Vacation Rentals by Owner

"Wonderful Experience!"

Guest: Dara P. family, Oklahoma City
Date of Stay: 10/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

"Spending the last few days at your lovely home has been a wonderful experience. We love your home and the wonderful view of the lake, the squirrels, the deer, and even a woodpecker. We marveled at the eagles soaring overhead. It was like a dream world. Helen greeted us when we arrived and gave us "the tour". She was wonderful. After that the stay was comfortable, relaxing and fulfilling. We all enjoyed your beautiful artwork and the superb amenities that you provided for us. We are looking forward to returning next year (or, hopefully, sooner) for another wonderful experience."

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The perfect home for our family!

Guest: Scott & June S. - Blackwell, Oklahoma
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

"If we ever get the privilege of owning a lake home..this is it! Thank you for providing the perfect home for our family for this Labor Day weekend. The amenities are remarkable and the view ---breathtaking! We had an absolutely wonderful time and your home made our family time even sweeter."

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What a wonderful retreat!

Guest: Erma & Susan/Tulsa, Oklahoma
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

"Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. What a wonderful retreat. The view, the ease of the house & the kitchen is a dream. We love your paintings. You made it easy having all the amenities. We enjoyed the lake, we rented a boat and toured the area. We ate breakfast on the deck as we watched all the activity on the water. The hummingbirds and finches entertained us - how relaxing this home is. You truly have a spectacular place. Thank you!"

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Your home could not have been more perfect!

Guest: Lee & Jetta K. family/ Oklahoma City
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

"The kitchen was a joy to cook in, and I don't even like to cook! The Knights of the Round Table was fun to sit and we enjoyed using the animal napkin holders! Watching the hummingbirds & yellow finch was a delight enjoyed by all every day! The windows with the gorgeous lake view were such a peaceful welcome each morning we awakened in the fabulous master suite. The whole family enjoyed choosing their favorite artwork...what a beautiful personal touch it provided the gorgeous home!..It was a wonderful time with family & friends that were able to come from Oklahoma City for a few days. Thank you for providing such a wonderful place for others to enjoy and relax! A marvelous treat!"

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Guest: B.B. group from Midland, Texas
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/07/11

"I'm sure you hear this quite often, but this was fantastic and for me...a little slice of heaven. Our groups was "richly" blessed in many ways and we'll be talking about this for some time. Literally - everything we needed was a cabinet or a drawer away. Cannot imagine it being any better! Helen was fantastic too! She made the arrival personable & easy to walk into. Bottom line - just amazing!

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FANTASTIC GET-A-WAY

Guest: Burke (Midland, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

I just wanted to take the time to say how great our stay was. Of course we were looking forward to it being on the lake and all, as well as, the beautiful pics....but WOW, I never dreamed it would be so much more. Helen met me and gave me a great orientation and prepared me for the arrival of my group. Everything you could imagine that you would need was available. Bob and Annette...thank you both for truly thinking outside the box and making this trip more than a memory....it was a fantastic experience! Many blessings to you and Helen. Burke (Midland, TX)

Owner response:Our goal is to make the lake experience a one of a kind vacation for our guests. Your feedback makes it all worthwhile. From Helen (our wonderful house manager) to all the people behind the scenes making sure everything is in tip top shape for our guests vacation - we all strive to make it a very special place and vacation that will create great memories for everyone. Thank you so much for the kind words!

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

Lovely home!

Guest: Christine (McKinney, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/23/11

Pictures do not do this home justice! It looks beautiful online but even better in person. We have stayed at many rental homes in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Minnesota, and this was the best supplied and equipped home we have ever seen. The owners and caretaker Helen LOVE this home and it shows. The design and decor are first class through out. Such attention to detail from the coffee bar to providing beach towels, games/books/movies, basketball goal, as well as more househould/kitchen items than you'll ever need make this rental outstanding. The French flatware drawer is genius! I want one! Grand Lake is a beautiful, clean, quiet lake and we, from age 6-60, loved every minute. Thank you, Bob and Annette, for sharing your impeccable home with us.

Owner response:Thank you so much for the wonderful review on our lake house! We do love the house and it is always our goal to make it a little "oasis" for anyone who stays there including ourselves. We travel all over the world and whenever possible we try to rent an apartment or house through VRBO and bring back any special touches other owners have provided at their homes. Without our wonderful house manager, Helen, and all the other people involved in getting the house in tip top shape for our guests, we would not be able to rent out the house. It gives us great pleasure knowing that the special touches are appreciated and that our guests have had a special experience that builds great memories. Many thanks for the very kind words!

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

Guest: Matt F. & family
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

"Wow! What a house! When we first arrived we couldn't believe how huge and how beautiful this place is. It's not easy fitting 3 generations into one house but we were able to - and comfortably!....We're already planning a trip next year!" - Frisco, Texas

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Guest: Cayla and Marc B. from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Date of Stay: 06/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/24/11

"We had such a wonderful stay at your home. This is our second stay here and we're already looking forward to next year. Your home is so welcoming and has everything needed for a relaxing vacation. Thanks so much for sharing your home with us!" P.S. Helen is amazing! (Note from owner: Helen is our House Manager who meets and greets all our guests and makes sure everything is in tip top shape)

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Guest: Barbara and Walt and Family
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

"When the whole family is together, the soul is in place." ..."Our second stay at your beautiful lake house was just as special as the first one two years ago. Thank you for providing such a special "get away" place. Once again, we had so much to celebrate, but being all together was the best celebration of all. We look forward to visiting again in the near future...it was a pleasure meeting both of you." - Tulsa, Oklahoma/Lawrence, Kansas

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Guest: Janet and Dan W. from Oklahoma City
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

"We had wonderful family vacation. Your home is beautiful & very comfortable. sitting out on the back patio with parents, children and grand children will be a memory that lasts forever. The view, the birds, the water and the peaceful sounds were all great. The large dinner table was also really nice......I would like to thank Ray for building the wheelchair ramp for my 16 year old grandson and my dad...The landscaping is also beautiful. We had a great time.

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Guest: Doug and Kathy
Date of Stay: 03/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

"We made a lot of great memories! The rain didn't dampen our adventures. We loved the patio, screened in porch, and ping pong table +! We appreciate you sharing your little slice of paradise!" Stillwater, OK

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Guest: Katrina and Roger H. (Doha, Qatar)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

"As our third stay here at the lake house, it was great as usual. This visit was in the winter over Christmas. ...As an expat family who only travels into the country once a year, this has become our "home away from home". We have stayed at many VRBO homes but this is by far the best ever (even those in the most exotic places). Thank you for all the extras you have provided. We made quite a dent in the wood pile. But it was so nice having a fire every day. We watched the eagles, deer and other wonderful varieties of birds. We did not see the fox this trip though. The kids loved the ping pong, basketball and jumping in leaves. My two oldest boys (now at OSU) loved having the apartment to themselves as well. We hardly missed having "lake time". Thanks again we can't wait till our next stay.

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Guest: Jim and Judy H.
Date of Stay: 11/28/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/10

"Annette and Bob: Our family had a great time during our stay at the Ellis Lake House over Thanksgiving weekend 2010. All the kids, including our two 40+ year old sons, enjoyed ping-pong, football and basketball with the equipment you keep at the house. And, we enjoyed Turkey dinner. Helen Bates (owner speaking here...she is the house manager at Ellis house) catered an excellent Thanksgiving dinner on Friday, with turkey, ham and some side dishes. Of course, Judy supplied several family favorites like dressing and sweet potatoes. Helen served the dinner and then left us to eat. Also, Helen returned after dinner and cleaned up - washed and put away dishes and took out the trash. This allowed us - especially Judy - to eat and then relax and visit after dinner. I think Helen's catering job - and the clean-up - definitely made the weekend more enjoyable and I would recommend her to others. Catering a meal would make any occasion at the lake - or no occasion - more enjoyable."

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Guest: Pamela and Mark T. (Oklahoma City, OK)
Date of Stay: 09/19/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

"Fabulous house! How could we ask for better? We enjoyed four wonderful days in this beautiful setting. No doubt we will be back to enjoy it again. Thank you for the amenities provided here." and a later comment "Well we absolutely LOVE your house and thoroughly enjoyed staying there!!! You have done a beautiful job decorating with incredible attention to every detail, and we so appreciated it. My husband commented that even the five star hotels we have stayed in have not been as nice as your house. We used to have a house at Grand, and staying in your home made us realize just how much we miss the lake. ... Again, thank you so much for an amazing weekend. Your location on the lake and views of the lake are one of a kind! "

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Guest: Cindy and Les N. and familly
Date of Stay: 08/06/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

"We are starting to gather our belongings up and it reminds me of the many memories we have made here in your home. My brother whispered in my ear just before he left that this was the best vacation he'd ever had - PRICELESS! Our daughter and family...had a wonderful time boating and cooking and playing games...A wonderful retreat for us - thank you for sharing your beautiful home and the great Grand Lake!" Greeley, Colorado

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Guest: Josh L. and Family
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/23/10

"I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for allowing us to rent your home. It is an exquisite property and one we have thoroughly enjoyed. Your taste and attention to detail has made all the difference. We have stayed in properties all over the country. Your home is by far the most enjoyable we have had the opportunity to visit. Again - thank you and congratulations on an incredible place." Edmond, Oklahoma

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Guest: Cayla and Marc B. family (additional comments)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

"We had a wonderful time at your home. Helen did a great job with showing us how things work, she is very proud of your home and it shows. We have rented homes from coast to coast and yours was by far the warmest, and everything we needed you had available. The coffee bar was awesome and a big hit. We felt at home immediately with all the personal touches, including the awesome paintings. Thank you for sharing your home with my family."

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Guest: Cayla and Marc B.
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/10

"Many thanks for allowing our family to enjoy your beautiful home for a few days. A wonderful relaxing time for all of us."

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Guest: Jim and Judy H. and family
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/04/10

"Your home was the perfect spot for Jimmy and me to spend some time with our family..... We especially enjoyed all of your art. Your home makes a wonderful gallery. I'm a clean freak so I tried to treat it with lots of love and kindness. We had a lovely time." Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Guest: Brad C. & family
Date of Stay: 12/31/09 Review Submitted: 12/30/09

"Thank-you! Its a wonderful beautiful place! We are already looking forward to future trips here. "

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Guest: Marilyn & Bill "M" family
Date of Stay: 09/13/09 Review Submitted: 09/12/09

"Your home has been a beautiful wonderful paradise for us. We could not have asked for a more special place to host our families as we joined each other in our marriage. Everyone felt at home and honored that you would allow us the use of your very special place on Grand Lake. I have been coming to and lived on this lake since 9175 and watched as your home was built. Never dreamed I would actually have the opportunity to call it home for a very special weekend in my life. Thank you again and please thank Helen for us. She was warm and gracious on our arrival and introducing us to your home. We hope to return again if you will allow us!" Meridith and Bill "M" family Wildwood, Missouri

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Guest: The Scott S. Family
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

"What a wonderful time we had staying in your beautiful home. The amenities and hospitality you provided us were just perfect. You were able to provide us with a very memorable last lake weekend of the summer and we couldn't be more grateful. So much family fun was had here and we can't wait to come back." The Scott S. Family Edmond, OK

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Guest: Another member of Scott S. group
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

"This weekend was beautiful. The home and surroundings provided by you were simply amazing and provided memories for summers to come. The view from the house is wonderful and the house itself is magnificent."

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Guest: Janet & Bill C. Family
Date of Stay: 08/23/09 Review Submitted: 08/22/09

"Beautiful home, beautiful view and exquisite hospitality. Thank you so much for sharing with us, we loved every minute - even on the rainy days!" Janet and Bill C. Family Broken Arrow, OK

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Guest: The "M" Family
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

"We all agreed that this was one of a kind vacation, extremely relaxing and of all the most comfortable one. It was like being home away from home. At first I didn't know what to expect, because the pictures over the internet do not do justice to what we experienced. Your home is breath taking. The amenities are incredible and the view is to die for. We will definitely consider staying there again and for sure recommending your home to family and friends. Helen was darling to us and we appreciate her very much."

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Guest: The "M" Family
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

"We all agreed that this was one of a kind vacation, extremely relaxing and of all the most comfortable one. It was like being home away from home. At first I didn't know what to expect, because the pictures over the internet do not do justice to what we experienced. Your home is breath taking. The amenities are incredible and the view is to die for. We will definitely consider staying there again and for sure recommending your home to family and friends. Helen was darling to us and we appreciate her very much."

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Guest: Bruce & Jennifer G. Family
Date of Stay: 08/07/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/09

"Another wonderful family vacation has flown by. Many days of perfection spent skiing and tubing. The house was divine, especially the time spent on the screened porch. Thank you for providing a gorgeous setting again - hope to return in 2010." The Bruce and Jennifer G. Family Polo, MO

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Guest: The David M. Family
Date of Stay: 07/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

"Came to celebrate my 50th as a surprise from my family. All I can say is that I was reminded of what is really important "time" with family. Loved your place! Want my own. Until then hope to be back." The Vivianna and David M. Family Oklahoma City, OK

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/16/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/09

"I couldn't believe I would be staying in paradise in Oklahoma. It's gorgeous. It's such a peaceful, relaxing home, right on the lake, with a boat dock!" Lauren S. & family(age 13) California

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/25/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

"In the busy, fast paced lives that we all live, too often we forget to slow down and "smell the roses" but that is just what we did this week! Thank you for sharing your home with our family and friends this vacation week. We celebrated so many things-a milestone birthday, an anniversary, Father's Day, an engagement, a new baby on the way, the memory-making antics of grandchildren- but most of all we just celebrated life and all it's pleasures as we put our feet up and relaxed! We swam, fished, ate, played games, read, ate, went boating, chased lizards and ate some more. We took a picture of the fox looking in the window at us from the patio, got a picture of the 2 fawns drinking from the lake, and a group picture of our family all together - which is truly a rare sighting! Thanks so much for your generous spirit and hospitality ...we look forward to coming back again soon!" The "G" family. Tulsa & Kansas

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Guest: Doug & Jill F.
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

"We have had a very wonderful week! what a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful home. We enjoyed the porch and the view of the lake. Also the trees and bird watching! What a great family vacation! Thanks so much for opening your house to us!. The "F" family.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/14/08 Review Submitted: 09/13/08

"What a joy it has been to stay in your lovely home. We appreciated every little detail. This was the perfect setting for our family vacation (with 4 generations represented). We played cards in the screened porch, enjoyed dinner on the porch by candlelight every night, board games around the round table, sunning on the ower patio, strolling the beautiful grounds, swimming in the cove, and sleeping on the wonderful sheets in the comfortable beds. Cooking in the gourmet kitchen was also a treat! Thanks for opening your wonderful home to us! We would love to come back soon! The "P's" & "H's" families

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/14/08 Review Submitted: 08/13/08

"...what makes this house different from others is knowing it's someone's private house that they have been generous enough to offer to our family...Thank you so much for the divine house and an unforgetable vacation on the water!" The "G" family

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

"Making the annual trek from Chicago is never a "fun" 10 hours, but arriving at such a beautiful retreat on the lake makes it worth it! The birds, wildlife (the raccoon family comes out very early) and home couldn't have been more charming. Thank you for opening your home and artwork up to our family. We hope to enjoy it again in the future. The B. Family/Chicago

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Guest: David and Mary J.
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

"When we went into the kitchen, we discovered everything we could possibly need...as if my Mother had been there to set it up". ..."The picturesque setting on a beautiful overlook of Grand Lake was a delightful place to relax and visit. We enjoyed the 3 decks, framed with the red geraniums and other beautiful landscaping while we visited and watched the children enjoy playing on the lawn". .. "Time passed quickly and we didn't have time to play all the games provided nor the ones we brought. In closing, your beautiful home, setting, hospitality, and graciousness all created a wonderful week for our family and great memories that will last a lifetime. We hope to return!"

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Guest: Sue and David H.
Date of Stay: 06/28/08 Review Submitted: 06/27/08

"Your home was everything we had hoped for…and more. What a beautiful setting for such a lovely home. Thank you for sharing it with us….our family will long cherish the memories we made during this vacation.

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Guest: Alan W. family & friends
Date of Stay: 05/09/08 Review Submitted: 05/08/08

"It was WONDERFUL!! We're already making plans to do it again. You have an amazing home and location there at the lake. Thanks for sharing it. "

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Guest: The Wilson family
Date of Stay: 09/17/07 Review Submitted: 09/16/07

"What a House! What a great time! What a view! Water-skiing, lunch at "Crabby's", dinner at "The Artichoke" (WOW!), cards on the screened-in porch, explored Grand Lake, & relaxed on the patio in the evenings. We got to water ski, sail, play golf at "The Peninsula Club", spend an evening at a friend's cabin watching the red sun set, fabulous dinner at "The Cherokee yacht Club" and party after at "Hooker's Bar" (owner's note...Hooker's is a toss dexterity game at the bar!)where Captain Duct Tape & Lovey became "Hookers" while Nora & Grandman won the shuffle board championship. We had many great meals around "The Knight's of the Round Table". Captain Duct Tape & "Ma" were the big winners in the bocce ball tournament & "Rugs" beat "Touchdown Tommy" in golf. {Our friends} rented a 30 foot sailboat for four days. The weather was perfect, except for some rain on Saturday. It was cold enough to make a great fire & watch football that afternoon while "Ma" & Nora went to the Casino. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and dock. We feel we know you both as a result."

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Guest: Raimondo family
Date of Stay: 08/19/07 Review Submitted: 08/18/07

"Serendipity! Elegant but cozy with every amenity down to the tiniest detail. Your creativity shines with every personal touch and of course your amazing art work. Summer vacations when I was a kid was a drive from New York City to Vinita to visit my grandparents (no indoor plumbing, out-house, etc.) Who would imagine I would get the chance to share such a beautiful home with my dad for his 88th birthday. It couldn't have been more special. Many thanks!

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Guest: Jeff and Tobey A.
Date of Stay: 08/13/07 Review Submitted: 08/12/07

"Thanks for a great weekend in Provence...Grand Lake. We really had a terrific time getting away from the Tulsa heat (and PGA crowds!) Looking forward to coming back soon. P.S. We felt like guests rather than renters. So so many special touches."

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Guest: Robert and Deanna M.
Date of Stay: 08/05/07 Review Submitted: 08/04/07

"What a beautiful home to spend the weekend at. To have all my family with me it could not have been any better. I loved all your paintings. The kids and I love art and had fun looking at all your work.

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Guest: Yourman family
Date of Stay: 07/27/07 Review Submitted: 07/26/07

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our week at your beautiful home. You have provided every possible comfort and convenience and we have throughly enjoyed the nature all around. Thank you so much for a wonderful week."

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Guest: Janet & David P. family
Date of Stay: 07/20/07 Review Submitted: 07/19/07

"Wow-what a week we have had. A family of 7 with a few extras here and there surrounded by comfort, beauty and memories at every moment - I don't want to leave! I've tried to sit in every chair to enjoy the surroundings....We have all been blessed and will be noted as our best family vacation.....I love these rocking chairs - the motion while listening to the birds and water and the slight breeze - I feel so grateful to be alive to be able to see, hear, smell, touch and appreciate all that we have."

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Guest: Millie & Bob B.
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/09/07

"Having reached the "Half Time" of our lives where we turn from success to significance and knowing it is in the relationships we have, what a beautiful setting for a family reunion. Your home has been a wonderful gift to each of us this week and we are so grateful to you for sharing it with us. Every direction we turn speaks of your gracious hospitality and we look forward to returning to enjoy it again."

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Guest: Paul B. & family
Date of Stay: 07/04/07 Review Submitted: 07/03/07

"Thank you for another incredible 2 weeks at the lake. Even though rain and boat trouble kept us off the lake more than we liked, this house still provided the relaxing and fun atmosphere we were looking for. Getting to watch the huge thunderstorm rolling across the lake was wonderful. It was a great family trip that all of us will remember. Thank you.

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Guest: Micha
Date of Stay: 05/28/07 Review Submitted: 05/27/07

"Thank you for having us at your house for Memorial weekend! The house was wonderful and we look forward to coming back! Micha and family

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Guest: Johnsen
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/31/07

"A perfect place for a perfect weekend. We wouldn't change a thing! Thank you! Johnsens and Yeakleys P.S. It was like a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered both inside and outside."

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Guest: Janet
Date of Stay: 03/25/07 Review Submitted: 03/24/07

"Thanks for a wonderful weekend. Your house is beautiful - loved all the artwork! We're already planning a return visit." -Janet, Becky, Jackie and Susan Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Guest: Nes and Tim H. and family
Date of Stay: 12/30/06 Review Submitted: 12/29/06

"We had the most wonderful time here at your amazing lakehouse! Your generous hospitality is like no other place we've visited! Thanks so much for the great wine and breakfast Kringle! The views are breathtaking from all rooms! Looking forward to coming again in the summer!"

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