WELCOME

Welcome to our blog about our Orlando vacation villa: The Retreat by the Lake. Here we will be posting updates about the newly renovated house and its availability as a rental villa when we are unable to be there ourselves.
We started this blog in the middle of November, 2010 to chronicle the renovation of the villa. Please see the archive (lower left) to read all about the how the reno went and how The Retreat became a luxury 5-star vacation home where you could stay on your next trip to Orlando to visit the awesome theme parks, to enjoy the many wonderful golf courses in the area, to watch baseball spring training, or for a pre- or post-cruise excursion.
Please feel free to leave your comments about our postings... we'd love to hear from you and what you think about The Retreat.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Verdict Is In: Part Three

Rating:  5 out of 5
 
Great place to relax with children

Ian Ottawa, Canada
Review Submitted: March 12, 2011 Date of Stay: March 2011
Mike and Karen have beautifully renovated this fantastic home. The kitchen is highly functional and we were able to keep our toddlers and children entertained throughout the week with the exceptional collection of kids DVDs and of course, the pool. The views of the lake are gorgeous and not a bad spot for birdwatching either - there is a family of sand cranes about and we actually witnessed a bald eagle going fishing too!

Minutes away from everything thing and yet off the beaten track which limits exposure to road noise etc.

Overall a great spot!

Monday, May 30, 2011

The Verdict Is In: Part Two

Rating:  5 out of 5

A Perfect 10!

Julie and Errol Ottawa, Ontario
Review Submitted: May 18, 2011 Date of Stay: March 2011
 
The owners have thought of everything in this well appointed and conveniently located villa. The Retreat is spacious and the furnishings comfortably accommodated our vacationing group that included children ranging in age from 5 to 17. The Moms enjoyed the tasteful and comfortable decor (you'll love the luxurious linens and the spa-like ensuite bathroom), and relaxing by the pool after a day of touring Orlando's attractions that are within easy driving distance. The teens appreciated the private bedrooms equipped with TVs (video games and movies included), while the younger children especially enjoyed the pool and walks by the lake. The home is spotlessly maintained. Reservations and check-in are hassle free and the owners are more than pleased to answer questions on touring the area. We highly recommend!

Julie and Errol
 
Recommended for:  Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Verdict Is In: Part One

We thought we'd share some of the reviews we are getting from our guests.  We are very pleased that they have liked their stay at our villa and that we have been able to contribute to the enjoyment of their vacation.
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Rating:  5 out of 5

Luxury and convenience are key here!!

Cleanfreak! Seattle, WA
Review Submitted: May 5, 2011 Date of Stay: April 2011
First, our trip was amazing - 7 days 90 degrees...Awesome!!

This home is exactly what we needed to relax but plug in if you need to(teens and the internet..uggh! :-)). We were in the pool a lot (we're from Seattle...we don't have pools here...LOL), quiet for sleeping in, and we got to many parks in both Tampa and Orlando with ease. Local amenities were close by and plenty of restaurants if you don't want to cook in the well equipped ,very nice kitchen. We cooked!!

The owners have taken great care to ensure everything is available for use. We were not missing one thing!! Super clean and well taken care of. This is truly like coming home to a very clean house!! I was excited to see of some other upgrades coming soon. This is definitely a place you'll want to stay. We'll be back very soon!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Here's the new pool table!

In addition to the new pool, the new pool furniture, the Retreat now has a new pool table.
Actually, we have set up the garage as a games and fitness room.  There is a 7 foot slate pool table with both regular and short cues, an electronic darts game (with plastic tips for safety) and a bar table and stools (bar table will arrive this week).  In the fitness area, we have a treadmill, exercise cycle, free weights and an exercise mat.  Now there is even more space to have fun and stay fit.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Here's the new pool/patio furniture

The new furniture was delivered and it fits so nicely with the new pool tile and the colour/color of the walls.  The old furniture has gone off to be refurbished and will find a new home.  We did, however, keep the old table which is a bit smaller than the new one.  It will be kept in the covered lanai area (which is out of view just to right of the new furniture in this picture), along with some additional chairs for extra seating.  By the way, the lanai also has a lighted ceiling fan and is a wonderful place for extra shade as well as to sit and watch the spectacular thunderstorms that roll quickly through from time to time. 
So, we have a new pool, we have new pool furniture and coming soon will be a new pool ???? I will post about that this coming weekend!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Here's the new pool

All the pool work has been finished and we have what looks like a brand new pool.  Compare it to the picture to the left and you will notice the new soft blue stone tile....it's quite a different look.  We just love it!  What you can't see in the picture though is the bright, sparkling interior finish.  It really does look brand new.

We've picked out the new pool/patio furniture and it's going to be delivered on the 16th.  I'll post a pic soon.

We're also working on a couple of surprises.  Make sure to check in from time to time.


http://www.theretreatbythelake.com/