Vacation Rentals by Owner

A little slice of Paradise!

Guest: Jennifer and Edison (Valencia, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

Thank you so much Jill for sharing your little slice of paradise with us! You were so flexible, kind and generous. I planned our stay at your cottage as a surprise to my husband. The first thing he said upon arrival was " you could not have picked a more perfect place". Every night we both slept so sound and awoke each morning with smiles on our faces. When waking up to that incredible view, one can't help but feel it was going to be a great day! Our 3 nights there went by much to fast. It was so hard for us to leave and return back to the daily grind after experiencing such a serene, peaceful environment. It was truly healing for the mind and soul. We are already day dreaming about our return!

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

Really Sweet Retreat

Guest: Bill (Wadsworth, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/03/11

My wife and I had a great stay at the cabin. The weather was perfect and the views stunning. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get away and relax.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Just what we wanted!

Guest: Chris (Fairwood, WA near Seattle)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

Please don't be deceived by some of the reviews describing this cottage as just right for "older" women, though I happen to be just that.It is perfect to ALL but small children. I brought my daughter, 38, and granddaughter, 10. We all fell in love with the pictures and accurate descriptions of this wonderful space. We happened to stay on a typical (somewhat cloudy) period in the northwest. I had been looking forward to the blue sky and water, but was not disappointed. Everywhere we looked, we saw beauty. Though the skies were not colorful, they were nonetheless awe-inspiring. Color was provided in the abundant flowers in the garden and window boxes. We had fun on the beach taking pictures, beachcombing and getting into some mud (I chose to forgo that bit of fun but enjoyed watching my girls laugh and play). Fortunately, the owner had pointed out the location of the hose, which was needed to wash off before going back inside to play more games. The owner was extremely thoughtful and helpful in every way. She provided phone numbers of neighbors to call in case of need and gave us a quick call to make sure we had everything we needed and to offer to help us in any other way. She thought of everything, even providing a cream to protect us from poison oak! I have pictures that I've shown friends and family and would love to pay for each of them all to stay for a weekend or longer. I just have to talk my husband into agreeing to it. If you're looking for just the perfect place to stay, this is it!

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

One Sweet Retreat It Is

Guest: Tim & Betty (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

What a paradise! Such a beautiful peaceful place with gorgeous flower boxes and gardens everywhere. If you aren't a gardener before visiting you will be inspired to become one by the time you leave. The view is spectacular and awe inspiring. The cottage is just as pretty inside as the view is outside and comfortable & cozy.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Fairy tale, Indeed!!

Guest: Carole (Franklin, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

Harry and I were greeted by Jill as we arrived for our honeymoon week. Among all the flowers, plants, and waterfalls, she had planted so much love and warm hospitality here.The views were spectacular, enhanced by the placement of the deck, firepit, and gazebo. Entering the cottage was magical....a warm inviting space, with so many windows, so much light, we hardly knew we were inside! The furnishings and decor were appealing and interesting, and the kitchen quite nicely equipped. One day we explored the little town of Paulsbo where we bought a little bride and groom figurine to travel with us like the Travelocity gnome! However, we enjoyed the property so much that we abandoned most of our plans for day trips in favor of just relaxing there. Harry named the eagle that came to rest in the fir tree each morning, the seals playing in the water, and the deer that walked into the yard. Jill had even offered her growing garden produce to us! I had read about and dreamed of visiting this property for several years, and can testify that it was certainly a dream worth holding onto! The listing is accurate, as much as a page can be. I can only say that we have bragged and told everyone we know about Sweet Retreat, and can't wait to return. Thanks, Jill.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

How Sweet It Is

Guest: Nathan and Becca (Colorado Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

My husband and I stayed for over a week and hated to leave. He was home on R&R from Afghanistan and nothing could have been more perfect. The house sits at the end of a point, and the view wraps nearly all the way around the cabin which has windows everywhere. No matter what the weather, we enjoyed stunning scenery whether snuggling on the couch inside our sitting in the gazebo or eating dinner on the deck outside. After sand, sand and more sand, he drank in the greenery and water views. I literally watched the tension drain out of him as each day passed. The owner worked with us on our "squishy" start dates and treated us to Alaskan King Salmon. A lot of love and care has gone into each detail both inside the cabin and on the grounds. Should we find ourselves in need of another sweet retreat, we will be back.

Owner response:It has been my very good fortune to have wonderful guests. I am especially thankful when they extend so much grace in the face of things like random weeds every vying for their place in the garden, pine cones scattered along the driveway.....

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Enchanting! Magical!

Guest: Dia (Tacoma, Washington)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

Imagine your very own house on your very own private bluff--surrounded by water on three sides. Imagine heart-lifting views from sweeping windows in every room. Imagine cuddly by the fire on a stormy day. Imagine sitting out on the deck by the waterfall on a sunny day. Imagine tranquility, deer in the yard, seals in the water. Imagine all this and maybe, just maybe, you will get a glimpse of the utter paradise of this magical getaway. I can't wait to go back!

Owner response:Those are the same qualities that made me practically stop breathing when I first saw this. It was just raw land, but the magic was everywhere. I said to a friend with me, "I have to buy this!" ... "But you can't afford it!" ... "I'll find a way!"

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

Restoring Retreat

Guest: Restored (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 03/21/11

"Sweet Retreat" is the perfect name for this fantastic cottage in a quiet wooded paradise. Every moment there was a treasure, even though I didn't get to see the fabled Mt. Rainier due to clouds. Every sound was a song, from the breeze in the trees to the gurgling of the waterfall in the delightful pond that was obviously built with love, skill, and a lot of hard work. Colors throughout the cottage are soothing, the well-planned kitchen is a breeze to use, and the upstairs bed is incredibly comfortable. It is easy to drop every care in the world because the hustle-bustle seems very far away, and every vantage point, both inside and out, to view the beautiful water has a comfortable place to sit. The owner's touches gave me the sense of being a welcomed guest in a home, not a stranger passing through.

Owner response:It is so rewarding to read reviews of people who really 'get' what the cabin and the view here are all about. The point about not seeing Mt. Rainier is correct: like the reputation of Denali, the mountain seems to know its power, and hides more often than we wish.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

STUNNING !!!

Guest: ElGordo (Lakeside, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

Bless and thank Jill for letting us have the magical experience of sharing her cottage. We will forever savor our memories of the time we spent in her home. It is a most Spiritual abode and one of our happiest experiences. This is probably the most peaceful place we've stayed at through VRBO. Every window has a stunning view. Shopping for food, places to eat, gas etc, is only a 15-20 minute drive to Allyn/Belfair or Shelton. We felt especially welcome when, on the 2nd night, we got a knock on the door with an invitation to a neighborhood block party that coming Saturday, even though we told them that we were vacationers renting the place. Gordon and Janet

Owner response:Neighbors might smile at the term 'block party', for we live mostly along the waterfront, snatching a limited view through the trees and rhodies of homes along the water. Nighbors are close enough and willing enough for help when needed, far away enough for privacy.

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

Secluded Beauty

Guest: Charm of Hummingbirds (Sumner, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

We had the most renewing time at the cottage. I actually watched a bald eagle catch a fish and then eat it in the tree outside the window. Spectacular! The space is so well used and in good taste. It accommodated the 3 of us very well. We hope to return to this secluded beauty, just waiting out there for us!

Owner response:At the cabin, you can really begin to pay attention to the details of nature. I once watched a seagull harrassing an eagle: each time, the seagull circled behind the eagle, swooped down, aimed for the back of the eagle's head, then shot upward just as the eagle ducked .

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

very good

Guest: jerry & linda (Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/16/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

My wife and I spend a glorious week recently at this wonderful cottage. Should be named "Heaven on Earth". Took lots of daytrips but were tempted to stay put and enjoy the everlasting beauty and tranquility. We loved it and recommed it highly. The owner is a most gracious hostess. Put this place on the top of your list. We would love to repeat our experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Most beautiful, quiet and romantic place!

Guest: cj (Richmond, BC)
Date of Stay: 08/27/05 Review Submitted: 08/13/10

I can't believe I never wrote a review!! We stayed here about 5 years ago and LOVED it! Deer in the yard, walks on the beach, lots of reading and PEACE. We loved it. It is only today when a friend asked me about it... I hunted it down and realized, how could I have not told the world about this place. You'll love it! Cindy Bouchard

Owner response:The location is great for out of town guests: in one direction is Seattle by ferry--visit the galleries, waterfront and Pike Place Market, all within walking distance of the foot ferry. In another direction, you can visit Victoria BC, also by ferry, in a long day trip. In the same general direction is Forks, WA, made famous in the Twilight movies. Another direction: Mt. Rainier for hiking.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.