Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great TIME!

Guest: Sheila H.
Date of Stay: 05/12/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

What a special and memorable family vacation!!! I would DISAGREE with 99% of the negative comments from the people below. Here are the good things: Very clean ceramic floors, cabinets, and bathrooms; nice set up for our family of 6 adults and two toddlers. The beds were HEAVENLY COMFORTABLE. We Loved the rocking chairs on the porches...especially in the evenings to sit on the top balcony and watch the ocean and feel the breeze was wonderful; the kitchen was stocked GREAT.....I took an electric griddle in case there weren't many cooking utensils, and found the house has an electric griddle there just like the one I took. We cooked nearly every meal at the house. The golf cart worked GREAT.....even though the beach was such a short stroll, it came in handy to lug beach chairs, umbrellas, ice chests, and two toddlers across the street. You can even drive the golf cart down the sidewalk to the gas station for ice, etc. Having a washer and dryer there was WONDERFUL. We kept all of our clothes and towels washed and came home with no dirty clothes!This area was MUCH less crowded than Destin and had a homey community feel. We loved the pool for the evenings and it was very clean. We had a little trouble with the internet connection at first and sent a message to the owner. He answered very promptly and then followed up later to make sure it was working....it worked fine all week. There are lots of good eating places that are close by, our favorites included Goatfeathers, Shorty's Topside and Turfside (we ate at Topside) and Bruno's Pizza. We loved our burgers from Pickles, but it was a little pricey.... $40 for two burgers, fries, and drinks. The only negative for me was the carpet and upholstery that needs replacing. I was disappointed in the shape and stains, but got over it quickly when I realized that everything else was spotless. I will absolutely give the house 5 stars when those things are updated. On the upside, I would have been totally spastic with the kids for tracking in sand in the floors, carpet, and furniture, but I was able to chill and not stress about those things and concentrate on spending as much time as we could at the beach and enjoying our 7 wonderful nights. Nobody wanted to leave and our babies are already asking when they get to go back to the beach house!!

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

wonderful vacation

Guest: Kristen (Birmingham Al.)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

This was our families first trip down to the 30A area and we loved it!!!!! the house was in a great location, right across the street from beach a short walk or bike ride to ice cream store and convenient market. One of the things we really liked about this area was as easy as it was to get to shops and resturants it was quiet and had a very private feeling, It is nestled in a very quaint area with a handful of other homes that are all equally as nice.the house was clean and had plenty of linens,towels and all the kitchen supplies you would need!! Its frusterating when you get to a vacation destination and the kitchen is short on supplies..that was NOT the case with this home!! the homeowner was very nice to work with and we would deffinetely stay there again!! Thank you for a wonderful week!!!!!!

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

Don't get fooled!

Guest: KY gal (Dayton Ohio)
Date of Stay: 02/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

Where to begin,first we recieved no senior discount, both of us being over 70. The home was absolutely disappointing and we will NEVER stay here again. All that was advertised, was not as promised. No land line, wi-fi was virtually impossible, golf cart never ran, house in deplorable condition, dirty, dated, furniture was soiled, ripped screens, appliances broken, filthy carpet and a land lord that provided nothing but lip service. At one point all seven smoke alarms went off and we were told to it would be taken care of the next day. We never saw anybody. Stay away from this rental. The owner is unscrupulous and a rip-off artist. Ruined our Florida get away.

Owner response:How upsetting it is for us to receive a repsonse from someone that has stayed as out guest for the last 6 weeks. All I ask is that you please look at every other review we have received from past renters. Everyone has been extremely positive. I do believe they are trying to get money from us and all we ask is please look at every other review. Thank you

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Fall fun

Guest: WC Floyd (Chattanooga, TN)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

We had four generations staying for a full week and everyone had a great time. The beach is located only a very short walk away so it wasn't too difficult for mom to negotiate and an easy trip for when the little ones were tired or hungry. As for being hungry, there is a varied selection of great places to eat within a very short drive. If you wanted to ride a bike, it is a completely reasonable distance. Shopping is another great adventure. Lots of boutiques with original designs and if up for a 15 minute drive,a great outlet nearby in Destin (including Coach) my daughters loved. My husband and step son opted out but found a place to fish not far from there. After a fun filled day, we came back to a house which is tastefully decorated and most comfortable. The pictures in the listing are accurate and the house is very clean. The design is great for spending family time in the living, dining and kitchen area but large enough, especially with the balconies, to escape when the need arises! All in all, this is where we will be returning. My family all agreed, this was the best vacation we have had to this area. Great home and location for what we enjoy most. In addition, the owner made sure to give us great information prior to our trip regarding places to visit, along with directions. The clean up list was also the best...do nothing. My kind of vacation!

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

Class reunion

Guest: Nottoo ( Miramar Beach, Fl.)
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

I had a class reunion in this house. I live in the area and drive by it almost every day. I would recommend this house for anyone that would like to have a party at the beach. It was clean, well laid out and very relaxing. The beach is steps away and the pool is even closer. We have already talked of returning next year.

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

Loved it!!!

Guest: Beachlover (Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/20/10

We loved this house!!! Great location, plenty of room for the 8 of us, and super clean. The golf cart was great for taking our things to the beach but not needed because the walk is so short. Our family had a blast and will prob make a repeat trip to this same house next summer! Thanks again for a great trip..

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

Guest: Linda Robinett (Hot Springs, AR)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/01/09

Our family had the ideal family get-together at Jean's Gem on the SeaSea for Thanksgiving 2009. The house fit our group of seven adults & one child perfectly. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the kitchen was completely furnished with every appliance, cookware & utensil possibly needed. Best of all, the proximity to one of Florida's most beautiful beaches was a short walk, as were great restaurants & neat shops. The strip along 30-A would be our recommendation for anyone loving anything & everything beach. We hope to return to this property again & again.

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Guest: Karen Brown (Knoxville, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

We enjoyed our vacation very much. We had a large group and the house was perfect with lots of room for eating and playing games together. The beach was just a short walk and the pool was nice as well. We will recommend this house to our family and friends and plan to return another summer.

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Guest: Scott Bass (Dallas Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/03/09

The place was fantastic. I can't tell you how many people we have recommended it to. We plan on going back again this year after the summer season. Great place, great location. The house is very comfortable and an awesome deal. Why would anyone ever rent a condo again? The entire family had a blast! Thanks again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/19/09 Review Submitted: 04/19/09

This was such an adorable place! The house was furnished beautifully and had everything we could possibly need! We will definitely recommend to friends to stay at this house! It was truly a Gem!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/07/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

We spent 7 days between the holidays and had a wonderful time. With two families, a total of 8 people, we had plenty of room. The location was great with access to the beach only about 100 yards from the front door. We are already planning to return next year.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/06/09 Review Submitted: 01/06/09

We had a fantastic time. A very nice place and are wanting to go back again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/03/08 Review Submitted: 09/03/08

What can we say. House was perfect home for our family. Pool and beach so close. House decorated so perfectly. The large kitchen and dining room made a great place to eat and play games. We will be back. Thanks

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

This is second summer our family has stayed at the beach house. we had a great time, house is perfect for us, lots of space, great access to the beach, quiet and family oriented. we plan to be back next summer. thanks for sharing your home.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/14/06

We came here for one last hoorah for our friend's bachlorette party. We soaked in the sun and enjoyed the porch thoroughly. The house is beautiful and the surrounding area fir all of our bachlorette's needs. We enjoyed our stay and hope all future guests make as many great memories as we have! JM

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

We came here for our annual family vacation and had a blast! All 4 families were extremely comfortable in the accomodations here-- we loved the house. The weather turned out to be beautiful all week. We have stayed in many different homes over the years and this is the most comfortably, tastefully decorated...Thank you for opening your house to us!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

It had been 2 years since we've enjoyed a beach vacation, so we treasured this time here. The house was perfect for 3 adults and 3 small children. It is very stylish and comfortable. We had brilliant weather and lots of fun!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

Had a wonderful time! Although hurricane dennis kicked us out sooner than we expected, we made use of the time we were there. The house is awesome, greater than expected, and we hope to stay at Jean's Jem for our next vacation!! P.S. everyone don't forget to use sunscreen! We had a few casualities!! :)

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Guest: Smiths
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

We loved the house! There was no lack of anything. Your spacious home was perfect for our family. It felt like home.

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Guest: Johnsons
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

This was the first vacation we took as a group and it was perfect. Jean's Jem is beautifully done! We're already planning to come back again next year. Thank you for opening your home to us.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

We loved how it was decorated, very beachy and cozy. Also, loved the views, sunsets, beaches and poolside. Thanks again for the accomodations.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

We had a great time. The weather was wonderful and despite the hurricane damage to some of the surrounding areas, everything on the beach was beautiful! The house looks lovely. We enjoyed our stay!

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Guest: Austin
Date of Stay: 02/14/06 Review Submitted: 02/13/06

Best vacation ever! Accomodations were excellent, house was just the right size and the children had a blast especially since they had an area all to themselves. The weather was great everyday, so we had an opportunity to utilize the pool as well as the beautiful beaches. Restaurants in the area were also great. We felt like we were home away from home. Again, the house made our vacation stay the Best!! Will reccomend this place to our family and friends. Thanks again.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/14/05 Review Submitted: 09/13/05

We just wanted to let you know we have donated the house to a family from New Orleans for the next 6 months. Jean's Gem will be available for rental starting March 1st.

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