| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 4 positive, 0 negative]
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| 06/03/07 |
Positive
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| White Sands is absolutely amazing. These pictures do not do it justice. Everything is wonderful - from the pool to the landscaping. Your time at White Sands is so peaceful, and really allows you to relax and reconnect. Doug and Donna are treasures - they are so friendly and helpful and make your trip truly stressless. We spent days just fishing, kayaking and swimming. It is the perfect break from life! Thank you so much for sharing this dream home with us. We will definitely be back. The nicest home we have ever rented and the most relaxing week we've had in years!! |
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Kelly and Doug McCall, Palm Harbor, FL |
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| 02/19/07 |
Positive
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White Sands is what you want home to be. The house is well taken care of, and is furnished with everything to make you feel the same. Doug and Donna offered to take care of anything we might need, but absolutely everything needed was already provided. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Jason & Heather McAuley |
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Anonymous |
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| 11/13/04 |
Positive
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Thank you for a wonderful week, we enjoyed every minute of it. This is by far the best place we have stayed at in the keys, would recommend this to anyone and everyone, we will be back..Doug and Donna are truly the best.
Thanks much Dave & Gail |
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Gail Esposito, Ship Bottom, NJ
609 361-7382 |
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| 08/08/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
The place is great! What a place to just unwind and recharge the "batteries".
We have rented homes up and down the Keys for the past 15 years and this place is by far the nicest.
Donna and Doug took good care of us and the house. Maybe see you this fall!
John and Deb Koch & Steve and Donna Achilles
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Koch & Achilles
Auburn & Geneva NY
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| 08/08/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. You have created a tropical paradise! We enjoyed every minute of our vacation. Hopefully we will be able to return again next year.
Susan, George & Dustin
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Stuart Family
Chapel Hill, NC
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| 08/08/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
What a fabulous week! We like to travel to different beaches and compare to what we have at home. We hail from "God's Country", the low country beaches of South Carolina, Pauleys Island, Litchfield, NOT Myrtle Beach! This is pretty darn close to our favorite! The general consensus is that we wouldn't love it weren't for this great house! If it's possible to wear out a pool, we have done it!
We have not wanted for anything, this house is truly equipped in every way. Doug and Donna have been gracious and we felt we could call on them if needed. The flowers, wine, and key lime cookies were such a lovely treat. Thanks!
When we began to "repeat" beaches, we certainly have Grassy Key and White Sands on the top of our list.
Thanks again,
Beth and Benjamin Connelly & Gayle and Gene Johnson
PS. Hideway Cafe is divine!!
Sombrero Beach was the #1 choice after checking out all 3.
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Connelly & Johnson Families
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| 07/17/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We have enjoyed our stay at your beautiful home, loved the views, the sunsets, the kayaks, and the pool. We looked for the turtle tracks in the mornings, but never found any - we did see the iguana and the barracuda.
We rented a boat and did some sightseeing in Key West, but mostly we enjoyed relaxing at this beautiful property.
This was our first time to visit the Keys, and we all agreed that if we had stayed elsewhere it just wouldn't have been the same. Than you so much for letting us use your lovely home and also for the wine and cookies!
Tom, Lois, Melissa an Michael
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Rhea Family
Athens, GA
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| 07/10/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to stay in your lovely home for the week. It is a great escape from city life!
Our family enjoyed the gorgeous sunsets, the great seafood, and the cool and refreshing pool after snorkeling in the backyard.
We saw large iguanas, dozens of spiny lobster, a few nurse sharks, a raccoon, and a ray right in the vicinity of the property.
Our favorite activity by far was snuba or hook diving in Coffin's Patch - the reef had beautiful cora, colorful fish and we even swam beside a nurse shark! We also enjoyed feeding the huge tarpin at Robby's Marina.
We had such a great stay that we hope to come back next year. Thanks also to Doug and Donna who maintain this poperty so nicely and help "out-of-towners" get the most of out of their vacations. :)
Patrick, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Christina
PS - Loved the kayaks!!
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Singletary Family
Annandale, VA
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| 07/03/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you so much for the use of your lovely home. Bill and I and our son, Brendan, (20) had a wonderful week fishing, swimming, reading and relaxing. Thank you to Doug and Donna for all their help and a huge thank you to Doug's brother who just happened to be driving by and rescued me when I locked myself out of the house with no cell phone while Bill and Brendan were waiting for me to pick them up at the marina.
We all agree we'd like to come back to Marathon again some time.
Bill, Micki and Brendan
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McGarrett Family
Reston, VA
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| 05/15/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Wow! This really felt like a vacation - a beautiful place to stay, palm trees swaying in the breezes, lounging around the spa-like pool, enjoying all the plants and sea life and complete relaxation.
I would recommend this for everyone!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful space.
Gary & Bonnie
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Bradshaw Family
Muscle Shoals, AL
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| 05/08/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
What a perfect place to celebrate our 25th anniversary!
We have enjoyed every minute of our stay. Although the seas have been too rough to snorkel the reefs, we did make it out one day on the bay side.
The sunsets from the dock have been amazing. Spent the day at Bahia Honda beach, beautiful place.
The Island restaurant proved to be excellent food and drink. Also had a great pizza at Marathon Pizza and Pasta. Somewhat hidden but well worth the find.
We were beginning to think the iguana was an urban legend - until mid-week when we spotted one. (It was larger than I expected!) But stayed down on the beach.
The pool has been a real treat. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your lovely home. Thank you for everything.
Cheryl and Greg
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Lown Family
Lakeville, MN
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|
| 04/27/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
What a blessing to be able to enjoy such a Paradise. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime for Al and I.
Mostly we have relaxed and enjoyed "White Sands". Such peace and tranquility and a little piece of heaven has been ours for this week.
Weather has been really great. I have some wonderful photos of "White Sands" and the fish off the dock. I have learned to relax again and really hate the thought of leaving. I did get to see the little black stingray and several other species that I don't know what they are. I have spent a lot of time on the dock and what spectacular sunrises and sunses.
This trip has been great for Al especially since his knee surgery. It has given him a chance to relax and unwind. He has taken videos of the birds, absolutely beautiful. Today these birds have eaten constantly from sunrise to sunset.
Everything at White Sands is perfect. The house, the decor, wonderfully equipped kitchen.
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful home with us.
Al & Anna
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Kinnard Family
Gillsville, GA
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| 04/10/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Kevin and Karen returned to White Sands. House is perfect for us, we enjoyed the pool, landscaping, beach, dock everything here.
Discovered Hideaway Cafe, great find for dinner, excellent food and service and so close! We could almost walk!
The new Sombrero Beach is beautiful, another locale for water fun.
By the way, great job re-landscaping your yard around the pool.
Karen & Kevin
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Humbert
Downers Grove, IL
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| 03/27/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Beautiful home and grounds. Had a pleasant visit, too short. Fishing was good. Spent time on ocean when winds and seas permitted. Rest of time in bay. Only missed 2 days of fishing in 14.
Best to all!
Greg and Barb
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Koch Family
Buffalo, NY
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|
| 03/20/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Great house, great view, great pool, great landscaping, great caretakers, great food, great laughs.....
Mike and Terri
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Horton Family
Wichita, KS
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|
| 02/14/04 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
White Sands has once again provided the home-base for a retreat where the average temps of 68-78 are 70 degrees above those at home!
The famed Mallory Square sunsets at Key West entertained us and wooed us to exceptional restaurants, Kelly's on Whitehead and Louis' Backyard on Waddell Ave.
Anyone who enjoys the thrill of sea animals would appreciate the excitement we had at Theater of the Sea with the Dolphin Swim and assorted shows. They provide not only interesting information about sea life and other animals but also historical, geological and geographical info as well.
The beaches of the Keys lured us several days to the constant turquise waters where conch shells, coral and assorted marine life thrive. Key Deer at Big Pine were so friendly, one eagerly approached us as we browsed the area. Blue Hole gave us an incredible glimpse of two local gators basking in the sun.
The week was topped of with a fishing trip that brought in delicious grouper and mackeral on a day the rest of the group enjoyed kayaking in the calm, smooth bay waters.
White Sands is a perfect home to enjoy a variety of vacation opportunities that the Keys have to offer.
Ok the Inside Scoop! Grab the hot chicken wings at Kelly's w/ a Key Lime Martini to compare to the key lime pie at Louis' Backyard.
Ted, Dawn, Renee, Nick and Doug
PS - Thanks for the goodies.
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Larison Group
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| 10/13/03 |
Positive
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Just got back from White Sands the best keys vacation we ever had. The home is
perfect better than the pictures, looking forward to comeing back real soon, Thank you Katreena and Patrick,
Doug and Donna are great,saw to everything Thanks again,GeorgePollock |
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george pollock jr, cinnaminson, nj
856-829-9180 |
|
| 04/26/03 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Terrific house! We've been to the keys twice before and this is a wonderful location. We rented a boat for the week, (Sea Bird Marina, nice folks and good boat) and snorkeled and/or dived every day. We also fished. The pool is great and unbelieveably refreshing given the wonderfully hot weather.
We enjoyed many great restaurants in the evening, The Hideaway and Cabots were great! Friday headed to Key West to explore.
Everything was great - only problem was the sea grass that came in. Regardless - it was a great vacation. Thanks!!!
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Sue & Art Zintek
Elm Grove, WI
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| 04/19/03 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We have enjoyed your home so much! We spent many hours in the pool and on the dock. We went snorkeling in Key West for the first time! We discovered "White Sands" has lots to see in it's waters!
Thanks for making our honeymoon special!
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Laura & Paul
Savannah, GA
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| 04/05/03 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Wow! Awesome are the only words I can choose to describe your lovely "Isle in Paradise" home. From the moment we arrived we have just been so relaxed to swim in the pool, and look at your lovely landscaped yard. Your royal palm trees are spectacular!
Donna and Doug are lovely care takers of your home and ever so willing to please.
Raymond Sr. has spent many hours at your pier fishing. Many thanks for your beautiful home. God willing, we will return next year!
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Raymond & Ann James Sr.
Ft. Myers, FL
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| 03/29/03 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Your place makes a magnificent vacation retreat! Beautiful furnishings, fluffy towels, gorgeous landscaping - I could go on! Truly an enjoyable and comfortable week for us - typical vacation, too much sun and good food in very untypical surroundings.
Spent many eary mornings watching the daylight come in from the wicker chairs in front of the windows. Spotted both "IGGY" and "Isadore" the iguanas one morning when the tide was out. We photograpahed and videotaped them until we startled them and they swam off toward the piers.
We loved the pool, the pier, the deck and the beach chairs - unfortunately had to use the washer/dryer as my sons clothes were stolen on the trip down! I doubt any future trip will top this!
PLease hang on to this jewel so we can keep comming back and if you want to sell, call us!
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Mike & Lori DeKeyser & Andrew
Atlanta, IL
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| 03/22/03 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We certainly enjoyed our stay. Weather for Michigan folks was fantastic. The dock walk never ceased to surprise us, just like a living ever-changing aquarium.
We were able to experience all the good things of your beautiful place, the pool, the kayaks, the beach chairs and especially for Peg, the hammock!
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Tom & Elaine Carlson
Merritt, MI
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| 08/30/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We had an absolutely wonderful time in your beautiful home. Thank you sincerely for your generous welcome gifts, the pretty greeting card and the birthday banner! Such nice surprises and so very much appreciated.
We enjoyed each and every day of our stay. Had clear and comfortable weather, some glorious sunsets, and used all the features of the house to the fullest. We were fortunate to have booked our week during the full moon!
Fishing was quite successful some days, but bold Bertha the Barracuda grabbed a number of snapper off the line! She was very entertaining. Used the kayaks almost daily and really enjoyed paddling both east and west. All four of us also used the pool daily and found it totally relaxing.
As I mentioned, Ron is a chef, so the kitchen equipment and amenities were used to their advantage. We cooked in several nights, including two occasions when he prepared the catch of the day. Another evening we grilled Florida lobsters (purchased from Keys Fisheries), accompanied by the Kendall Jackson. Very yummy.
We ate at The Island (nice view; so-so food), The Quay (dining & $$$) and The Wreck (good, casual fun). Spent a day in Key West with lunch at The Half Shell (excellent fried shrimp) and supper at Duval on the Beach.
The house and vacation was everything we wanted it to be. We also would love to return to White Sands one day and hope it will be as we remember it.
You have made the entire experience of renting in the Keys a pleasure and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My 50th was a memorable occasion!
Best regards,
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June Bay
Greensboro, NC
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| 07/16/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Dear Katreena & Patrick,
How can we thank you for your generous hospitality and for sharing your beautiful home with Dan and I, as well as my brother, Tony and his wife, Susan.
We have truly enjoyed our stay here. The peace and tranquility for me have been heaven sent. It was just what I needed to feel young and alive again. My sister-in-law, Susan lived for the sunset and sunrise. My brother, Tony couldn't get enough fishing (he, of course, did not catch a single fish) and Dan was in his element. He actually took some time to enjoy his cigar and his margarita without the phone constantly ringing off the wall.
Thank you again for your special gift to us and for making us feel special.
Fondly,
Mary & Dan
St. John
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Davis Party
Coral Bay, St. John, USVI
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| 06/23/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for allowing us to stay at White Sands. It is truly beautiful, the website does not do this home justice!
We've had a wonderful time sunbathing, swimming, kayaking and siteseeing although many of our nights were spent on the deck enjoying the sunsets and goregous weather.
Thank you for all of the goodies and for Doug and Donna who truly went out of their way to make us comfortable. We look forward to returning again.
Missy & Keith Arcilla
Matt Vassau & Michelle Colar
Arcilla
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Arcilla
Graysdale, IL
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| 06/15/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Best Vacation Home Ever!!!
We enjoyed your home, the sunsets were beautiful. We were going to eat out at night, but the kitchen and the view were so nice we enjoyed doing our own cooking. If you are ever in Charleston, look us up and we will take you for a sail in the harbor.....
Gordon and Karen
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McCay Party
Charleston, SC
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| 06/06/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for the time in this wonderful place. We had a perfect time. The sunsets are unbelieveable and the early mornings as well.
We have kayaked, swam, watched the birds and fish, even small sharks! And we made friends with a beautiful cat named Marla.
Although we hated to leave White Sands for any reason, we have been to Key West and out to Fort Jefferson, such a wonderful day! We have a kayak trip booked for Friday before we go north. We visited Pigeon Key and learned the story of Mr. Flagler and we've eaten our share of seafood too! We enjoyed the kitchen too, boiled shrimp one day.
We have certainly "made our share of memories" in this wonderful place. May it always be like this.
Bennie, Kay and Suzanne
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Grissom Party
Leighton, AL
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| 04/06/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Enjoyed your home very much found time every day to enjoy the beach, sunsets and pool. Checked out all the area beaches. Bahia Honda being the best but crowded.
Tavern-By-The-Sea was best restaurant we found.
Kayaking was a blast until later in the week when it got very windy and choppy. Tried to rent a boat but everything was booked, (lesson learned for next year).
Your home is very well appointed, kitchen is as we tested our culinary skills on several days. Weather was fantastic. Look forward to returning next year.
Karen and Kevin
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Humbert Party
Downers Grove, IL
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| 03/30/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
What a perfect family trip! We have so enjoyed your lovely home! The kids got plenty of pool time and Chip and I enjoyed the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings. The weather has been wonderful. We went to Key West one day. Chip and Zack went on a chartered fishing trip and we rented a boat and explored for two days. The colors of the water are beautiful. It is going to be hard to go home! Thanks for all the beautiful touches, they were appreciated. Hope to come back here again.
Chip, Keith, Zack and Laura
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Dodson Party
Eastville, VA
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| 03/01/02 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you so very much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home! The pictures on the "web" do not do it justice! Thank you for the beautiful flowers, the wonderful wine and the yummy cookies.
We came to the Keys for our daughter's winter break. Lauren is 13 and she loved the kayaks? The pool is so nice too. We have been scuba diving, spent a day in Key West. We sunbathed and walked on Duck Key, which is beautiful. We walked Key Colony Beach and Sombrero Beach. Then we went to the Dolphin Research Center which was the best ever Dolphin experience! Very friendly staff and very loving dolphins? We rented a boat from Captain Pips, excellent time, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.
Thank you again for sharing your lovely home with us. Take care and may God Bless you All!
The Haiglers
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Haigler Party
Wilmington, NC
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