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A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!)

Photo gallery for A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!)

Living area
Living area
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 14269.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Gulf Shores, AL
  • Gulf Shores Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Hangout Music Fest
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Waterville USA
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Gulf Shores, AL (GUF-Jack Edwards)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom #1 (1st Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom #2 (1st Floor)

1 King Bed

Bedroom #3 (2nd Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom #4

1 Queen Bed

Common Space

1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom #1 (1st Floor)

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom #2 (1st Floor)

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom #3 (2nd Floor)

Toilet · Shower only

Half Bath (2nd Floor)

Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!)

A Step Away is a 5 bedroom + bonus bunk room, 4 1/2 bath, 2,900 sq. ft. house located at 474 East 1st Avenue in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Max Occupancy: 14
Bed Sizes: 2 King, 3 Queen, 1 Twin over Twin Junior Bunk Bed, and 1 Sleeper Sofa
Parking: Up to 5 vehicles

*****THE PROPERTY*****

Break out the sunscreen and swimsuits—your dream beach getaway starts here! This stunning 5-bedroom + bonus bunk room, 4.5-bathroom beach house in Gulf Shores is designed for relaxation and fun. Just one block from the sugar-white sands, you can stroll to the beach in minutes or take a short drive to the heart of the city, where local shops, delicious dining, and vibrant entertainment await.

Welcome to your dream getaway in Gulf Shores! This stunning 2,900 sq. ft. beach house is designed for comfort, style, and unforgettable memories. With 5 spacious bedrooms, a bonus bunk room, 4 full bathrooms, and a half bath, there's plenty of room for up to 14 guests to relax and unwind. Step inside and experience coastal luxury at its finest. The open concept living area invites you to kick back with a movie or enjoy game night together. The dining space seats 12 guests between the large 8-chair table and 4 barstools at the counter—perfect for family meals and group gatherings. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, stocked with everything you need to whip up delicious meals. Thoughtful extras include a pot filler behind the stove, beverage cooler, drip-style coffee maker & Keurig, and an icemaker—because every detail matters! But the luxury doesn't stop there. Upstairs, an additional den with a wet bar, full-sized fridge, sink, and extra cabinet space makes the perfect spot for mixing up your favorite drinks, serving snacks, or setting up a self-serve breakfast station.

After a day of beachside adventures, retreat to one of the beautifully appointed bedrooms:
2 King Bedrooms – Spacious and serene for ultimate relaxation
3 Queen Bedrooms – Cozy and inviting with plenty of space
Bonus Bunk Room – Twin-over-twin bunk for the little adventurers
Sleeper Sofa in the Living Room – Extra room for your crew
Getting ready is a breeze with 4 full bathrooms and a half bath. Three bathrooms feature walk-in showers, while one offers a tub/shower combo—perfect for families traveling with little ones.

Located just one block from the beach, you'll have easy access to the sugar-white sands and emerald waters of Gulf Shores. Plus, you're only minutes from local shops, restaurants, and entertainment! Whether you're here for a family vacation, a group retreat, or a special celebration, this elegant beach house is the perfect place to soak up the sun, make lifelong memories, and enjoy the ultimate Gulf Shores experience.

*****THE LOCATION*****

Whether you are looking for an adventurous or relaxing vacation, location is everything and our location lets you pick your own adventure! You are just minutes from every activity the island has to offer whether it's sport fishing on the Gulf, reading a book on the beach, parasailing, hiking the Backcountry Trails, shopping at numerous boutiques and souvenir stores, and only minutes away from the Wharf, the OWA Amusement Park and Entertainment Complex and Tanger Outlet Mall. Local eateries are so abundant that it will be a challenge to visit each one during a single vacation! We hope you consider staying with us where you enjoy the benefits of an inclusive travel destination with the modern conveniences of home.

*****ADDITIONAL DETAILS*****

* RENTAL AGREEMENT: Rental Agreement must be signed to receive Check-In Information. This is a legally binding document. Please read carefully.

* AGE RESTRICTION: Policy strictly enforced 25 years or older with renter 25 years old staying in unit. No refunds for anyone trying to rent that is not at least 25 years old.

* ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING & NO PETS on any of our properties.

* PARKING: MAXIMUM of 5 vehicles per reservation parked under the house/driveway, no exceptions - STRICTLY ENFORCED. U-hauls, trailers, boats, jet skis, buses, etc. are not allowed on property.

* WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: While all Sands of Alabama rental units are set up for normal housekeeping, the properties will NOT have cleaning products or toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and soaps intended to last for the duration of your stay. Each rental property is furnished with a STARTER SET of paper products for your first night. This set includes one roll of paper towels, a small bottle of liquid dish soap, one powder dishwashing packet, one can liner per trash can, one travel size hand soap and body soap per bathroom and one roll of bathroom tissue in each bathroom. Please bring extras.

* CHECK-IN: After 4PM on the day your reservation begins. Early check-in is NOT possible.

* CHECK OUT: Check out time is 10AM. Check out after 10AM will be charged for an additional day.

* MONTHLY/SNOWBIRD RENTALS: Available from November through February. Call for special monthly rates.

*CANCELLATION POLICY: Guests who cancel at least 30 days before check-in shall receive a 100% refund of the amount they have paid minus the management fee. Guests who cancel less than 30 days prior to check-in will not receive a refund. Refunds shall not be issued for late arrivals, early departures, or inclement weather conditions including hurricanes and named storms. We do offer optional travel insurance, which we highly encourage all guests to purchase.

*TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly encourage you to purchase the optional travel insurance. Guests opting not to purchase travel insurance should be aware that no refund of your reservation deposit(s) will be available. Therefore, your entire booking payment is at risk. There is a link for travel insurance in the confirmation email that you receive after signing the Rental Agreement. For more information, please visit sandsofalabama.rentalguardian.com

* PROFESSIONALLY HOSTED BY: Sands of Alabama Vacation Rentals

Property manager

Sands of Alabama Vacation Rentals LLC
Premier Host

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Gulf Shores

Located in Gulf Shores, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Shoppers can check out The Wharf, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park. The Park at OWA and Shrimpy's Mini Golf are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gulf Shores, AL

What's nearby

  • Gulf State Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Gulf Shores Beach - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Hangout Music Fest - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Waterville USA - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Gulf Shores Golf Club - 6 min drive - 5.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hangout - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sunliner Diner - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Pink Pony Pub - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪De Soto's Seafood Kitchen - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Burro Azul - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!) pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!)?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!)?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A Step Away - Large, Luxurious House! (Only 1 Block from the Beach!) located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Gulf State Park and Gulf Shores Beach. Wade Ward Nature Park and Shrimpy's Mini Golf are also within 15 minutes.

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. 37 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Reji K.

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

From Disaster to Delight: The Perfect Gulf Shores Escape

Over a year ago, we planned a return trip to Gulf Shores to celebrate two birthdays and spend quality time with the grandparents while they could still travel cross-country. Unfortunately, the property we initially booked through another service turned out to be a complete disaster, forcing us to stay at a local Courtyard while frantically searching for a suitable alternative.That’s when we found *A Step Away* through VRBO and Sands of Alabama. This property exceeded our expectations! Not only did it perfectly match the listing, but it also accommodated our elderly parents comfortably on the main floor, along with the rest of our six family members.While it’s not oceanfront, its prime location just one block from the beach made it even better—quiet, spacious, and fully equipped with everything a large family traveling cross-country could need for an amazing vacation.The host was incredibly understanding of our situation and graciously allowed us to check in a day early, giving our parents much-needed rest after the chaos of our first night. We truly loved our stay, created lasting family memories, and appreciated how everyone had their own space to relax and enjoy Gulf Shores. Highly recommend!– The Kothari Family
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glen B.

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

Perfect in every way

Had a great trip with my wife, three children, their spouses and 3 small grandkids. The house was just as advertised. Close to the beach and all Gulf Shores activities. Everything was great!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful House for family

A Step Away was a beautifully and well maintained and clean house for our family’s stay. A very short walk to the beach. Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Richard H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Fun in the sun

We liked the house. There was plenty of room for our family. House is located on a street where maintenance is being performed. Had to negotiate the construction each time we left the house in a vehicle. Not sure how long the construction will take. House location relative to the beach was accurately described. Neighborhood a mix of older beach homes and newer construction. We would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tabita M.

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

A step away

This wasn’t our original rental. A storm did some damage to our original rental. Management did an awesome job with giving us a new rental. The house was ABSOLUTELY beautiful and fitting for us! Will definitely rent with this company again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine G.

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

Bach weekend

The location was a close 5 min walk to the beach. The house was clean and managed well. Close driving distance to Flora-Bama, the Coastal and hangout. Will definitely be visiting again in the further.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Roger C.

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

Great house for large groups

This is a great property! It's especially great for large groups (family reunions, conventions, etc). The kitchen is huge and well equipped. Would definetly stay here again!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Tanya M.

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

Great location

Plenty of space, great location that’s within walking distance to all that Gulf Shores has to offer as well as public beach access
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Cameran W.

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

Tennis Team Stay

This was our second year in a row staying at this location. The beds are comfortable, plenty of spare blankets and pillows, great air conditioning unit, and has plenty of room to host a large group. Sadly this stay was less desirable than the last. The walls were VERY dirty, mold on kitchen ceiling, pots in kitchen not clean, no hot water in main floor bathroom, master shower drain was so clogged that the bottom filled with water before you got finished showering. A good cleaning would have this place back to what the displayed pictures show.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

JHONNY M.

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

A great experience

Overall better than I expected. My family had never been to the Beach and I wanted them to have a great experience. The house definitely made it a good one.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katrina N.

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

Awesome Stay!

The check in was so simple. I was having trouble with paying because of the large amount and they assisted me and got it taken care of right away. This property was perfect for our large family vacation! It was in a great location had ample amount of space and rooms. Things looked just as it is pictured on the pictures on the website would definitely book again with theses on any of their properties!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wyteria D.

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

A charm

Second stay at this property. Very spacious, clean, and comfortable. Fun family time
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill S.

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

Great House

Family gathering and it was a great time! The house was everything we thought it would be.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

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

Perfect location

The house was absolutely beautiful and perfect for our family. A short walk to restaurants, shopping and the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S.

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

Wedding

The property was great and was just what we needed for my youngest son's wedding. The bathrooms had a musty/sweat smell but everything was great and even more that I expected. We left a little faster than planned as my daughter had a car accident that morning on her way home so I was not able to do everything I planned before we left that morning.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Corey L.

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

March 2023

Great layout and amenities for 10-12 people. Short walk to center of town. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great family gathering..

The house was beautiful and spacious. The furniture in the sitting areas is a little worn and needed cleaning. The top bunkbed in the children room had snacks, jello and small toys under the mattress which created ant.There were other small issues, but over all it was a great place to stay. My family and I had a wonderful time.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leon T.

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

Anniversary Trip

The property that we stayed in was amazing. It was exactly as described, and the location was great. All of the restaurants were outstanding. We will definitely revisit this property. 5 stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Greg M.

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

Gulf Shores House

The property was as listed and worked perfectly for our group. The location was great. The check in process was easy and we loved the area.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jana Gail L., Chapel Hill

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

Plenty of Room for Everyone!

From the moment of booking this beautiful home everything was pleasant. Ana was fabulous to work with & answered all of my questions pre-arrival. The home is just as beautiful in person & very spacious! We had three families who were in town for a wedding & everyone had plenty of space to themselves but also we could come together for meals in the kitchen (even did a low country boil one night). Location is perfect as we were able to walk to the beach, The Hangout, and even the Market down the street for supplies. The only issue we ran into was the trash from previous guest was not picked up & it was leftover seafood so the smell was awful - but this was not the fault of the owner as the guest just didnt put the trash out to end of road & the owners quickly tried working to rectify the situation. My only suggestion would be a paint touchup as a lot of the walls were scuffed but with so many people coming in & out I'm sure its hard to keep up. Even that doesn't take away from how wonderful the home is though. The place was so very clean which everyone wants when staying away from home & the kitchen is fabulous! Beds were comfortable & every bedroom had a bathroom to call its own which is nice when you have multiple families. Parking underneath was nice as we could pull right up to the stairs to get into the home. The area was quiet and peaceful at night since its just off the main strip. I highly recommend staying here as you wont be disappointed. We can't wait to come back next year :-)
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rex H.

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

Great place

House was clean and big. Close enough to the beach to not be an issue
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Sheri W., Nashville

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

Good stay with family

Our large family had a wonderful time. The location was about 5 minutes or less walk to the beach and a close drive to restaurants. The communication was great from start to finish. We didn't have any trouble in the home our entire visit. We came prepared with all the extra toiletries and such that we would need for our week stay. The kitchen had plenty to use for cooking. The home has two washers and dryers which was helpful during the week. The faucet and shower outside was nice to rinse off sand before coming into the home. I would recommend this home and would stay again if we travel back to the area. Thanks to the owner for being so prompt on responses to my questions before and during the booking.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gerardo M.

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

Spacious Home

Great location very closed to the beach and local stores. House had plenty of room for all 15 of us. Overall great experience.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Saundra D.

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

Family getaway

Very user friendly online
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie J.

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

Fun trip

Great house, very comfortable, short walk to the beach. Bunk room was small so tough for adult couple to stay in, would be good room for kids. All other rooms and beds good size.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sands of Alabama Vacation Rentals LLC

Host profile image
Sands of Alabama Vacation Rentals is a local family-owned boutique style vacation property management company. We provide our guests with quality accommodations and professional staff. Please inquire or visit www.sandsofalabama.com for other properties in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Portuguese

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests