An interview with Chris and Louise, owners of Autumn Glen in Clermont, near Orlando Disney

This week, we’re having a chat with ‘big kids’ Chris and Louise who own Autumn Glen in Clermont, near Disney World in Florida. This villa sleeps 6 people, has a private pool complete with water features! Property Reference: 120790   Hi Chris and Louise, tell us a bit about your property and its location. Chris: Autumn Glen is in a secure quiet oasis on the edge of Lake Louisa National Park, yet it’s just 10 miles from Walt Disney World. Sitting by the south facing private swimming pool watching the wildlife and birds while sipping a glass of wine you’d never guess the leisure capital of the world is just a 15 minute drive away! Louise: It’s also great for cheap shopping (for us Brits) and there are over 150 golf courses within a 45 minute drive; enough to spoil the most avid of golfers. Why do you love the area? Chris: We love the area because we can almost guarantee sunshine; Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! The occasional storms dry up and move on quickly. Coupled with that, we’re just big kids and LOVE Disney, but we also enjoy the tranquil surroundings and walking in the national parks… it really is the best of both worlds. Who would you recommend this property to? Louise: Autumn Glen has a wide appeal. We welcome young families in search of a theme park fix, and we’ve also welcomed retired couples wanting some peace and quiet. We’re also fortunate to have access to an identical villa next door so it’s perfect for larger families or groups of friends who both want their own space while holidaying together.     Talk us through your routine for making sure your property is perfect for your guests when they arrive. Chris: A week before guests arrive we send out instructions for the villa and tips to maximise the stay in Florida, advising on places to visit and places we enjoy eating and drinking at. If the guests have any questions we’re always excited to help! If the guests have ordered pool heating, we switch this on 24 hours before the guests arrive to ensure it’s up to heat and comfortable for them to jump straight in. We also switch the fountains in the pool on; it makes it even more welcoming when they walk through the door for the first time! If a BBQ has been hired we deliver this, set it up undercover and test it so the first meal can be cooked right next to the pool if they wish. Louise: In the morning before guests arrive our cleaners spend several hours doing a deep clean, they even fold the towels on the beds like swans, which gives a little wow factor! If the guest has ordered extra such as a welcome grocery pack and/or wine and champagne, we visit the shops and buy the goods so they are at their freshest when our tired but excited holiday makers arrive. Chris: Finally we test the wifi, phone and TV; as a regular traveller I know there’s nothing worse than arriving at accommodation and struggling to connect to the net or phone home.   Wow, you guys really have thought of everything. Finally, give us a recommendation for your favourite local activity… Louise: It’s so difficult choosing one! Can I choose two? Disney goes without saying, so I’ll let you into some little secrets for food enthusiasts… Showcase Of Citrus is a must. This farm shop supplies the freshest grapefruits for breakfast, freshly picked in their citrus groves. It’s just across the highway from Autumn Glen and if you’re feeling brave after breakfast you can ride their GIANT monster truck around the huge farm, spotting gaters and feeding apples to their cows. Also a trip to Florida isn’t complete without a tour of the local Lakeridge Vinery, ended of course with an afternoon’s tasting of the finest wines. Just make sure you book a taxi back to Autumn Glen!