Vacation Rentals by Owner

The Perfect Beach House!

Guest: Shelley (Austin)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/24/11

We cannot say enough great things about this beach house. This is the first time we have rented through an owner. Usually we rent through an agency so we were a bit skeptical but the owner seemed friendly and everything was seamless. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised. What a lovely home. The decor is fantastic. Everything about it is so charming and cozy. The owners' have thought of everything. We loved sitting on the porch watching the waves roll in. The beach is just a short walk and is not crowded like so many beaches. We felt like we were in our own little paradise. The home is very kid friendly with adorable rooms, toys, and lots of movies, games, etc. You will not be bored here. Whether playing on the beach, fishing at the neighborhood pier, cooking great meals in the well stocked kitchen, playing games, watching movies, shell hunting...you name it, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. You are going to love it here! We certainly did!

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

Very nice house but . . .

Guest: M (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/28/10

This is a beautiful home and exceptionally well supplied with everything that you could want in a vacation home. You could not, however, swim right in front of the house as we were led to believe. We had to walk a block to the beach. Not a problem if that is what you are looking for but we wanted to be able to swim in front of the house so that our four generation family could all participate easily in water activities. We found this house to be a bit remote for enjoying the many fun activities available in Galveston. It is 25 miles to town. Also a pain was the $2 each direction bridge toll. It adds up when you have two vehicles coming and going. We loved the aquarium, the harbor cruise where we saw two pods of dolphin that surrounded the boat and old town Galveston. The guys in the group went off shore deep sea fishing and caught a ton of fish. It was the highlight of their trip. We all had fun playing in the huge waves. Next time we rent we will get the address of the prospective home and check it out on Google Earth to insure that there really is swimming right in front of the house! Lesson learned. . .

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Awesome,awesome place!!

Guest: PATTI (Jones Ok)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

Bill and Carol, This house is everything you said it would be and more. You have thought of everything in the way of staying at the house. I did not need one thing I couldn't find in your house.It was beautifully decorated and the views were breathtaking.The beach was right there,we boogie boarded and hunted sand crabs for hours. Our whole family will be back! Thanks for letting us stay in your house, it truly felt like our home.

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

Just like the pictures !!!

Guest: Jody (Magnolia texas)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

I actually found another beach house prior to "Away by the sea". But after looking around a little more I came across this house. I am SO happy I continued looking. I knew after the first time speaking with Carol I had made the right choice. The house is SO clean! I NEVER walk around in a hotel room without shoes on. The second I walked through the front door I kicked my flip flops off. The house is kept just as clean as I keep mine. I'm happy she does not allow pets (we did want to bring our dog with us on this trip) otherwise I'm sure the furniture would begin to smell. EVERYTHING you might need is in this house. You literally could just move your clothes into this house if you were moving in. We had friends come and go during our stay and everyone said how lovely the house was and how well stocked it was. The kids LOVED the decor in the upstairs bedrooms. They also enjoyed a game of Monopoly and one of the movies that were provided. The little beach at the front of the house became a favorite for the kids at night ... drawing in the sand, looking for sea shells and just running around. After spending time at the little "cove" beach we would walk down towards the toll bridge beach looking for sea shells. During the day we would pack a cooler and all the boogie boards that are provided, and drive over the toll bridge to the beaches on the Galveston side. (by the big water tower about 5 miles down) I think I'm forgetting the best part of the stay .... the BEAUTIFUL sunsets. We were also lucky and saw a storm coming in, made for great pictures. We could not have been happier with this house! It is hard to compete with the beaches in New England (my husband is from there and spent his summers on those beaches) so I was So happy this trip turned out the way it did. It is a nice weekend get away from Houston area! Hopefully this will become an annual trip for us. My girlfriends are already talking about a "girls" weekend in the fall. If you were thinking about booking with Bill and Carol, please do. You will NOT be disappointed!

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

Felt like home!

Guest: Bodine (Texarkana, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

We absolutely loved staying at the beach house, which is very clean and beautiful! The weather was perfect everyday. We went over to Galveston, to eat at Casey's and shop at the strand, but our most favorite thing to do was sit on the covered porch of the house. There was always a breeze blowing, and we sat out there most of our time. The porch was also great for our 10 month old. The beach house had everything a person would need; all anyone would need to bring would be their personal items! Another plus is the beach right there. At most, there was one other family using it when we were out there, so it was like having our own private beach! (There are even sand dollars on this beach!) This was truly our home "away by the sea" for a week! We would definitely recommend this house, and would live there if we could! :)

Owner response:Away By The Sea is perfect for families. Everyone from the grandparents to the toddlers will have a memorable experience.

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

What a great place!

Guest: Marylee64 (Gilmer, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

This house was better than expected! Lots and lots of room, (and we had a house full) all the basic supplies and then some. Carol's house is well laid out and beautifully decorated, it feels like someones home. If we had a question we just sent her an e-mail and she responded almost immediately. Galveston is 20 miles away which is just far enough to leave the crowds behind and have the beach almost to yourself. We went in to town for surf lessons, museum tours and shopping. Not only would I recommend it to a friend we are trying to figure out when we can come back!!! Carol, you have a wonderful place there. We will be back, if at all possible.

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

A Perfect Get-Away

Guest: Fun-seeker (Tyler, Texas USA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/08 Review Submitted: 08/20/08

We had 9 adults and a one year old for our stay at this beachside cottage. The sleeping accommodations were well suited for our group, and we loved that fact that linens were provided! The house was immaculate and well stocked. We arrived on a Friday and never left the area until check-out on Monday. There was a view of the ocean from almost every window in the house and a shaded porch that we all loved! Beach acces is just a few steps away, and we loved the less congested atmosphere. Our group loves to play games and just be together. This is our choice for a perfect time at the beach, and we are already looking forward to next year!

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

Stylish, First Class, Beach Getaway

Guest: Candy & Crew (Little Elm, TX )
Date of Stay: 06/18/08 Review Submitted: 09/09/08

Choosing a beach house for your family vacation online is like rolling the dice. You never know what you will find upon your arrival. Pictures can be deceiving and expectations can be crushed. If you chose to stay at this charming beachside cottage at San Luis Pass you will be thrilled with your online choice of rentals! I began my search looking for a clean and comfortable place for 10 people. Not a rare request, but comfort, cost and privacy were important. A relaxing, large, deck with a waterfront view was also tops on my list. Let me say that upon our arrival I was even more impressed by the actual home than the pictures portrayed!!! A secluded, almost private, beach awaited my family and friends. The deck had plenty of seating for all of us and a spectacular view of the water. My kids loved seeing the dolphins jump out of the water and the pelicans diving for food. The home was clean and stocked with every necessity! We had big plans to head to Galveston every day for activities. We never once left St. Luis Pass!!! The house felt like home! All we needed was our family and friends together, the beach, the deck, cocktails at sunset and great meals we prepared in the fabulous kitchen overlooking the pier and the water. The bait shop actually provided us with fantastic blue crabs, at an incredible price, that we steamed on the properties driveway. The crab feast on the deck is one of my fondess memories! This home is a diamond in the rough. I would love to keep this vacation home as our little secret, but it is too wonderful to not share! The owners are friendly, have thought of everything and are readily available to answer any questions! I highly recommend this vacation getaway as a destination for families with elementary and jr high children!

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

Guest: Fitzsimmons
Date of Stay: 06/11/08 Review Submitted: 06/10/08

The Fitzsimmons from New Braunfels, Texas sent this letter after their May '08 weekend. "Thank you again for providing such a wonderful getaway experience for my family.... Everyone was so pleased and had nice things to say the entire time we were there. From the lovely home to the more personal touches like Q-Tips and a variety of cooking spices. We were made to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment we stepped through the door! P.S. We will be back."

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Suzanne B. (Carrollton TX)
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/23/08

Wow. We just got back from the best get-away! We had plenty of room for 11 people to sleep, eat, shower, and play comfortably. This house is so well equipped it feels like home! The kids loved it as much as the adults. We are already planning next years trip - and will stay even longer! Thanks Bill and Carol!!!! The Buraks, Johnsons, Harrisons, and Vogelmans.

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Guest: Masters
Date of Stay: 04/09/07 Review Submitted: 04/08/07

The Masters from New Hampshire had this to say after a three week vacation from the cold: "Three weeks of warm sunshine, the sound of the surf, and that incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico from the deck has provided a welcome respite from the snows and single digit wind chills of New Hampshire! Then there are the birds - can't forget the birds. Squadrons of Brown Pelicans flying in formation, Roseate Spoonbills, and Long-billed Curlew that feed on the lawn every day. Thanks for providing and maintaining so well this away-by-the-sea paradise! It is so delightfully decorated and includes everything needed for a perfect vacation."

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Guest: Suttons
Date of Stay: 03/14/07 Review Submitted: 03/13/07

Our guests, the Suttons from Houston, had this to say after a long weekend: "The fish were really bitting on Sunday. We walked out on the San Luis Pass Pier and found that several huge Reds had been caught. Your Away By The Sea home is fabulous."

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Guest: Dekaus
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our guests, the Dekaus, had this to say of their 8/06 vacation: "All the little touches and comforts of home, plus a few extras made us realize you have the best house in San Luis Pass. Our children had the time of their lives! Thanks and see you next year!"

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Guest: Impelman
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our repeat guests, the Impelmans, had these comments of their 7/06 visit: "thank you for such wonderful accomodations for our daughter's 4th birthday and vacation. We felt at home and everybody had a great time!"

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Guest: Deutscher/Frantz
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our guests from Kansas had these kind words of their 6/06 Texas vacation: "We absolutely adore your home. We had such a wonderful time here. Thanks so much for everything!"

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Guest: Andrew family
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our guests, the Andrews & family, had this to say of their 8/06 family Texas vacation: "Thank you, Bill and Carol. We have had many beach vacations as a family and this has definitely been one of the best!" "..(we) were very comfortable in your beautiful beach house. The weather was great, and we all had a good time."

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Guest: VanErt
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our guests, the VanErts, had these comments of their 8/06 Texas vacation: "The 15 hour drive with small children was worth every minute! We made your home our home for 3 days and it was amazing! We look forward to making the trip again. Joe's Crab Shack was fun and the Strand was a neat place to experience. The weather was great and we got to enjoy a beautiful rain storm on Sunday morning."

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Guest: Tannous
Date of Stay: 09/05/06 Review Submitted: 09/04/06

Our guests, the Tannous, had these comments of their 8/06 stay: "Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. The kids had a great time and we enjoyed the wonderful views while eating on the porch. Hopefully we will make this an annual retreat."

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/23/06 Review Submitted: 05/22/06

Our beach house, Away By The Sea, provides a restful get-away from the hectic hustle and bustle of city life. The soothing sound of the waves breaking on the shore will put you to sleep at night. After a restful night, enjoy your morning sitting on the porch swing watching the Pelicans glide by. Whatever your vacation get-away desires may be, this cottage by the sea will provide a base of comfort and convenience to fulfill those needs. Your Hosts, Carol and Bill Duncan

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