An exceptional experience

Guest: NC Oldie Goldies (Greensboro, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

Don & Susan: Just a note to express our thanks for sharing your lovely home with us. We had an incredible week and left yesterday with hearts renewed and spirits refreshed. Know there were plenty of things to do and/or see, but other than a trip to Harris Neck Refuge, we found it difficult to make ourselves leave the peace, solitude and amazing views at Marshbreeze. Morning coffee on the porch was heavenly. Birdlife in abundance; seeing woodstorks daily was an unexpected treat. Evenings soaking in the hot tub under an amazing canopy of stars was wonderous. The house overall was very comfortable and welcoming. Having some great local seafood while there was just a bonus. We've stayed in "marsh homes" from Virginia to Florida (we LOVE the low country) and this was probably our best experience ever. You could not have been more accommodating, gracious and responsive. Again, thank you so much. Some wonderful memories were created that we will long treasure.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+.

looking for relaxing retreat

Guest: none (Fort Pierce, FL)
Date of Stay: 11/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/06/11

This property was more than description. it is hard to describe the beautiful breezes, peacefulness, sound of wind going thru the grasses and the bird songs and calls, in a picture. the photos are accurate. the pleasing art and photography in the home are extra delights. everything was very clean and well maintained, though it did take me a while to figure out how to work the coffepot. Kitchen was outfitted with everything. The owners were very helpful in answering any questions, and left detailed instructions on any mechanics involved in a notebook. They also left much information on the area and activities in the area. We have visit the area before, but there is always something different to do. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Skippers Fish Camp in Darien, and just a short drive takes you to wholesale, retail seafood at Oceans Bounty with pleasant owners, and shrimp fresh off the boat. We also went to the wildlife refuge, cant remember name, and did some bird watching. There is much to do in the area but we had a hard time leaving the house because everything was so comfortable and beautiful and peaceful. We have enjoyed sightseeing and the ferry to Sapelo, Hofwyl plantation, trips to Savanna from here. We also have gone to Shellmans bluff, etc, etc. in the past and we love the tidal basin and all that it offers. Highly recommend this as a vacation getaway to relax and stargaze. Every sunrise was different and exciting on the basin with mists and pink skies. Enjoy, enjoy.

Owner response:Thank you so much. We were so happy to have you both!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+.

A lovely experience

Guest: Tom (Winter Haven FL)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

Three couples converged from different locations in the south for a three-night getaway and we were not disappointed. The property is very private with a long view of the surrounding marsh and Georgia lowlands. It is spacious, with high ceilings, a screened deck, very adequate kitchen and good beds. One especially nice feature is that the owners have installed numerous dimmers so that guests can select the light level of their choosing. The fireplace is gas and a great addition to a chilly night, as is the hottub. Bicycles and kayaks are downstairs. The house cat takes awhile to warm up to you but will avoid you if you're not a cat person. This brings up the only curiosity about the place, which is that the owners live there except when guests arrive. This did not present a problem for us, but I mention it as possibly being noteworthy for others. Owners Don and Susan have decorated their home with lively art, yet it is not over-decorated. They could not have been more cooperative and we happily recommend their abode for your consideration.

Owner response:It's nice to have our place appreciated. Glad you all had a great time. Just so readers know, Marshbreeze can come with or without our cats. Your choice! We are living here full time now until we finish building a house, which will be about another six months. In the meantime, we are happy to move out when guests come. It gives us an excuse to travel!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Great value, serene setting, wonderful for a family

Guest: Mike (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/23/11

Stayed at Marshbreeze in July as a family of four. Loved the location and made day trips to Saint Simons, Savannah, and the general area. Loved the house, WiFi, and most of all the layout. Back deck was wonderful. I recommend it, and good restaurants can be found both in Darien and to the north.

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

Peaceful and Private

Guest: Irene (West Hartford, Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/23/11

What a perfect location for anyone seeking a quiet, relaxing vacation. I thought Marshbreeze was even nicer than the website portrays. I loved reading on the porch with the smell of salt water in the air. The view off the deck is lovely, with no neighbors in sight - just landscape. I honestly could have stayed at the house all week and just relaxed. We did enjoy day trips to Sapelo Island, Jekyll Island, Harris Neck Bird Refuge, Savannah, kayaking from the yard at high tide, and bike riding. My husband and I loved the master bed and bath which leads right out to the porch and deck. There is a hot tub to enjoy while you gaze at the stars on a clear night.

Recommended for:Families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Southern hospitality at its finest!

Guest: Chickaloon Jenny (Chickaloon, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

Waking completely rested to the glow of sunrise over the golden saltmarshes and through the palms -blissful. What to do today? Take the ferry tour to Sapelo Island for a fun filled bus ride with Yvonne, walk along the trails at Harris Neck Natural Wildlife Refuge to check out the Ibis, Wood Storks, Herons, Turkeys, Gators and Turtles, Egrets, etc., eating at Chef Jerome's Old School Diner, Skippers, and the buffet at BJ's, bicycling the trails and roads recommended by Don and Susan, a trip to Jekyll Island and the fine book store, etc. The best was the personal invitations of several of Darien's residents to attend the Scottish Block Party with entertainment by a Scottish Rock and Roll band (Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans), the locals including Mike from the Wine/Cheese/Meat shop, and the bats that emerge in the evening from an old brick building downtown. At day's end the hot tub soak ensured another fine rest in the comfortable king size bed. For a week waking at home I was swept away to the Marshbreeze mornings; what a shock to open my eyes to snow. Thank you for the use of your grand home and community.

Owner response:It was our honor to have our first guests from Alaska! And from your comments, it looks like you did quite well for just one week. Perhaps the next time we can do something about the snow upon your return. Can we make you stay longer?

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

We Spent a Wonderful Christmas and New Year at Marshbreeze

Guest: Joe & Karen (Lake Ridge, VA, United States)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

What a fabulous house and surrounding property. We were pleased to escape from the snowy north to Don and Susan's Marshbreeze for Christmas and New Year 2010/2011. The place has a great karma and we particularly enjoyed the peace and quiet midst the splendid backdrop provided by the Salt Marsh. Despite the extra cold snap we did have some days when it was warm enough to throw open the windows at the front of the house and the french doors leading to the covered and enclosed deck at the rear and enjoy the warm fresh breezes through the whole house. The 'local finds' for us were the Waterfront Wine and Gourmet store in Darien with its excellent and eclectic selection of wines and buying shrimp and other fresh seafood straight of the boats at 'Oceans Bounty' a stones throw away to the north on SR99. Don't be discouraged by the workmanlike appearance of the place, like everyone else around thereabouts, they are very welcoming and helpful. Don was very kind and pointed us to a great place nearby to exercise our dogs and ourselves. We were sad to have to leave. It was a great holiday.

Owner response:Hey Joe and Karen, I just noticed your review. Many thanks. It was our pleasure to have you and to get to know you just a bit through all of our communications. We can understand the joy you get from your dogs. They seem quite beautiful with a gentle disposition. Hope to see you again someday. Don and Susan.

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

Wonderful 4th of July Weekend!!

Guest: Julie (Statesboro, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

Our family was in much need of a quiet retreat and Marshbreeze was everything we had hoped for and even more. We felt like we were in our own little world and enjoyed the breezes coming through the open doors all day and most nights too. It was close enough to local attractions so there was very little effort in traveling anywhere but was completely secluded once we pulled in the driveway. We watched the sunset every night on the front porch and saw multiple shooting stars while out on the back deck. Our children raced around catching fiddler crabs and our dog lounged on the porch under the fans. All of us ventured out at high tide to explore the marsh on the kayaks. We are already looking at our calendar for a return trip. Thanks for offering such a great home!!

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

A relaxing week at Marshbreeze

Guest: Bruce and Elke (Baltimore area)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

We had a great time. The setting for Marshbreeze is beautiful and the house met our needs perfectly. For a family of five the rental of a home makes a lot of sense, compared to a hotel room, since there is a much more room to spread out and we were able to save a fair amount on meals since we could cook in the well-equipped kitchen. After a busy day out visiting the large variety of points of interest in the area it was nice to come back to a relaxing retreat.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guest: Julie, Russ, Noah C. (-)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

We loved your house and the spectacular surroundings. We took the boats our in the lagoon and enjoyed your bikes, as well. The hot tub is a great addition.

Recommended for: