a professional photographer come out the last day of our stay to take our family pictures on the beach. Thanks Hank & Cathy for offering your beautiful home to guests. Enjoyed staying very much. Hope to come back next year.

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

  Owner response: Thanks for the great review & thanks for booking for next year! Folks are looking ahead and booking their favorite places alot earlier than ever. Im pleased your joining my returning guests club. I appreciate the comments you made regarding the boardwalk....with the wind, sun, rain at the beach, its a neverending problem to keep the boards smooth. However, my team has that on their list to check between guests from now on. I try to think of everything as I think of Willow Beach as my big girls doll house and I want everything to be perfect for my guests. I love it that you had one of our professionals take your "official" picture. I'd love to have a copy to put in the house. "I heard the massages were really good too!" I try to have what you all want!! See you next year!

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

• Ladies Retreat

  Ladies Retreat

  • Guest Dee
  • Date of stay 03/02/13
  • Review Submitted 03/18/13
  Yes, we did manage to have a very good time despite the cold weather which lingered most of the week. While the house was very large, beautiful beach setting and decorated nicely to accommodate our group, we felt very strongly about some details lacking. On at least a couple of occasions, I was told "everything is there", "just bring your clothes and food". I took that literally, and passed that on to the group. In fact, upon arriving and beginning an inspection of the home, we found that there was not toilet paper, soap (in any bathroom), dish soap, 2 dishwashing cycles left on the counter, 1 paper towel on the stand. In most of the bathrooms, there was not even enough toilet paper to get through a day. In our past experiences, with rentals of or above Willow Beach's caliber, it has all been provided or at least a list given to us prior to arrival of things like this, we would need. Secondly, the amount of mildew throughout the bathroom areas, was unacceptable. Being a Floridian, I understand the need for mildew control, due to our humid climate. You could smell it strongly in the 4th floor master shower upon walking into the bathroom, the jets on the 3rd floor tub are so black, no one would even consider a tub bath there. Thirdly, the 4th floor (master shower) has absolutely no water pressure and on two occasions, we had serious hot water issues. The trundle bed had no top sheet, blanket and only a pillow (no cases to cover). Two more pillows on 3rd floor had no pillow cases either. We found a total of 3 blankets in the entire house and none on the bedding in any room. One bathroom on the 3rd floor had no wash clothes and again, limited towels. Little/Big details; like 1 oven mitten, two dish towels, no hand towels at all in the half bath in the family room, which is occupied/used the most. Master closet door off and in the closet on shelf. TV's that do not work, outdated electronics, poor cell phone service (a booster on your home would probably fix that- a $200 investment), lacking linens and appropriate bathroom towels, etc. Rusted refrigerator and no water and ice service? When a group of 10 or 12 women are renting your home for a week, I suggest you cover that with your cleaning help or property manager so the home is stocked appropriately with linens, towels, etc. The cleanliness of the home should go beyond surface swiping.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children.

  Owner response: This is the first time in 3 years that's there has been a problem or complaint regarding the toiletries or towels or sheets, or blankets. I don't doubt that my cleaner may have screwed up, but all it would have took is a call to my property manager or me that could have fixed this within 30 minutes. I found all the blankets in various dressers etc. that just had not been put back correctly. I have instructed my cleaner to leave 2 full rolls of toilet paper in every bath and the towel & washcloths have also been increased. And at your suggestion, I will include what I provide and a list of suggested items that my guests might stop and pick up before they get to the house. The mildew in Florida is bad, the jets in all the tubs have been sanitized. I believe the problem there was that you arrived a few days after my 2 month guests had left and it doesn't take long for mildew to appear in a beach house. The water pressure on the 4th floor is good. However, with 14 ladies and a lot of hot water usage, it can be not the best. I often have up to 18 folks at the house and I have not heard that comment before. The lack of bedding issues have been addressed and my cleaners totally understand that this cant happen. My cleaners are probably the best on the island. They are wonderful gals that really do a very good job. I bought more oven mitts as those disappear from time to time & we have increased the kitchen towels that we leave for our guests. The broken master bedroom closet door was broken with my last guests and not reported,. We did not have time to fix that before you all arrived. The TV service on the island is not too great. The TVs do work, but once again a call to my property manager or to me would have had these on and working immediately. The cell service is really beyond my control. I have a booster in the house and you can see how effective it is. Yes, there is a bit of rust on the outside of the refrigerator, and the in - the- door ice device broke a couple weeks before you arrived & I was waiting on a part. All of this Dee, could have been resolved with a call to me or Jim, our manager. Jim lives on the island, answers his phone day & night 24/7 and is a terrific guy. His number is on the desk, in your contract and you have my number. I have changed some procedures since this email & review and Willow Beach will be the better for it. I am heartbroken with a 2 out of 5 review when I could have fixed 90% of this with a phone call.

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

• Could not have asked for more!!

  Could not have asked for more!!

  • Guest Susan
  • Date of stay 10/06/12
  • Review Submitted 01/02/13
  This last trip to St. George Island was our first time at Willow Beach. I’ve never known a homeowner to try so hard to meet individual needs. Cathy Browne takes each rental seriously, as a business woman and as someone who derives pleasure in knowing that her lovely home can bless others. This pristine, private section of the Forgotten Coast is protected by locals. We could relax on the sand lost in thought without a single banner crossing the sky telling us where to eat dinner. One encounter with the largest great blue heron I’ve ever seen took my breath away. Just the two of us alone on the sand. Sheer awe; lessons in stillness and patience. The nature is glorious: dolphins, pelicans, seagulls, shorebirds, and seashells abound! Willow Beach is a delightful twenty minute walk to the Cut … a destination point for me because of its intense wildlife activity. Cathy clearly designed her home to focus on the stunning views just outside the windows. This is a woman who knows how to maximize the term “beachfront.” I could read a book on the comfy sofa and look up from my page to see dolphins diving, pelicans flying in formation, and waves rolling toward me. Sunsets and sunrises spill into all rooms of the house! As for the home, the deck is huge, as is the kitchen, and the furniture (loads of pieces) is plop-into-it-happily COMFORTABLE! The wall-to-wall carpeting is soft on the feet and enhances the quiet. Even the washing machine was great, and we all know how gross it is to find an old, ratty machine. The many, lovely beach-themed appointments caringly placed throughout the home served as a reminder of Cathy’s warmth and attention to detail. I must add that Cathy was more responsive from out of state than any management company, a stone’s throw from the rental homes. She relies on a wonderful man, Jim, who lives on the island and is available for any needs that might arise. Jim goes above and beyond the call. Find some little excuse to meet him, for he’s a treasure trove of island info and a good man. Looking forward to visiting St. George Island and Willow Beach again soon!

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

  Owner response: My goodness Susan, what a fabulous New Years present! I am so flattered with your comments. I do love my house & I love what the "karma" of the house does for my guests. You are right, Jim is a wonderful fellow & I could not do this without him. He cares for our properties as much as we do. We try our very best to give all our guests the "Best of the Best" experience ever. You would think I had trained dolphins out in the gulf by the way everyone enjoys them so much. I sure hope to see you & Matthew again. Cathy

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

• Relaxing and quiet

  Relaxing and quiet

  • Guest JC
  • Date of stay 08/18/12
  • Review Submitted 09/18/12
  Wonderful home. Beach is quiet and relaxing. Exactly what we look for and need when we vacation. Owner is great to work with. Any issues or questions were answered promptly. The house is very comfortable and feels like home. The area is very private; we essentially had the beach to ourselves. Dolphins were fun to watch! Water was warm! It was quite a long drive for us, but well worth it (though we would fly next time). Celebrated our 4th child's 1st bday while we were there; highly recommend the little bakery in Apalachicola.

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

  Owner response: Thank you for expressing your opinion of Willow Beach. Somehow the house seems magic. All my guests have felt so at home and really relax on their vacation time with us. Certainly part of the reason everything goes so smoothly is our fabulous property manager Jim. He is there on the isle, ready to help with anything that may come up. I'm so glad it worked out that you were able to come, and so glad you booked way ahead of time to get a really good week to be on the island. Hank & I would love to have you back next year!

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

• family vaccation

  family vaccation

  • Guest Jorge A
  • Date of stay 08/11/12
  • Review Submitted 08/24/12
  this was a family vacation which included small children, teen agers and adult. the house was fabulous. we were a total of 15 and were very comfortable and never felt crowded or cramped. Everyone had a great time, the dolphins were within a stone throw of the beach and the kids had a lot of fun chasing the dolphins on a kayak we rented. the beach was beutiful and the resort was very clean and safe. we took our bikes and rode the bike trail that covers the entire island. highly recommend it, we LOVED IT!

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

  Owner response: Thanks so much for the kind words. I really need to start throwing some tasty fish to those dolphins! They have put on a show for our guests every summer! That's a great idea getting closer to them with kayaks. We are so happy you all had a wonderful time.......Willow Beach is just a happy place!

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

• Willow Beach Review

  Willow Beach Review

  • Guest Birder
  • Date of stay 05/12/12
  • Review Submitted 07/08/12
  Description was accurate. Owner was extremely helpful in answering questions. Boardwalk to beach was in need of work and some extreme landscaping-was overgrown with thorny vines and there were nails protruding in the boards. Elevator was a valuable asset to our group. Kitchen was well stocked with dishes and appliances but only one dishcloth and dish towel. Carpet needed cleaning. View of the beach is beautiful.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thanks for your comments. We are adding more kitchen towels and are in the process of getting permission to cut the vines back. The island has very strict guidelines for cutting anything on the dunes/beach....but I agree...it needs to be trimmed back. The balconies and boardwalk are all getting a nail makeover. And last of all the carpet has been cleaned..I really appreciate the candor....I want it perfect, I think you got that after taking with me....I hope to see you back next year....yes the views are amazing.

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• 2012 Reunion Group

  2012 Reunion Group

  • Guest 2012 Reunion Group
  • Date of stay 06/09/12
  • Review Submitted 07/02/12
  We had an excellent stay at the Willow Beach house. There were 46 members in my family who gathered at St. George Island in three vacation properties for our family reunion. Of the three properties, the Willow Beach house was by far the best and most updated property. The open floor plan was super spacious with a gourmet kitchen that was well stocked with all the kitchen necessities for cooking any kind of dish. We used that to our advantage everyday. I would recommend this property for anyone going to St. George Island.

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

  Owner response: Hank & I are so glad your reunion was a success! You could just about put all 46 in the kitchen at once! Thank you and your family for the kind words you wrote in my guest book.. It makes me happy that you all enjoyed Willow Beach so much. Come back next year! Cathy

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

• Wonderful....

  Wonderful....

  • Guest Okie travellers
  • Date of stay 05/20/12
  • Review Submitted 07/02/12
  The house is just right. We loved the living area especially because you can all be there without being on top of each other. Beach was beautiful and the Plantation location can't be beat.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, pet owners, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Big groups or small, the layout of the house is really perfect! Your right, the location does make you feel like your on your own private beach. We are so happy you chose Willow Beach for your vacation!

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

• Summer fun on the beach! Best vacation ever!

  Summer fun on the beach! Best vacation ever!

  • Guest Betsy
  • Date of stay 05/27/12
  • Review Submitted 07/02/12
  Willow Beach is the most amazing vacation home! We took a family vacation/family reunion and there was room for the whole family. Everyone had their own space and it was equipped with everything you could possibly want or imagine - catering kitchen, dog kennel, bbq grill, outdoor shower, etc. - and that is just the house. The best part is the beach! Clean, private beach - very few people. It feels like you are walking out the back door to your own private island! I can't recommend this vacation property enough! It was the best vacation ever!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: We LOVED having you all! and from what I heard....we will do it again next year! You all picked up on what Hank & I felt the first time we stepped into the home to consider buying it...........great karma, vibes , what ever you want to call it..... I think part of why our guests love it so much is that we do too. That part of the world is our sanctuary from our every day lives. Hank & I appreciate the kind words.......you know we do.....lets get our calendars together for next year!

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

High Season...........$4955/week for up to 12 guests.Add $300 for 12-18 guests
Mid Season............$3730/week for up to 12 guests.Add $300 for 12-18 guests
Low Season............$2970/week for up to 12 guests.Add $300 for 12-18 guests
Monthly Rate (28 nights)....$4955( January 1 - February 28)
Elevator fee $150.00 ( Elevator can be locked) 
Pet Fee 300.per dog 150.not refundable,150.is refundable if no damage is detected.
Contact owner/agent for complete rental guidelines
All rentals include linens, unlimited U.S. long distance calls, & free wi-fi 

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.