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Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions!

Photo gallery for Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions!

Property grounds
Exterior
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Dining
Hair dryer, towels, soap, shampoo
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

1200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendlyPet friendly
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Hot Tub
    Hot TubHot Tub
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Mary Esther, FL
  • Popular LocationHurlburt Field Visitor Center2 min drive
  • Popular LocationFort Walton Beaches4 min drive
  • Popular LocationBoardwalk on Okaloosa Island14 min drive
  • AirportFort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)24 min drive

Most relevant reviews

ExperimentalCarousel

8/10 Good

We enjoyed the warmer weather and the water front. The house was great, comfortable beds, full kitchen and small fenced ...
Natalie H.
Mar 15, 2024

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions!

Spend a magical vacation at our comfortable cottages on Santa Rosa Sound. Close to town, shopping, and beaches, but off the beaten track. Our nest is a private 2 bedroom / 1 bath home situated along the unspoiled stretch of Santa Rosa Sound just between Fort Walton Beach and Navarre. We feature a shallow beach and small dock where you can relax along Santa Rosa Sound. The cottage has a complete kitchen, laundry, covered parking, fenced yard, grill, and patio. The property is naturally landscaped and well maintained. We have several kayaks, a paddleboard, and canoe that you are free to enjoy. We provide departure housekeeping, Roku TV with cable, high speed internet, and a Bluetooth stereo.

The house is situated under shady oak trees with access to waterfront on Santa Rosa Sound. Electric, utils, cable TV and High-speed Internet included. Perfect location for military at Hurlburt AFB, or vacationers seeking an affordable getaway in west Okaloosa with easy access to Ft. Walton and Navarre.

Our cottage has room to cook and relax. This is the perfect little getaway nest for a couple or small family that doesn't want a large house for a short stay.

The cottage is one of several buildings on the 1.5 acre property, including a second vacation rental cottage, a classic red barn, our main house, an older heritage home, and a garage. You are welcome to wander about the common area and lawns to enjoy the landscaping and natural beauty. The waterfront is easily accessed by walking from the cottage around the old home along a grassy path.

We treat our guests as family - just one stay and you will always remember the good life on Santa Rosa Sound. We cherish developing lasting friendships and hope that our guests come back time and again to enjoy our natural oasis of old-time Florida Panhandle. We are off the beaten track, but close enough to the attractions that you get the best of both worlds. Life is easy at Nature's Nest!

Property manager

Steve & Tara Shippee

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Water park on site
  • Water sports equipment on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 20

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Mary Esther

Located in Mary Esther, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Fort Walton Beaches and Navarre Beach. Emerald Coast Science Center and Family Jules Charters are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Visit our Mary Esther travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Cottages in Mary EstherOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Hurlburt Field Visitor Center - 2 min drive
  • Fort Walton Beaches - 4 min drive
  • Okaloosa Island Pier - 14 min drive
  • Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island - 14 min drive
  • Navarre Beach - 15 min drive

Getting around

  • Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Waffle House - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions!?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Nature's Nest on Santa Rosa Sound - Close to Navarre, beaches and attractions! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Hurlburt Field Visitor Center and within 6 mi (10 km) of Fort Walton Beaches and Oak Tree Nature Park. Santa Rosa Mall and Liza Jackson Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kay L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach Bound
Sweet little house with everything you need for a getaway. Close to everything. Pet friendly with a fence around the house, all in the shade of the big old oaks.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Billy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy getaway
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this property. Communication was great and check in was easy. The location was very close to attractions, restaurants, and off a busy road but once you're in the house or on the water, it was tranquil. Look forward to coming back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Natalie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
water front was great!
We enjoyed the warmer weather and the water front. The house was great, comfortable beds, full kitchen and small fenced in yard. The cons was the noisy road and traffic!
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Seaside cottage
Loved it. Peaceful,quant little cottage.very clean. Short walk to the water.owners we're very nice and dependable. It's also pet friendly. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron S.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Piece of Home
This little cabin is filled with everything you need for a stay away from home. Whether on vacation or a work trip, it’s perfect! We SO enjoyed our stay. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, It’s settled on a beautiful, tree covered property right on the water. Great place to sit and watch the sunset with a glass of wine and your loved ones. The hosts are kind and welcoming. We will definitely be coming back to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Cottage experience
was exactly what we needed for a re-charge. This was a great fit for us and our young puppy because of the fenced in yard and a pet pad on the couch, a very thoughtful touch indeed. The owners are next door, and their email addresses are on the refrigerator along with several good restaurant suggestions. The sitting area on the waterfront was nice also, so we didn't need to drive if we didn't want to. The beds were comfortable, and the shower had plenty of hot water. There are clear instructions for operating the Roku tv and accessing the Wi-Fi as well. There is covered parking also, which was nice for when the "liquid sunshine" pays a visit. Overall, we were very pleased and are looking forward to possible future returns!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Will stay again
This is the second time on this property and I absolutely love it. Love the access to the water and the pups on property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kitty F., Clanton, Alabama

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute and comfortable cottage
Rented this cottage for a couple of days. Clean and comfortable. Beds were VERY comfortable!! Had all the comforts of home. Nice fenced in yard! Plus, it was a very short walk to the causeway to watch the sunset. It is on a busy highway but it’s not bothersome at all! Met the owner who was a nice man. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Angela L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family trip!
The house met our needs and was very clean on the inside. Overall, enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David M., Ballwin

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house & easy stay
My wife and I visited for a few days. Check in process was very easy, and access to the property was very easy. The owners are very easy to get along with, and I would not hesitate to come back and visit again. Everything inside was clean and in working order, no issues whatsoever later today I highly recommend if you want to stay in the Fort Walton area.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane R D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gem in the nest
The pictures and description posted are accurate. We loved the scenery of the santa rosa sound and the kids enjoyed swimming in it and the canoe rides were fun. Its close to all the beautiful beaches. Its on a busy hwy but the cottage is tucked away far enough that the noise wasnt a nuisance. The nice owner Steve and his wife live on the property and has dogs but they live on the front part of the property. We'd see steve occasionally working on his other projects and maintaining the property. Our group consistsed of 4 adults and 2 kids. Steve accomodated us w an extra air mattress just in case and anything else we needed. The cottage is cozy and quaint and it met our needs. It had everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
The house was just like visiting my grandma’s place! Had everything I needed to clean up after swimming in the bay and gulf. My lab pup loved the dock, steps into the bay, and the huge shady grassy lawn. The fenced yard was nice for the dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!
This cottage could not have been more perfect for our girls trip! Clean, safe, easy to access, and close proximity to so much activity! 10/10 would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Sandra E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage stay
Quaint little cottage. Everything we could have possibly needed was there. On a busy highway, so the traffic was a little noisy at times. We were in and out a lot due to my grandson's baseball tournament schedule, but we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Proximity to Hurlburt was fantastic
Cute cottage that was perfect for us and the dogs. Back yard was fenced for quick and safe potty breaks but plenty of green space to take them for walks. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C., Villa Rica

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage
The cottage was so neat and the Santa rosa sound was beautiful. The kids absolutely loved to swim there. Very convenient to the beach and we absolutely loved Fort Walton beaches. They weren't crowded at all. The owners were very nice and respectful. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023