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"Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets

Bayside holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for "Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets

Bayside Retreat, 4 bedroom, 3 bath on Ochlockonee Bay.
Back of house, showing 2 large porches, viewed from the ramp to the boat dock
Aerial of house and boat dock
Bboat dock behind the house, located on Ochlockonee Bay
Boat dock behind the house, located on Ochlockonee Bay

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8225.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Bayside Marina
  • Place, Mashes Sand Beach
  • Place, Alligator Point Beach
  • Airport, Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.)

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Guest Bedroom #1

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom #2

1 Queen Bed

Guest Room #3

1 Double Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Guest Bath #1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Guest Bath #2

Toilet · Shower only

Master bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets

Bayside Retreat, Panacea, FL on Ochlockonee Bay

This is truly the good life! Live like a king in our luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located on Ochlockonee Bay, 40 miles south of Tallahassee off Hwy. 98. The house has gorgeous top-of-the-line features (such as hardwood floors and granite kitchen counters) and is lavishly furnished. But that's not the best part! The best part is our million dollar view of Ochlockonee Bay from almost every room in the house, along with our convenient location to great fishing, remarkable golfing, out-of-this-world seafood, and some gorgeous beaches!

We offer approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of spacious living area. Skip the steps, and take a ride on our elevator to enter each level of the house. On our first floor, take your pick from 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 queen, double bunk (double on bottom / twin on top) & 1 double sleeper sofa) and 2 bathrooms, which adjoin a large open porch running the entire length of the house and shaded by the upstairs porch. The second floor contains the kitchen, dining room, living room, king-size master bedroom and master bathroom. This area is adjacent to a large screened-in porch that also runs the length of the house. Kick back and relax on either porch and watch the boats come and go ... or, step right down to the dock and try your luck at fishing. You will be so comfortable and relaxed here, that you will never want to go home! Our accommodations will sleep 8 people comfortably. Perfect for your family or group of friends!

The fishing is as good as it gets in this area. You can fish in the bay, head out for deep-sea fishing, or go down the river for fresh water fishing. We have it all!!! If you bring your boat, you can launch it nearby and then tie it to the pilings of the dock for the rest of your stay. Since the dock is stationary, the owner will leave his jet ski lift remote for you to get down to your boat. If you don't have a boat, you can book a fishing charter with your choice of licensed captains, who are ready to take you for an experience that you won't soon forget!

For the golfer, St. James Bay is about 15 miles away on Hwy. 98 in Carrabelle. This 18-hole championship course, with its perfectly manicured fairways and scenic golf paths, blends seamlessly and in complete harmony with acres of wetland preserve, abundant wildlife and unspoiled forest. The course creates a challenge for even the most skillful golfer, yet it's still a course golfers of all abilities seem to love.

And, of course, there are the beaches. The closest beach is Mashes Sands (about 2 miles). It offers a beautiful, small beach and a fishing pier. The beach is located on the bay and it's calm shallow waters offer safety for small children and a great opportunity for shelling. Next are the gorgeous beaches at Alligator Point and Bald Point State Park (about 7 mi.), where you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and nature study. Within a few minutes drive are two of the nation's TOP TEN RATED BEACHES, St. George Island State Park, near Apalachicola, and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, near Port St. Joe. Both parks contain miles of undeveloped beaches, emerald waters and white sugar sand.

Other nearby attractions include St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, an unspoiled barrier island just offshore from the mouth of the Apalachicola River in the Gulf of Mexico. The island is a haven for endangered and threatened species, including bald eagles, wood storks, sea turtles, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and red wolves. It is accessible only by boat. A favorite is Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the world's deepest freshwater springs, with swimming, nature boat rides and glass bottom boats. Wakulla Springs is known as the shooting location for several Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Airport '77. From the river boat and glass bottom boat tours, you can see alligators, many species of wading birds, water fowl, fish, turtles, and snakes, in and among the crystal clear waters emerging from the depth of the springs. Kids love diving from the diving platform into the refreshing spring waters, which remain a constant 68-70 degrees year round. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge features the St. Marks lighthouse, and offers a habitat for all kinds of Florida wildlife. (Bald eagles are often spotted here - so keep your eyes peeled!)

So the guys want to go fishing or golfing and you ladies don't ...NO ROBLEM! You can visit historic Apalachicola. Once a bustling sea port, this quaint village of about 5,000 still boasts a large shrimp fleet, a downtown shopping area with antiques, boutiques and local art, and beautiful restored houses from a bygone era. Once the third largest cotton port along the Gulf Coast, the Apalachicola/East Point area still harvests and processes 90% of the oysters consumed in Florida.

Locally caught seafood is prepared in the many fine restaurants located in Panacea, Carrabelle, and Apalachicola. If you prefer to cook it yourself, fresh shrimp, oysters, and the catch of the day are available in the seafood houses dotted along the coast from Panacea to Port St. Joe.

Driving Directions: Take US 319 south from Tallahassee. At the intersection with US 98 take a right. Follow US 98 until you come to the Ochlockonee Bay Bridge. Turn right before the bridge. We are about a mile down the road on the left.

*** Sorry, but we do not rent to anyone under the age of 25. ***

CANCELLATION POLICY: We understand that it may become necessary for you to cancel your reservation. Please let us know as soon as you can, so that we may have time to rent out your time slot. Refund Policy: 14 days (100% refund); 7 days (50% refund).

HURRICANE POLICY: Either party shall have the right to cancel all or any part of this contract in the event of impending hurricane or tropical storm danger. If this occurs, all monies will be refunded for unused days.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
NO PETS
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please follow additional detailed check-out instructions, which are listed on our rental agreement and posted on the refrigerator. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Panacea

Located in Panacea, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Bald Point State Park and Ochlockonee River State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Gulf Specimen Public Aquarum and Medart Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Panacea, FL

What's nearby

  • Bayside Marina - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Mashes Sand Beach - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Wilson Beach - 10 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Alligator Point Beach - 18 min drive - 23.3 km
  • Shell Point Beach - 30 min drive - 35.6 km

Getting around

  • Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trident - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tropical Traders Shrimp Co. - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Salty Donkey - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Angelo & Son's Seafood - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Posey's Oyster Bar - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at "Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "Bayside Retreat" in Panacea FL.-Bay Front, Dock, 2 Large Porches, WiFi, No Pets located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Bayside Marina and within 3 miles (5 km) of Silver Lake and Grass Island. Gulf Specimen Public Aquarum and Bald Point State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 126 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Douglas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in Panacea

Lovely place in Panacea right on the water. Beautiful and peaceful. Would stay again anytime!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

karen h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bayside Retreat is the perfect getaway if you don't intend to go and do a lot of tourist things or plan on ordering delivery. The nearest fast food and grocery is about 25 mins away. There are 2 very good seafood restaurants nearby and a few bait shops for snacks. The fishing is wonderful! The house is very comfortable and the elevator makes it convenient for getting all the heavy stuff to the top level. Deborah is wonderful to work with and very responsive to any needs. This was our second stay and it won't be our last!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather Simmons J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house for family

We enjoyed our stay and hope to return again next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aldon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place on the water

This is a great house for entertaining and bringing the boat. There is easy access to the bay and local waters. The kids loved the sandy beach and fishing from the dock.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

Loved it, thank you would definitely start again when in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly A., Farmington Hills

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

We loved staying at Bayside Retreat! The house had everything we needed and we were perfectly comfortable our whole visit!
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Derek M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Everything as advertised. Recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bridget S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

We were all won over by the peaceful and serene stay we enjoyed! Everyone was happy with our stay and will consider visiting again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Panacea Trip

Awesome home on the bay with great dock for fishing. Enjoyed the area beaches and fishing.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home for family vacation

This house is gorgeous and is absolutely perfect for a family getaway. Very clean and nice and had all amenities need for a comfortable stay. Boat dock is perfect for fishing. We had zero complaints or problems- loved sitting on the screened in porch watching sunrise. We will definitely come back to this place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jack L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Bayside Retreat!!

This is a beautiful quiet neighborhood right on the bay ! It was wonderful having a private dock all to ourselves. All of our encounters were positive and friendly. We truly enjoyed our family vacation here. The home is very clean and everything we needed was available at the home. Thank you so much!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house on the bay

The house is wonderfully located on the bay with great views and very easy access to the bike trail, hiking, and kayaking. It is a very large and well designed house with a great kitchen and porches (one screened and the other not). I would definitely like to stay here again and I recommend it to others.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly Peaceful

Beautiful home. The view is spectacular! So peaceful and quiet. Panacea is like you have stepped back in time to Old Florida. We had a great time catching red fish.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robyn A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas with a view

Property was exactly what we were looking for. Host is easy to deal with. House is stocked well with all things needed to cook. Beautiful and quiet area and yet close to parks and day trips to places like St. George , Apalachicola and nice drives on big bend. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely, spacious house

We stayed here for five nights in early February. Beautiful view of bay with lots of birds in the trees. The furnishings are mostly very tasteful and comfortable. The kitchen is fairly well equipped except the pots and pans are in very bad condition. Everything is nonstick and scratched even pealing. The living room furniture smells of wet dog when it’s rainy. All of the main surfaces were clean but there is a coating of dust on the big plastic plants and dust is hanging off the bedside lampshade.These were all minor inconveniences but wanted others to be aware
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

George M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay. We have stayed here before and will again. Great property and home.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay at this beautiful property. The private dock was great for fishing. Views from house were absolutely amazing. Location was in a quiet neighborhood with great seafood restaurants nearby. Highly recommend this property for a relaxing getaway in a fisherman paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

H A U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was in wonderful condition completely ready for a weekend retreat. The kitchen and dining room was perfect for our meals. The thrid floor screened in porch was a wonderful way to spend the early mornings as well as in the evenings as the the sun went down. The elevator was exactly what we needed to accomodate our disabled son. I look forward to staying here again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

LAURA B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You need a new mattress in the 3rd floor bedroom for the comfort of future guests. The locks on the 3rd floor sliding doors do not work.The screened in deck on the 3rd floor was great. We loved the dock. And the elevator certainly came in handy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan K. F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really A Great Place

This is a terrific VRBO....our best in this area. The living area is large and the kitchen also large and well equipped. The prize is the large and lovely screened in porch that overlooks the river(below is another porch minus the screens). Very clean and nice. We are hoping to rent it again when we are able to return to the river.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

KAYE P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

Peaceful and perfect for fishing . The location is convenient to everything in the surrounding areas. The house is spacious and clean . We would definitely stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

BILL B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Property is amazing! Host Deb is fantastic and you can tell she really cares about her guests. We booked this place to spend Thanksgiving w our daughter who goes to FSU. Can not say enough about how beautiful the place and view. We also rented a boat so having the private dock was fantastic. Kitchen is very well stocked, had everything we needed for a Thanksgiving feast. We did bring big disposable aluminum trays for the turkey and pie plates. Everything else is there, even carving knives. Elevator is a definite plus for a home that is 3 stories tall. 100% recommend this place. Only negative is curtains on the bedroom windows. I would prefer having sliding curtains for a little bit of privacy since they are shared balconies, or if u wanna sleep in a little. But we would still stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Panacea

Very nice property. Clean and spacious. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Gatorfan30253

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The R & R House

It was absolutely amazing. We're already planning to come back here in about 6 or 7 months. It was so relaxing. Had some great laughs and good times with the FAM !!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tayler A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the location- Beautiful Beach and fishing!

We love staying at this home and this was our 2nd time visiting. There is plenty of space and the stairs are a great work out!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Deborah Word

Host profile image
My name is Deborah Word. My husband, Jerry, and I started visiting Shell Point in 1998. It didn't take long for us to fall in love with the Shell Point area. Since then, we purchased a canal front vacation rental home in Paradise Village of Shell Point, with high hopes for future retirement there. We love fishing and photography, so Wakulla County is perfect for us. Several years later, I started handling vacation rental reservations for a few other property owners in the surrounding area. I currently manage rentals in Shell Point and Ochlockonee Bay (Panacea). Bayside Retreat is one of the homes that I manage and I highly recommend it.

What makes this property unique

Bayside Retreat is a large house that sits directly on Ochlockonee Bay. It has views from every room and large porches on both levels, along with a large boat dock.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests