Vacation Rentals by Owner

More than words can express

Guest: Jaz (Oahu,waianae)
Date of Stay: 06/03/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

This home is very beautiful. My in-laws came into town when we walked into the home it's was more than what we all had expected. Very beautiful, big, and quit. A place of relaxation. I recommended this house to everyone I know and I live in Oahu. I will definitely take a vacation there many more times to come. My in-laws from California had recommended this home to everyone they know. This is how beautiful this home is. If you don't rent this home, you are missing out.

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

Exceeded Our Expectations!!!

Guest: Kamaaina Visitor-Tupu (Seattle, Washington)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

My family of 8 are returning annual vacationers to Hawaii (also kamaaina's) and this year's trip is our second of hopefully many more years to come. This year my family in-law (4) decided to vacation together due to last year's wonderful experience (rental vacation property in Laie). We were able to find this particular rental vacation on the West Coast of Oahu and were very surprised and delighted that everything advertised about this rental met our expectations, AND MORE!! From the start of contacting the owner till the ending of receiving our Damage Deposit check, Cynthia has been very professional with a touch of grace and "Aloha spirit" that we don't often experience with planning our vacation away from home. As a "local boy" from this side of the Island, it was refreshing and stimulating to realize the serenity and a sense of peacefulness still existed. The quiet setting and perfect surrounding of this lovely "home away from home" allowed my family and I to really experience what a REAL vacation is. We definitely would recommend this rental to our friends and visitors to the islands. It maybe selfish of me to NOT want to advertise this location as it would only hurt my opportunity to return here next year, but, it would do this place injustice to sit year round and not have people enjoy the same life long memories we gained during our recent stay. Mahalo Cythina, Tupu and Ohana

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

Everything one could want in a home

Guest: Julie (Richmond, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

Our family came from Richmond BC and Edmonton Alberta for a Spring Break hoiday in this beautiful home. The house is even nicer than the pictures if that's possible. It's very clean, spacious and is equiped with all the towels and linen anyone could need. There are so many things to use in the kitchen including a blender for making fruit smoothies. We especially appreciated the two levels so the teenagers could have their own space at times. The wrap around deck with all the chairs is wonderful as we could choose to be in the sun or shade. It was so nice to be in a house that felt like a home. Communication with Cynthia was excellent. We received very clear directions in the package that was mailed to us. The book at the house listed places to visit, eating and shopping places that were recommended. We felt very much at home in that setting. The house is ideal for families or friends to enjoy. We would be so very happy to have another opportunity to stay there.

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

Family Reunion Experience 12-21-10 to 1-1-11

Guest: Flor (Sterling Heights, MI, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Our family reunion attendees came from Australia, Michigan and Maryland. There were 9 adults and one infant. The house was as what was expected..with 6BR and 7BTH with a beautiful swimming pool and complete amenities. It was clean and well kept. Jim, the caretaker, was there to answer questions or for additional items needed. The family enjoyed spending time at the pool when at home. Although the place is on the west side of Oahu, travel time going to different places was ok since we take our time travelling. We went to 2 Catholic churches within driving distance and experienced wonderful church ceremonies were the whole congregation participated and sang. It was a great experience for all of us. Yes, we would recommend the place to our relatives and friends and will also consider it again if ever we visit Oahu again. Thanks Cynthia, for a wonderful family reunion we had. Your family portrait is beautiful.

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

Relaxing and peaceful home

Guest: D&J (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 12/08/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

I wanted to thank you for opening up your beautiful home to my family and new in-laws. Being in a home rather than a hotel really helped us bond faster on our wedding trip. We enjoyed cooking and eating meals together, and my nieces loved swimming in the pool. The home was warm, comfortable and just the right amount of space for us all. Also, the view of the mountains and ocean were spectacular. We would definitely stay at your home again given the opportunity.

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

Guest: Curtis Family1 (Warren, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 04/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home! We all had the most relaxing but fun filled vacation and the house was perfect for the kids and the adults! Makaha has the best beaches and the friendliest locals! We miss it already and are planning our next trip!

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Guest: Robert Paradise (Parker, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/10/08 Review Submitted: 01/10/08

Honk, honk, sirens, traffic....that's how the vacation started down in Waikiki. A few days later, the house in Makaha was ready for the whole family. We had twelve adults and one toddler that thoroughly enjoyed our week in Makaha. Everyone enjoyed a little something different about the house. The beautiful scenery, the sounds of rural Oahu, the uncrowded beaches and, of course, the pool. Everyone agreed the house was so spacious it didnt even feel crowded with thirteen of us around the place. Thanks again for opening your home to us for a memorable graduation and anniversary celebration in Oahu. We highly recommend this home to families looking for a place to settle in and relax in Paradise!

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Guest: Robert and Nanci Ellis (Marietta GA)
Date of Stay: 01/02/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/08

Twelve of us had a great holiday adventure(Christmas and New Years 2007/08) at the house. It was perfect for the large group and the beauty of the surroundings was much more than expected. We would highly recommend this place to a group of any size. You have plenty of room for all and areas for privacy when you need it. Much better than trying to rent enough hotel rooms for this many people.

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Guest: Tina Domen (Honolulu, HI)
Date of Stay: 09/20/07 Review Submitted: 09/20/07

We had a great Memorial Day weekend in Makaha. The kids loved the pool and the house was more beautiful and well equiped than I had expected. I have recommended it to local families who live in the city who just want to get away for a long weekend. Thank you Cynthia for sharing your beautiful home.

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Guest: Brenda Williams1 (Saugus California)
Date of Stay: 06/18/07 Review Submitted: 06/18/07

Thank you, Thank you, this house was absolutely beautiful. The rooms were comfortable and spacious, it was everything we were looking for and more. My family and I had so much fun. We didn't even think about the beach with that great pool in the back and that beautiful 360 view of the Makaha mountains.We will return again to Makaha Valley,forget Waikiki it doesn't compare. Mahalo and Aloha for now. The Williams Family

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Guest: Debbie Garner (Mansfield, OH)
Date of Stay: 05/11/07 Review Submitted: 05/11/07

We had three other couples join us for a family vacation at this lovely home. We enjoyed the wrap around deck and relaxing, enjoying the cool tradewinds. The pool was fabulous and the home spacious. Great for a vacation away from it all. It's a drive to Waikiki, about an hour & limited parking. The Ko Olina beach was gorgeous and we seen sea turtles when we snorkeled there! Uncrowded beach as well. Thanks again for allowing us to share your home & create memories Cynthia! Aloha & Mahalo!

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Guest: Snowbird Bento (Waianae, HI)
Date of Stay: 01/08/07 Review Submitted: 01/08/07

Aloha e Cynthia, I know that you will be traveling to Hawaii in the next few days, but I just wanted to thank you for allowing my halau and I to stay at your beautiful home. It was very peaceful and suited ALL our needs. You could tell just from being in the home that you had taken the time to ensure that your home was indeed just that, a home. I?ve been in many hotels, vacation rentals, etc. and did not feel as safe and comfortable as I did in your "Hale Ikuone". My brother, who is a journeymen carpenter and is a partner in his own construction company, walked comlpetely around your home and kept saying, this is how a house should be made to accomodate a family. He is also a father of three girls, so he knows how precious space is! Yesterday morning when he woke up he said that he thought he was at home until he realized that his bedroom does not have a patio door:~) My students were very relaxed and appreciative after 2-hour long workshop sessions in the sun to have a cool and refreshing pool to swim in. We also took pictures that we will send to Merrie Monarch for the program and I will be sure to send you a copy as well! But perhaps the most inviting feature for me was to be able to see the mountains in Makaha valley and ocean in front at sunset. The first day I arrived just before sunset and the upstairs living room and kitchen were filled with a warm glow and behind the mountain as I opened the main door, there was a light curtain of rain moving and a splash of irredescent rainbow colors shinning through. Breath-taking!! Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo for sharing your home and yourself with all who walk through those doors!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/12/06 Review Submitted: 11/11/06

Dear Cynthia, Your beautiful residence is the best-kept secret on Oahu. As a local resident, my family had some trepidation associated with the reputation of the Makaha Coastline when I shared the plan to stay in Makaha; however we soon realized our fears were unwarranted. We had the BEST family weekend together - it was quiet, safe, no traffic noise, unforgettable sunsets, but most importantly, the home was large enough that our family could spend quality time together without feeling restrained. We can't wait to stay at your home again. Mahaho a nui loa. The Kubota's

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Guest: Alice30 (Dallas TX)
Date of Stay: 06/22/06 Review Submitted: 06/22/06

A beautiful house with a beautiful view of the mountains and the sunset/sunrise over the ocean. Plenty of room for our party of 8 and very beautifully furnished. The Polynesian cultural center's luau had so so food but a beautiful show. Hike up to diamondhead crater - you won't be disappointed. The calm beach 4 blocks away was the best we found for our 17 months old. Reggie's shaved ice that Cynthia recommended was good but the one we found in chinatown was surprisingly more refreshing. Go for the ahi tuna and the pineapples at the grocery stores - the best deal around! All in all - a good time was had by all. MAHALO!

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Guest: Jackie Hardy (-)
Date of Stay: 05/16/06 Review Submitted: 05/16/06

We had a great time at this wonderful home. You have a lovely home and the grounds are beautiful. I will definitely recommend this home to everyone I know. Thank you for such a wonderful place to stay.

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Guest: Jay Clemons (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/21/06 Review Submitted: 04/21/06

We had a wonderful stay with 10 family members. Being away from the rat race of Waikiki in a very local and quiet area was fantastic. The Ko'Olina resort area is very handy, great lagoons for the small ones to get used to the ocean, and lots of recreational opportunties. This is the perfect Hawaii geat away place....I wish we could keep it a secret! Our hostess and previous guests have left just about everything you need for a perfect beach vacation. Stores are fairly handy (my favorite was Sack and Shop). Tourist activities nearby without going Waikiki inclue the Hawaii Plantation Village and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Will return for sure!

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Guest: Bonnie Rincon (Crestivew FL)
Date of Stay: 03/24/06 Review Submitted: 03/24/06

We stayed at the house with two other couples. We had a great time. The area leading up to the house is older but it had a beauty of it's own. We had a lot of rain but we were able to get out and see a lot of Ohau. The Makaha golf club behind the house has a very good restaurant. The men in our group golfed at the public course behind the house and loved it. It was only 58.00 to play. I would not recommend going to Germaine's Luau. It was not very good. We were told by other people it was the best. We went on the Atlantas Whale watch boat. It was great. The food they served for lunch was good. I hope we get a chance to come back.

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Guest: Eve Dressel (Dayton, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/22/06 Review Submitted: 03/22/06

The house was wonderful inside and out, with plenty of room for all of us. I had a very relaxing time and enjoyed the views of the mountains as well as the ocean and the sunsets were wonderful too. Our whole family had a great time! If we take another family vacation to Hawaii - this will be where we would stay! Thank you so much.

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Guest: Connie Massey (Bear, DE)
Date of Stay: 03/19/06 Review Submitted: 03/19/06

The house was beautiful. Cynthia did a great job with the decorating and had a real Hawaiian flavor. When we first drove up to the house we were surprised at the state of the neighborhood but the views of the ocean and the mountains all around us quickly made up for it. Hearing the roosters was a hoot! A picture taken at sunset at Makaha Beach was one of the prettiest pictures we took through our whole trip and better than any we saw that we could purchase. Don't bother going to Germaine's luau though as it was very disappointing. Recommend one at a hotel on the beach in Waikiki. We had several days of rain but we were still able to get out and sightsee. Loved Ko Olina beaches also. Thanks so much, Cynthia, for everything or I should say Mahalo! We will never forget this trip!

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Guest: Jennifer290 (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/26/06 Review Submitted: 02/26/06

This beautiful home has many ammenties that made my week's stay very special. The highlight for me is the beautiful Makaha Golf Course that backs up to the property. How convenient! The course is open to the public at very reasonable rates ($58 for 18 holes 2006)The course has beautiful ocean and mountain views with flowers, trees and greenery everywhere. At hole #6 on the east course one can wave to friends at the house. Aloha!

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Guest: Charlynn Smith (Lake Winnebago MO)
Date of Stay: 02/18/06 Review Submitted: 02/18/06

Great family retreat. Lots to do for the kids!! Plenty of room for everyone to have quiet time also and for the kids to their separate area. Great view from every angle of the house. Would recommend for family vacations and reunions.

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Guest: Nina Hannawalt (Lafayette, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/01/06

I had a wonderful time here - relaxing and beautiful. I love the mountains behind us, the beach, and the sitting on the porch watching the sunset each evening. Waking up to he beautiful view out over the pool landscaping to the mountains was lovely. The pool was great to swim in, as was the ocean. At the beach we swam, floated in the waves, and watched surfers. This is a beautiful location and a beautiful home. Thank you!

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Guest: Linda Hannawalt (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/31/06 Review Submitted: 01/31/06

Cynthia: You have done an exceptional job of capturing the magic of Hawaii both inside and outside of this fabulous home. Great Art and faboulous pool. You can even see the Ocean while standing in the pool. The real joy is that the house is designed for private time to relax or read your book and yet when we all wanted to socialize or watch the sunset together, we were never crowded. Great vacation rental with thoughtful class! Look forward to returning soon!

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Guest: Mary Sue Wallace (Oakland, CA 94610)
Date of Stay: 01/30/06 Review Submitted: 01/30/06

Dear Cynthia, How delighted I was upon arriving at the home in Hawaii and finding it so beautiful, clean, efficient and relaxing. The setting is ideal with 360 degree balconies overlooking magnificent views; the ocean, the mountains and the neighborhood. Even though the neighborhood is run down, it doesn't affect the beauty and pleasure I got from staying in the house. Every bedroom with it's private bath provided the six of us with privacy and solitude if we wished to be alone. When we gathered in the greatroom upstairs, we have kitchen, dining room and living room with access to decks all around. We had a great time cooking together and watching videos in the evening. Everything if provided and clean and ready to go. We had the best time and I greatly appreciate that the house is available to rent. We look forward to coming back year after year. I loved the fact that we had beautiful beaches within walking distance (4 to 6) blocks, that the property is ringed by mountains, and that the tourists have not yet discovered the charm of this region. Thanks for your restful and wonderful vacation rental. Mary Sue Wallace January 29, 2006

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Guest: Covey Family
Date of Stay: 06/20/05 Review Submitted: 06/19/05

Entered from house Guestbook: We loved staying in your beautiful home for our vacation. Our children arrived with us and my cousin along with my husband's brother and wife. We had a wonderful time. This was our third vacation to Oahu and your home more than met our standards. The beaches on this side of the island are beautiful and not quite as crowded as the rest of the island. We are already planning our next vacation to Oahu! Bob, Tammy, Samantha, Bobby, Stephen and Jimmy

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Guest: Robert and Mary Keathley (Pasadena, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/13/05 Review Submitted: 06/13/05

There were 9 of us including 2 of my grandchildren. The house was spacious and decorated with Hawaiian beauty. The pool was relaxing after a fun-filled day of sightseeing. The kitchen had every amminity. There was everything needed for a care free and child friendly vacation. My sister has terminal cancer. The one thing she wanted was to see Hawaii...Cynthia helped us make wonderful memories with her thoughfullness, kindness and beautiful home.

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Guest: Davis Family
Date of Stay: 05/19/05 Review Submitted: 05/18/05

Entered from House guestbook: Four generations of family members gathered at your lovely home as we prepared for our daughter's wedding. We traveled from Ohio, VA, NC and Florida. Our family time before the wedding was precious. You special "touches" of hospitality were so appreciated. The house was filled again this week with the sound of children, granparents, great grandparents and young love! Thanks so much, Tom, Judy, Betsy, Drew, Emelee, Iris, Cheryl, Kyle, Rebecca, Hope and Kaleb

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Guest: Sonja MacTavish (Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/13/05 Review Submitted: 04/13/05

We spent 2 wonderful weeks in this home. There were 7 adults and 2 children, never felt crowded, everyone had their own comfortable space, yet lovely rooms to gather in together. This was truly the best equipped rental I have ever stayed in. Very clean and comfortable, lots of little extras that just made the stay very relaxing and homey. HIGHLY recommend this great location to anyone who likes to be in a beautiful location, far enough away from the large crowds, but close enough to get to everything in a short drive. Lovely views all around, fun pool to play in, what more could you want!

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Guest: Jimenez Family
Date of Stay: 04/11/05 Review Submitted: 04/10/05

Entered from house guestbook: Cynthia: Thank you for opening up your home. My family and friends enjoyed staying here. The house is a dream home and the views and pool are perfect. Wish we had stayed longer. Odie

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Guest: Abersfeller & Riggle Family
Date of Stay: 02/28/05 Review Submitted: 02/27/05

Entered from House Guestbook: Cynthia: What an amazing experience on this side of the island! We have had an awesome week, hiking, exploring, scuba diving, snorkeling, golfing and hanging out with the locals at the beach. Your house was wonderful, even with the few plumbing problems but....not to worry....the plumber was here! We loved the deck, the pool and everyone having etheir own space. We hope to come back some day. Thanks, also, for always checking on us and making sure everything was tip-top shape. We really appreciated it. Thanks for sharing your home! From the plumber and his wife, Tyrone and Cindy Riggle Cynthia: The perfect place to "get away from it all!" We leave with rested bodies, re-emerged spirits and peaceful souls. Hawaii lives on in our hearts as we head home to resume our busy lives. Thank you for the beautiful sanctuary. Bev and Jeff Abersfeller

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Guest: Reynolds & McCoy Family
Date of Stay: 02/20/05 Review Submitted: 02/19/05

Entered from house guestbook: It is a blessing for Cheryl to have found your house on the internet after finding out the condo we were scheduled to stay at would be closed due to a water main leak. Your house was roomy enough for all of us to have our own space during our vacation and my husband, my daughter and myself had the house to ourselves for 4 days at the end. It is a beautiful home and we hope to come back some day. Fran, Jim, Courtney, Cheryl, Don, Kim, Alan and Pastor Bob

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Guest: Ratcliff Family
Date of Stay: 02/08/05 Review Submitted: 02/07/05

Entered from House Guestbook: Cynthia: All of our bags are packed but we don't want to go. However, life must go on. Our son, Kevin, who is in the Navy and stationed in Japan, spent last week here with his wife and family, then we arrived to spend a week with him too. The house was really beyond all of our expectataions and easily accomondated the twelve people each week. The kitchen is state of the art. The house is accessorized as something you would see in a magazine or on HGTV. I again thank you for sharing your house with us. It really is the gold standard. Bob, Nancy, Christa, Jim, Cheryl, Meredith, Jackie, Cole, Jessical, Muriel and Betty

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Guest: David Family
Date of Stay: 01/17/05 Review Submitted: 01/16/05

Entered from House Guestbook: It is so difficult to peel away ourselves from your home. Thank you for sharing it with us. It played a BIG part in creating big memories, celebrating my 50th birthday. Nancy Dear Cynthia: Thank you for sharing your dream vacation home. It is straight out of a magazine, and it contributed so much to our getaway from the cold, wet weather of San Francisco. I hate to leave this tropical paradise, but look forward to returning. Shangrila

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Guest: Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick
Date of Stay: 01/04/05 Review Submitted: 01/03/05

Maybe it wouldn't sound like heaven to just anyone, but to us it was that and more. Kids and grandbabies learning to kick in the pool, mass diners on the deck, blowing bubbles and painting seashells, lazy mornings at the beach and VERY long naps. Thank you for this magical place. Even though there were lots of little feet and fingers, we never felt crowded and always felt comfortable and relaxed. Our grown kids come from Canada, Australia and the US and this was the first time in three years that we have been together. The big house was the perfect venue! Mahalo!

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Guest: Mogg Family
Date of Stay: 11/07/04 Review Submitted: 11/06/04

Your true Aloha spirit is evident in every detail of this house! Mahalo. Wendy Mogg We can't wait to come back! Kaeli and Natalie Mogg

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Guest: Grandfather Wendall Young
Date of Stay: 10/17/04 Review Submitted: 10/16/04

I really enjoyed staying in the room with direct pool access. When I opened the sliding glass door in the morning, I could hear the roosters crowing and it took me back to the ranch I lived on when I was 6 years old in Riverside, California. I love the local flavor of this location. The Hawaiians here are so genuinely friendly and helpful. Thank you for letting our family stay here.

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Guest: Janet Froio
Date of Stay: 10/01/04 Review Submitted: 09/30/04

We enjoyed your lovely home. The kitchen was amazing! Watching the sunsets from the balcony was a real treat. We felt very welcome and comfortable here with all your nice furnishings. Hope to come back soon!

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Guest: Cherine Young
Date of Stay: 10/01/04 Review Submitted: 09/30/04

This was something I never thought I'd really experience. Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. Loved the pool. It was so neat to play Marco Polo with the grandkids. Sunsets were spectacular! Love your furnishings. Hate to leave.

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