Vacation Rentals by Owner

Thank you!

Guest: Marge (Mazomanie, WI)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

Thank you for an amazing week! I know you aren't responsible for the pelicans, herons, or sandhill cranes, but thank you for all the amenities my family and I enjoyed at both cottages! The boats, the kitchen(s), the assortment of accommodations were just right: clean, well-considerd, and plentiful. Plus, having the on-site managers across the street and available at my beck and call was amazing: anything I wanted, they were there for me! The view was extraordinary, the firepits perfect, and the kayaking was wonderful. Even with all of that, all the people I met in the area were extremely friendly and helpful. In a phrase, "thank you!"

Owner response:Marge, Thanks again for being our guests and so glad to have been able to meet you. -Dave

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

Wonderful trip

Guest: t_race (Central Illinois)
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

My parents, my fiance, and the four dogs between us all stayed at Island View while we checked out some wedding venues in the Dells. The location was perfect (once we found the cabin - Dave was extremely nice to answer his phone late at night to help us with directions!) and we loved the beautiful winter view. We were so happy to find a place that would allow our four small dogs, and they loved being able to look out the three huge sliding glass doors at the snow and birds that kept coming to the feeder. The spiral staircase up to the loft bedroom was a little difficult to get up - if you have an older person or a larger person it would not be doable. But it worked well for us. The hot tub was FANTASTIC and the best part of the trip. Thanks Dave!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Sweet, charming stress buster!

Guest: christy k.
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 12/31/11

The house was perfect for our family of 5. We loved the charm of the home, the lake, and the neighborhood (vs a cookie cutter condo in the Dells.) It had everything we needed, from a pizza pan and slicer, to clear instructions on how to operate the gas fireplace. The hot tub was awesome. My husband and I had a great early morning watching the sun come over the hill, and seeing the birds up close. The lake was beautiful. There was no snow, and we had some dreary days, but the subtle greens, grays and blues were beautiful in a quiet, understated way. Each of the kids thanked me for the trip, and that's saying something! :) It's obvious the owners care about the house and the people who visit. We were glad to be some of those people!

Owner response:Thanks for being our guests and for taking such good care of our lake house! Please come back and be our guests again sometime! -Dave and Cheryl

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Great Times Had By All!

Guest: Liz (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

Everybody was happy! Island View was perfect for our "mixed" group! Those of us who like to run around found great little shops in Lodi and a fun wine tasting tour at the nearby Wollershiem winery while the others watched sports and enjoyed the deck and pier. The girls really felt like explorers canoeing around the island, and they especially loved their "apartment". The house was neat and homey and had everything we needed. The gas grill was great, letting the homebodies make some meals. Everybody loved the hot tub, and we made good memories around the big campfire every night! Thanks Dave for all your suggestions!

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

A Home away from Home!!!

Guest: Maggie W. (Dubuque, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 10/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/20/11

Dear Dave and Sheryl, This last trip was the best one yet. The weather was perfect. The house was so comfortable, and you could "smell the clean" the minute you walked in! My only regret was that the time went by way too fast!! This was my 7th return so it's almost becoming a home away from home!!! Having the grill handy on the deck made entertaining easy and fun. There was plenty of wood for an evening fire and the hot tub was on call 24/7. Between enjoying the view of the water in the back yard, and the moon and the stars and the hoot owl chiming in at night, it was so quiet I could actually hear the fish jumping in the water! I will definitely come back and will highly recommend the Island View Cottage to all my family and friends. :O) I am so glad you made this place a rental for everyone to enjoy, and not just "a family vacation home" for yourself! Thanks for sharing your home with us! Maggie from Iowa

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Big Let Down

Guest: Mike (Plainfield, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Where should I start? The mold growing in the bathroom? The BBQ with a couple of inches of crud in the bottom and what looks like a couple of seasons of grease buildup? How about the front entrance that looks like it hasn't been hosed down since Nixon was in office? Oh wait, how bout finding out it's impossible to get a boat to the dock after everything is paid? Can't forget the ants crawling on the kitchen counter tops and in the toaster. Or the mat on the floor in the bathroom that was filthy. And the stains on the two seat couch. There is also thelack of attention to detail. The cable box is capable of HD programming, but with the way it's hooked up, it doesn't work. I could go on and on. Basically, I feel ripped off. I would never recommend this to anyone.

Owner response: Since this is our first and only negative review in 5 years We thought we would respond. This reveiw is from the same party who told the rental manager how much they loved the place as they were checking things out upon arrival and who told the him that everything was good during their stay while they were departing!   We take pride in having a dedicated cleaning service, professional landscapers, and top-notch maintenance services. Although I feel this guest guest has terribly exaggerated the conditions, especially the implications that our home is not clean, I have gone over each of the comments with our help to make sure all is in top shape. I wish they would have brought up any concerns during their visit and would have appreciated them returning my calls after I read their posted review.   I don’t understand their 1 out of 5 rating. What about the great views, the bird watching, the wonderful deck to relax on, the hot tub, the fishing, all the fun things to do in the area, etc?   

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Best Winter Vacation Spot Ever!

Guest: Ann (Forest Park, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

The listing you see on this website is just half of the beauty of the cottage. It is unexplainable to be right on the lake, sitting in the hot tub looking at the beautiful stars. We even saw fireworks across the lake, while in the hot tub, in January! Dave and Cheryl could not have been more helpful and attentive. While booking online, sometimes it is hard to know who you're dealing with. All my anxieties were put to rest with these owners, and I was able to ask questions and get quick answers throughout the process. We were so happy with our stay that we will be booking something for the summer in the near future.

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

Great getaway from the city

Guest: Hannah (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

We had a great time at Island View with our dog Roscoe. Very clean, well equiped and relaxing cottage. We went fishing in the row boat (caught two big mouth bass) and relaxed in the hot tub at the end of the day. Pictures are accurate. Can't comment on the area because we bascially stayed by the house the whole time just fishing and reading and relaxing on the lake. Just what we needed!

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

Great time!

Guest: Garry (Naperville, IL)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/10

My wife and I rented this property the last week in June and had a great time. The property was fully furnished; immaculate; and ready to start enjoying the minute you walked in the door. The setting was great with the Wisconsin River in your back yard; large shade trees; and every bird imaginable visiting the bird seeders. The owner - Dave - was most accommodating and very responsive.

Owner response:Garry, Now you need to check it out in the winter with snow everywhere and a misty river! Thanks for being our guests again! -Dave

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

Guest: Louie, Amy, and Little Louie (-)
Date of Stay: 04/25/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

What an amazing week we had!! We stayed from April 18- April 25, 2010. The location is beautiful, the house felt like home immediatly, and it was great meeting you, Dave! We had a great time taking family canoe trips, watching the wildlife, sitting around the fire, an relaxing in the hot tub at night. My 7-year old son even caught a fish! The house was well stocked with everything we needed for the week. It was so hard coming back to "reality" at the end of the week! We are already deciding on a trip next year- hopefully for 2 weeks! Thanks again!

Owner response:It was great meeting you and your family as well. Thanks to Louie for the help in getting the pier in. Nice Smallmouth Little Louie!

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Guest: Michelle165 (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/16/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/10

Dave and his Island View home, exceeded all our expectations. We rented the cottage for a girls getaway weekend. From the moment we walked in the door to a lit home, with music playing and a bottle of wine on the counter, we knew we'd be back again. The setting is picturesque. We saw countless deer and loved watching the birds and black squirrels in the back yard. The girls and I took advantage of the wonderful hot tub to relax and chat. The accommodations were great! From comfortable mattresses to generous bedding and endless towels plus the fully equipped kitchen and large living space, we had everything we needed feel at home. I can't recommend this property enough. Thanks Dave for a fabulous weekend! We will be back again next year!

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Guest: Matt Glaman (Kenosha, WI)
Date of Stay: 10/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

October 25th marked one year of my fianceé and I being together; so, we did like most do and went on vacation. We stayed at the Island View Hideaway on Lake Wisconsin. Just like at Water’s Edge Retreat, check-in was at four in the afternoon, and check-out at eleven in the morning. So we arrived Friday, and left Tuesday. We didn’t want to have a nice day Sunday and ruin it by packing and running around early the next morning. The pricing was not bad for the stay, and the accommodations were great. It made for a perfect stay for just two people; it would be just as comfy for four people, also. Beware, though, if you’re tall like me. I am about six-foot four-inches and had to watch out a few times. In the main room there are two beams that run along the ceiling, my hair skimmed them each time. Also, the shower might be a head duck for those who are taller than me. But, most people in that height area are probably used to bending over a bit.When we arrived, we came in to hear music playing and a bottle of Vitiano’s Cabernet-Sauvignon-Sangiovese-Merlot. The cottage was well cleaned and had plenty of linens. The kitchen had plenty of utensils, pans, and the such. We had no problem cooking. Actually, we hardly used the stove and mostly used the grill.We enjoyed most of our time lounging on the couch, looking at the wonderful view out of the sliding glass doors; or in the hot tub.I’d recommend the Island View Hideaway for a nice little two-person getaway.

Owner response:Happy 2 years together Matt & Amanda, thanks for being our guests! -Dave

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Guest: Karrie McEvoy
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 09/23/09

My husband my 4 children and myself really had a great time at the cottage. It was a very relaxing week. The cottage is very well kept and stocked. It was great to meet you Dave and be able to put a face to the voice I spoke to so many times to arrange our week. I cant say enough good things about the cottage and the people. We had a great time and look forward to returning soon for a weekend together.

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What a wonderful getaway!

Guest: Lisa (Aurora, IL )
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/09

Dave, Thank you so much for sharing your cottage. Even though it was just me and the dogs it was so quiet and relaxing. The dogs were in heaven playing catch out in the yard. The cottage is just as described and more and I felt right at home. Can't wait to come back with friends and family for another getaway!

Owner response:Lisa, I'm so glad you had a good time during your stay! Please come back for another stay with friends or family. There are things to do all 4 seasons! -Dave

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

Guest: Christina Almond (Roanoke, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/08/09 Review Submitted: 09/08/09

Island View was just a wonderful vacation--highly recommended! The owner was just great to work with! 6 of us came from different states to meet up for a Labor Day weekend vacation and it couldn't have been better! We went canoeing on the Wisconsin River around the island in front of the cottage and it was so serene and peaceful! There are several great local attractions including the hike to the Rock of Gibraltar which was just stunning! Who knew Wisconsin had such beautiful views! We also made a trip to Wollersheim Winery which again, was just wonderful! Lots of good wine and cheese! The cottage itself has everything you could need--a really well-stocked kitchen, a LARGE TV, lots of board games, a really nice patio with a gas grill and a large hot tub! The nearby town of Lodi is just fantastically quaint and has lots of ducks to feed! We were very all around impressed and would love to make a return visit!

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Guest: Jenny32 (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

We had a marvelously relaxing time in August. All the comforts of home in the most relaxing and peaceful setting I could have asked for. Loved the view, the hot tub, the sunset canoe & rowboat rides. The selfish part of me wants to keep it a secret...

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Guest: Amy121 (St. Louis)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

We really enjoyed our stay in this very relaxing home in the peaceful neighborhood. We loved taking out the canoe and rowboat, having an evening fire by the water, watching the sun set over the water from the dock plus playing games and doing puzzles with our kids. We also enjoyed meals on the deck and relaxing in front of the TV. Thanks for a wonderful stay.

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Nice family vacation home

Guest: BobbyFamily (Sterling Heights, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/22/09 Review Submitted: 06/05/09

Beautiful views of river included magnificent bird-watching and gorgeous sunsets. The kids loved the nearby park and use of the canoe and rowboat were huge hits. A very relaxing retreat that provided all the necessary modern conveniences. The mosquitos were certainly voracious but the bug spray seemed to tame them a bit. The wine and flowers upon arrival were appreciated as well! Would definately return under the same circumstances.

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

Truly a great get away!

Guest: Terri and Dale (Peoria,IL)
Date of Stay: 04/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

We had a wonderful time at Island Hideaway! The cottage had everything you need for a perfect get away! The fact that it was pet friendly sold us! It even had a tie out, dishes and toys for the dog! He had a blast! The kitchen is equipped with any and every kind of cooking utensil you would need for any meal! The hot tub was great after a chilly morning of fishing and the gas fireplace was great for those chilly nights! The bathroom upstairs with the claw foot tub was definitely a bonus as well! Thank you Dave and Ron for all the fishing tips! We caught enough for a meal and then some! Thank you Tia, I loved the touch of fresh daffodils on the table when we arrived! We will definitely stay here again next year!

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/09/09 Review Submitted: 02/09/09

You really can't beat this place. David was more than accommodating with information and arrangements. The place was clean, the neighborhood was beautiful, the hot tub is fantastic, and we all really felt at home. I'd definitely recommend the Island View Hideaway for a family trip, a fishing excursion or just a bunch of friends getting together to unwind away from the grind.Just don't tell too many people – I wanna go back and not have it be booked!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/25/09

The Island View Hideaway was the perfect long-weekend getaway for me, my girlfriend and my dog. The accomodations were great. We especially enjoyed the bright and sunny living room, well-equipped kitchen, the board games, the outdoor hot tub, the fireplace, the immediate access to the lake (the dog was in heaven)... it was all truly fantastic. We'd recommend this spot to anyone.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/08/09

You really can't beat this place. David was more than accommodating with information and arrangements. The place was clean, the neighborhood was beautiful, the hot tub is fantastic, and we all really felt at home. I'd definitely recommend the Island View Hideaway for a family trip, a fishing excursion or just a bunch of friends getting together to unwind away from the grind. Just don't tell too many people – I wanna go back and not have it be booked!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/02/09

Our weekend at Island View Hideaway was fantastic! Graduating college at different times and going our separate ways throughout the states, IVH served as a mini-reunion for some friends and me. We enjoyed the hot tub, game and movie selections, fully stocked kitchen, and proximity to nearby skiing. We had a wonderful time and hope to return again when our schedules allow it. (Maybe when it's warmer, for a little change.) The view from the deck/hot tub was beautiful and the stars were shining on us all night. Thank you for a great weekend! All the best, Natalie + Friends

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Thanks

Guest: Aliona (Arlington Heights,IL)
Date of Stay: 12/31/08 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

We had a fantastic time .We was in cottage with our friends to celebrate a New Year.Cottage is very clean,exellent kitchen supplies for cooking any meal. We had a christmas tree too.Weather was cold, but amazing hot tub was perfect for those cold winter nights. The owners left for us a bottle of wine, was really nice.Thank you for great time and a nice gift.

Owner response:We're so glad that you were able to spend your New Years holiday at the cottage! Thank-you for being our guests!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/24/08

We just loved the Cottage. Large great room to relax in front of the gas fireplace watching TV with family. Well equipped kitchen. We celebrated an early Thanksgiving Dinner and everything was available including the Weber gas grill to grill the Turkey.I won't forget to mention the nights spent under the stars soaking in the hot tub. Everything was great!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/19/08

We had a great time! We did not have to worry about anything because everything was already there. Everything was terrific and we really could not ask for more. We hope to come back next year.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/09/08

Thank you for a fantastic weekend away! We loved every minute of this adorable cottage. Even though we had cold weather, we had a fantastic time. Thank you!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/09/08

We were looking for a quite get-a-way and we found it! This is a cute house with lots of bonuses: channel selection on the TV, great kitchen accessories, clean! Thanks for the hospitality and the wine gift!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

Stayed for 3 nights and it was wonderful. Music was playing when we entered the house. Everything we needed was there. The scenery was great. The hot tub was the highlight of the weekend. The temps were in the 40s but it didn't matter. We watched videos and listened to music the entire weekend. Felt like we were in our own little piece of heaven. Would definitely come again. Thanks, Dave

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/14/08

Really enjoyed our stay - took advantage of hot tub, fire pit, and canoe. Cottage is clean and well maintained. Will definitely be back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/10/08

Great place for a quick and relaxing getaway. Cottage is very clean and has great views from the deck..Even our dogs loved it too...We will be back!!!

Owner response:Hey, I hope you left me some fish, I'm going up with my dad on Wednesday and hope to catch some ourselves. Nice meeting you! -Dave

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Comfortable and relaxing

Guest: Redbets (Madison WI)
Date of Stay: 04/08/08 Review Submitted: 05/13/08

If I were a deceitful person I would give this cottage a bad review. Why would I want to tell so many other people how comfortable and relaxing this spot is? I loved waking up in the AM and watching the birds on the water from the hot tub. I plan to go again, and take my kayak this time.

Owner response:We hope you come back and stay at the cottage another time. The hot tub and the birds will be waiting for you... -Dave

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/15/08

Great weekend even though we experienced rain, snow, sleet, thunder, lightning, clouds, sun and wind. But we had a good time. Very relaxing. Cottage is spotless and roomy and quite comfortable. Everything and more than expected. Will definitely return someday.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

The weekend was awesome! Amazing hot tub, super clean, excellent kitchen supplies! One word to describe: PERFECT! Thank you!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/05/08

The perfect winter getaway!! The cottage was great- clean and comfortable with everything we needed... close skiing, good eating, and hottub soaking. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Can't wait to return! ~Katie & Co.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Heidi Richardson_HAC124661 (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/10/08

The cabin was great! It was very cozy and was relaxing. Hot tub was fantastic! Couldn't have asked for anything more in a place! Thanks, we will be back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/27/08

What a great spot you have!!! We had a very relaxing weekend for sure and will be back! The grill was perfect, the view out back awesome (deer & turkeys) and the stars from the tub made for the perfect weekend!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Laura F._HAC121262 (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/16/08

My group really enjoyed this home! The owners had some music playing and a bottle of wine for us upon our arrival--very thoughtful. The house was so cozy and the hot tub was perfect for those cold winter nights! I would definitely stay here again.

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