Lake Harmony
House, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 9-10)
$385-$585/wknd - $585-$900/wk
Write a Review
Guest: Rannie H.
Date of Stay: 10/11/11
Review Submitted: 11/08/11
We just spent a very comfortable 10 days in this woodland home. We arrived after dark and I confess, our first impression was that it was a little run down, but by the time we had unloaded our car and chosen our bedrooms it had begun to charm us. Each day we liked it more and we found the layout very suitable to our needs. Each room has its own thermostat and the 2 back bedrooms (and one bathroom) are reached through one door at the end of a long hall so they are private and insulated from noises in the kitchen and livingroom. The kitchen is bigger than it looks in the pictures and is very well equipped. The washer and dryer are full-size and are located behind folding doors in the hall. Very convenient. The living/dining room has vaulted ceilings, double sliding doors and tall windows that let you see to the tops of the trees. We could snuggle up on the comfy couches and enjoy the autumn scenery. Often we saw squirrel and deer and always we felt close to nature. The deer are so tame you can toss apples to them without scaring them away. We were there during the "off-season" so there was no beach, but we found a place to sit by the lake and enjoy the quiet serenity of the gently lapping water and the visit of a neighborly duck. A highlight for us was a friends & family cookout. The grill is large and perfect for the occasion. (We provided our own propane, but the owner will actually do that for you.) A blazing fire in the firepit added ambiance and warmth and our guests could comfortably sit at the outdoor picnic table. There was plenty of room to park, too. All-in-all a very enjoyable stay, but I don't want to mislead future renters. At the time that we stayed there, the home did need a few upgrades. However, the owner seems very responsive to renter feedback and has already mentioned that he does plan some upgrades to the house. He is easy to do business with and provides some amenities that other owners do not. His rates and rules are also very reasonable and the home is in a good location for vacationers of all seasons.
Owner response:Thank you for the candid feedback Rannie. As discussed offline, we are in the process of installing new carpet in the entire house as well as HDTV in the living room. We are glad you enjoyed yoru stay and look forward to hosting you again in the future.
Recommended for:
Guest: Margarita M.
(NY,NY)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
It was a nice and relaxing weekend for my boyfriend and I. The house was very nice and clean when we arrived as always it was a pleasure being there.
Owner response:Thanks for choosing to stay with us once again for your weekend get-a-way. We look forward to hopefully many more visits in the future!
Recommended for:
Guest: Cynthia C.
Date of Stay: 09/11/11
Review Submitted: 09/19/11
Wonderful getaway! Quite, accommodating, comfortable, and accessible to a lot of attractions. Hope to return!
Owner response:Thanks for the positive feedback! We are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to have the opportunity to host you on future visits to Lake Harmony.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Margarita M.
(NY,NY)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11
Review Submitted: 03/28/11
Had a blast staying here. This house had everything you could want and more I felt very at home. Located in a great area and very close to big boulder and many resturants my two favorites were Shenanigans and Valerios great food and great atmosphere. I can't wait for my next visit. Greg and his staff were very pleasant and a pleasure to work with. I found my home away from home.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Brent
(Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10
Review Submitted: 01/11/11
We stayed at the house the week after Christmas. The house was quite comfortable and surpassed our needs. The neighborhood was nice and quiets. The bedrooms were quaint and big enough for a week. As a caveat, the bunk bed room's door is in the back connected to the master bedroom. The biggest compliment I can provide is that I would definitely stay here again. It was a good deal for the price.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.
Guest: Darnell
(Bronx, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/10/10
Review Submitted: 12/15/10
A group of 7 went for the weekend and this place is amazing spacious and cozy to say the least once we got there it felt like home, we all agreed that we have to come back and enjoy the summer at this place because it is such a great deal. the amenities were very helpful and came into good use thanks again
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.
Guest: Adam T.
(Newton, NJ USA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10
Review Submitted: 12/06/10
The Claret Escape is the perfect place for your Pocono Region getaway - the place is situated in a beautiful location, and has 'plenty' of accomodations for visitors. The resort is literally in walking distance, and there are dozens of activities for you and your family to choose from and enjoy. Please don't miss out on this one! I would definitely recommend this stay for anyone who is planning a trip to the area.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Monica
(ROCKAWAY PARK, NEW YORK)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10
Review Submitted: 11/27/10
Our experience was great, we enjoyed a lot.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Christine
(Blue Bell PA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10
Review Submitted: 06/30/10
In June, my husband and I stayed at Claret Escape for the second time. Each time we rented the house to be near festivals going on at Split Rock. We love Claret Escape. THe owner Greg is very easy to work with. The price is very reasonable and the location can't be beat. We enjoyed walking to Split Rock and Nick's on the Lake. Each are only about a 20 minute walk. The house has eveyrthing you need for a comfortable stay: clean bedrooms, baths and kithcen, comptuer with internet access, beautiful scenery and more. You won't be disappointed if you stay at Claret Escape.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.
Guest: Joe P
(Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 04/30/10
Review Submitted: 05/11/10
Clean. Spacious. Nice patio. Brand New Grill. It felt like home. The beds were comfortable. All around great place.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Susy_C
(New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10
Review Submitted: 02/24/10
This house provided all the necessary accomodations and then some. It was very confortable, never felt like the place was crowded. The space is well distributed. We were away from everything which was relaxing, but close enough to enjoy all the restaurants and snowboarding/skiing. Unforgettable weekend!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.
Guest: athach
(new jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/08/10
Review Submitted: 01/18/10
House was exactly as described in text and photos! The house was clean and everything needed was provided. We saw plenty of deer that came right up to the sliding doors and we were able to feed them. It was spacious yet cozy in the house. It was a great location, near the slopes and the restaurants. I will definitely be renting again next year! Don't miss out on one of the best seasons for mountain conditions in a long long time! Owner was friendly and quick with responses to all my questions. A pleasure to deal with. Happy New Year!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: salsalita
(Downingtown)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09
Review Submitted: 10/23/09
We just returned from a wonderful extended weekend at this house. We found the layout to work wonderfully for our kids - there are two bedrooms connected that sit way in the back of the house. We also enjoyed the grounds and outdoor fire (even if it was in the snow!). Our family took a trip to the near by waterpark in Split Rock and had a great time. I would recommend bringing your own towels (hand, bath and washcloths) as there weren't enough for our family of five. Other than that, the linens worked out. We plan to return next summer and check out the lake.
Owner response:Thanks for staying with us and we are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. As for the linen shortage, I do apologize and will ensure our hoursekeeper stocks the linen closets with ample quantities of these items.
Recommended for:Families with young children
Guest: Nanny1124
(Port Carbon, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09
Review Submitted: 08/24/09
Just returned from a week in your home, had a great time, the weather was hot and sunny, our grandkids loved toasting marshmallows every night and swimming in the lake, the house is very spacious and feeding the deer daily is really a treat! Colleen
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: cwb
(feasterville )
Date of Stay: 06/13/09
Review Submitted: 06/30/09
My family truly enjoyed our stay at Claret Estates. It was very comfortable and close to the beach. Although the weather didn't cooperate, we still had a lot of fun, with all the comfort of home. I truly recommend this for anyone traveling with kids. We especially had a blast feeding the deer- they really do come in the back yard! We hope to come back again soon.
Recommended for:Families with young children
Guest: Deb & bob
(somers point , new jersey)
Date of Stay: 04/14/09
Review Submitted: 04/17/09
We went for peace and relaxation, and got just that. The house was very roomy and very clean, No unpleasant surprises. Everything was presented very accurately. Owner did a great job of communicating thru emails. The kids loved roasting marshmallows in the campfire . Had a great meal at Murphy's loft, and enjoyed the hickory state park. Great price and great atmosphere = great vacation. thanks so much debbie & the boys!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children.
Guest: Jimmy
(Columbia, MD )
Date of Stay: 01/09/09
Review Submitted: 01/19/09
We came up to this property for a short weekend ski trip in early January 2009 and had a great time. There was plenty of room in the house, we had no problems with maintenance, and the scenery was gorgeous. Jack Frost and Big Boulder are both just short drives from the property which was great. We had numerous deer walk right through the front yard. We will be visiting again. Thanks for the good time.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Guest: Jeffrey W.
(Dunellen, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/27/08
Review Submitted: 01/06/09
Our family spent the week between Christmas and New Years at Claret Escape, and recommend it highly. The location is excellent. On cold winter days we alternated between snow tubing at Big Boulder Ski resort, and playing at the indoor water park at Split Rock resort. Both are less than a five minute drive away. We had a problem getting the gas fireplace to light. But, even though it was a holiday, the owner sent someone to fix it right away and we were able to enjoy the warmth of the fire while watching deer frolic (Yes - frolic!) twenty feet away outside of the living room window. The washer and dryer came in handy after our kids came home cold and wet from playing in the snow. And the individual thermostats in each room made it easy for everyone to be comfortable. The house is well equipped and spacious, and the beds are quite comfortable, and the towels provided are large and soft. There's a very popular breakfast restaurant about a mile away called "Piggy's." Our kids raved about the hot chocolate and enjoyed the chocolate chip pancakes. It's a bit pricey, but a fun experience. For a great steak dinner we drove about 20 minutes to Bailey's Ribs and Steaks. There's a computer and printer in the house, along with wireless high speed internet, so last-minute research is a breeze. Thanks for a very nice family vacation.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Ski 3 Mountains in 3 Days
(Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 12/05/08
Review Submitted: 12/11/08
Lake Harmony is a wonderful winter area to stay and this location is comfortably appointed for an affordable cost. This home is in close proximity to Big Boulder, Jack Frost, Camelback and Blue Mountain ski resorts as well as the Jim Thorpe area. The restaurants are only a couple minutes away. They are tasty and reasonably priced. We had breakfast at Terra-Cottage Cafe and dinners at Shenanigans and Nick's Lake House. The home owner is wonderful to work with. He handled my reservation quickly and was available by email and phone. He addressed any questions and makes available local contacts literally next door to the home. The kitchen had everything that was needed. There were plenty of dishes, cups, pots, pans and utensils. There is a microwave/toaster combination, a coffee maker, and electric stove. There is no dish washer though. Just bring the food and drink. The living room had comfortable couches and if there were more of us it would have made for an additional sleeping area. The cable TV was great for the kids. The fireplace was a great bonus. NOTE: When turned on, the fireplace is thermostatically controlled, so the flame goes on and off automatically. The dining room had plenty of space to sit down. There is also a computer and printer there which we did not use. We did use the wireless network though. It made it easier for us to check weather and ski reports. The bedrooms were all comfortable. The bed sheets were clean and in great condition. The individual thermostats in each room for the baseboard heating were great. The master suite in the back also is attached to the 4th bedroom which has the bunk beds in it. Either the door between the bedrooms could be left open for those with kids. Or if there were another couple, the door between bedrooms could be closed and the exterior side door could be used by those in the 4th bedroom to maintain privacy. The washer and dryer were great to have. The water pressure in the bathrooms was great. The bed linens and towels are provided. Elsewhere you would have to pay more for it or bring your own. There is also an outdoor fireplace with wood available to use. Just bring a Duralog starter. We also lucked out and a fresh blanket of snow covered the area. We walked around the wooded areas and along the roads. At one time we saw 10 deer walking among the houses. Claret Escape at Lake Harmony is the place to stay if you want to enjoy the Poconos for a reasonable cost.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Brosia
(Pa)
Date of Stay: 10/10/08
Review Submitted: 12/02/08
Our family enjoyed a truly relaxing week amid the beautiful Fall foliage which included fishing in the lake, campfires, watching the deer in the front yard, horseback riding at nearby stables, and hiking. Everything we needed was provided from the bed linens to the TV for watching the Penn State game. The floorplan was perfect for our large family - from grandparents to young children. We even enjoyed the unexpected sighting of a rather large black bear who visited our trash can one evening! We had one minor problem and called the maintenaince phone # provided. The response was very timely and the issue resolved quickly. In this fast paced world, it was terrific to enjoy a week with family and nature!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.
Guest: nanny of 2
(Palo Alto, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/08
Review Submitted: 09/29/08
We visited Claret Escape this past weekend 4 four days, we loved the house, it was very spacious and clean, loved the outdoor fireplace where we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. The deer came right up to the door every day to be fed, sometimes as many as 6 at a time, my grandson and son-in law saw a bear while they were walking, that was pretty much all he talked about for the whole time!! House was very cozy and inviting and we can't wait to visit again next year, hopefully for a week next time!! Kimmy & Nanny
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: animal lover
(ambler pa)
Date of Stay: 09/14/08
Review Submitted: 09/22/08
This Vacation was the best me and my wife and 2 dogs had in a long time. Everything was perfect, there was everything close by that you could need and the deer and Turkeys were guests all the time. The house was great, everything you need was there my hats off to the owners.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Refreshed and relaxed
(Havertown)
Date of Stay: 08/16/08
Review Submitted: 08/26/08
We just got back from the best vacation we ever had. The house was roomy and very clean, and well taken care of. We hand fed the deer from the back deck. The bedrooms were big and comfy!! We can't wait to come back next year!!
Owner response:Thanks for the kind words and we are glad you enjoyed your stay. Looking forward to hosting you next year! Thanks, Greg
Recommended for:Families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.
Guest: Lorraine & Ed
(Horsham, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/08
Review Submitted: 06/30/08
what wonderful opportunities abound to see all three during your stay at Claret Escape! We certainly enjoyed our time away. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. Everything in the living area is bright & cheerful. I took the opportunity to hand feed deer through the screen door in the dining room. We also saw a wild turkey taking a stroll with her children, a "first" for me. We never spied the bear but he did overturn the trash cans a few times! Lake Harmony is absolutely gorgeous & the beach is easily accessible from the house. Just a short walk down the hill and you're there. The uphill return trip is good for your soul. Whatever your requirements, Claret Escape meets them. Lorraine & Ed
Owner response:Thanks for the kind response Lorraine & Ed. We were glad to hear you enjoyed your stay in our home. Sounds like you were fortunate enough to also see many of our outdoor "friends"! We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Thanks, Greg
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.
Guest: sba
(Springfield Pa 19064)
Date of Stay: 04/23/08
Review Submitted: 05/19/08
Claret Escape is a great place to get away! The house had plenty of room and was both clean and well maintained. The kitchen was big enough for several of us to be preparing items at the same time. The outside fireplace and grill were used the entire weekend. The house was short drive to anything that we needed or wanted to do while there. The deer came to visit every day. I will definately rent this property again in the future!
Owner response:Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hosting your family again in the future. Thanks, Greg
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.
Guest: Jessika
(New York)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08
Review Submitted: 01/21/08
The house was great, everything was really nice and neat! All the amenties were there just like how it was stated. The beach, Jack Frost and the paintball areas were all really close by. I had a great time there, all my friends were happy and satisfied with the house. We saw a lot of deers and turkeys walking by, it was really fun. I had a blast at the house. The only thing was the hot water, we only got hot water during certain hours for the first 2 days, but after 2 days we got hot water all day long. Overall, this house really rocks!
Owner response:Thanks for the positive feedback Jessika. Just a note on the hot water issue. The loss of hot water was caused by a leaky toilet stop that was draining the water tank in the house and not refilling the hot water heater (there was also very low flow cold water at this time as well). Internals of the toilet were repaired during their stay and everything was fine. Thanks, Greg
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/07
Review Submitted: 12/27/07
Thank you for the use of your home. It was just as pictured.the place was nicely decorated and very cozy. There was plenty of parking and so easy to find. The whole rental process was also very easy. I would definately recommend this home to my friends. Looking forward to renting again in the near future.
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Guest: DEB1963
(SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07
Review Submitted: 10/21/07
I MUST SAY WE STAY AT ALOT OF HOMEAWAY LOCATIONS AND THIS BY FAR WAS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES..THE HOUSE IS BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND VERY CLEAN AND SPACIOUS...THE OUTSIDE AREA WAS JUST AS GOOD THE DEER CAME RIGHT UP TO THE DOOR AND THE KIDS FED THEM ..THE LAKE IS VERY CLOSE WE WALKED THERE SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND WENT FISHING OR JUST LOOKED AT THE SCENERY...GREAT HOUSE GREAT LOCATION JUST GREAT....
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Guest: CCReview
(Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07
Review Submitted: 09/03/07
We rented this property for a family reunion during the Labor Day weekend. We love the location of the house - it is close to a private beach as described - but we feel that the house definitely needs some upgrade. Maybe the house was not rented for a while, the comforter had some kind of oddor and the linens provided were very wore-out. Bathroom is workable, but needs a lot of upgrade. Other than that, we enjoyed spending time at the beach and doing BBQ outdoor very much.
Owner response:Linens (towels/sheets/comforters) are washed and turned over in between each of our guest stays. Additionally, we have numerous sets of lines located in the closets throughout the house that can be used by guests as they see fit. I performed a sweep through the house after this review and found zero linens that I would consider worn out. We did install brand new shower doors in the hall bathroom (the week following this review)as the old ones were sticking and becoming difficult to open/close. We realize that this bathroom is not Ritz-Carlton appointed, however, it is perfectly operational. To prospective guests...please take this review with a grain of salt as this is a one off review and I do not agree with most if it. However, we did take action and replaced the shower doors as that was valid. Be sure to read through the rest of our 5/5 star reviews from other guests; many of which return to visit with us again and again. Thanks, Greg
Recommended for:
Guest: NYNURSE
(NY)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07
Review Submitted: 08/26/07
Home is perfect for a family getaway. It is close to the beach and a short ride to restaurants. It has everything you need. The deer and wild turkeys are fun to watch. We felt very comfortable.
Recommended for:
Guest: SFOXO
(New York)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07
Review Submitted: 07/23/07
We loved the house! The directions were on the dot , we didn't have a problem in finding the place or with the rest of the specifications. We had fun on the beach and relaxed when we came back home and watched the deers. The only problem was not having more time...we'll always have next year .
Recommended for:
Guest: Greg F.
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07
Review Submitted: 06/19/07
Arrived and the house was very clean and fresh. Check in/out procedures were a breeze thanks to the installed lockbox. Bed were very comfy with good matresses. Linen provision were great....no need to drag along towels and sheets. Saw lots of deer and turkeys meandering through the yard. Overall our group was more than satisifed....from the reservation process with the owner (great communication) to us departing....excellent amentities/location for the price.
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Guest: Tree
(Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07
Review Submitted: 10/16/07
This house was extremely nice. We went up in May and the weather was beautiful, we grilled and roasted marshmellows. It was a home away from home for many of us. It was roomy but cozy. My friends an I enjoyed our time stayed here, and look to come back sometime soon.
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Guest: V's
(Springfield, PA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07
Review Submitted: 04/02/08
Our family stayed here for a weekend last spring, and we were very pleased with all the amenities this house has to offer. Very roomy, and a great location. We will be returning for another weekend this spring.
Owner response:Glad you enjoyed everything Maria; looking forward to hosting your group again this year.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/06
Review Submitted: 09/27/06
We stayed at Claret Escape from 8/26/06 to 9/9/06 and had a wonderful time! We live in NC but met our children up there who all reside in Bucks Co., PA for a small family reunion. The house worked out perfectly with the 4 bedrooms---back bedroom was great with the bunk beds and t.v. for the kids. Loved the high speed internet, high definition t.v. and fireplace! The grand-kids loved cooking marshmallows at the outdoor fireplace and loved feeding the extremely friendly deer corn husks! Even though the weather was not good (rained almost every day we were there) it did not really deter us having a great time. The owners were very nice and accommodating. We would definitely recommend Claret Escape for a nice, relaxing time in a very comfortable environment. We hope to return soon!
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Guest: Diane Russell
Date of Stay: 10/31/05
Review Submitted: 10/30/05
Thank you very much for the use of your house. We had a great time. The location was the best for a get-a-way from anything but especially the city. The living room was decorated beautifully and sofas were very comfortable. We especially loved the TV and the surround sound with the extended channels and music. And the personal touches like the card from Mom saying congratulations!! We only used the one bedroom and closed off the rest of the house so that the dogs could not roam freely (thus being less that I would have to clean). The Big Bed was my favorite and I loved the way it was dressed. The kitchen was very accommodating and it was great to have such a clean refrigerator with lots of ice. We eat-out during our stay so we didn't use the kitchen (other than storing cold beverages).
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