Vacation Rentals by Owner

MOUNTAIN HAVEN - A RARE FIND IN ESTES PARK

Guest: DAVE AND SHARON (DAYTON, OHIO)
Date of Stay: 09/22/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

LOCATED CONVENIENTLY TO BOTH DOWNTOWN SHOPPING/DINING AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK; IT SITS AT THE END OF A QUIET DRIVE AND HAS A VERY LARGE SERENE BACK YARD THAT LEADS DOWN TO THE BIG THOMPSON RIVER. THE OWNERS PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTION ARE COMPLETELY ACCURATE. THE HOME WAS VERY CLEAN, NICELY FURNISHED AND WELL STOCKED (LINENS, LOTS OF GREAT VIDEOS, KITCHEN, ETC). OUR FRIENDS KIDS HAD A GREAT TIME FISHING FOR TROUT, TUBING ON THE RIVER, CLIMBING ON THE RIVER ROCKS, AND PLAYING IN THE LARGE BACK YARD. DURING OUR 1 WEEK STAY WE WERE VISITED ALMOST DAILY/NIGHTLY BY ELK, TWICE BY A BLACK BEAR, AND ONCE BY A LYNX. AT NIGHT THE STARS WERE SPECTACULAR. JIM AND GAIL WERE A DELIGHT TO WORK WITH AND WERE READILY ACCESSABLE TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ALREADY RECOMMENDED MOUNTAIN HAVEN TO OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND HOPE TO RETURN OURSELVES SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. JIM AND GAIL - THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US. WE HAD A VERY MEMORABLE WEEK AT MOUNTAIN HAVEN INN! OUR FRIENDS KIDS SAID "IT WAS THE BEST VACATION EVER!"

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

We saw a bear!

Guest: The Kings (Swansea, IL)
Date of Stay: 09/12/11 Review Submitted: 09/22/11

We stayed at Mountain Haven from 9/12/11-9/17/11. The visit exceeded our expectations. The house was lovely, so lovely we were concerned about taking care of both the house and our 6 children. It worked out perfectly, though, for all the exquisite furnishings it was very family friendly. The yard was wonderful, and the kids loved playing on the rocks in the river, and we saw wildlife daily. The house is just a few miles from town, in one direction, and the park, in the other, making it very easy to travel between the two. Gail and Jim were super to work with and very helpful on the phone ... made you feel like you had known them forever. We fell in love with Estes Park, it's a tourist town that makes you feel like home. We highly recommend the Sombrero Stables in town, very professional and fun. On one rainy day we went downtown and spent a few hours in the children's library which is very cool, if you need something to do to pass the time. In the evenings we would recommend a Star Wars movie-thon, which we enjoyed from Jim's movie library. Thanks so much, we're looking forward to our next trip!

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

Perfect to Celebrate Family Milestones

Guest: Shely (Colorado Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 08/25/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

Jim/Gail: Many thanks! We rushed out to meet my brother in Boulder and regrettably failed to write in your guest book. Your place is terrific and lived up to the promise as listed in the VRBO Web site. The river...ahhh...the river, was in perfect harmony with your Haven. We so enjoyed the entire experience. You and Gail have provided a wonderful home for all of us very envious visitors to Estes Park and RMNP. The attention to details, the spotlessly cleaned presentation, the very clear instructions on how to use everything, the furnishing and decorative appointments all created a splendid atmosphere which was profoundly enjoyed. As I mentioned, we were celebrating my son's 40th birthday, and he appreciated every minute of it, thanks in large part to your wonderful accommodations. We certainly will consider returning to your Mountain Haven in the future.

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

Heaven on Earth

Guest: Linda M. (Noblesville, IN)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

Our family gathered at Mountain Haven to celebrate our mom's 90th birthday. She (and the rest of us) was just delighted with the home. It's exactly like the pictures show....a lovely home with all the amenities and a gorgeous spot on the Big Thompson River. The home is clean, well-maintained and very roomy (7 adults had plenty of space for company and/or solitude) and Jim and Gail are a pleasure to work with. You feel like you're staying at a good friend's home. We were visited by a large elk and were also entertained by a flock of ducks swimming in the river. We all loved reading by the river and listening to it's rushing water. We especially liked that we didn't have to drive through town to get to the entrance to the Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park. My 2 sisters, their husbands, I and my husband and Mom all agree that we're coming back next year. None of us wanted to leave!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a lovely property!

Guest: Mary (Central Illinois)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

Mountain Haven on the River was a very pleasant place to spend a week near Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park. The home is down a little drive from the main road, and the sound of the rushing river is all we heard at night. The pictures on the website represent the home exactly. It was very clean - almost like new. It has all the comforts of home and maybe a few that aren't even at home! The little laundry room with it's separate entrance was perfect - no laundry sounds in the house. I would definitely recommend this rental home to friends. The owners are very nice and accommodating. The only caution I would give is to parents of young children - an adult(s) needs to be on constant alert with children in the backyard, around the river. The river was fast and turbulent (and beautiful) during our stay. There is a nice sitting/eating area on the property at the back of the huge backyard, next to the river's edge - very restful for reading or napping, too. RMNP is only a few minutes from the house. There are gas stations and a sporting goods shop to get a temporary Colorado fishing license close by, on the way to the park. The grocery store in Estes Park is also a quick drive to stock the fridge - be sure to sign up for your free store card before checking out - the savings are worth those few minutes. We would definitely stay again. Thanks Gail and Jim for sharing your home!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great vacation home

Guest: Cycholl Family (Rochester Hills, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay at Mt. Haven. Dealing directly with the owners Jim and Gail made it as though we were staying at a friends home. Mt. Haven is wonderfully decorated with all the latest amenities. We had a family reunion of 7 adults and there was plenty of space to visit and relax while enjoying views of the Rocky Mountains from inside the house or out in the large back yard. Spending time sitting along the Big Thompson River was a must for everyone, whether enjoying our morning coffee or relaxing after a days hike at the park.We were visited by various wildlife which was exciting. We enjoyed barbecues and evening fires down at the river. We would recommend Mt Haven to everyone and we hope to return again.

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Slice of Heaven

Guest: Mary & Tim1 (Wichita, KS)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

My family visited the first of June and we had a marvelous time in Estes. The home was magnificent and made our visit even better! The owners were delightful (even though they are K-State fans - ha) as we had a chance to meet them before they left town. The home was decorated like a model home and there wasn't a thing we needed that they didn't have. The cleanliness was oustanding as well. We hope to return to this beautiful home, in GODS COUNTRY soon. We had elks as guest nearly daily, arriving just minutes upon our arrival - jumping over the fences for a little visit. One afternoon they stayed for nearly two hours, resting, and peeking in our windows. It was great! Thanks for sharing your home with my family!

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Beautiful House!

Guest: Tom (Kearney, NE)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

We visited Estes with several family members to take in the Scottish Festival, and decided to try Mountain Haven. Through the years we have stayed many places, and have to say this is one of the nicest! Very nice house with beautiful decor, and spotless! All the amenities were updated, the beds were comfortable and it was very roomy. We had nice weather, so we really enjoyed the large yard, with a nice patio, and sitting by the river was wonderful--with the landscaped area. We had a bull elk and some deer in the yard during our stay, and one early morning, a bear was spotted! We would definitely recommend staying here, and will hopefully stay here again sometime. Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful house!

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

Awestruck.

Guest: Phil (Cary, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/30/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

Gail and Jim--Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at your place in Estes Park. The web site does not do it justice! The house is beautifully appointed, well-stocked and so convenient to both the Rocky Mt. National Park (RMNP) and downtown. We appreciated the fact that we did not have to purchase all the basics for the kitchen like spices and oil. There was no appliance or dish that we needed that was not there. We used the grill to cook out and ate out on the picnic table. We used the back yard to relax on afternoons after long hikes and the river was so peaceful. My brother caught trout in the river and we saw elk at the river as well. Our three excursions into the RMNP were wonderful and we were awestruck by what we saw-- both wildlife (moose, elk and mule deer) and scenery (especially the hikes to Emerald Lake and Alberta Falls). On a more practical note, the washer and dryer sure came in handy. We hope to visit with you again in the future. And thanks for calling to check on us during the week. You guys are great. Phil Telfer, Cary, NC

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

Home away from home

Guest: OB (Chicago, IL.)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 09/22/10

While checking for places to stay on VRBO, this one jumped off the page. When I called to make reservations I spoke with Jim& Gail Shroyer (the owners). After 5 minutes on the phone with Jim I felt like I was talking to an old friend. Any time I had questions the call was answered right away. When we first arrived and pulled into the driveway, it felt like home. After checking out all of the rooms we were drawn to the manicured backyard and then to the river at the back of the property, which not only looks fantastic but sounds great too. This place has all of the amenities of your own home, flat screen T.V. top of the line appliances, granite counter tops, jacuzzi tub, a fire pit right by the river and so much more. While we sat by the firpit at night we also had the company of approx 15 elk that came by to graze in the yard. The wildlife and the stars were plentiful right outside your back door. Downtown Estes Park was 5 minutes away, with everything from specialty shops and grocery stores to restaurants and pubs (a place called "The Wheel" was especially fun)). Rocky Mountain Nation Park is 2 minutes away. Jeannie and I have been to many places around the country, this is one we will definitely be visiting again. Thanks again Jim and Gail. Larry and Jeannie O'Boyle, Chicago, IL.

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

A Perfect Vacation Spot

Guest: The Robinson Clan (Littleton, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/19/10

This is a beautiful home in an idyllic setting and Jim and Gail were so easy to work with! The house is immaculate, well-stocked and beautifully decorated. The yard is amazing. We had room for volleyball, badmitten and croquet all going on simultaneously. We taught our grandchildren to fish in the river. My siblings & their families rented other houses nearby, but they liked our place so much, that we all spent most of our time in our back yard. It was so great that we had a hard time tearing ourselves away to do all the other things Estes Park & RMNP have to offer.

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

awesome property and owners!

Guest: Tim and Deb (Springfield, IL)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/06/10

Thanks Jim and Gail for allowing us to enjoy your awesome property and home! It was just as described and more! We loved everything from the cheerful fiesta ware to the relaxing river. The kitchen was stocked with everything we might need. The home was totally neat and clean. The beds were comfy. One of our granddaughters said, "This is the best house we have ever been in." No one fell in the mesmerizing river. We watched the hummingbirds hover, the deer and elk wander accross the stream, and the river rush by constantly. Totally relaxing and yet energizing, just as a vacation should be. I would love to rent this property if we head to Estes Park once again! You are very to own such a great home! Thanks, Deb, Tim, Josh, Jess, Emma, Lilly, and Jillian

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

Guest: Curt & Susie Jernigan (Colorado Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/06/10

We absolutely love Mountain Haven on the River - right on the Big Thomson and so convenient to Estes and RMNP! It is so warm, inviting, and comfortable on the inside - all the comforts of home, with a great sun/sitting room facing the large yard and river front and full of sunlight all day long - perfect even when the weather is variable and on the chilly/snowy side. Our stay with our friends up from Phoenix for the week before Thanksgiving '09 was a pure delight! We cooked a whole Thanksgiving dinner in your spacious, well equiped kitchen. Love your large yard and the river frontage is fabulous, with roaring water over boulders, with eddys and shallows for summer wading, and great fishing. Anxious to come back.

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Guest: Karen & David Clements (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 12/03/09 Review Submitted: 12/03/09

Our Thanksgiving family gathering at Mountain Haven was a huge success! The main attraction was the herd of 22 elk that visited us! Your home is very kid-friendly and comfy, and we look forward to our next visit!

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Guest: Amy Watkins (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 06/22/08 Review Submitted: 06/22/08

Beautiful home, nice interiors, and great location. We had a wonderful time. Make sure you bring marshmallows to roast by the fire!

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

Mountain Haven Inn is the best of all worlds. The location and setting would be very hard to improve upon. There is a large, private back yard, that borders the Big Thompson River and the views of the mountains are great. We woke up to Elk in the yard right outside the breakfast room window. The house is cozy and welcoming with plenty of room. There is a great sun room that looks out on the river with big, comfy chairs and a beautiful fireplace. The kitchen is all brand new and wonderful. The bedrooms and baths are very nice too. I would love to come back to Mountain Haven for many more vacations. Thank you to Andrea and Walt. You thought of everything and are wonderful hosts.

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Guest: The Schertz's Family
Date of Stay: 07/21/06 Review Submitted: 07/20/06

"Dear Walt and Andrea, Thank you so much for helping us enjoy our vacation to CO! Your home is beautiful and the location was so convenient to everything. We enjoyed seeing deer in the backyard and soaking our sore feet in the whirlpool tub after climbing Long's Peak (2 of us made it)! Thank you for all the little "extras" your home contains. We will always remember our time here and definitely tell our friends and family about it!"

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Guest: The Greenwood's Family
Date of Stay: 07/14/06 Review Submitted: 07/13/06

"What a beautiful home and surroundings. We have enjoyed our stay immensely. Our 3 children, along with their 3 cousins have made wonderful memories in the backyard by the river, playing on the rocks and having campfires! I never doubted your home would be nice, but everthing has exceeded all our expectations. Thank you for opening your home. We will definetely recommed to others."

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Guest: The Krach Family
Date of Stay: 07/08/06 Review Submitted: 07/07/06

"Andrea & Walt, Your home has the feeling of a "retreat center". Thank you so much. It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings. Thank you!"

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Guest: T.J.
Date of Stay: 06/26/06 Review Submitted: 06/25/06

"Thanks for opening your home to us. We had a very relaxing week here. This house was everything that you said it was!"

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Guest: The Bell Family
Date of Stay: 08/21/05 Review Submitted: 08/20/05

"Beautiful home and property. Comfy furniture and beds. It's great! Thank you opening your home to us. We love how close it is to the river, RMNP and downtown. We're looking forward to coming back! Great for kids too!"

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