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Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway!

Beachfront cottage for sun and fun

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🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖🏖.         WELCOME TO OUR 1930’S 
      BEACH   COTTAGE❣️
BEACH DREAMS
WELCOME TO THE ENCHANTED ARTIST BEACH COTTAGE⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WE LOVE VINTAGE STUFF
SALVAGED ANCIENT ST. AUGUSTINE DOOR

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
St. Augustine, FL
  • Place, Vilano Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Vilano Beach Pavilion
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Vilano Point Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2 Guest room

2 Single Beds

Common area 1

1 Double Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

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

About this property

Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway!

-THE ARTIST COTTAGE

ENTIRE ENCHANTING ARTIST BEACH COTTAGE, 100 FT. TO THE SEA, FENCED & PRIVATE

We fell in love with this enchanting cottage because of its vintage quality and location, 100 ft. to the sea.. It is a sweet old cottage that we have totally renovated. (Hey!!! We’ve added a duckless air system!!! No more window units!!! Nice and cold and quiet!!!)

You walk out the door and within steps you are at the sea.

Old St. Augustine is about 10 minutes away. Great nightlife and lots of fun shopping, dining and historical sightseeing!

This is an old fashioned 1930's beach cottage with lots of privacy and it is totally fenced in. We've hired a talented gardener/ designer who uses Florida native beach flowers and grasses to create a casual shore setting.

Come and relax at our 1930’s totally renovated cottage by the sea. We've decorated it with charming vintage finds. Including chandeliers that light up the patio area at night creating a magical setting for romance and family fun.
We love sitting on the deck at night feeling the breezes off the ocean.
Immerse yourself in the world of Old Florida, the way it used to be. Grab your coffee and watch the miracle of a sunrise as the dolphins play and the pelicans fly overhead. Sometimes you will see a couple of the locals fishing and it's fun to check if they "got lucky" yet. It's so peaceful walking along our quiet beach to the inlet where you can see the old St Augustine lighthouse on the other shore and other historical sites.

Many activities are available at the beach...parasailing, fishing, kayaking, boating. Why not sail on the pirate ship “Black Raven' If you sail on Wednesday it docks at Aunt Kate’s restaurant for a delicious seafood dinner. We also love walking to our local restaurants for lunch or dinner. You can walk to our beautiful pier which you can fish from too.

Feel like visiting the 16th century? A short ride over the bridge and you are in ancient St. Augustine. The oldest settlement and fort in the USA.

Explore the historical sites and enjoy the family owned restaurants. Take a tour. Either a trolley or a romantic horse and carriage ride.

Many art galleries and events. We have brochures at the cottage.

Fall asleep to the sound of the surf and the swaying palm trees in our hammock on the deck. Yes you can see the ocean from our deck.

We are located between the Intercoastal and the sea!

Enjoy!
Carolyn and Jim Covert

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Contact owner
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

St. Augustine

Located in Vilano Beach, a neighbourhood in St. Augustine, this cottage is near theme parks and on the beach. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach. World Golf Village and St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
St. Augustine, FL

What's nearby

  • Vilano Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Vilano Beach Pavilion - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Vilano Point Beach - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Tolomato River - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Saint Augustine Yacht Club Marina - 3 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Conch House Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Beaches On Vilano - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Pesca - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Surfside Kitchen - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Vilano Beach cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Vilano Beach, Vilano Point Beach and Tolomato River. Saint Augustine Yacht Club Marina and Vilano Beach Pavilion are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 220 out of 248 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 248 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 248 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 248 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 248 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

5.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely, well appointed cottage within steps of the beach. Lovely patios and balcony overlook too. Quaint and artsy and everything you could want in a beach stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vivian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Artist’s Cottage was so cute and eclectic. We were pleasantly surprised that it included so many amenities — fully stocked kitchen supplies, laundry detergent, beach chairs and towels, etc. It really helped make our stay extra comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaye Anne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An adorable eclectic sweet cottage steps from the best beach ever! We had our pup with us, safe as can be with the fenced yard! The roof top deck had a peek of the Atlantic & a sky full of stars. The cottage is equipped with everything you can think of! Publix is a quick walk away & the Vilano coffee shop has the best lattes! This was our second visit & we are already scheming another trip! Thanks to Carolyn for everything!!
The cottage has endless fun things to discover
Path to the beach, so close to cottage
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I really enjoy this cottage . It’s a great house that looks so much like practical magic . The decor is so cute and beachy mermaid and there is a reading nook. Was really cool to watch the storm through those windows.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca A.

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

Great family get away

Cozy cottage, close to beach and town.Enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Serena N.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
Check in issues where there was no electricity. Difficulty reaching / resolving with host. Was told host would send a check to compensate, did not receive check (as of last week)
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glen and Jill S.

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

Nice little place minutes from beach

Nice little place minutes from beach
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kwok N.

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

Best of Both Worlds

Great stay for my family's trip to St. Augustine - the cottage was just as described, and actually more spacious than expected. The location was perfect - quiet and right by the beach, away from the chaos of old town, but still just 5-10 min away from that area. All in all, highly recommended for any family planning to visit the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard A.

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

Another year at the Artist Cottage

The cottage is well furnished with an eclectic taste. Everything worked well . The yard and deck have comfortable chairs for relaxing outdoors. The owners have kept the cottage up well.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

larry m.

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

Everything was great

This is the best place hands down. We always love our time here!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

GINA

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Quaint little cottage. Everything we needed including laundry. Close walk to the beach. I would definitely stay there again
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Relaxing, charming cottage near beach

We really loved our stay here and will definitely be back if we come to this area again. The indoor and outdoor spaces were so nice for just relaxing, reading or whatever one enjoys. It is convenient to a grocery store and several nice restaurants too! The vibe is homey and casual and it is very private.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Nancy V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location

This cute and eclectic cottage was just right for my family of 4. Steps from the beach and a short drive to St George Street. Kitchen is fully stocked with all that you need to prepare your meals. Beach chairs and umbrella provided as well. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne C.

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

Great place

Great location. Right beside Publix and beach! What could be better? We have stayed at several places in Vilano Beach. This was our favorite. We have a small dog who enjoyed the large fenced in patio. When we come back we will definitely stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie J.

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

Close to the beach

Very convenient steps away from pristine beach. The cottage is near Publix and has all you need to cook or barbecue. We enjoy the roof top with some water view and cool breezes. Plenty of room for our dog to enjoy fully fenced. We go back every year.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie Q.

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

Third Times a Charm

My daughter and I had a relaxing but full 3 days visiting St. Augustine snd walking on the beach. The Artist Cottage is the perfect location with all the amenities. The fenced in privacy snd outdoor seating is my favorite thing about this cottage. I will always return.👍♥️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valerie J.

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

Better than the pictures

We were pleasantly surprised by how spacious the property was, inside ou out. Fenced with lots of room to play, and a roof top with a water view and a hammock. The cottage had everything from spices to candles. Steps from the beach and from Publix and restaurants. Enjoy!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

John F.

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

Anniversary getaway

Quaint and adorable. Wish we had more time to enjoy the area. Only had a few things we would change…. The bed was really squeaky, the remote for the AC unit also operated the TV in the bedroom. There was some mold starting on the upper wall of the bathroom. Overall, we would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Dustin B.

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

Great cottage sketchy electricity

The cottage was fantastic, and we greatly enjoyed our stay. The owner was friendly, quick, and gracious. Our only concern was the number of overloaded outlets and the sizzling and popping lamp. And that all the lights flickered heavily when the fridge would run.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl D.

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

Vilano Beach cottage

We really love this place. This was our ninth stay in the Cottage. The location is perfect, only 3 minutes to the beach, outside the city, yet it's an easy bike ride into St. Augustine. The cottage itself is very well laid out, with a combination kitchen and great room, and two separate bedrooms. When it's warm, the deck is also a nice place to hang out. The owners (Carolyn and Jim) are very easy to work with, and very responsive to any communications. All in all, we've always had good experiences in the Cottage, and I'm sure we'll be back for many years to come!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Marcy R., Millsboro, Delaware

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

Quaint little cottage by the beach

Shabby chic cottage very close to beach. I wish we had better weather to enjoy it. Though cottage is small it is fully stocked and perfect for the two of us Description is accurate but be aware NO network TV or cable stations though plenty of movies on Netflix and Prime Shower is fantastic. Would recommend a grab bar for us seniors! Entrance door is tricky. Owner very responsive Enjoy!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

marion c.

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

Quiet perfect getaway for adults

Beautiful clean artsy home filled with conversation pieces. Supermarket in walking distance, great walking bridge, easy beach access, private , away from the tourist, gorgeous clean beach lovely ocean great walks and sunrises. Quick drive to downtown St. Augustine. This home has a fun sunning deck with a hammock and lights at night. Outdoor shower has hot water and helps rinse off the sand. Comfy bed lots of extras and Netflix. Powerful shower and nice washer dryer. 100% awesome!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Sara S.

Adorable Beach Cottage

Overall we were very happy with the cottage. It's right over the bridge so very close to shopping. Was worried noise from main road would be a problem but it was very quiet. House was very sweet loved all the beachy touches. Very comfortable house! Just a few things though that need some attention.The second bedroom could use a fan as the ac did not cool the room. The outdoor photos are deceiving .. yard needs to be maintained and the furniture needed some love too. Loved that it was so close to the beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Casey W.

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

Perfect for families!

We were looking for a place to stay for our first family beach vacation, and stumbled upon the cottage. From the very beginning, Carolyn was extremely responsive to my messages and questions. She was so kind and easy to work with. We spent 4 nights/5 days at the cottage and it was perfect! The accommodations were clean and had lots of outside seating and space as well. The kitchen was stocked with anything you need for cooking, and the cabinets and refrigerator even had some basic staples for us to use. There were also beach towels, toys, and chairs available. The outdoor space was beautiful. My son loved the hammock on the deck. I had my coffee there most mornings and had a great view of the ocean! It was a short walk down the path to the beach, which was perfect for our little ones. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary J.

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

Magical

My husband and our furr baby loved our stay.This was perfectly secluded, private, quiet spot with just a few steps to the ocean.This location was just a short drive to Saint Augustine and the beautiful A1A beautiful scenic highway.I enjoyed the hammock at night looking at the beautiful stars.We purchased some wonderful fresh seafood at this great hidden gem named A1A Fisheries In the Hammick 5959 N.Oceanshore Bvd. Palm Coast FL 32137 which by the way it was a beautiful drive to there and cooked it in our well stocked well equipped kitchen. I spent a lot of time on the day bed looking at my phone.We really felt at home there and really needed that quiet beautiful retreat to recharge.The next time we come to Saint Augustine we will definitely book this place again and suggest to friends and family.It was absolutely the best birthday ever.Thank you again for having us.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Carolyn Covert

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This cottage was built in the 1930's. I had always dreamed of having a quaint cottage by the sea where we could grab our coffees and walk to the beach to watch the sunrise.

The charming quaint cottages and the quietness of the area are so relaxing. There is a beautiful nature walk across the street.
Having the ancient city of St Augustine so close by makes the location perfect. Interesting restaurants and beautiful architecture just make it a dream location. St. Augustine is a very magical city. Take a horse and carriage ride!

We love and use the cottage whenever we can.

I like to think of our guests as friends who are visiting our cottage.

What makes this property unique

In addition to being less than 10 minutes from the ancient city, you can walk to at least 3 good restaurants and our local supermarket, Publix.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests