Twelve combat Marines Reunion

Joe (Lake Tahoe, California)
Review submitted: May 4, 2013   Date of arrival: April 24, 2013

Bella and the Cottage proved to be all that 12 Marines who served together in Vietnam could ask for.
The accommodations were excellent, we were there for five days, cooked and ate all meals together at the perfect dining setting, looking at the lake................. We set 13 place settings, one for each of us, and another for our fallen brothers. Some of these guys had not seen one another in 45 years, since leaving Vietnam. Emotional to say the least. Bella provided an excellent opportunity to gather together and yet provide a tranquil setting for those times we just needed to reflect, or just be alone with our thoughts. Debbie and Gary were great, although we never had to call them once we took over the property, everything was perfect.................................. Joe

Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

College Sorority Reunion

Nancy S. ()
Review submitted: October 16, 2012   Date of arrival: October 7, 2012

This was the perfect place for my sorority group of 19 women from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, to reconnect with each other. We have reunions every two years all over the country. Bella House ranks at the top as a perfect place for large groups to gather. From the large dining room table where we could all sit to solve the world's problems, to the gourmet kitchen where we shared in the cooking duties, to fishing off the dock--it was a wonderful, peaceful place! Deb, the owner, is very responsive and easy to work with.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Family Reunion

Sue A. (Southlake, Texas)
Review submitted: August 3, 2012   Date of arrival: July 21, 2012

Phenomenal house! 20 people and we were never cramped. Outstanding gourmet kitchen! We totally enjoyed the pool table, ping pong & video games in the entertainment room. Each bedroom having its own private bath is a huge plus. The deckboat had room for 15 - perfect for our group, and was delivered right to the private dock. Terrific location too. We'll definitely be back!

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Family Reunion

Sue A. (Southlake, Texas)
Review submitted: August 3, 2012   Date of arrival: July 21, 2012

Phenomenal house! Fantastic, large gourmet kitchen! We were cooking for 20 and never ran out of space! Totally enjoyed the pool table, ping pong & video games. Each bedroom having its own bathroom is a huge asset! The deckboat & waverunners were delivered right to the private dock. Best speedboat we've ever had ... room for 15 made it perfect for our large group! We'll definitely be back!

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

The perfect place for a family gathering

Grace H. (Minneapolis, MN & Marco Island, FL)
Review submitted: August 1, 2012   Date of arrival: July 7, 2012

Our family from Tennessee, Illinois and Minnesota gets together every year and have never found a more perfect house for the enjoyment of all. All the bedrooms, the kitchen and facilities were not only beautiful but so well planned and maintained. Everyone enjoyed the lake and the boats we rented through them. Quality house, quality boats and jet skis, along with wonderful service. One suggestion for jet ski rentals - anyone born after 1984 has to have a boating license (Missouri law). Our older kids had to take a 3 hour course online during vacation. It was very worthwhile but should be done before vacation time. Their concierge service helped us get the licenses printed and gave good advice for groceries. Of course Debbie and Gary helped us in all ways too. They are terrific.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Family vacation

paul j. ()
Review submitted: July 10, 2012   Date of arrival: June 23, 2012

Fantastic.. The houses exceeded our expectations
Our family takes a group vacation every year, including overseas locations. For a week of "togetherness" we decided on the Lake of the Ozarks and chose Bella and the Cottage from the computer. The 16 of us had magnificent accomodations - clean, spacious, equipped with everything,and well organized. They have boats for rental available and this made the trip over the top. Our ages ranged from 9 to 82 and all enjoyed it immensley. The boating is a must. We used the waverunners and the trimaron. The kids loved the tubing and water skiing, and all swam off the boat . The scenery is great. We were there during the heat wave and all accomodations have A/C and the water was always refreshing.
The kitchen is well supplied and our kids alternated the meals with local restaurants. Worked out great.
One day we went to GoCarts, caves, miniature golf, etc. Rest of the time everyone was happy to stick around, boat, swim and eat. Evenings were cool enough that we usually had a campfire around a spacious, well built firepit.
Summary - Very highly reccommended !!!!

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Bella & Cottage Wedding Ceremony

Megan H. (Iowa City, Iowa)
Review submitted: September 20, 2011   Date of arrival: September 13, 2011

I just had a family wedding ceremony at "Bella" in Sunrise Beach and it was everything I hoped for and more. We had both of our families stay in the 9 master bedroom houses for the week, which was plenty of space for everyone. The owners have thought of everything from kitchen supplies, coffee makers, clean linens and extra pillows.

Both families could not believe how nice the houses were. If you are considering staying at The Lake of the Ozarks, definitely choose "Bella & Cottage" for your accommodations and you will not regret it!

Thank you,
Megan

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 5 / 5

My Husband's 40th Birthday Weekend

Tina (Chesterfield, Missouri)
Review submitted: July 24, 2011   Date of arrival: May 20, 2011

We had an amazing time in this fantastic home!!! It is perfect for large groups. There were 16 of us and we had more than enough space! It was such a pleasure working with Deb - she is wonderful. Do not hesitate to book some time in this one-of-a kind home!
Grant, Tina and friends!

Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway

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Helpful votes: 5 / 5

Great for a family reunion!

Rick S. ()
Review submitted: July 18, 2011   Date of arrival: July 8, 2011

We have held reunions for a few years now and never before had a place where everyone (4 generations) were as happy. The bedrooms, cottage, kitchen, living room, decks, and beach are just great. The rooms are spacious, we never felt crowded inside or out. The pictures don't really show how roomy this is, the only negative is we had to leave. A well maintained, clean and fresh house. We enjoyed the use of waverunners and a boat in addition to the beach and dock area. Debbie and Gary are great to work with, they made sure everything was just right. I recommend this property to friends, family and everyone looking for a quality place to stay.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 7 / 7

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Patrick (St Louis, MO)
Review submitted: June 7, 2011   Date of arrival: May 27, 2011

This property is absolutely Beautiful; the pictures Don't do it Justice! The inside is very spacious w/ high ceilings and huge kitchen area, including a dining table for 16! All the bedrooms are very nice with own bathroom. The upper deck is huge, this is where we did all our BBQing and outside dining. The lower level is set up as a perfect entertainment area, with a large patio---- we had an overcast day and everyone had fun inside. The entertainment room consists of a large bar, pool table-which converts into ping pong table, two arcade games, shuffle board and flat screen TV. At night we enjoyed the fire pit & hot tub---- the horse shoe pits also provided added outside activity. The adjacent cottage sure didn't seem like a cottage!--- two updated master suites with own bathrooms, kitchen, family room and washer & dryer. The location on the lake is awesome--- we brought our boat and didn't have to worry about large waves crashing into the dock, perfect area to swim. We also rented two wave runners, which were delivered right to us.

All in all, this property provides everything you'll need for an enjoyable vacation! The owners are very accessible for any assistance---- we had a chance to meet them; and they're great folks! Everything is provided; fire wood, BBQ pits (with propane tanks), linens and blankets, all kitchen & BBQ utilities including blender for those frozen tropical drinks! You WON'T be disappointed with your vacation at Bella & Cottage!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 4 / 5

Bella and the Cottage

Paula (Columbia, MO)
Review submitted: May 23, 2011   Date of arrival: May 14, 2011

What a perfect place for a large gathering. We had my husband's 75th birthday party and had family travel in from Alabama, North Carolina, Iowa and Kansas--not to mention a few Missourians. The home was so open--high celings even in the basement. So many ammenities to choose from---we had many competitive tournaments throughout the stay--ages from high school to 75 and Bella offered something for everyone. It was nice for the college age and young adult males to be in the Cottage so they could sleep in and the rest of us early birds could be awake enjoying coffee on the beautiful deck without disturbing anyone. The cove is so quiet and peaceful.The ensuite bedrooms provided privacy and convenience. We would visit again in a heartbeat.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 4 / 4

Rowland Family Reunion

Cheryl (Columbia, Mo)
Review submitted: April 18, 2011   Date of arrival: April 15, 2011

I'll start by saying that the pictures are exactly what you get @ Bella. It far exceeded our expectations for our family gathering this weekend. Each and every one of us had a space to call our own but were able to gather for family time. 7 bedrooms & 9 bathrooms in the main house + 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms in the cottage...WOW! Our first evening was cold, so the game room was fully utilized. The next two evenings were spent around the firepit. 3 generations of family and everyone went home satisfied.

The kitchen was every woman's dream. We spent lots of time gathered around the island, eating & socializing. Having 2 full-sized refrigerators and 2 ovens met our needs. Kitchen supplies were plentiful and we didn't need to bring anything with us (though we did)

Gary was nice enough to call to check that we were okay, but didn't have a single request because the house was stocked perfectly & we didn't need a thing. Found no reason to leave the house other than quick trips to the grocery store & of course to the Outlet mall. Some of the family took time to visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park too.

Though we didn't take advantage of the watercraft, it was nice knowing that it was an option. Little early in the year for us, but maybe in the future. Family members already trying to figure out when we can do this again!!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

"Bella" is Molte Bella!

Bill (Manhattan, Kansas)
Review submitted: April 13, 2011   Date of arrival: April 8, 2011

A group of eleven -- two advisers, five older college students and four college group-new-members journeyed to Sunrise Beach for a Weekend Retreat of our organization. When we arrived, we were overwhelmed by (1) quantity (of rooms and bathroom), (2) quality (completely equipped, pool table, fire pit, guest house -- "The Cottage and hot tub, (3) privacy, (4) beauty, and (5) spaciousness (plenty of room for each person in each room). We were totally satisfied by the price, service and perfect match for the size of group we had. We arrived on Friday evening and used the fire pit for a late-night "reflection gathering". Saturday early was water-time, followed by our Group Talk aroud the Dining Room table (coat-and-tie), with a group dinner at a wonderful lakeside restaurant that is about 200 yards away. Debbie and Gary are wonderful folks who really care about your "creature comforts". We will be returning next spring with another Spring group.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

New Years 2011

Rich (Chesterfield)
Review submitted: January 6, 2011   Date of arrival: December 30, 2010

Each year we join 4-5 other families in celebrating N.Y.E. at the Lake. We look for a home that can host 10 adults and 12 children. Bella not only provided us plenty of room, but the amenities kept the kids busy the entire time. We were fortunate to enjoy 60 degree days 2 out of the 3 days, which allowed us to walk down to the dock, play outside, and enjoy the fire pit. Of course, no evening is complete without a plop into the hot tub sharing opinions and stories about things we know absolutely nothing about.

Probably the best feature is the oversized kitchen and table which provided plenty of seating for our brood. Deb and Gary are so hospitable, and we will continue to book their places early each year.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Best Rental on the Lake

Ben (Saint Louis)
Review submitted: November 1, 2010   Date of arrival: October 14, 2010

We take a large group every year to the lake--this was the best house we have ever rented at Lake of the Ozarks. Everyone had their own bathroom, the kitchen was incredible and the cottage was top notch. Both porches are huge, we wanted to stay out on the them most of the time. Fire pit and hot tube were perfect. Game room was a lot of fun. Property was very quit and peaceful.

Gary and Deb are really helpful, we have rented from them in the past. The take a lot of pride in their properties and are dedicated to making sure you have a great experience.

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Wicker Family Reunion

Doc (Cedar Hill, TX)
Review submitted: July 5, 2010   Date of arrival: June 25, 2010

This is a great property for large families. It was exactly as described, very comfortable and a great location. We had 18 total ranging in age from 7 weeks to 82 years. Everyone had a great time. We had stories around the fire pit, roasted marshmallows and s'mores. We took boat rides, fished, jet skied, parasailed, played golf went to the water park and lounged on the large decks. We will be back. Thank you Gary & Deb for shring your home with us.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Wicker Family Reunion

Doc (Cedar Hill, TX)
Review submitted: July 5, 2010   Date of arrival: June 25, 2010

What a great house. It was everything as described. Very comfortable for all of us. We were 18 in number and ranged from 7 weeks to 82 years. It was a great week for everyone. We will be back.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Wicker Family Reunion

Doc (Cedar Hill, TX)
Review submitted: July 5, 2010   Date of arrival: June 25, 2010

We have had a family reunion at different locations for 7-8 years now. We have been in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. I would like to say that this was our best yet. The property was exactly as described, was in a beautiful setting and was very comfortable for all of us. We ranged in age from 7 weeks to 82 years old. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Nancy made a wonderful lasagne dinner for us our first night there as we were all tired from traveling. What a treat! We plan on being back in a few years. Thank you Gary and Deb for sharing your home with us.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great Vacation!!!

KC Trippin' (Blue Springs, MO)
Review submitted: September 29, 2009   Date of arrival: September 25, 2009

We had a group of 19 adults for our annual lake vacation. This was our first time at this home but have rented from the owners and stayed at another home previously. This house is absolutely beautiful!! The pictures don't do it any justice. As for all of the properties owned by Gary and Debbie, it was fully equipped. It had anything you could think of in the kitchen. Which was a plus for the big meals that were prepared. We enjoyed the hot tub, had s'mores by the fire pit, spent hours in the game room and the internet access was a great added addition. Each room is nicely decorated in a different theme with it's own bathroom, which is always a plus with so many people in one house. Everyone in my group loved the house and can't wait to come back!!! Oh by the way, the cottage was great as well. It was fully eqquipped with all the amenities as the main home. It had a kitchen 2 bedrooms with private baths and a deck and another hot tub. We loved it!!!!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

SUMMER VACATION JULY 2009

Fox Chaser (Indianapolis, IN)
Review submitted: August 1, 2009   Date of arrival: July 19, 2009

My family of 20 had an awesome week at Bella. The house was absolutely "FABULOUS!"

The kitchen was sufficiently stocked with everything you would need to cook for a large group. Two laundry rooms were a definite must with our group. The house was pleasingly clean and decorated tastefully. Abbundance of linens were provided. We all enjoyed the game room. We had ping pong tournaments every night. The outside decks were large and sturdy for grilling out, playing a game of eucher, day dreaming or just relaxing. We played corn toss in the yard and made smores by the camp fire. We brought our own noodles for coving out by our dock. Coving out was a blast!!!! We rented the boat from Gary for one day...which if I had to do it all over again I would have rented the boat and a wave runner for the whole week. We had friends on the lake that had boats etc. so we were very fortunate during our stay.

The week went by fast but the memories will stay with us forever.

Thank you Debbie & Gary for a memorable week at the Ozarks.

Recommended for: families with teenagers

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Perfect says it all

girl golfer (Winona Mo)
Review submitted: November 12, 2008   Date of arrival: November 7, 2008

We are a group of lady golfers who take an annual trip for golf and shopping each November.

We were very pleased with this property and would highly recommend it to everyone.

The description of the home is accurate, only BETTER and we are hoping to enjoy this beautiful home again.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Review submitted: November 12, 2008   Date of arrival: November 12, 2008

5/5 Perfect Says It All!

girl golfer Winona Mo.
Date Submitted: November 12, 2008
Date of Stay: November 2008

We are a group of lady golfers who take an annual trip for golf and shopping each November.

We were very pleased with this property and would highly recommend it to everyone.

The description of the home is accurate, only BETTER and we are hoping to enjoy this beautiful home again.

Recommended for: Age 55+, Families with Teenagers, Girls Getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Just Perfect

lsc (Merriam, Kansas)
Review submitted: October 8, 2008   Date of arrival: September 27, 2008

"Bella" is exactly as described and as pictured. Our family (1 brother, 5 sisters and our spouses) just spent our 4th annual Ozark vacation here. "Bella" met, and exceeded, all our top priorities: bedrooms with televisions and private baths; a dining table to accommodate all of us; comfortable seating on both decks; a game room where we all gathered in the evenings for pool, shuffleboard, Yahtzee, pickin' and grinnin', and lively conversation; a firepit for s'mores; gas grills; a horseshoe pit; a hot tub; and a terrific dock to fish from. The well-equipped kitchen - two ovens! - was the perfect place for all the cooks to gather and to prepare large meals. Plus, there is a restaurant within walking distance if you don't feel like cooking. We took advantage of the internet access, DVD and CD players, and could listen to music and radio throughout the house. Terrific sound system! And last, but certainly not least, you should know how terrific the owners are. It has been my pleasure over the past few years to work with them when planning our Ozark vacation. It is obvious that much care and planning has gone into "Bella" and I and my family thank them for sharing this wonderful vacation home with us. We look forward to returning in 2009 and beyond.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing

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Helpful votes: 6 / 6

Review submitted: October 8, 2008   Date of arrival: October 8, 2008

5/5 Just Perfect

lsc Merriam, Kansas.
Date Submitted: October 08, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008

"Bella" is exactly as described and as pictured. Our family (1 brother, 5 sisters and our spouses) just spent our 4th annual Ozark vacation here. "Bella" met, and exceeded, all our top priorities: bedrooms with televisions and private baths; a dining table to accommodate all of us; comfortable seating on both decks; a game room where we all gathered in the evenings for pool, shuffleboard, Yahtzee, pickin' and grinnin', and lively conversation; a firepit for s'mores; gas grills; a horseshoe pit; a hot tub; and a terrific dock to fish from. The well-equipped kitchen - two ovens! - was the perfect place for all the cooks to gather and to prepare large meals. Plus, there is a restaurant within walking distance if you don't feel like cooking. We took advantage of the internet access, DVD and CD players, and could listen to music and radio throughout the house. Terrific sound system! And last, but certainly not least, you should know how terrific the owners are. It has been my pleasure over the past few years to work with them when planning our Ozark vacation. It is obvious that much care and planning has gone into "Bella" and I and my family thank them for sharing this wonderful vacation home with us. We look forward to returning in 2009 and beyond.

Recommended for: Sightseeing, Age 55+, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Girls Getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1