LARGE OCCUPANCY VACATION RENTALS: PART 1
Rather than try to cram a group of 10 or 20 into a block of peculiarly smelly (am I right?) hotel rooms, think mansion. Think private compound, even chateau. Because, those are just some of your choices when you choose to rent a vacation home instead.
Here's how to begin looking for a vacation home that will turn your reunion, retreat or celebration into a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.
Expert advice: It's always easier to have someone else (hopefully knowledgeable and objective) do the leg work for you.
- Fine Living. An article in my latest issue of “Inside Fine Living,” (e-mailed by the Fine Living TV Network) proves my point. It highlights half a dozen “family-friendly" vacation rental homes featured on the FineLiving Channel’s, “Around the World in 80 Homes”. These homes have occupancies ranging from 8 to 14 and represent a limited -- though interesting -- spectrum of styles, from a Victorian-style house with wraparound decks and porches on the Jersey Shore to a log cabin 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. (The 17,000 sq. ft. Cabo San Lucas villa that sleeps 19 at the top of the article is no longer available.)
- The Travel Channel. Samantha Brown of the Travel Channel also showcases some distinctive rentals. (But note: not all are large occupancy rentals).
- Renting Paradise. And while the vacation rentals reviewed in my own e-guidebook series, Renting Paradise, covers a range of occupancies, I can recommend Tzabaco Lodge (Renting Paradise: Sonoma County). This rambling hilltop estate has three romantic suites circling a patio with a pool, waterfall and sweeping views of the Alexander Valley wine country, plus two downstairs rooms. One is made for kids – with twin beds and a ladder to a ladder to a small loft with a trapdoor. Kid heaven. Plus a 900-square foot great room.
Regional Focus. Obviously, I can't make a comprehensive recommendation of regional sites here.(See "Tips for Re-searching" below.) However, while in Sonoma County on a recent research trip, I did poke my head into about a dozen or so large occupancy homes along the Russian River. Here are some sure bets.
- Reflections looked like a smallish cottage from the driveway. But stepping through the main house to the back patio, I found two additional cottages set around a small in-ground pool and spa. In a third "cottage," I found a complete office set-up with high-speed Internet access, making this a perfect spot for small retreats. This is one of the sweetest set-ups I’ve seen. A B&B feel with lots of room for gathering, yet plenty of privacy. The outdoor kitchen has a gas grill and there’s a large outdoor dining area. The indoor kitchen is no slouch either. And one cottage has its own kitchenette. Total occupancy: 11 people, plus the family dogs if you want to bring ‘em. Most rooms tend toward the romantic. (One cottage has a wood-burning firpelace!). However, one cottage has two bedrooms—one with twins and one with a single daybed. (More about bedroom configuration in Part 2.).
- Artisan House and Sundancing River Lodge equal Reflections in style. Others, like Grandma’s House is in a noisy neighborhood and has more of a frat house-feel to me.
- Beachhouse.com lists a number rambling beach homes. Searcgh by clicking first on "Vacation Rentals" (left) and then on the up or down arrow to the right of "Sleeps" under Sort Criteria.
- Simply Chateau. If you’re planning a special occasion in Europe -- known for its wealth of “self-catering” homes, apartments and villas -- take a gander at this site. Nothing "simple" about these digs. The site represents the widest selection of self-catered chateaux available anywhere, covering the whole of France. It’s easy to search by region and group size of your group. If you group is not so big, you may be able to rent a self-contained private wing or smaller apartments within a chateau.
Quantity Worldwide: If you've had no luck with any of the above resources, VRBO should be the answer. (Scroll down to the Large Occupancy listings -- ranging from 14 to 30+) on the home page.) I found numerous "villas," "country homes," "estates," "mansions," (large, I assume) "cottages," "chalets," "bunkhouses"—you name it. If you have the time, dive in and enjoy the tour. But remember, the descriptions are penned by the owners. One man’s “castle” may be another’s much less sexy home. The questions you need to ask are coming up in future posts.
Tips for re-searching. If you don’t find what you’re looking for using these resources, I’d do a search using “large occupancy vacation rentals” + the name(s) of city, state and/or region you want to visit + the type of accommodation you prefer as your search criteria. What turns up is liable to be a mixed bag, leaving you with a lengthy search and sort process.