| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 13 positive, 0 negative]
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| 10/27/09 |
Positive
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| We were only an hour away from home; however, it seems like you're in a quaint European resort location. I loved the spacious deck and just people watching and viewing all the beautiful sail boats and yachts that decorate the harbor. My two teenagers, who are always looking for something to do, had no problem with exploring the island, playing volleyball, swimming, bike riding, etc. They want to go back again! If you want a prime location in Catalina, the Grisham home is by far the best. |
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The Rush Family, La Mirada, CA |
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| 06/02/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
This home was everything we hoped it would be! There were 5 couples and we fit just perfect. Although we experienced some May & June gloom, we didn't let it stop us from having a fantastic time. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
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Patty Gerdel
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| 05/27/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
One of the most memorable trips in all my 60 years. Great place to celebrate life - relaxed, stress free, wonderful island people and island charm. We'll be back for sure!
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The Cristofani Family
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| 05/11/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for opening your house up for us. We loved the location. It was the perfect size for our extended family and we enjoyed eating most of our meals out on the deck with the incredible views. We recommend the kayaks and the glass bottom boat tour. For breakfast we liked Jack's the most.
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The Kutscher's
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| 04/23/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
This was a great opportunity to explore Catalina Island and being right in the middle of town was great. The views are amazig and the house was cozy. We had some great family time here.
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The Bocci Family
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| 04/09/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
It was so amazing to stay here. The view- oh my gosh! Our families from San Diego and San Mateo (all 10 of us) had the time of our lives. Thank you so much.
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The Lamb Family
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| 04/05/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Thank you for the great home you have created here. We had an incredble time and will never forget the time spent with family and friends.
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The Theisen Family
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| 03/11/09 |
Positive
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This house was WONDERFUL! It's the only house
you can rent right on the boardwalk of
Catalina...which means you are walking distance to
everything and you wake up looking at the ocean &
casino. The deck was huge which was perfect for
our big group --most of our time was spent on it
relaxing, talking, and playing games. We can't wait
to go back--we didn't want to ever leave. This was
one of our best trips ever!!! Thanks so much for
sharing your house with us :-)
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Melinda Huntoon, San Diego, CA |
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| 01/04/09 |
Positive
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| It was our moms 80th birthday. We rely wanted to take her somewhere special for her day The time we spent at the beach house with her was perfect! Being danish she never has had such lovely weather on her birthday. We walked together on the beach in the sunshine on Dec 23! She said it was the best birthday ever. She sat on the porch looking at the boats in the water for hours. Thank you thank you thank you. Staying there made a very special day day perfect! |
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Sheila BAiley, Emerald Hills CA
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| 09/06/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
What fun! Catalina was fabulous as always and we can't say enough about the accomodations. We will be back for sure. Thank you to the Grisham's and we hope the next lucky group that comes enjoys it as much as we did. By the way, our best meal was at Antonios.
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Stacey Wise
Nipomo, CA
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| 08/17/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
It was just as great as all the other 19 (20?) visits to the Grisham's. It is with pleasure we leave and look forward again to next year.
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Herb Harry
Manhattan Beach, CA
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|
| 08/01/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Wow! Year 33 and still going strong. We love the new floors and kitchen! Each year there's a new improvement. If these walls could talk...the memories made each summer are amazing! We can't wait for 2009. Our family cherishes this island summer home- thanks Grisham's!
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The Gorrie & Decker Families
Anaheim, CA
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| 06/20/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Susan Corey,Hemet, CA (grandma); Bonnie Marshall, La Quinta, CA (great grandma); the John Manley family, Temecula, CA; and the Shawn Winter family, Winchester, CA all had a wonderful time!
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Susan Corey
Hemet, CA
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| 03/21/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Our first ever extended family spring break. We fished, collected sea glass, ate, played Pictionary, drank, played Scattergories, BBQ'd, drank, ate and had a wonderful time! What a great place for the kids as well. Highly recommended.
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Ron & Kathi Pietila
Chula Vista
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| 03/10/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
A gathering of friends; some frequent visitors & others this was their first time. We loved it! I'm glad we stumbled upon this house. We especially loved the large deck for BBQ's and people watching. A return visit is definitely in the works.
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Tessa Victorio
San Diego
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| 01/23/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
I retired on December 25, 2007 and was looking for a place to go with my wife, my children, their spouses and my six grandchildren. I can honestly say that I had the greatest retirement vacation ever, although I have never been retired before!
We rented both floors and the house was just what we were looking for, and the top floor was fantastic for my wife and I. There isn't a better location in Catalina and the house was well equipped with all the comforts of home.
My children's comments were 'when are you renting it again Dad?" I feel sure that we will all be going back again; soon I hope.
Frank Roberts
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Frank Roberts
Madera, CA
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|
| 12/04/07 |
Positive
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| What a spectacular Thanksgiving/70th Birthday celebration...Thank you Grisham Family!!! We couldn't have asked for a better location...and all the comforts of home! We were very fortunate to have 73 degree weather and sunshine filled days. The accomodations were very comfortable for everyone...plenty of showers(2) and a tub for the 2 little ones. The views were fantastic...and the deck was very comfortable to enjoy a cocktail or read a book. We enjoyed the use of the golf clubs and the basketball(court is right accross the street)...and a toddler park is within 100 yards! Resturants, bars, beach and shopping...just a few steps away! I would recommend this home to anyone looking for a warm, fun, family experience...you will not be dissapointed! |
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Susie Santana-Bizjack, Folsom, CA
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| 09/07/07 |
Positive
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| We had a great, fun, relaxing and wonderful week in the Grisham house. Our family are long time visitors starting in the early 1950's. This is the first time at this dream beach house...hopefully it will not be our last. The aminities provided were perfect, the beds very comfortable and the balcony was heavenly. Every day was spent people watching and the evening views were spectacular, falling stars and all. Run to this site and book your vacation now, but please leave a week open of us next year! Call me and lets talk about the place and the island. |
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Jan Osgood, Marina Del Rey, CA
310-821-6161 |
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| 09/05/07 |
Positive
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| What a wonderful vacation, and you can not beat the location! The Grisham house is like coming home to the Island. The home was very comfortable and cozy, and the balcony is unbeatable. If you want to feel like you are "coming home" then this is the rental for you. The Grisham's have bikes, golf clubs, on-site washer and dryer and just about everything you will need for a wonderful time. Kudo's to the Grisham family!! Please feel free to call me for a recommendation. |
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Randy Osgood, Moorpark, Calif.
805-523-0845 |
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| 07/31/07 |
Positive
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| The Grisham house is FANTASTIC!!. We have been coming to Catalina Island since 1980, and have stayed in a variety of hotels and condominiums, but this was the first time we stayed in the Grisham house. Their home far surpasses anything else we have experienced on the island. We rented both floors and had a great family vacation. The decks are wonderful. Much of our time was just spent on the decks enjoying the views and people watching. We cooked in the kitchen a few times and found the stove and oven to be of superior quality. All the rooms were clean though older and some were small as indicated on the web site. No need to stay one's room with all the great views beckoning from the deck. The Murphy family |
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Carolyn and Gerry Murphy, Chatsworth CA
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|
| 04/15/07 |
Positive
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| We brought our family of two adults, four small children and our nanny. This house was perfect for us and we had an amazing time. The location is fantastic. Thank you so much. |
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D James, Livermore, CA |
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| 01/24/07 |
Positive
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| My family just returned from the most wonderful and relaxing vacation at this marvelous location. The Grisham family has outdone themselves in providing all possible amenities. The older decor is charming ... several of us of "that certain age" had a great time reminiscing about our '70's lifestyles. Three bathrooms made life much easier with a larger group, and although some of the bedrooms are a tight squeeze, the beds themselves are very comfortable. But the most outstanding feature is the view directly overlooking the harbor. It's beauty is unsurpassed, and the ebb and flow of both the tide and the life pattern of the island is unendingly entertaining. |
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Sue Lippman
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| 01/11/07 |
Positive
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Our family of 15 recently rented both units to celebrate my husband's 65th birthday which was a surprise party for him. The house is within walking distance from the boat which was important because my husband has a difficult time walking.
Even though the rooms are small they are plenty big enough to enjoy a good night's sleep. We used all the beds for our family and everybody was comfortable.
The location of this home is more than you can ask for. The upper and lower decks are wonderful as they overlook the ocean and the walkways.
Aside from your personal belongings and clothes, you do not need anything else. The Grisham Family has seen to it that everything is there that you could possibly want.
I would not have any second thoughts about renting again.
Important to note, groceries are no more than the mainland at the big Von's Grocery Store. I was very surprised at that. The locals are friendly and very cheerful.
Thank you Grisham Family for opening up your charming home for others to enjoy. |
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Bonnie Hossack, Portland, Oregon
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| 07/10/06 |
Positive
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This is a great house to stay in at Catalina! The house really is located at the best spot in Avalon.
Realistically, as the owner noted, the house is older. Also, the middle floor level would fit 3 couples comfortably - any more than that and additional people would need to sleep in the living rooms.
But with that said, if you were questioning whether to rent this place or not - I'd definitely recommend it. First, the owner is easy to work with. Second, the location is so ideal it trumps everything else. Third, the patio is absolutely perfect for BBQs.
On our trip to Avalon with friends we did the following things:
1. Took the night flying fish tour for $19.95/adult. Highly recommended for nature buffs.
2. Took the half day excursion from the Ocean Rafting outfit located directly next door to the house ($99/adult). It was the first time we saw dolphins in the wild - totally amazing! A very fun trip for groups.
3. Went fishing on a chartered boat for 2.5 hours and caught 12 Calico Bass which we grilled on the nice BBQ they have at the house.
4. Bought steaks from the Vons grocery store a few blocks away from the house and grilled up a great dinner. Surprisingly, prices for groceries seemed the same as on the mainland.
5. Played late night volleyball on the sand court right next to the house (with balls provided by the house.)
6. Played basketball, also with provided balls.
7. Went biking with the 2 bikes the house provides - both were nice mountain bikes.
8. Walked over to the Casino to watch a just released movie - Superman Returns.
9. Watched movies, like the Bourne Identity, that the owner makes available at the house.
10. Walked over to nearby Lover's Cove, rented snorkel gear and wet suits, and snorkeled nearby.
11. Spent long nights on the patio, chatting, eating, and people watching.
Before we went on the trip, we were planning to rent a golf cart for fun, but after biking around we decided we didn't need to. Also, everything in town is within walking distance. To give you an idea how close we are to things - once, a couple we were with, got lazy and pushed a shopping cart from the grocery store back to the house and then returned it later.
I had also been planning to eat out a lot. But the patio and grill were so attractive that we ended up cooking every dinner.
If you haven't been to Catalina yet, its a great place for a long weekend full of activities or a week to chill for the more relaxed crowd. 4 days for my group was perfect.
So as long as you can live in an older place on your vacation, this place comes with my highest recommendation!
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Anonymous |
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| 06/21/06 |
Positive
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The Grisham's home was the most wonderful place for our Catlina excursion. We had my friend's 30th birthday party there and there were 15 people in total and we had plenty of room and plenty of bathrooms (3 downstairs and 1 upstairs).
We got off the ferry and I looked up and recognized the crisscross deck right to my left. I couldn't believe how close it was- which was wonderful because there was no need to rent golf carts for the weekend.
Without a doubt the most amazing thing about this location was the deck. You can grill the fish you caught while you watch the waves crash against the sand, all from your front porch.
Thank for all of the great memories.
The Montgomery birthday gals |
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Deva Montgomery, Denver, CO
303-830-9612 |
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| 03/07/06 |
Positive
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The views from 101 Pebbly Beach Rd. are nothing less than extraordinary! Avalon harbor feels like it belongs exclusively to you as you comfortably lounge on the spacious decks. Whether enjoying a quiet, romantic weekend, a multiple family vacation or entertaining a dozen friends you won't find waterfront decks and more impressive views in all of Avalon. And during Santa Ana weather conditions guests can enjoy spectacular views of the mainland...everything from Palos Verdes to Sand Diego to the mountains beyond.
There's no need to rent golf carts, either. The restaurants and shops and everything else Avalon has to offer is waiting for you outside your door. All you have to do is pry yourself up from those chaise lounges on the deck.
Of course, if you'd rather not participate in public life and tourism just walk to the market and load up your fridge with all the steaks, seafood and chicken you'd prefer to BBQ on those private decks of yours!
Or go ahead and cook them in your kitchen with the million dollar view of Avalon...you're on vacation...do whatever you want.
Our family had a wonderful time and will be returning for years to come...unless, of course, the secret gets out (because of this guest's comment) and we can no longer find availability at 101 Pebbly Beach Road...I sure hope not! |
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The Virtue Family, Laguna Beach, CA |
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