|
November 2008 |
We had a wonderful time
the villa was wonderfully clean and fresh on our arrival. Very user
friendly. One bad storm ripped the netting on the pool and within
one day it was repaired. I will definitely recommend and if/when we
go back to Florida we will 100% go back to 'The Elm'. |
Antony & Sarah Henman
Kinmell Bay, Wales |
|
November 2008 |
Wondering where to stay?
look no further we promise you will not be disappointed. This villa
is excellent. Very spacious kept beautifully, every amenity you
would need and more. lots to keep the kids happy whilst parents get
some time to chill after the exhausting time at the theme parks. The
pool and jacuzzi are maintained to a high standard. We were close to
shops, restaurants, also all the Disney attractions. The managers
were very helpful, not that we had any problems, a mind of
information. we are hoping to go back next year and will definitely
be using this villa. We had a wonderful holiday thank you Gary, what
a gorgeous place you have, very sad to leave, it was like home from
home, we are sure any one choosing your villa will not be
disappointed. Kind regards. Brian and Stella. |
Brian & Stella
Derbyshire
|
|
August 2008 |
23-30 August 2008 We
spent a week at Elm villa, which was absolutely fantastic! When we
first walked in we couldn't believe how lucky we were. It was so
clean and spacious and so well equipped. After coming back from the
parks of an evening, the pool was so refreshing. Our boys enjoyed
the pool table and table football. Tuscan Ridge is a tidy, modern,
clean estate off a highway that is so convenient to get you to all
the parks and supermarkets. Many thanks Gary and Anne we shall
definitely be back. |
Nick, Mandy, Nicky and
Tim Rose
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, England
|
|
August 2008 |
All I can is say that
whoever you are and whatever the purpose of your holiday you will
absolutely love Gary and Anne's villa! We have been 3 times now and
already have booked to go again! It's immaculately clean, fresh and
inviting; a real home away from home. Both my husband and I work in
the travel industry and are extremely picky so trust me when I say
this villa is lovely. Inside - There really is nothing you could
want for here. The kitchen is really well equipped, the washer and
dryer incredibly useful especially if you've got little ones. The
beds are REALLY comfy and the walk-in-closet in the master bedroom
is brilliant. Our kids love the tri-bunk in bedroom 3. The pool
table in the garage is gorgeous and great if you fancy unwinding or
just getting out of the sun. Main thing for me though is the how
well looked after this villa is and the management company should be
commended - Catherine is always on hand of you need anything. Oh -
wireless internet worked like a charm too. We took our laptop last
time and the signal was great. Outside - to me this the main selling
point of this villa; the gorgeous (and I mean gorgeous) south-east
facing pool with big lanai and lovely comfy loungers and chairs is
not overlooked by anyone as the villa has a fantastic position at
the top of the bank. There's always loads of pool toys for the kids
too! The spa is my personal favourite; I have read at least 15 books
sitting in that spa with a glass or three (plastic of course) of
cold chardonnay watching the sun go down. I just love it!! The
estate is also really safe and you feel at ease all the time; its a
mixture of vacation homes and 'proper' homes of Florida residents.
The yellow school bus comes to collect and drop off the local kids
which my two think is amazing. I also ran around the estate every
day when I was there in August and always felt safe and secure We've
been to Florida so many times we don't always do the parks now, but
when we do I can assure you this villa is in a convenient position
to get there. It's also within a mile or two of at least 3 massive
supermarkets! My husband has also found a really good pub showing
all the Premier League footie matches next to the Publix up the
US27, only 3-4 mins by car! Now you may think I'm gushing, but as a
very busy working mum of two this is the only place I can ever seem
to truly relax and that's my priority! (As a note the pre-booking
and booking process is always easy and smooth. Both Gary and Anne
are lovely and Gary always calls to check you've arrived safely and
that everything's ok in the villa which I think is a lovely touch!)
So there you go, a totally honest review. Gary and Anne's villa will
give you everything you need for a perfect vacation, You won't be
disappointed!. |
Nicki & Mark Leadbitter,
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England
|
|
August 2008 |
We have just returned
from a fantastic 2 week holiday staying at The Elm. The villa was
gorgeous it had everything we needed and more it really felt like
home. It was such a pleasure to stay in a well cared for villa. The
kids loved having the pool all to themselves and pool table was a
big hit with my other half. Thanks Gary and Anne we look forward to
another holiday staying at The Elm. |
Sue Murphy and family
England
|
|
June 2008 |
We were here June 2008.
Excellent place to stay. I can't say enough, all the previous guest
book comments are spot on. I will definitely be looking to book with
Gary and Anne in the future. I try to get down to Florida in the
summer as a get away because the weather is better than up in the
Northeast. Renting a house with a pool is the way to go instead of
sharing a hotel pool with 100 of your 'closest friends'. The kitchen
was excellent, the laundry very convenient (only had to pack a carry
on...), and the beds were extremely comfortable! The view from the
pool was spectacular and in fact, we did see several hot air balloon
launches early in the morning. The easy connection with all major
freeways was a plus especially when getting across town to Universal
Studies and Islands of Adventure. |
Mimi DeSouza and Party
Norristown, USA
|
|
April 2008 |
Hi Gary and Anne just to
let you know we all had a wonderful stay at your lovely villa, we
found everything we needed in your villa. We hope to be back again
next year and would be more than happy to stay at the elm again.
Take care Anthony & Angela |
Mr & Mrs Bewley
Manchester, England |
|
April 2008 |
What a gorgeous villa, it
had absolutely everything we needed. We all loved the pool, my son
learnt to put his face in the water this week, something we had been
working on for a long time. Didn't eat out at all, due to my son
being on a special diet, but ate really well, lived on shrimps and
even the odd lobster. Really hope to come back again next year. From
Nicola and Paul Trotman + Luke & Jasmine. PS. Love the storm
watching early evening! |
Mr & Mrs Trotman
Swansea, Wales |
|
March 2008 |
Thanks Gary and Anne for
our wonderful experience staying at your gorgeous villa in March,
2008. Everything was just perfect! We felt so comfortable and what a
pleasure to be welcomed by a spotless, clean villa with everything
you could imagine to have a great holiday. The pool table was a huge
hit! One great feature we loved was having the swimming pool and spa
face south. Great location as we had sunshine from morning till
night! We would highly recommend this villa to others for its
comfort, location and cleanliness. Can't wait to go back again!!
Audrey and Ken Chow |
Mr & Mrs Chow
Ontario,
Canada |
|
February 2008 |
Gary and Anne, It would
be an understatement to say I spent a significant amount of time
trying to find the perfect spot for our honeymoon. So after looking
high and low for hotels and vacation homes and never feeling exactly
right about any of them, I immediately knew The Elm was right for
us. And with the wedding a few weeks in sight, it was a miracle it
was available "only" for the exact week I needed it. My wife and I
are very grateful for a wonderful stay. The pool, the rooms, the
location - perfect. I appreciated the call to make sure everything
was the way it should be; and it was just as comforting to know the
management company was just a call away should any problem arise.
From the beginning to the end of our honeymoon in Orlando, The Elm
couldn't have been better. It was a real blessing - and we're hoping
to go back! Thanks again! Jonathan Runyan |
Mr & Mrs Runyan
Kansas, USA |
|
February 2008 |
Fantastic! I conducted some very extensive research before deciding
on the "Elm" as the place for myself, wife and four boys (5-11) to
stay during our February vacation in Orlando, as this was the first
time, after many family vacations to Florida and elsewhere, where we
would be staying in a private home, as opposed to hotels and
hotel-managed condo units. There is no question we could have not
done better short of paying triple at a 5-star resort....but even
then, we would not have enjoyed the privacy and convenience of one
story living with immediate parking (no jostling for space at a
distant parking lot, or crowded elevators!). What can I say? I could
go on and on, so I will be brief and just say that the house was
impeccably clean (may be too so when you have two 5-year olds and
are worried about them damaging something!) and spacious and
well-appointed and lacked for nothing. And, for the benefit of
prospective guests who are nervous about such things sight unseen, I
would add this: the merits of the house I just touched upon are like
a microcosm of the immediate neighborhood as well as development (Tusan
Ridge) the house is located in. This cannot be underappreciated as
there are many such similar "gated" communities in the Orlando area
(hence my lengthy research), and once down there, I went out of my
way to drive through some of them out of sheer curiosity and there
is no question that Tuscan Ridge, and the South/Southwestern portion
of it in particular (where the Elm is), is THE place to be if you
want to enjoy your vacation as you imagine it. Best of luck
vacationers! |
Mr & Mrs Tramontozzi
North Reading (Boston) USA |
|
February 2008 |
Just returning from a
great Feb 08 villa stay, our best yet. The villa and grounds were in
an excellent condition and the quiet location contributed to a great
family stay. All appliances and furniture are well looked after, the
rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the immaculate pool table
saw some crazy shots - all meant of course! The local literature,
takeaway menus and the like came in handy and helped make for easy
nights in. The weather was kind too, high 70's to low 80's and
hardly any rain - nothing like a February getaway! We cant get
enough of the theme parks (Busch Gardens, is really not that far
away), the golf, shopping and our Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel
breakfasts which by the way are just down the road on 27. For one of
the best steaks in town, head to the Outback Steakhouse about 10
miles away east on 192 - it was no surprise this place was busy
every night of the week. "The Pub" south on 27 was also very handy
to catch live footie. We look forward to coming back soon. Adam and
Charlotte. |
Mr & Mrs McNally
Cumbria, England |
|
January 2008 |
My mother in law, myself
and my husband come down to Florida frequently during the winter
months here in NY. While we are there we meet many of our friends
from all over the world as most of them enjoy the sport of Hang
Gliding and Ballroom dancing. We mostly consist of business owners,
pilots, and physicians. We all stay at Tuscan Ridge as the villas
are close to our activities along with the Disney attractions, there
is always plenty of options to experience. Your Villa is the best we
have stayed in so far. Beautiful layout, great and friendly managers
and the warmth and English touches are perfect for just feeling
relaxed and comfortable. The villa is equipped with everything you
would need and more. We had a great time and thank you Gary and Ann
for letting us stay in your wonderful home. We will definitely
recommend your villa to our friends and family and can't wait to
return next winter. Diana and Martin Beckenbach |
Mr & Mrs Beckenbach
New York, USA |
|
December 2007 |
We thoroughly enjoyed
your house. It is comfortable in more than just furnishings, the
'feel' is right and that is important. Very clean on our arrival and
the welcome pack is excellent. It is near enough to the parks and a
peaceful estate. Didn't get the wife to play pool but I did win a
few games against myself. Not so easy playing on your own on the
football table though. We would definitely return and have already
given the website to our friends. Best regards Andrew and Barbara. |
Mr & Mrs Herman
Ilford, England |
|
November 2007 |
The villa lived up to
it's expectations from the web pictures. All furniture and equipment
was to a very high standard. The Management company contacted us to
make sure we had arrived safely and that the villa was to our
expectations - it was. I would certainly visit again, I would have
no hesitation in providing a recommendation to anyone who is
thinking of this villa in the future, Gary has my email address. |
Mr & Mrs Minshull
Cheshire, England |
|
October 2007 |
This is our 9th holiday
in Florida, the last two of which we have stayed at 'The Elm'. We
have stayed in several villas but we find 'The Elm' suits us
perfectly. Gary goes out of his way to make sure the whole booking
process is as straight forward as possible and even phones on the
day after arrival to make sure there are no problems. The wireless
internet ensures our daughter can use her laptop to stay connected
with all her friends at home via MSN, the pool table in the garage
provided lots of entertainment on a night and the swimming pool &
spa relaxing during the day (I would recommend having the pool
heating, it does make a big difference). The pool is South facing,
so it gets the sun all day. The position of the villa is ideal for
getting to all of the attractions easily, and is close to
supermarkets and takeaway's. Unfortunately we will not be going to
Florida next year, but we would not hesitate in going back to 'The
Elm'. |
Stuart, Linda & Helen
Atkinson
Co Durham, England |
|
October 2007 |
Hi Gary & Anne Thanks for
helping us out at short notice, had a great holiday at your Villa it
was like home from home. The villa is lovely well looked after and
spotlessly clean, everything there was perfect we have been to
Florida 13 times from 91 - to now, and had a few Villas in the past
and have to say that your Villa was the only one where we walked in
and felt at home straight away. Your directions made it easy to find
and Tuscan Ridge is a lovely area to stay. We will definitely be
booking with you again on our next visit. |
Ian & Janine Mide
Kent, England |
|
September 2007 |
We have been to America
before but this is by far the best Villa we have stayed in. There
was everything you could want and the Customer Service's was above
Par. We would like to thank Gary & Anne for there great service. The
Villa was so lovely and clean and the pool was just amazing, Just
what we all needed. Thanks to the management company for there quick
delivery of our park ticket's we ordered them at 9am and they had
them delivered to the door by 10am. Very impressed. We would like to
recommend the Medieval Time's Tournament it was amazing fun. Would
not hesitate to recommend the villa for your Holiday, it's twice as
nice as it looks on the picture's and has all the finishing touch's
you need for a amazing holiday. Enjoy we did. Thank you Gary & Anne |
Gav,Stu,Willie,
Jason & Siobhan
Edingburgh, Scotland |
|
September 2007 |
Our 17th time in Florida
and this villa was definitely the best - clean, comfortable,
fabulous pool (cleanest yet), and lots of personal extra touches to
help you feel right at home. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend not
only the villa but also the management company, and of course Gary,
who rang to make sure we'd arrived OK and everything was fine. |
Garry & Christine Forrest
South Shields, England |
|
August 2007 |
This was our second visit
to 'The Elm' in 3 years and on this occasion were childless - well,
apart from Karen! The villa is all anyone would want when
considering a visit to the Orlando area. I say 'Orlando' area, as
not everything revolves around Disney. The villa is ideally located
to enjoy all that this part of Florida has to offer. Disney and
Universal are closest; between 15 (Disney) and 25 (Universal)
minutes away. The villa is to be highly recommended for both couples
and families. It is clean and well equipped and the south facing,
private pool was always in use. We have found that Gary (the owner)
has always gone out of his way to ensure that our stays have been as
trouble free as possible (not that either of them were!). Anyone
reading this will probably be well aware of the glut of villas
rentals now to be found within the Orlando area. You will, as I did,
find cheaper options and a lot of 'offers' designed to entice. The
fact we returned to 'The Elm' speaks volumes. We knew what to expect
in terms of location and comfort and would not hesitate to return in
the future. We have stayed in both other villas and hotels in the
past, none of which came close to 'The Elm'. As soon as 'Harry
Potter World' is finished - 'we'll be back!' |
Mark Kellett
Kent, England |
|
May 2007 |
I truly enjoyed my stay
at The Elm, everything was perfect. From the welcome pack upon
arrival to the help of Catherine and Colin everything was truly
perfect. The whole experience shows that everything has been
carefully planned on your side and looks very professional. At the
same time the house feels homely and very welcoming. I'll be keeping
your references for the future and will definitely recommend your
house should anyone I know ever plan to go to Orlando. |
Olivier Chervet
Dublin, Ireland |
|
May 2007 |
What can I say! This is
our second time staying at Tuscan Ridge, the first time was back in
November '06 and again in May '07!!! The villa is in immaculate
condition and has everything you could possibly need or want for
your stay in Florida! Gary and Anne make sure you have everything
you need, ie directions, phone numbers for villa management all the
essentials before you leave the UK, they even phone once you're at
the villa to make sure everything is up to standard and that you
arrived safely! Top service, I would gladly recommend this villa to
any of my friends or family who are going to Florida! The Pool is
excellent, but the Spa is even better :D We spent most of our time
in there and is well worth paying for the heating!! I would highly
recommend Tuscan Ridge to anyone who is wanting a private villa that
is close enough to the main attractions, yet far enough out to be
serene and quiet! Perfect for relaxing at night after a long day out
at the Parks! I would also highly recommend going down to Fort De
Soto beach, by far the nicest beach we came across whilst in
Florida!! I will be returning to Florida and I will be staying in
Tuscan Ridge again, hopefully sooner rather than later! Thanks again
Gary and Anne |
Gordon Laird
East Lothian, Scotland
|
|
April 2007 |
From our first
communication with Gary, we have experienced the utmost
professionalism. Great communication! The villa is fantastic,
exactly as described. Would not hesitate to recommend to others.
Would definitely stay again. |
Peter Noble
Washington, Tyne & Wear
England |
|
December 2006 |
The villa looks great on
the website, but it's even better when you walk through the door. We
enjoyed every minute and it's so easy to get to all the Theme Parks.
The guest book in the villa gave us plenty of hints and tips of
where to go, including the golf courses and restaurants. Everything
was as described on the website. The villa is situated in a nice,
quiet and safe area of Orlando and everything you'll need to enjoy
your stay has been provided. Gary provided us with all the
information we required. We would recommend this villa to our
friends and definitely hope to return again soon. You won't regret
staying here, for its location, cleanliness and relaxing atmosphere. |
Dave Holt
Essex,
England |
|
October 2006 |
As soon as I saw The Elm
on the internet I just wanted to stay there. Everything about it was
perfect. We were woken the first morning we were there by a strange
noise outside. We went out of the patio doors and looked. Three hot
air balloons were just rising into the sky, so close it looked like
we could touch them. The man in the basket shouted 'Good Morning'
down to us and then told us to look at his website! This was at
7.30am, the sun was just coming out and it felt brilliant. The
villa's location is great. Previously we had stayed in the Kissimmee
area, close to airport yes but had to drive every day through the
traffic lights to get to the parks, no fun. Staying in Tuscan Ridge
could not be more handier for the parks, it seemed to just take
minutes which was great at the end of a long day when you just
wanted to get home. It was also handier to head down to Tampa for my
teenage son's fix of Busch Gardens. From the first correspondence
with Gary and Anne, everything went smoothly, even organising the
car hire. The pool and spa, with all day sunshine was enjoyed by us
all. The villa was spotless with everything you would need. We have
booked again for 2008! |
Aileen Levy
Forres, Scotland |
|
December 2005 |
The Villa was great!
Everything was clean and very well maintained. Loved the space and
after the parks being able to swim or relax in the whirlpool. There
was plenty to amuse everyone, games room ,board games, many books to
choose from and television games for the children. Supermarkets near
by. Can't wait to return |
Diana Hutt
Essex,
England |
|
May 2005 |
We had such a lovely time
staying at your villa. The pool was bliss after the long and tiring
days at the theme parks. Your management team were very helpful when
something minor broke. They came out the following day to repair it.
We loved the villa all round - the beautiful villa, the pool/spa,
kitchen etc. The master bedroom and ensuite were to die for! The
location was also an added bonus. We had been to Orlando/Kissimmee
area before and stayed in a villa. This villa location seemed to get
us to all the major attractions very quickly compared to others we
had stayed in. There was supermarkets and restaurants not very far
from the villa. Anne and Gary were brilliant in the planning of our
fab holiday! There were only two downsides...............we had to
come home to reality and to our small house!! Many thanks for a
great and a memorable holiday - we will definitely come back to your
villa the next time we go to Florida. xx |
Gail & Gordon Ford
Aberdeen, Scotland |
|
January 2005 |
Although we stayed at
"The Elm" a while ago we still check back to the website to see if
anything's changed and are pleased you now have a guest book! We had
a fantastic stay, everything was thought of in this clean,
comfortable, high-spec spacious villa. Gary was extremely helpful
when we were booking as we had never visited Florida before and he
gave us all the tips he could. There were so many little things that
made the stay so easy like the park information, playstation and
games to amuse the kids (if you had any time to spare in between the
parks and the villa's pool) take away menus and every possible
gadget in the kitchen. By the look of the recent photos there have
been even more additions to the villa. We highly recommend this
villa and would not hesitate to book again (and hope to soon Gary) |
Stuart & Tracey Harris
Norwich, Norfolk
England |
