5
Ripple is a Little Piece of Heaven. Best VRBO Rental We've Ever Stayed In!
Ripple is a Little Piece of Heaven. Best VRBO Rental We've Ever Stayed In!
My husband, three children(11, 9, and 4), and I stayed at Ripple for 5 nights at the beginning and end of our journey to Paris, and although Paris was of course spectacular, our fondest memory of this trip is without a doubt Ripple, Eel Pie Island, and Twickenham. We have rented many VRBO properties over the years and Ripple is by far the very BEST of them all. I was a bit concerned about planning a winter trip to London, but it turned out to be one of the loveliest times of the year to visit. During our first weekend there, we were able to enjoy the turning on of the Christmas lights on Church Street, a lovely little pedestrian street lined with precious shops and restaurants. The candy shop lined with glass jars from floor to ceiling full of all kinds of candy imaginable was the kids' favorite. The second weekend we were there, we were lucky enough to enjoy the Winter Open Studios on Eel Pie Island where artists open up their studios and sell their art to the visiting public. Not to be missed! The island and the studios are one of the most wonderful places I've ever visited. Dreamy and lush with foliage, paths leading to storybook cottages, and funky art studios that offer glimpses into the creative minds that work there. The island is full of history and music aficionados will really enjoy reading about the jazz and rock that was enjoyed here in the past. Check out the book Eel Pie Island by Dan Van Der Vat before you come to get a real sense of the wonder of this place. As wonderful as is the location, Ripple the house is just as fabulous! Warm and cozy(December and we didn't even need to turn on the heat it's so well insulated), light from floor to ceiling(great windows that swing open from the top or side, skylights galore, sliding glass doors to open up the entire living area to the deck, garden, and river), and the most well equipped rental we've ever stayed in. The master bed was more comfy than my own at home! Love that mattress! Renting directly from the owner is so much more satisfying than renting from a management company. Sarah's welcoming presentation of scones with a little British flag and tea, milk and butter in the fridge, spices, sugar, coffee, etc. made for a very warm greeting. It just doesn't get any better than this! Next time we head across the pond, it will be with Ripple as our main destination! I miss it already, can't wait to return, and am eagerly awaiting my own copy of Eel Pie Island to satisfy me until then.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
People with Disabilities,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 7/7
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