Shabby - Yes, Chic - No

Guest: Rubycreek (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

All contact with the owners had to be initiated by us. They did not commnuicate having received our deposit, payment, check in/out procedures, etc. Books left in the cottage contain comments from past tenants talking about how accomodating and friendly the owners were. This we don't understand as they never even came by to introduce themselves or see if there was anything we needed. When we contacted them once about a problem with the WiFi the man told us his wife handles that and that we'd have to call back. The cottage is dilapidated and in sore need of maintenance and repair. The rear of the cottage is a converted porch and ceilings were not raised to a legal height. Anyone over 5' will be unable to stand upright, raise their arms above their head or shower comfortably. The floors are uneven and shake as you walk across them. There are window coverings only in the bedrooms so privacy is lacking. The owners live next door and each night turned on their flood lights (which face the bedrooms) illuminating the bedrooms (bright enough to read a newspaper) until ~2AM. The owners claim the bed is a Select Comfort, however it is nothing more than an air bed and unbelievably horrendous to sleep on. Having slept on one before we looked forward to this, but found no evidence anywhere of the manufacturer. The furniture and accessories are badly soiled and smell of wet dogs. The cottage is rife with insects such as spiders (everywhere), roaches (all over the kitchen), etc. There are cobwebs, spider webs, and general dirt everywhere so we are bewildered as to what the additional hefty cleaning fee is being used for. The back door does not lock - it can be yanked open with a tug so security is an issue here as well. The backyard is not private: it faces several other properties that all look down into it. The owners stated in their description that they offered a beverage and appetizer at their restaurant to tenants. We were given only two $5 coupons to be used towards an entree only. Based on the condition of the property we were not inclined to eat at their establishment, the Blackwater Grill. We'd never return to this property or recommend it to anyone. Ever. There are many other lovely places to stay that are well kept and worth the $$$. Try Bennie's Red Barn for dinner, don't miss East Beach at sunset, and go to City Market in Brunswick over the causeway for seafood (they supply all the area restaurants and their prices are wonderful!).

Owner response: This review is incorrect in almost all aspects,and seems to have been sent solely to be hurtful.Rubycreek actually saw fit to also criticize our restaurant, which they never even visited. Our pictures speak for themselves, and previous reviews received since 2004 certainly dispute Rubycreek's complaints.We have actually redone the floors in the kitchen and bathroom since the pictures were taken and prior to Rubycreek's visit. Rubycreek expressed in an e-mail that they were looking forward to "get away and feel human again". This e-mail was answererd 15 minutes later with information about the cottage. Upon receiving payment, we immediately mailed a confirmation and a signed contract as we always do. We did not feel that Rubycreek needed or wanted us to to bother them with visits and questions.I personally don't want to hang with owners when I rent a place, but would certainly have called them if I was as upset as Rubycreek's review indicated. Rhonda waved to the man twice and received waves in return - never did we hear of any dissatisfaction until this horrible review was posted for the world to read. I'm confident that future renters will be as satisfied at our cottage as the hundreds of previous renters that preceeded and followed Rubycreek have been. John and Rhonda Howton - owners

Recommended for:

perfect vacation getaway

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

My husband and I spent a week at this lovely cootage last week. It was the perfect location. We loved the bikes and the home had everything we needed. Having just listed my own beach house on VRBO in NC, I got some great ideas for my own rentals. We especially enjoyed the front porch. I would highly recommend this home for a vacation getaway or extended stay. Thanks so much!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

We loved this place

Guest: Kathy (Alder Creek, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

We stayed a month. Owners next door were friendly and helpful. I would recommend the fish store on Demere. We biked over nearly every day to pick up fish for dinner. The bed was soooo comfortable

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

Guest: Pamela Giles (Lawrenceville,GA.)
Date of Stay: 06/30/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

Our family had a wedding on the island this past March, 2008. The house allowed us extra space to accomadate everyone in the family on the same street. It was so conveniently located! Also, the Blackwater Grill definately has the best food on the island and is child friendly. Even my 7 year old son had fun coloring and chatting up our waitress Gloria. I would definately come again!!!

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Guest: Mica Henry (Hamilton Ohio )
Date of Stay: 04/04/06 Review Submitted: 04/04/06

My family and I stayed here at this lovely cottage in June. We needed a break so bad & it was just perfect. The children loved it and we loved it. I loved the fact theat we were so close to the beach. It is bike riding distance.

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Guest: Blair Fine (-)
Date of Stay: 01/19/06 Review Submitted: 01/19/06

I spent a weekend in the cottage last year and loved it! It's such a cute house and very centrally located. The Blackwater Grill has terrific food and great service...we'll be back!!

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Guest: Delle Shannon (Duluth,GA.)
Date of Stay: 06/25/05 Review Submitted: 06/25/05

We spent a wonderful weekend here last fall. It is wonderful setting out on the deck looking at the stars. it is truely a magical island and the house is so charming. it had everything we needed for a stress free few days. Also, the food at Blackwater Grill is wonderful, if I lived here I would eat there every night.

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Guest: Joy Burnette (Lilburn, GA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/05 Review Submitted: 02/09/05

I have stayed in this cottage at least three times both for pleasure and business. It is a comfortable home away from home with everything I need for my family...including a washer and dryer. The cottage is always clean and in good repair. It is very handy for shopping, the beach and nearby activities. The front porch swing is my favorite!

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Guest: Teresa laster (Charlotte, TN)
Date of Stay: 11/22/04 Review Submitted: 11/22/04

My husband and I spent a week in November, and it was delightful. The home is cozy, romantic and perfectly comfortable. It is in a great location, close enough to everything but on a very private lot. We loved everything about it!!!

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