Stay in Style: Top 10 'Smart' Vacation Homes for Rent
By Crystal Watts | Posted July 3, 2015Vacation homes on sites like VRBO and airbnb are all the rage right now. Travelers are finding that it's more enjoyable, convenient, and oftentimes even more affordable, to stay in someone's personal pad than in a hotel. And when you stay in a smart rental, you're generally provided with more amenities that you may have never experienced before, such as one-touch control over a whole-house audio system, one-remote to control all of the entertainment equipment, and simplified management over lighting throughout the entire home—with everything being incredibly straightforward and easy to use, of course. It's added luxury with a home-away-from-home feeling.
Being that I'm planning a vacation in the near future myself, I decided to see what rentals on these sites were outfitted with Control4 home automation. I love the convenience my smart home provides and certainly wouldn't mind enjoying that same familiar convenience while on vacation. There were many more Control4-outfitted smart homes than I expected, so we narrowed the list to our top 10 favorites.
If you are looking to take an intermission from life for a while, you might want to stay in one of these smart spots!
DESIGNER DWELLING
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Mississauga, Ontario, Canada // Guests: 8, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4.5
This home has been featured in the Passion & Romance by Lazar Couture 2015/2016 Collection and The Globe and Mail's feature: The Automated Home. Control4 provides instant access to any song your heart desires and pipes it through any (or all) of the 34 speakers located throughout the home. The master bathroom even has a toilet that will open as you approach it and play "welcome" music for you as you sit down to do your business. Yep, we're serious.
MAJESTIC MONTEGO VILLA
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Montego Bay, Jamaica // Sleeps: 8, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4.5
This place is the epitome of paradise. If being in Jamaica isn't enough on its own, how about staying in a beachfront villa with its own private white sand beach and infinity-edge swimming pool? Each room is an en-suite with ocean views and the entire house is outfitted with Control4 that allows for music to be piped throughout the entire property, including the pool and beach.
MODERN MARVEL
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma // Guests: 2, Bedrooms: 1, Bathrooms: 1.5
Bold, bright, and beautiful, this Control4 smart home has been featured in (and is on the cover of) Design Oklahoma's Fall 2014 issue. It has an incredible pool and spa, and a waterfall that cascades from the second level. If you are looking for a swanky and romantic getaway, this one should top your list.
POSH PARTY PAD
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Scottsdale, Arizona // Sleeps: 10, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4
Fit for a fun group (or bachelor party), this place has it all: waterfalls, stripper poles (yep, you read that correctly), a pool, hot tub, massage chair, an 11 ft. master bed, sound system and a BBQ area fit for a king. Control4 runs almost everything, from the water features to the lights and entertainment. Who needs a man cave when you have a "man house?"
BEACHSIDE BEAUTY
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Fort Myers Beach, Florida // Guests: 16, Bedrooms: 6, Bathrooms: 7
This "Big Yellow House" could be considered more of a dockside mansion with one reviewer noting that it "rivals the best resorts." It's fully-automated from top to bottom with control over the high-end A/V equipment and surround sound, lighting and temperature. One press of the "Party" or "Night" button will set the mood. And did we mention it has FIVE master suites and can accommodate over 16 people? It makes for a perfect family reunion spot.
ST. THOMAS SANCTUARY
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St. Thomas, Virgin Islands // Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 1, Bathrooms: 2
Known for its beaches, sightseeing, water fun and nightlife, most would argue that St. Thomas is one of the most visually stunning and exciting places in the world. And this charming rental certainly doesn’t disappoint. It has been completely renovated with a designer's touch and has a surplus of modern amenities to enjoy. The duplex makes for the perfect honeymoon or anniversary spot, as you can appreciate the ocean views from the balcony with a cocktail in hand, or take a few steps from the condo and be right at the water. And better yet, the entire place is “smart”—offering simple, one-touch control of all of the lights, entertainment, HVAC and shades.
SWANKY IN SIN CITY
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Las Vegas, Nevada // Sleeps: 16, Bedrooms: 6, Bathrooms: 5
Las Vegas is known for its nightlife on the strip, but this gorgeous oasis gives you all that you need to spend your days completely entertained as well. With the beautiful pool, rock waterfall and pristine landscaping, it rivals even the most amazing Vegas hotels. And if you need to get out of the hot Nevada sun, this Control4 smart home offers easy control of all HDTVs throughout the house, including the entire home theater which features a 110-inch HD screen with projector. And from ping pong to pool, all of your gaming needs are covered as well.
WOODSY IN WISCONSIN
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Algoma, Wisconsin // Sleeps: 8, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 3.5
With incredible views of the forest surrounding it, this modern lake house features a private entry from each of its rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can view the scenery everywhere you turn. With a Control4 system that gives you access to loads of videos and libraries of music, you’ll likely never want to leave. Check out the listing and you’ll see why this modern lake house has been featured on Houzz multiple times.
GORGEOUS ON THE GULF
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Orange Beach, Alabama // Sleeps: 14, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4.5
Located on the 13th floor in the Gulf Coast's most luxurious resort, Turquoise Place, this plush pad is the perfect escape from reality. With flat screen HDTV’s in every room and thousands of songs to stream throughout the house right from your fingertips, the interior of this condo is truly a marvel. However, the exterior living area is what really caught our eye. Right from the deck hot tub, you can look out on miles of turquoise open water and white sand gulf beaches. The large wrap-around balcony even provides a grill, sink, and a large dining and relaxation area.
MASSIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS
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Siasconset, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts // Sleeps: 13, Bedrooms: 7, Bathrooms: 7
Ok, this is an estate that most can only gawk at, seeing as the price tag far supersedes the others listed here. However, if you are looking for a perfect family reunion spot or just want to go all-out on the ultimate luxurious vacation, this place is unsurpassed. This house boasts a private infinity pool, stone wood-burning fire pit, home theater room and a ‘secret door’ that leads to an entertainment room outfitted with a pool table, shuffleboard, foosball, arcade games, and much more. Oh, and we certainly don’t want to forget to mention the entirely separate guest cottage. There are so many incredible features in this home that we can’t even list them all!
Plan ahead for fall and winter: The 'Great 8' Fall/Winter Smart Vacation Rentals
When you are ready to take your next trip, consider staying in a 'smart' rental. You might just enjoy the perks enough to want it in your own home! And if you already travel frequently for work or leisure, or you have a second home, you might consider looking into Control4 safety and security solutions. See how you can enjoy peace of mind, right from your fingertips!