Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Weekend with Friends

Guest: JB (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/12 Review Submitted: 05/25/12

The property was exactly as seen in the images. There were no surprises and Kirby, the owner, was exceptionally easy to work with. I would stay here again and recommend it to my friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

loved our vacation!

Guest: Sonja (AL)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

The Lily Pad rental was very comfortable, roomy and enjoyable! We loved the pool and deck areas as well as the upstairs game room. The kitchen was up to date with everything available to cook a meal (or not!) and the countertops are beautiful! The beds were all very comfortable and the sheets were especially nice. The house was clean,(I am very picky about floors and this is the first house in many years that I didn't have to clean the floors upon arrival)! I fully recommend the Lily Pad. Our family truly hated for the week to end. Thank you, Kirby for a great vacation rental!

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Lily Pad

Guest: Wanda (Lexington, Ky)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

My family and i just spent a wonderful vacation week at the "Lily Pad" It was everything we had hoped for and much more. The pool was beautiful and warm just the perfect temp, the houses were beautiful and equipped with everything you need to make you feel right at home. We are already looking forward to our next visit to the area and will expect to spend it at the "Lily Pad" I have recommended this property to all my friends and the rest of my family. Thanks to Shelby for all the helpful information look forward to the next time

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

Great family vacation home

Guest: JOE'S Family Vacation (New York)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 08/07/11

My 2nd year to stay at the Lily Pad, and we once again were not disappointed. The house has virtually everything you need for a week away from home, but to feel like home. We think the combination of the pool/jacuzzi and the covered deck provides a great "get together" point after a day at the beach, shopping or golf. Actually, one day we simply relaxed there all day, then cooked up a nice dinner that evening and enjoyed it all on the deck. Gameroom upstairs was fabulous for both kids and adults. On Friday evening, we all decided that we're coming back again next year...same time, same place.

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

Donna - Luling, LA

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/12/11

This year was our fifth consecutive year at the Lily Pad and we are already booked for next year!! If you are looking for the perfect Destin beach house, look no further because you have found it. The house is so well maintained. Every year we arrive to find something new and updated. I don't think you will find a better stocked kitchen which is great for us because we cook everynight. The cabana house is perfect for our teenage group that likes to stay up all night long. The game room in the main house has provided many hours of entertainment through the years. We really love having our own pool and jacuzzi and the deck and porch area is lovely. We typically spend our day at the beach and our early evening at the pool. You couldn't ask for a more perfect location. And last, but certainly not least, you couldn't ask for a better owner. Kirby is the best!!! He will make you feel like you are in your own home while staying in his. Thanks for all the wonderful years Kirby, and we are looking forward to many more to come.

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

Buddy Needed A Break!!

Guest: Buddy (Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

Being a Radiation Therapist, I know and deal with the devastating effects Cancer has on my patients and their families on a dialy basis. The toll, emotionally and financially is enourmas. Long hours and patient load was also takeing its toll on me. I needed a break NOW! I found that much needed R & R at the Lilly Pad. Seven days of peace!! Lots of sleep and quiet times in the whirlpool while the kids were at the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Kirby....enjoy the spice!!

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

McGoAlWeb FamReunion

Guest: millie (marlton, new jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/10/11

It was well worth the 40-hr round trip for me to spend the time with my extended family in this lovely, spacious vacation property. The owners are marvelous people who responded positively to our needs.

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

Cheryl (Houston tx)

Guest: cheryl c. (houston)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

The photos didn't do justice for the LILLY PAD. We had our extended family Vacation here with all our grown children & grand kids. The house was very spacious and comfortable. We enjoyed every part of it. The pool,game room,great sheets on the king beds, covered patios (up & down) we even brought a long folding table that we were able to use while grilling and later taking it upstairs to have a sunset dinner on the outside patio. The wagon was awesome for our gang to haul everything to the beach. The only down sound for my group were the ones that had the guest house. they felt a little excluded from the family having to leave the house to go to theirs since the house doesn't open right onto the pool area. Kirby is a awesome person to deal with, always right there for help! We brought our own bikes and rode scenic 98 every morning as well as the beach and shopping.. everything was so close! We even had a surprise that we will cherish forever. Our daughter was purposed to on the beach during family photos! :) The Lilly Pad will always be remembered!! Thanks Kirby!!

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

Extended family vacation

Guest: Jeff (Germantown Hills, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Our stay at the Lily Pad was fantastic from June 4-10, 2011. It was our first extended family vacation with married children and grandkids. The houses were spacious with plenty os get-away spaces and sleeping accomodations. Our favorite part was the walk to the beach. Almost like our own mini parade with the beach wagon. Thank you again for your care and availability. We would highly recommend the Lily Pad!

Recommended for:Families with young children

The Lily Pad- Destin Florida (Amazing Place to Stay!)

Guest: The Loza's (Beaumont, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

We rented the Lily Pad for the Labor Day weekend (9-3-10 - 9-6-10), and it is definitely an Amazing place to stay. We could have not asked for more. The main house is very nicely furnished with lots of space. The Lily pad also offers an additional cabana which is also nicely furnished with an additional 2/bedrooms, bath, living room and a second kitchen. It was one of the best vacations we have had. Kirby is a very generous owner. The Beach to the Emerald Teal waters is just a short walking distance and the walk is very enjoyable. The pool was awesome and a very nice size. The secluded area between the main home and the cabana is just perfect. Ideal for just hanging out in the pool and relaxing on the comfortable covered patio opened nicely to the pool. We didn’t want to leave the house! We highly recommend the Lily Pad to anyone looking for a great place to stay. It is also convenient to get to; Restaurants, Wal-mart and the outlets for a great shopping experience. I would definitely want to stay here again. Thanks Kirby! You guys are awesome!

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

Blessed

Guest: Sandra (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

Our recent stay at the Lily Pad (July 19-24) was incredible!!!! Beautiful beaches, beautiful weather, and beautiful accomodations. We feel truly blessed to have gotten to use the Lily Pad for our family's vacation this year. Thanks so much to Kirby, Laura and Claudia for keeping us on your cancellaton list. This was our second trip to the Lily Pad, and we couldn't ask for nicer accomodations or nicer people to work with. You guys are the best!!!!

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

Multi-Family Vacation a Success!

Guest: JOE'S Family Vacation (New York)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/23/10

We rented for the 7/10 to 7/17 week for a vacation with our sons and their families (with small children). The main and guest houses were in great conditiion, clean and well furnished. Many TV's with DVD players allowed us to have "movie night" for the kids and everyone got to watch what they wanted while the big people played pool, foosball or just lounge around. This and the afternoons at the pool provided for a great family vacation. The covered porch both downstairs and upstairs were very nice for gathering out of the sun, and the seclusion of the pool between the 2 houses gave us the privacy we were looking for. "The Lily Pad" is definitely a good consideration for large family vacations where you don't want the "busy-iness" of being directly on the beach, but do want convenient access to the beach and local attractions. Kirby was very easy to work with and responded quickly to all questions.

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

Awesome place to stay!

Guest: Anne (Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

We stayed at the Lily Pad for a week in June 2009. We couldn't have asked for a better place for our family to spend time together, yet have enough space to not be on top of each other. The outdoor area between the main and guest houses is the perfect secluded gathering place for grilling, lounging and playing. The main house is super roomy, nicely appointed and comfortable. We especially enjoyed the large rec room with the pool and foos ball tables. Kirby was easy to work with, and was there to help when we had a small issue with a television... he replaced it right away! He also helped with restaurant recommendations. The beach is only a few blocks away... a quick walk to a nice access point. I would highly recommend the Lily Pad to anyone looking for a great tucked away oasis that is also convenient to all the options Destin offers.

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

Home Away From Home

Guest: Rodnika (Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

This home is perfect for a stay in Destin. The house is very spacious, the pool is perfect, it's truly walking distance from the beach and not far from most of the adventures in the city. We felt at home away from home. This home is highly recommended and we hope to stay here again should we come back to Destin.

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

The Lily Pad visit

Guest: pkljpl (Newton,Il)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

Enjoyed our stay - house was well set up for our extended family. Had plenty of space to spread out, and the pool was very private and well maintained (and warm!). Would definitely recommend it.

Recommended for:Families with young children

Great Rental

Guest: GranMann (Equality, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/06/10 Review Submitted: 05/13/10

We rented this home for a family vacation. It is extremely nice and has plenty of room for all. It was very clean. The deck and pool area has room for all. It is a short walk to the beach and we enjoyed the walk. There is a wagon to haul your stuff to the beach or the kids. We will definitely consider renting this home again. I would recommend eating at the Crap Trap. Very good. Don't waste your money on AJ's.

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

Perfect experiance

Guest: Nu Crew (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

Kirby is an awsome owner and the house is just as good. It is almost a perfect walking distance from the beach, and is almost tucked away in its own part of old 98. The guest house gives great privacy and the pool and hottub provide fun for the whole group. Also on lax days the pool table and fooze ball are great entertainers. The hosue sleeps plenty of people spaciously, and provides for a great week of fun. Kirby works well with people and help my group have the best time we possibly could have. Thanks again hopefully we will do this again in the future.

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

Amazing Rental, Amazing Time

Guest: Elise (Boone, NC)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 12/15/10

This rental and rental experience was A+. Our group felt right at home here and had a wonderful time. We especially enjoyed all the sunny deck space and the short, pretty walk to the beach. This review is long overdue, but thank you Kirby for accommodating us so well; this property was perfect and will not be forgotten!

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

Guest: Barbara Bates (Pelham, AL)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/28/09

Thanks Kirby for allowing us to stay in your wonderful beach house for our vacation this year! It was truly one of the best places we have ever rented!Plenty of space and lots of fun stuff to do - didn't even want to leave the house! Expect a call from us next year because we will definitely be back!

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Guest: Chris 11 (Bolivar, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

AMAZING! This house was more than we could have hoped for! It really helped us to have a great trip to Destin. We will be returning... hopefully soon! Thanks Kirby!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/21/08

It amazes me that as many times as my family has vacationed in Destin, none have been more relaxing and laidback as this one. The Lilypad is positioned a perfect distance from the beach. It also provides the perfect place to chill all day or hang out after a day at the beach. Kirby, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! The Lilypad is like a diamond in the rough as far as the Markwells are concerned.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/10/08

The Lilypad was perfect for our family vacation. The decor, location & pool couldn't have been better. We will definitely be coming back to The Lilypad. Thanks for letting us use your home for our R&R.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/06/08

Awesome rental property! The owners are very easy to deal with, it is a great value, and the location is perfect for a beach vacation. I highly recommend it.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

The Lily Pad was an excellent home away from home. We arrived to find it very neat and clean. I loved how we felt so secluded and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Destin as we gathered on the porch and around the pool to enjoy our family times. We will absolutely return and will choose no other place to stay than Kirby's Lily Pad. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home. Hughes and Thomas Families

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/25/08

The Lily Pad is an awesome vacation rental. The house is very private, for the days you wnat to skip the beach, and perfectly located off the beach. Just 2 short blocks walk and you are on one of the most beautiful beaches around. The house perfectly accomodated our large group of old sailors and their families for a reunion and week of pre-wedding festivities. The kids absolutely loved the upstairs game room, which left the adults plenty of adult time on the poolside deck. The homes are perfectly appointed with all the kitchen needs you could think of, including 2 blenders (huge plus). Thanks Kirby and Laura for helping to make this trip a great memory.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/07/08

The Lily Pad is a fabulous vacation spot for adults and children of all ages. It is well equipped, nicely furnished, conveniently close to the beach and sufficiently private. It is ideal for a short or long term getaway.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

The Lily Pad was awesome for our 14 person family vacation. The location could not be beat and the houses were both clean and nicely decorated. The pool was a good size and the porches were awesome for relaxing after a long day at the beach. We will be back soon!!!!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/08

The Lilly Pad is a great place to stay when trying to keep a large group in the same location. The house is furnished with everything necessary to prepare meals for a large group and also with the washer / dryer available will allow you to return home without having to carry tons of dirty laundry. We experienced a couple of small issues, however the reason I bring this up is to note that Kirby was VERY helpful in resolving the issues. It's nice to know that the homeowner is always accessible and willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve issues should they arise. I would recommend this property to any large group and would definitely be willing to stay here again should we decide to visit Destin again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/16/07

My husband and I got married in Destin last month, and both of our families stayed at the Lily Pad and loved it! The house is in an excellent location, has a nice private pool and hot tub, and there was plenty of room for everyone. We all had a wonderful time and hope to come back soon! Thanks Kirby! You have a very nice place!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/16/07

My family and I stayed at the Lily Pad in the beginning of July this year 2007. We have been vacationing together in Destin every year for about 15 years now. Four years ago, I convinced my family to leave the same condo that we had been staying at and rent our own beach home. The Lily Pad was perfect for us. It offers plenty of room for our family of 17 with room to spare. The house is decorated nicely and the kitchen is stocked with all the things we needed. We cook in every night. Having our own pool is such a plus. We will definitely consider the Lily Pad for next year. Thanks Kirby for your hospitality!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/14/07

This is our second year in a row staying at the Lily Pad. We really enjoyed the pool, the grilling on the patio and everything else about the home. The Lily pad was a perfect place to get away and spend some time with friends and family. We absolutely will rent again for the third year in a row. Thanks Kirby for everything.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/18/07

My family and I just spent the last week at the Lily Pad. It will be a vacation we will always remember. I took everyone, grandkids, son, daughters, son-in-laws, the whole bunch. I built a memory of me for them later on in life. The property is wonderful. Clean, has beach feeling everywhere. WE spent a lot of time in the pool and also in the game room upstairs playing pool and foosball. Beaches here are amazing, white and water is so blue. Thank you Kirby for letting us spend time in your wonderful home. The family is already talking about coming back next year.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/24/07

What a gorgeous place! Our whole family gathered from all over the country to relax and visit, and we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful location to do so. Thanks, Kirby!! Kari

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/26/06

MY FAMILY SPENT THANKSGIVING AT THE LILY PAD AND LOVED IT.. IT WAS BIG ENOUGH AND PRIVATE FOR US.. WE REALLY ENJOYED THE POOL TABLE AND EVERYTHING IT HAD TO OFFER, WE ARE THINKING ABOUT RENTING IT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/08/06

Our family just returned from a wonderful vacation at the Lily Pad. Eighteen of us made the trip from five different states. It was perfect for a four generation vacation. The homes are beautiful and there is something for everyone. The owners are wonderful to work with and the homes are beautiful, well-equipped and just ready for families to have a great vacation. Thanks again for the memories. We highly recommend the Lily Pad. The Richardson Family - Versailles, KY; Morehead, KY; Dyersburg, TN; Quantico, VA; Ironton, OH; Ft. Myers, FL

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/02/06

The Lily Pad was the absolute perfect place for our family vacation. My family drove in from St Louis, Tampa and Houston to spend a week at the Lily Pad. We all agree that the accommodations were perfect and have discussed renting the Lily Pad again next year. The owners have done an excellent job of decorating both homes and making them feel like a home rather than rental property. The pool and jacuzzi is situated between both homes and was a great place for the kids and adults to hang out. We were within walking distance of the beach and a short drive to stores, restaurants and golf courses. Our family would definitely recommend The Lily Pad and give it a five star rating.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/06 Review Submitted: 05/01/06

Your home was just wonderful. It was a perfect way for all the family to gather and spend Easter together. It is a very comfortable home with lovely warm touches to make us feel welcome. Destin beaches are just grand with there white sand beaches and easy walk for the house or short drive with parking close to the beach. A+ from all the Butlers.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/28/06

THe Lily Pad was the perfect spring break vacation home. When planning a trip for my rugby team, I found that this house had more than enough space to accomodate all of us. It was very cozy and had everything in it that we could possibly need for the week. The pool and hot tub were great to lay out by during the day and to warm up in during the cool spring nights. It was nice only being a short walk from the amazingly white beach. Overall, I had an amazing stay and the Lily Pad is definitely a place that I'd like to go back to.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/05 Review Submitted: 12/14/05

The Lily Pad is the most amazing vacation home I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. The owners were very accommodating and it was more like renting from friends then the internet. The outdoor pool and jacuzzi were perfect after a long day of shopping at the Outlets or playing football on the beach, and the seperate guest house gave added privacy. I definitely plan on renting this house again and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great time in the perfect location!

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