Vacation Rentals by Owner

We Will Return - We loved the Big W

Guest: Brian W1 (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

Our family of 5 just concluded our stay at The Big W and we had a wonderful time at the beach. Our three boys all under the age of 10 loved the pool and days at the beach. We also had a blast at Grayton Beach State Park enjoying a day on the lake with our kayak where the kids fished and crabbed. The Big W was very comfortable and offered plenty of space for our family. The property was well maintained and very clean. The owner Tanya was a pleasure to deal with and made the vacation planning process run smoothly. I would highly recommend the Big W to anyone looking to get away to the beach and relax. You can easily access all of the neighboring beach towns (Seaside, etc.) during the evenings for dinner and entertainment. We had a GREAT time and will return to the Big W in the future!

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

Exactly as advertised

Guest: Claire (Little Rock)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/28/10

We recently stayed at The Big W (10-16-10---10-23-10) and the house was so comfortable, spic and span clean, and inviting. I felt like Hemingway could have written a novel there surrounded by the 1940's construction and gorgeous wood floors and panels. It's not for the granite-countertops-and travertine-marble-bathroom folks, but it's perfect in its own way. It was silent--no traffic on our street, just you and the cicadas. The pool was completely private and secluded and the beach really was a short, short walk away. The screened-in porch was where our family ate every single meal and there was plenty of room indoors so that we weren't tripping over each other. We biked to other closeby neighborhoods for restaurants, and walked to the ice cream shop around the corner in the evenings. Just fyi, the water was juuuust warm enough and lying on the beach was perfect--not hot, not too cool. The pool was a bit cold, but my kids didn't seem to mind as much as me. We got plenty of use of it. I told my husband that I couldn't get the smile off my face the whole time we were there and we are already scheming on how we can get back to The Big W. It was wonderful.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

BEST Vacation House

Guest: Bernie (Nashville, TN/USA)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

The Big W is the absolute best vacation house anywhere. It is so comfortable and inviting. Somehow this home makes itself yours while you stay. The decor is very comforting and comfortable, casual antiques, quilts, hardwood floors and cotton rugs. The pool and screened in porch are big bonuses. Nice, relaxing swims and quite reading or games on the porch. The beach is a nice walk along the sandy path and you can stop by the local homemade ice cream and yogurt shop just around the corner. The area of Blue Mountain Beach is just delightful. It is a very quiet neighborhood but wonderful restaurants and shops are just minutes away. I think we have found our new annual vacation get away.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Vacation House

Guest: Wilson (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

We just finished our second stay at the Big W and couldn't be more satisfied. The house is comfortably simple with a cool eclectic style. The big screen porch is great for relaxing, playing, eating, etc. The kids loved the pool, and of course the beaches just down the road are great. We will be back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/05/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

This was our family's first trip to the Big W and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was very charming and quiet (except for the construction across the street). There was practically no one on the beach during the day. We polled the family one night and voted the ottoman as the "most unique" item in the house. A little duct tape would make it perfect! :) We greatly enjoyed dinner on the screened in porch each night. The pool was also a big hit. It's private enough for some very special late night "dips"! We look forward to returning to the Big W in the future.

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Guest: Lori Cole1 (Trussville, Al)
Date of Stay: 01/15/05 Review Submitted: 01/15/05

We have stayed in the Big W with another family and we all agreed that this was the best trip ever!!! the house was perfect and the location was great! We will be back!!!!

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Guest: Ted & Angela Hendrixson
Date of Stay: 09/10/03 Review Submitted: 09/09/03

Big W has difinitely become a tradition in our family. What does the W stand for? This was our second year here, and it seems to get better with time. Everything here just fits and this has to be the most relaxing place on earth. I am already looking forward to next year! The pool is wonderful, and the quietness rules! Don't change anything.

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Guest: Gretchen Lindsay
Date of Stay: 12/04/00 Review Submitted: 12/03/00

My 4th Big W visit! This time without friends or family, just me. Ther's no place like this around here! The wing back chair looks great reupholstered! It's cold here - but sunny! Peaceful just me - old movies, books, fresh seafood, drives, a few walks on the beach. . . Wish I could stay longer - next time, I will.

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Guest: the dinn Family
Date of Stay: 06/21/00 Review Submitted: 06/20/00

This is our second year at the "Big W". Reading back in the register, it's no big surprise the number of guests who always come back here. A week is simply not long enough to enjoy everything this community offers. Maybe we'll relocate?! We're so sad to be leaving but looking forward to next year. After the sea grass has floated off to the deep blue sea!

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Guest: Girls across the Bay
Date of Stay: 05/14/00 Review Submitted: 05/13/00

From the "Girls across the Bay" We (Meg, Kay, Judy, Barb, Debbie & Dianne) have returned for our 3red did-free, husband-free, WOW weekend at the Big W. Everything about this place is home away from home. We love it! If only we could buy the place and visit whenver we wanted. . . At least we are llucky enough to live "across the Bay". Until next year. . .

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Guest: Larry Lynch
Date of Stay: 05/10/99 Review Submitted: 05/09/99

Our 1st time to visit Florida. One things for sure, we picked the right place to stay. We loved the pool especially! We also love your taste in decorating. Great Weather! We ate here most of the time but plan to go do Fudpuckers tomorrow night. Took lots of pictures of the house and plan to suggest this place to everyone when we get back to Kentucky. Thanks for a fabulous time. Well be back!

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Guest: Gretchen & Miquel Lindsay
Date of Stay: 10/16/97 Review Submitted: 10/15/97

Gretchin & I came back for seconds here. We recently moved from Denver to Tx, and the Big W feels more like home than our new address! 75 degees, sunny & a full moon tide change brought even more beauty to the beach. We are happy to donate a scrabble game. It was nice to read MFK Fisher and re-qcquaint myself with Melville. We'll have real problems, if the Big W ever changes. (We struggled with the pool $, but we'll eat beans more often now at home). As long as Goatfethers supplies fresh bounty we will oblige them & enjoy eating on your porch table. We'll be back as soon as we can.

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Guest: Carolyn Howell
Date of Stay: 08/29/97 Review Submitted: 08/28/97

The Howells and the Patmans love the "Big w"! From daylight to night fall and 24 hours a day. . . it is the kind of place for getting family and friends together. It is also intimate, romantic and the stuff dreams are made of. . . There is something here to suite everyone! From quiet seclution, all the way to (some of us) challenging our bodies with endurance tests of lenghtly walks on the worlkd's most beautiful beach. We loved our vacation and melted away the days in dazzling sunlight and marveled at the breathtakingly beautiful moonlight. thank you and we shall return.

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Guest: Laura & Kevin McDonald
Date of Stay: 05/30/96 Review Submitted: 05/29/96

The Big Woloski family loves the Big W! Thanks for making your beach retreat so unique and comfortable. Kevin's already making plans to book this place monthly. We took you recommendations on the Red Bar too -- a hit with the whole clan. We'll be back!

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Guest: Gretchen Lindsay
Date of Stay: 03/04/96 Review Submitted: 03/03/96

We chose your homeover 4 other rentals we looked at because the interior ws so charming - the quintisential beach retreat. We also liked the quiet neighborhood (Enjoyed cooking meals in this cute kitchen) (with MFK Fisher!) We'll be back to see what it's like here in winter. We also love the adirondacks, the comfortable couch, screended in porch - etc. Thanks for opening up your home so we land-lubbers can enjoy it.

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