Vacation Rentals by Owner

A piece of heaven

Guest: David (Union KY)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/20/12

Our family was fortunate enough to find this property available with short notice....it did not disappoint. The views were absolutely one of a kind and the property owner is very attentive. Our two children absolutely loved it. Looking down on the clouds was something they have never seen and it was very romantic for me and my wife. I highly recommend this property for families but also for couples or groups of couples. It is close enough that going to town is easy but you really feel peaceful when you are on "The Top of the World". We will definitely be back! David, Shelley, Lyndsey and Logan

Owner response:David and his family spent Easter at "Top of the World" [TOTW] The Holidays are a very special time at "Top of the World" TOTW. Each Holiday "TOTW" is tastfully decorated to protray the event. David, Thank you for your kind words... Top of the World is indeed a special place. Waking up above the clouds, dreaming the day away, only to find you're aboe the clouds... The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. David, we are so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain, and indeed look forward to your future stay. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

HOLIDAY IN HEAVEN

Guest: Mario (United States)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

This past December my family and I had one of the best holidays ever. Everything was perfect from the moment we drove up to the mountains until the day we sadly said goodbye to that beautiful home. We were astonished by a beautifully built and taken care of house, carefully adorned with Christmas decorations. The view is magnificent, the surroundings are exhilarating. At the end you are very close but feel far from anything that can distract you from experiencing heaven! We all felt the vacation was too short (10 days). When we drove down the hill one thing was in everybody's minds: the thought that one day we will return to that magical place!

Owner response:The Holidays are a very special time at "Top of the World" TOTW. Each Holiday "TOTW" is tastfully decorated to protray the event. Thank you for your kind words... Top of the World is indeed a special place. It has always been our goal to provide an inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. We are so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain, and indeed look forward to your future stay. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome Views and Great Location

Guest: Dean (Valrico, Fl. )
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

We were a group of 6 and had plenty of room. Everything was clean and nice. We had great weather until our last day so can't complain. The home is in a great location with paved roads all the way. Takes about 20 minutes to get to Pigeon Forge. We hit the change of colors just right so that made the views even more spectacular. Enjoyed the hot tub and the fireplace at nite as well as all the lights from the area below. Did see a number of helicoptors fly below us during the day. Although we were out hiking and doing things most of the day; this would be a great home to just come and relax and not go anywhere if that is your bag. Would recommend this property to anyone as you would not be disappointed. The only small complaint we had was the floors are pretty squeaky when someone is walking around at nite. Thanks for letting us share your home at TOTW. I would not hesitate to rent your place again if we decide to return to the area.

Owner response:All, Thank you for your kind words... Top of the World is indeed a special place. HGTV actually coined the name. It has always been our goal provide an inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful Top of the World memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. We are so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain, and indeed look forward to your future stay. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow,That is Top Of The World,cant wait to come back!!!

Guest: donthaveone (Schaumburg ill)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

Vacationed on 10-13 thru 15 in 2011.Something we never seen before,owesome views all around,nice and clean inside out,everything you need to relax,enjoy or party up.It realy is top of the world with all the bells and wistles you need.House was incredibly clean and stocked with everything that vacationers might need. Loved Hot tub on the edge of the mountain,enjoyd pool games by the bar and fireplace,fire pit outside,bbq grills :) Fall colors -something amazing. It was funny to see hellocopters fly lower the the the lower deck at TOTW. Thank you wery much for leting us stay and feel what it meens to be on the Top Of The World!! We already planing second trip to the Top Of The World coming spring ,hoping house will be on rental market couse this is something thruly special. Thank you to the Owner of TOTW for unforgetible experiance. Marty+Vilma+Bernard Inga+Zenia+Sofia CHICAGOLAND

Owner response:All, Thank you for your kind words... Top of the World is indeed a special place. HGTV actually coined the name. It has always been our goal provide an inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. We are so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain, and indeed look forward to your future stay. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Home away from Home with all the extras

Guest: Tony (Ontario,Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

pictures don't say enough. This home has all the extra's and views and makes the trip up the mountain worth it. Great hot tub that was clean upon our arrival and a pool table that was ready to go. a fully dressed kitchen that made cooking our meals a pleasure.place was clean and inviting. we had a party of six and had more room in this place then in our home. and yes you will see planes flying lower then youself sitting on one of the many decks. If we vacation in the area again we will be booking again with Bob . thanks Bob for going the extra mile

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... It is my personal goal to always provide a inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. I am so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain. Dr. Bob

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

Our Favorite Family Vacation

Guest: Jen (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

Its hard to plan a family vacation when you have children from ages 7-25, and want to make sure there is something fun for everyone to do (including mom and dad!) Well, this home has been, without a doubt, our favorite family vacation. Even our 7 year old, when asked what she liked better......Disney World or "Top of the World".....she said TOTW!! That speaks volumes. In fact, the house is so large, the younger ones had quite a few games of "hide and go seek" during the week. We also all agreed that the best part of this vacation was the actual house. That says a lot too, since we visited many of the Gatilinburg/Pigeon Forge/ Smoky Mountain National parks. We just enjoyed staying "home" the most. So....on to the house...... Are you looking for a home that is luxurious and filled with top of the line amenities? This is the place for you! The pictures do not do this house justice. There is no way a photo can capture the amazing location and views the house has to offer. When we first pulled in and got out of the car, we were all speechless! There is not a SINGLE room in this house that does not have an amazing view. HONEST! (OK- well, maybe the laundry room!) Even the bathrooms offer sweeping views of the mountains, valleys & clouds below. Just imagine taking a spa shower and watching the lights twinkle below, and the stars shine above. One of our favorite things to do was to enjoy our morning coffee on the sky chairs , watching the sun rise, the clouds moving in or out, and the birds gliding below. It was hard to get motivated to leave the house each day. There are high thread count sheets and linens on each of the queen sized beds, a very well stocked kitchen, plenty of seating at all of the tables and numerous reclining couches & chairs for relaxing. The house was very CLEAN! Each day, we would explore something the area had to offer, and then relax in the hot tub in the evening. Most people hope that they will NOT encounter a thunderstorm on a vacation, but being here was the exact opposite! We enjoyed watching a brief storm roll in, the fantastic light display in the valley below, and at times, we were actually ABOVE the storm clouds. It was truly incredible! The owners went above and beyond to make sure our stay was one that we will always remember. We can't wait to come back in the fall or winter to see the incredible landscape at a different time of the year. Thank you, Dr. Bob, so much for opening your house to us!!

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... It is my personal goal to always provide a inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. I am so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain. Dr. Bob

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

Glad to see you've taken it back.

Guest: eric (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

We rented the house last year and were so excited before arriving but were very disappointed upon arrival...I don't want to go into detail but the disaster we had is probably well documented. I am happy you've decided to leave the rental company and maintain the house on your own, the house is gorgeous and needed attention. The views are incredible and I can only hope that all renters experiences will be positive since you've taken control of the house back.

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... and support!!! Top of the World is indeed a special place. It has always been our PERSONAL goal to provide an inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

ADKINS FAMILY DEADWOOD TEXAS

Guest: BOSS (DEADWOOD TEXAS)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

TOP OF THE WORLD WAS JUST WHAT THE DESCRIPTION SAID IT WAS.THE FIEW WAS AMAZING.THE HOUSE WAS CLEAN.MR. BOB GOES BEYOUND TO MAKE SURE YOU ENJOY THE VACATION.PEOPLE YOU NEED TO TAKE THE FAMILY AND GO TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD.

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... It is my personal goal to always provide a inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday I am so glad you enjoyed your time on the mtn. Dr. Bob

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

A "Top of the World" view never to be forgotten!!!

Guest: Sandy, Cheryl, Kim and Susan (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/25/11

What a fantastic place! The owner has thought of everything, it's comfortable, spacious, and tastefully decorated. It is built for enjoyable living, indoors and out. It has been meticulously transformed to take advantage of all the views, and consistently updated. Enjoy barbequeing dinner, out on the deck, or just hanging out, this is the place for two people to cozy... or with your family, and plenty of friends! I highly recommend it and can't wait to go back.

Owner response:Your kind words are much appreciated. We find it difficult to sometimes please all. Debra and I do our best to keep things in check. Again, we appreciate your posting a review, and welcome you and your for the next visit!

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

Dead Mice, Roaches, Just a pretty dress on an old hag.

Guest: Mr. Rockefeller (Boston MA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/07/11

There are so many problems with this property I do not know where to begin. The smells we were greeted by in the first two levels turned out to be dead mice. After looking around, we found evidence of a current mice infestation on all levels of the house. Droppings hidden all around kitchen, and on all 3 levels of house. Roaches in kitchen cabinets. Bugs everywhere living and dead. Handicapped access- complete untruth. Just to get to the main level includes a set of uneven rock stairs. To get to a shower from the main level, up another stairway. The dry sauna too small for one standing teen. Cd/DVD/Stereo broken and or missing. No AV equipment hooked up to TV's. No computer on site as indicated. Jacuzzi did not have any chlorine and was nasty. Radio broken on Jacuzzi. Pictures include a lot of things that are not there. The "sky chair" was made out of cheap cotton jute and broke- sending an adult crashing to the deck. "Commercial grill" was formerly a propane grill that you now dump charcoal into- a deck fire in the making. Hence no air control and no ability to control grill temperature or flame ups. Kitchen was so sparsely stocked on cooking pots and pans that it was almost impossible to make a simple dinner for 4 adults and one child. We ended up putting the soup in the coffee carafe. Central A/C and heat is a COMPLETE fabrication. There are 4 window unit style A/C's that do a fair job of keeping the place cool. None of the remotes are labeled. There are no radios or stereos working. Over a dozen heat controls. Garage was locked- could not use. Lake view is about 40 miles away and barely visible. Even the altitude is a fabrication. It is 3000 feet not 3550. What worked? The wifi, and the view. I would not recommend renting this property at any price. I recommend eating at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. In past listings the owner blames all the problems on property managers. Now the owners are the property managers and guests are still having the same problems. Railings were dangerously loose- could have resulted in death.

Owner response:Someone once said, the dynamics of the TN area attract all types… pests, critters, etc., some good and some not so good! Simply fill in the blanks... A closing telephone conversation with the renter yielded a simple minded quote from the renter, “It’s all about the money” The above reviews "CLEARLY" speak for themselves.

Recommended for:

DREAM HOME "CABIN"

Guest: Adam, Joan, Mindy, & Peter (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

Thank you for personally taking the time to answer all our questions on the phone. We feel as though we have always known you. Top of the World was 100% spot on. The people in Tennessee are friendly, Gatlinburg was fun and not a moment of being bored. The four of us ventured out. We had walked, eaten, shopped & been site seeing all day. We were tired and needed a place to relax! It was nice to come back to a lovely appointed & clean CABIN. If you can call your place a “cabin”! It is a clean spacious fairytale dream home. Thank you again, Adam, Joan, Mindy & Peter

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... It is my personal goal to always provide a inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. I am so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

VERY ACCOMMODATING

Guest: Bill & Carol (Portsmouth, UK)
Date of Stay: 02/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

Thank you for the quick response to my e-mail and your personal telephone call. My wife, Carol and I do not get a chance to have a “get-a-way” often, so when we do we want quality, cleanliness, and privacy. You defiantly covered all the bases. The views from "Top of the World" are killers! The monogrammed robes & Adult weekender kit was a huge hit. TY for that- “TOTW” has given us some great memories. We hope to be back many more times. Thank you again, Bill & Carol

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

****** MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE EVER*******!!!!

Guest: David K. (Miami, Fl.)
Date of Stay: 01/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

Where do I even start. We arrived in a snow storm. All of the approximately 10 outdoor flood lights were not working. Even the porch lights were out. It was dark beyond belief. The TV in the master only got one channel. There were no lights in the shower. Very dark at night. There was only 1 light in the living room and that light was out. The row of track-lighting above the fireplace did not work. Even maintenance could not get it to work. There was no trash can in the kitchen, and a PLASTIC can to put hot ashes in from the fireplace. That's dangerous. The DVD players were stacked on a table in the basement, not hooked up. The TV down there didn't work anyway. Cell phone service is sketchy, so I was shocked to see that the house phone did not work. What would we do in an emergency, travelling with children. Forget the surrond-sound, CD player, or radio. They were not hooked up. Just a pile of wires. I had planned on doing some business there, but my work could not be accomplished because the Wi-Fi did not work. The living room picture was left behind the couch where it had fallen. There are 9 thermostats. Adjusting the temperature was definately a chore. Enviromental air system? WHO? WHAT? WHERE? The heat in the downstaires bedroom, in fact the whole basement did not work. Due to that my kids got sick, and that ruined our trip to Disney World on the way home. The TV was removed from the guest bedroom. So was the desk, and table and chairs. There wasn' even a door to the guest bedroom. It was removed too. My teenage son and girlfriend had to nail up a blanket for privacy. Don't expect the sky chairs, the outdoor heater, or even the patio furniture. It also has been removed. Contrary to the owners comments, the management company tried to be very accomodating, but it was out of there hands. Is it their responsibility to fix outdoor flood lights, put up missing doors, and replace missing TV's? Also contrary to the owner's previous comments, the owner, was totally unresponsive when contacted about this situation. He blamed the management company. They did their best with what they could do. They sent out maintenance, replaced light bulbs, and even offered to change cabins, which was impossible due to the weather conditions. No, contrary to a previous review, the owner was unresponsive about my situation. He offered no compensation, or even an offer to return at another time. That's the least he could have done..What a rip-off!

Owner response:“Where do I even start” or three strikes and your out! This was the third strike for the rental management company’s contract that expired January 2011. The renter had good reason to express his feelings; to a degree. Based on the ongoing issues, the owner who had not been on site for several months, personally performed a complete inventory. Let it be known, many items turned up lost! It is the maintenance people’s responsibility to be the remote reporting eyes, too maintain, repair and prepare the property after each rental. Without being accusatory, many personal and general items were broken or abused by unusual usage; when did it happen? Functionally many items [thermostats, satellite, VoIP, Wi-Fi, etc.] had been tampered with and ruined. Who did it? Additionally, there are four distinct seasons at “Top of the World” allowing inside and outside appearances to change. Suitably, many seasonal items and furnishings are displayed or stored throughout the year. A comprehensive conversation with the rental management company took place. It was their decision, not to compensate the renter, based on his decision to continue his stay at the current location, after a move to another locale was offered regardless of weather conditions, and or its current state of concerns. Again, we all experience and or accept many happenings throughout our lives; some pleasant and some not so pleasant. We all learn and or follow many reference sources… The Bible. Notwithstanding, while society today has many views… it is not our desire to contribute to teenage sons and girlfriends sleeping together with or without doors, or with the misuse of nailing a supplied blanket to something. Thank goodness the breath-taking views are still abounding for us to enjoy.

Recommended for:

Misleading

Guest: Bo and Jenny (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/10

This past weekend my friends and I stayed at "Top of the World". I want to first say that the pictures do not do justice to the view. Incredible to say the least. We saw 2 planes and 3 helicopters fly lower than our deck! The pictures also do not do justice to what we found in our cabin. There were pictures of the decks with patio furniture all over the place. We didn't find so much as a folding chair on the main deck,and the one of the chairs was broken on the top deck. The pictures show a kitchen full of glasses of all sorts and the description says the kitchen is well appointed. We did not have a pot to boil water for spaghetti, we had to boil water in a frying pan. Needless to say it takes a while to make spaghetti for 6 adults that way. While we all waited for dinner to finish we drank wine.....out of plastic tumbler glasses. All the dishes had to be hand washed when we got there because everything was dirty. The pictures show a wonderful dining room with big dining room table seating 6 to 8 people. We sat down for our dinner in the diningroom at a metal table with a glass top, and sat in chairs that we ajusted all the way back. The furniture is outdoor patio furniture...luxury at its finest. Our hotub was supposed to be drained cleaned and refilled before our arrival. When we got there the hotub was half full and had green slimey stuff growing in it. We did call about the hotub and the people from cabins for you sent someone out to fix the problem, she used a net to stir up the tub a bit skimmed it out and was gone in 10 minutes. We called again and they sent a maintainence guy up who agreeded it was dirty, did some work, and called in the cleaners again. About 12:30am Sunday it reached 100 degrees and we got in. I do not want to be all negative. The master bath was incredible, except the big crack in the glass. The bar downstairs was really cool, save for the sink that unbeknownst to me did not have a drain pipe so when I dumped a drink in it, it was all over my feet. The pooltable was in great shape, a rarity in lots of other cabins i've been in. I think this cabin could be restored to its former glory with minimal investment a bit of hard work. You need to take down the pictures because it looks nothing like the pictures, but the view is awesome.

Owner response:This is a prime example... 2010 - of the straw that broke the camels back! The rental management company is gone! "Please think twice, - before renting through a rental company." [Name available on request] VRBO was created by owners for owners, not rental management company's that don't care; that fail to provide the "tender loving care", and are primarily interested in volume renting and greasing their pockets with every possible charge... to the renter and to the owner! I am very sorry this renter had to experience this discomfort, and plan to "personally" afforded the renter a future stay... at minimal charge.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Lyne & Barry Nolen (Birmingham, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/06/10

This comment is long, but I cannot say enough about this place. We stayed at Top of the World in the fall of 2009. I go back to the website from time to time just to remember our stay. The views and color were specatular! We have been going to the Smoky's for the last 40 years and always rent a home instead of hotel. This was BY FAR the most beautiful stay we have ever had. On one side you look across the valley toward Maryville and Knoxville (with the lights of Pigeon Forge below you at night) and on the other side you have a panoramic view of the Smoky's. It is perched on top of the mountain with views from every side. The first two days we did not even leave the grounds! There are seating areas hidden all around outside the house plus the 3 decks to sit and enjoy the view. There are no other homes close and it is surrounded by trees so sitting out in your PJs is not a problem. The home was very comfortable and stylish and had everything you would need. Love that shower! In the master bedroom there are skylights right over the bed to look at the stars at night. Skylights in the shower too that will close on their own if it should rain. Neat! With our hectic life it was such a pleasure to just sit back and enjoy. We certainly recommend. Bob, you are a lucky man! ~~Lyne

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words... It is my personal goal to always provide a inviting, relaxing, and clean vacation spot. The mountains of TN yield wonderful "Top of the World" memory's, spectacular views, and bring together all the pieces of a grand Holiday. I am so glad you enjoyed your time on the mountain. Dr. Bob

Recommended for:

Guest: Durk Thompson (Autsin TX)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

Let me say, from TEXAS... this is certainly HEAVEN!!! "Top of the World" is fantastic. The views are to die for! The home is SUPER!!! While indeed we can always find a few things one might change, I'd offer this guy a ton of money to buy it!!! Fantastic. It meets and exceed everything I've ever rented!!!

Owner response:Durk, You just got yourself a discounted stay!!! The time you stay a week - ONE DAY IS FREE!!! Thanks, Bob D

Recommended for:

***** A VACATION HOME - A SPECTACULAR LOCATION *****

Guest: Kathy (Harrisburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

What a beautiful home with breathtaking views! The perfect place to relax & unwind. The house is immaculate inside & out. The appointments in the master bathroom, are fantastic. The kitchen has everything you, We enjoyed our New Year dinner with views out the back watching planes fly under us. The large screen TV was a huge hit with my husband! I love all the decks and open floor plan. You can enjoy the views inside or out! The hot tub and the greatroom bar were awesome too. The house is located on the top of a mountain, what privacy, OMG!. We have stayed here several times in tghe past & look forward to returning in the future! - THIS HOME HAS IT ALL!!

Owner response:John, Kathy Thank you for your kind words... "Top of the World" has always been a relaxing vacation spot. HGTV coined it correctly... It's almost heaven, at the "Top of the World" Thanks, Dr. Bob

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.