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

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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, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

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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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

Property # 927394
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 Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park. World Golf Village and St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
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Map
St. Augustine, FL

What's nearby

  • Vilano Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Vilano Beach Pavilion - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Tolomato River - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Vilano Point Beach - 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
  • ‪Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Beaches On Vilano - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Surfside Kitchen - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pesca - ‬5 min walk

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 does it cost to stay at Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! ?

As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Surprise!! open Jan2024 please book your escape to a tropical magical hideaway! on 13 Aug 2026 start from AU$331, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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. 227 out of 258 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 258 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 258 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 258 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 258 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

5.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2025
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your kind words. We are very happy that you enjoyed your stay at our beach cottage. We look forward to your return to us. Warm regards, Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Brought back good memories from my grandma’s home with all the kitch. One block from beach was perfect. I’m an artist and teacher and it was the perfect place to paint in and in different areas. A lot of “eye candy “ for the artist ‼
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
We're so pleased to have an artist as our guest! Happy to hear the cottage brought you happy memories of your Grandma's house. That is why we bought the cottage many years ago. Thank you, Carolyn
Verified

8/10 Good

Charles O.

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

It was perfect for what we were doing in Vilano Beach

Relaxing stay
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theodore V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique cottage. Perfect location. Only stayed a few nights to allow us to break up the trip home. Thank you for sharing this unique environment and allowing us to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elena

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
can post:We booked this cute cottage for New Year week and absolutely enjoyed our holiday. The place was cozy, clean, and exactly as described. It was the perfect spot with walking distance to the grocery store, beautiful pier to walk and watch the sunset. Only few steps to the beach. Great Italian pizza place and restaurant on the pier. We felt comfortable and at home the entire stay. Highly recommend! We definitely would be back .
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2026
Elena we would love to have you return to us. We're so happy you enjoyed your stay. Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host very attentive. Less than 75 steps to the ocean.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is very cheery and comfortable, with a large living area and a very well-stocked kitchen. It's literally a two-minute walk to the beach, and St. Augustine proper is a short bike ride away. This was our thirteenth stay in the last fifteen years, and we hope to keep coming back as long as we're able.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

larry m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best place ever!! So serene!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David Y.

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

Wonderful location & stay

Excellent location, eclectic surroundings. Very quiet area. Close to restaurants and downtown St. Augustine.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 21 July 2023
Hi Rebecca! I’m happy that you had fun at our beach cottage making new memories! See you soon, Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

krystle t.

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

Amazing Location

The beach is literally steps away, and absolutely beautiful. The property was clean and unique. We would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2025
Thank you Krystle for your wonderful review! We look forward to you returning to us! Carolyn
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2025
Thank you Vivian for your kind review. We feel like our guests are personal friends. So we are very happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. Come visit us again soon. Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mariela D.

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

Great location

Very spacious and great locatio
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James F.

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

Wonderful place to stay

This beach home was perfect for our vacation. It had everything we needed and our kids enjoyed the stay as well. A short walk to the beach as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2020
Hi James! We’re so pleased you and your family enjoyed your stay at our beach cottage. We look forward to your return. Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our romantic stay at this quirky, rustic little cottage! It had everything we needed -coffee maker, laundry room, small kitchen, beach chairs, beach towels, umbrellas, even a little cooler. I counted the steps from the cute turquoise fence door to the beach path 70 steps. It's SUPER close! Then another 100ish steps on the beach path to the GORGEOUS beach! You can even see a sliver of the ocean from the upstairs deck. If you want to feel like you're (almost) on the beach without paying direct beachfront prices - this is a win! We enjoyed long beach walks everyday. I highly recommend getting up before first light and taking a sunrise walk! We loved this Vilano Beach location away from the crowds and tourism of downtown Saint Augustine. Publix grocery store is 1 minute away - super convenient. If you love to dine on the water, be sure to try Beaches, Cap's on the Water, The Reef and Aunt Kate's. Each one is only about 5 mins away by car. The sunsets on the other side of the island at these restaurants were spectacular. Great place!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linde W.

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

Artist Cottage

Very relaxed setting. Perfect place far an artist, or someone that appreciates art. Loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

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

Cozy and calm cottage by the sea

Simple and unpretentious, The Artist Cottage is delightful in every way. We especially loved the close access to the beach and that it is pet friendly.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Becky M.

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

Wedding weekend

It was a lovely spot to unwine during a hectic weekend :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ali H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic time at the Artist Cottage! The beach is never too busy and you can't beat being this close to the beach. The cottage has a lot more space than we were expecting, a great kitchen, and we loved the outdoor shower for cleaning up after a day in the sand.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2025
We're so pleased you enjoyed your stay at the Artist Cottage. We look forward to your return! Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

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

Beach cottage

Great location, lots of outdoor seating at property, very short walk to beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr 2023
Hi Christine! The location of our beach cottage is why we bought it! We’re so happy you enjoyed your stay! Warm regards, Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki O.

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

Beachcomber cottage

Great, private cottage close to beach. Truly enjoyed our stay & would love to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Mar 2023
Hi Vicki! We’re so happy you enjoyed the beach cottage. Glad to hear you want to return to us. Warm regards, Carolyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis G.

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

A wonderful stay at the beach!

The beach cottage was just as listed. So cozy, pretty and certainly had everything we needed. Carolyn is a wonderful & attentive host to deal with. The location of the cottage, in relation to the gorgeous beach, is absolutely incredible! We can't wait to return!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We’ve been returning to this lovely cottage for 10 years! It feels like a home away from home for us. We just love how charming and cozy Carolyn has made the place feel! The location is so close to everything with the beach just steps away, Publix basically next door and historic downtown just a 5 min drive. We hope to continue returning here for many many years to come!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
We love having you return to us year after year Alicia. Thank you for your kind review. You do feel like family. Carolyn
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thank you Ema for your charming review! Everyone enjoys the enchanting storybook nook! Maybe because I come from New England the "practical magic" vibe comes through. Comes visit us again. Carolyn

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

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