Family & Friends Getaway

Guest: Big Family (Westchester, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

We rented this house for a 4 day weekend and we all had an amazing time. It is a very big house and was able to accomodate many people. The pool is a great size and can be illuminated at night for a late night swim. It can also be heated if you like the water a little on the warmer side. We didn't find the need to use that feature. The hot tub is amazing at night after the kids go to bed and the adults need to relax. We didn't want for anything. The house had rackets, bikes for all ages, balls, pools floats and accessories, beach chairs and umbrellas. We had it all. The back patio is beautiful to just hang out and we loved to have all our meals outdoors. In comparison to other houses around, one would say it is old, but that's what gave it so much charm and warmth. It felt like a home away from home. I would definately recommended it to anyone. It does not have AC, but does have lots of fans, none of which we used. The house is very breezy and doesn't even need AC in my opinion. We all slept very comfortably. Most of our time was spent outdoors. All in all, we had an unbelievably good time time and look forward to going back again next year.

Owner response:So glad you enjoyed your time at Maple Shade. It's always nice when people enjoy all that the house has to offer. Come back anytime!

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

Family Reunion

Guest: Summer getaway (Ft. Lauderdale, fl)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

I returned from a family reunion of 14 adults and 9 children. We had a great time . We were all thrilled that we chose to stay here and NOT a hotel. The house is very spacious. Everyone who wanted to find some quiet time was able to do. The house has a beautiful big backyard with beautiful pool and spa, tennis court and swingset. Another nice gesture is that the owner provides bikes for children of all ages , tennis rackets and all sorts of balls for both kids and adults to play with. No need to come prepared. Now the negatives: The house is incredibly outdated with very a very small kitchen. Lastly, other than one room downstairs, the house does NOT have air conditioning. Also, the house about 2 miles away from the beach, not really walking distance. We happen to have been when the weather was mild, however, if AC is important to you and the weather is above 80 , i would NOT recomend this house. Overall, we had a great time in southampton and specifically at this house.

Owner response:I have to agree that our house is not for everyone -- it is a rambling old farmhouse from the late 1800s that provides renters with a taste of the "old" hamptons. It is really for people who are looking for an opportunity to get back to basics and to visit with family and friends. We have rented to many, many large families for reunions and virtually all of them tell us that they thoroughly enjoyed their stay -- because of the location of the house, the number of rooms and private spaces, the large patio, the overized pool/hot tub and the tennis court. And we have several families who return year after year. However, there's no disputing the fact that the house is old (100+ years) and that it does not have central AC. The lack of AC is usually not a problem as the Hamptons tend to maintain a moderate temperature during the summer months and as there is an excellent cross-breeze throughout the house (plus every room is outfitted with a fan). With respect to the kitchen, it is true that the kitchen is somewhat small for a house of this size. However, it is designed for hosting large get-togethers. It has a very large pantry, there are 6 burners on the stove, there are 2 refrigerators, and there are 2 weber grills just outside the kitchen. In addition, both the dining room and breakfast room are adjacent to the kitchen.

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

Family reunions

Guest: buffy (Mansfield, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

We've returned to this getaway for many years, finding it the perfect set- up for our large family reunions. The lovely stone-patio, large swing set, over-sized pool, tennis court, and amenities like bikes and a canoe, make it ideal for such gatherings. Kids will love it! Location also a plus -- right on Hill St, just up from the Village, and a short jog or bike ride from the beach. Charming, 19th-century architecture -- with many quiet nooks but outfitted for large numbers.

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

southhampton

Guest: belgium visister (ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 08/04/10

Great pool, tenniscourt and yard to play in. 2 friges and 2 weber grills!!!! The house doesn't have AC what made it hard to sleep. Some of the beds were small for 2 persons. We did have a great vacation.

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