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Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home.

Photo gallery for Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home.

View from first floor balcony. Sunrise on a low Winter tide.
Living Room w/ direct access to balcony - Sectional & small dining table.
Small dining table
Master bedroom with private balcony and smart TV
Master bedroom with private balcony. Flat screen TV, Smart DVD player.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Carrabelle, FL
  • St. James Bay Golf Club
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Carrabelle Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Crooked River Lighthouse
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Third Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom, First Floor

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom, Second Floor

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home.

High Speed Internet with WiFi - Netflix - Free Onsite Laundry - Use of Propane Grill

Please note - no booking is final until payment is received and you receive a confirmation. We often have multiple inquiries for overlapping dates.

Maximum Occupancy is 6 total people including infants and children.

Is the Windwood House right for you? You can expect a quiet, peaceful retreat in this private home. We are located in a small town on the outskirts of Carrabelle, Florida and the home is located right on Highway 98 for easy access to everything you may want to explore. This is a single unit home - meaning you have the entire home to yourself. No upstairs or downstairs neighbors like in a condo. The shore is literally steps away. This area doesn't have loud, touristy, commercialized attractions and is best for someone looking to get away from big city things. Though there's a grocery store just 5 minutes away, the nearest Walmart is a 45 minute drive. You can count on beautiful nature and friendly people. Our beach is small, quaint and calm with tall pines right to the shore. We are separated from the open Gulf by a small sandbar, offering sea creatures a protected area. We often see horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, tons of fish, lots of birds like egrets and ospreys and an eagle if you're lucky, dolphins, and sharks. Our kids' favorite find has been a sea urchin fossil! Thanks to our sandbar, we have calm water and a flat, narrow shoreline, though a strong storm blowing through can get the waves crashing. Our guests enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming right behind the house. We love hearing how amazing the fishing is - guest after guest has told us how great it is right at the house. We told a guest to go out and cast as far as he could and slowly reel it in, and he called to say he caught a 5 pound flounder! First cast! (Lucky) Though the water is clean, the nearby river gives it a "brackish" tint, so it isn't crystal clear like a swimming pool.

This home offers amazing views, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two balconies, a nicely appointed kitchen, flat screen televisions in all bedrooms and beach access just steps from the house. Also, there are large beaches with big waves and big sand dunes within a 20 minute drive (Carrabelle Beach, St. George Island). Stay home for a quaint beach - go for an adventure to explore the big waves of nearby destinations.

The living room and every bedroom has water views.

The first floor features a well-appointed kitchen with all the necessities for cooking. We just upgraded the microwave to an above-the-range one, replaced the range with a beautiful new flat top stainless steel one, plus upgraded the dishwasher. We hope you're as excited as we are to have the upgrades! :) We’ve stocked all the basics you’ll need such as pots and pans, silverware, knife block, plates, glasses and more. In addition to the microwave, range (stove/oven), dishwasher, we also have a blender (or two...), a hand mixer, and a Keurig coffee maker that uses K-cups *or* can make regular coffee.

The living room directly adjoins the kitchen and has a large sectional, flat screen smart TV and has a balcony. There is also a small dining table here that can seat 6 (spare chairs are kept in the 1st floor bedroom to avoid cluttering the living room).

There is a bedroom on the first floor that is appointed with a queen size bed, smart TV, and windows overlooking the water.

Also on the first floor is a full bathroom with a modern vanity and tub/shower.

On the second floor you’ll find the master bedroom is nicely appointed with a comfy queen bed, private balcony, smart TV, spacious closet and a workstation. Plus, if you’re traveling with a baby, this room has enough space to easily fit a pack and play.

Also on the second floor is another bedroom which has a queen size bed plus twin size bunk beds.

The second floor bathroom is nicely appointed with a modern vanity and tub/shower.

The ground level features parking under the house with room for seating, propane grill, and Adirondack chairs that are lightweight and can be carried to the shore.

There is also parking in the front yard of the house with room for a boat.

We do not have a dock. There are boat ramps available a few blocks east of the house at the small marina next to the convenience store and also a ramp in Carrabelle. Please be kind and respectful to our neighbors and do not use their docks.

The region is famous for outstanding fishing - from protected bays to the open Gulf waters, to the winding rivers of Carrabelle, Apalachicola and Panacea. Just 35 minutes away is the historic town of Apalachicola, once the largest port on the Gulf of Mexico! It is famous for the oysters and Florida's Seafood Festival held every November.

Now a bit more about the house...

Bedrooms:
Master (2nd floor): Queen bed
Second Bedroom (2nd floor): Queen bed plus twin size bunk beds
Third bedroom (1st floor): Queen bed

Bathrooms:
Two full bathrooms, both with tubs.

Please note, we have a strict 6 person maximum capacity and we do not allow pets.

Property manager

Kelly Gilbert & Linwood Gilbert

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Carrabelle

Located in Carrabelle, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Crooked River Lighthouse and USS Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at St. James Bay Golf Club and Bayside Marina. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Carrabelle, FL

What's nearby

  • St. James Bay Golf Club - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Carrabelle History Museum - 6 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Carrabelle Beach - 10 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Crooked River Lighthouse - 12 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Alligator Point Beach - 33 min drive - 37.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Harry's Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Carrabelle Junction - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Crooked River Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hog Wild Bar-B-Q - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Marine Street Grill - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Shoreside Retreat! Enjoy the Windwood House - a private vacation home. located?

This Carrabelle holiday home is on the beach, 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Island View Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of St. James Bay Golf Club and Carrabelle History Museum. Carrabelle Beach and Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 81 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 100 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique stay
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this house! It was a very unique experience in all the best ways.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dwayne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet get away
Family had an amazing time at the Windwood house. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super Private Kid Friendly (and Relaxing) Getaway!
We were the only people on the beach the whole time, there's hardly any waves, & the kids were able to play in the sand and water without us having to worry about anything! It was perfect for our family if 6 (Kids ages 1,4,9&11). The house had plenty of sleeping options. One of the bedrooms has been updated since the property photos and has a fun bunk bed and full size bed. That was a pleasant surprise! The owner responded right away and was willing to go above and beyond to make sure we had a great stay.You simply won't find a better place on the beach for this price and we were so grateful to get to stay here!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jackie m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful memories
The only thing to really say is...beautiful, peaceful memories...we would definitely stay again...
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh T.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Christmas Getaway
Quiet, relaxing, and on the beach. Even though Florida was having a cold snap it was still great. Lots of cool things washed up on shore with the tide. Cutest little place but be prepared to hike your gear up the stairs. Was totally wishing there was a lift for bags on the second trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
It was ok
I was so excited by the photos showing such a close beach to the house and it did not disappoint. The hours has some serious damage but otherwise stable. Stairs are pretty tough for anyone with mobility issues. Location is great. House was ok and amenities standard. Biggest issue was no communication with owner. After we got there we discovered a squirrel is living in the ducts. I contacted owners several times by text and via VRBO but the not once responded to me. I rent houses several times a year for the last 15 years. First time I’ve not had an owner completely ignore me.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gabriella G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful retreat
Right on the beach which was exactly what we wanted. We caught varieties of fish and even a manta ray. The kids were able to safely swim since the sand bar blocked the bigger waves. The house had everything we needed, we went out for dinner twice in Carrabelle. The neighbors were friendly and helpful with tips and suggestions for the area. We would stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right on the beach!
Great location but lots of steps, be prepared our senior dog hag trouble with all the steps. But house was perfect!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
Beautiful place and location. Can swim out the back door and kayak around the wildlife refuge on the sandbar. Thousands of beautiful birds. Unfortunately yellow flies are nasty critters in that part of the world in May. Mainly at dusk.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell C., United States

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beachside oasis
This property was perfect for our family to enjoy some much needed relaxation at the beach without having to travel to the beach each day. The neighbors were all very welcoming to our family and pups. We will definitely visit again if it is still available.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect low key vacay!
This place was perfect for a quiet, low key, relaxing vacation. We loved the water being so close & not too deep. The house could use some updates but overall it was comfy & worked for us. The owners were fabulous to work with! Kelly handled every issue we ran into quickly & graciously!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

maly c., Land O Lakes, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and relaxing
Easy check-in process. The property was nice and access to the beach was steps out the back door and super convenient. There were plenty of beds and bedrooms to accommodate our family of 4. Both kids got their own bedrooms so that was a plus. The bathrooms were clean and we had plenty of towels for everyone to use. The kitchen had all the kitchenware that We needed to prepare our meals which made it more budget friendly. The balconies on both the main floor and the master bedroom provided us with a great view of the beach and water. My 2 complaints are that we had trouble accessing the laundry room. The key was tricky and we tried to communicate our issue with the owners/managers via VRBO email and sent a text via the number provided but never received a response. Also, the beach could use some clean up/ maintenance. The tree roots could use some trimming down so that they aren’t sticking straight out of the sand. Overall, it was an amazing stay and we would definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

james b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Windwood House
Very nice house. Located right on water. Private beach.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

spring D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Vacation At the Bay
This property had everything. Close to the water. Close drive to small town. Beautiful views. Lots of bird and dolphin watching. I would return again to this house. Property owner reply is prompt. Outdoor setting has great lighting.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fishing 21
This property was amazing, we enjoyed it for the setting. Have coffee on the porches in morning and watch the sunrise, then watch dolphins in the bay throughout the day. Boat ramp is two minutes at best from house and during high tide bring boat directly to the house. We enjoyed and will book again
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Autumn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carrabelle 2021
Loved the home. Loved the area. Pretty remote little town, not much to do other than beach, swim, or dine. Which was exactly what we were looking for. We'll definitely be back.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

M M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing!
Wonderful home right on the water with everything you could need!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R., Tallahassee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home
Beautiful home, great fishing, relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 33 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Great host and hostess
Stayed 30 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Fran R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carrabelle
right on the water. Just great. Clean and inviting.

8/10 Good

Virginia N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Beautiful View
House was clean and location was easy to find. Peaceful quiet community. House sits right on small beach area. Water is dark but didn’t keep us from swimming and fishing. House right on highway but wasn’t too noisy. It would be nice to have dock and fish cleaning area. Enjoyed our stay at Windwood. Owners were always helpful and responsed quickly.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Cindy S., Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Great Location and views
Great location and views! The only two negatives about this property is the owner does not respond to messages and the road noise from 98 is rather loud at night and early morning.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Midge C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice and quiet
Off the beaten path - which is what we were looking for! Enjoyed the calm of the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Megan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Coronacation 2020
This house was a great place to stay under atypical circumstances. The family was able to play on the beach, swim, and fish without having to venture far. The property owners kindly provides many beach items. There are lots of outdoor activities to do close by if you want to get out and adventure. We would like to visit again when the world is back to normal.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

About the host

Hosted by Kelly Gilbert & Linwood Gilbert

Host profile image
Kelly Gilbert and her father Linwood Gilbert, both of St. Petersburg, Florida, own and rent out this family vacation house. Our family has been vacationing in the Florida panhandle since the 1970s and we love the area. Linwood built this house with his mother in the late 1980s and we've recently updated the property. We love the area and are happy to share this wonderful home with such lovely guests.

Why they chose this property

Our family fell in love with Florida's Forgotten Coast in the 1970s. We started with a cool old house on Carrabelle Beach, but unfortunately the property burned down and the beach has all but disappeared. In fact it is hard to even find that property anymore since the hurricanes washed out the roadway, leaving very little behind. Next we had a cute cottage in the same area, tucked into a wooded lot off Highway 98. The family was ready to build a house and decided Lanark Village near a small marina was the perfect spot. Close to the grocery store but still feels out of the city. Plus the easy access of being right on Highway 98 and the beach right behind the house made it a perfect fit.

What makes this property unique

There's something about waking up to the sun coming up across the Gulf. Having a cup of coffee on the balcony, walking on the beach and watching the birds hunt for fish. The serenity recharges you.

Languages:

English