james_lee

Next July I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday and want to do so with a family of 10 others, including my wife, two children with two spouses, and five grandchildren. I want to do this in a very large rental home that will provide at least three bedrooms for the three married couples and other bedrooms for the five grandchildren. We would like to be on the ocean or on a lake where there is a lot to do outside but where there is also great scenery and walking for those who will be somewhat less active. Since I will be paying to fly family to the site, we want the location to be in the U.S., not abroad (unless you know of some amazing deal somewhere!). For this occasion, the rental cost in not important. We would rent for 1-2 weeks.

If you have just the right place for us - or think you might - please let me know the details. I will be forever indebted for a great lead. Endless VRBO searching somehow leaves me unsure, so I am hoping for first hand testimonials that understand my needs.

DebitNM

I think you need to zero in on an area.

I have a home near Durango CO and it is a wonderful area that would offer you a small town feel with lots to see and do.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...durango#a26634

These are private homes, there are lots of condos available too.

Just outside of Durango is Blue Lake Ranch, which might work for you - http://www.bluelakeranch.com/

http://www.duntonhotsprings.com is another idea, but costly

Telluride is another great area:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...telluride-area

There are similar places in New Mexico near Santa Fe, Taos or Albuquerque if that is of interest.

You need to narrow down the geography and then searching will be easier.

SAnParis2

DNM is correct - The first place that came to mind (too me) was Amelia Island, Fl., next was OBX but either of those may well be dependent on accessiblility & where people are traveling from...

charnees

Lake Tahoe in California is a good place to stay in July and offers lots of outdoor activities. The closest airport is Reno, NV. However, I cannot tell you of a place to stay.

Gretchen

Just stayed in a beautiful home for 11 in Pensacola Beach. You need to choose the place (where are you) and then the house will come.
Litchfield by the Sea (fly into Myrtle Beach) has GORGEOUS ocean front houses. Charleston/Wild Dunes has gorgeous houses and LOTS to do.

Littleman

Rosemary Beach, FL would be my suggestion. There are some beautiful large homes on the greatest beach in America there and world class dining. Good luck.

sf7307

>>

If you all want to stay in one large house, look at Chinquapin or Dollar Point (which are condo/private home developments that are on the lake, but not all of the residences within the developments are on the lake), or for a house in Rocky Ridge (above the lake), the town-hamlets of Sunnyside/Homewood/Tahoma/Meeks Bay on the west side, or Incline Village on the North side (which is a whole town, so be sure to note whether the properties you look at are lakefront or not). All of these would offer access to the lake, bike trails, hiking, and towns with restaurants and some shopping.

Another possibility would be Sunriver near Bend, Oregon -- somewhat of a self-contained but very spread out resort, with houses,condos, bike trails, tennis, swimming, I think even a hotel.

karend2

I would without a doubt look into Cape Cod and the Islands.You would have the ocean beachs or bay beaches with lots of outdoor things to do plus plenty to enjoy for those less active. If cost is not an issue I would really consider Nantucket.What I think would be nice is you could rent a place that has everything right at your fingertips, the beach,fishing, boating, etc. I do know for the summertime this area rents out far in advance.I have many places picked out from doing my own search and I would be happy to share them with you.New Jersey is not a bad idea either with miles of coast line.Point Pleasant would be a good choice. I would start there.

Hannah_reads_for_fun

When my family did this last, we all stayed in one huge home in Maine, right on a lake. I can track down more details if you'd like, but there is a big difference in weather between all of the places listed.

Perhaps you'd be best off figuring out whether humidity will present a problem!

james_lee

Many thanks to those of you who have response so far! These are very helpful options to consider. We know the NJ shore very well, so would prefer something new. Nantucket is fine if the weather is good and we can get ferry reservations for everyone coming from different places and somewhat different times. Same weather concern about Maine, although house on lake would be nice if near town with supplies.

I'll pursue Lake Tahoe and the Durango area. But my son and family have visited Durango. I'm afraid FL would be too hot and humid in July.

Hannah_reads_for_fun: If it is not too much trouble, I would appreciate details regarding the Maine rental.

Again, many thanks to you thoughtful people!

Gretchen

STILL recommend Litchfield. Uncrowded beach, super good seafood restaurants. OR Wild Dunes in the Charleston area.