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Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy

Photo gallery for Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy

"Front" of the home facing south featuring the covered balcony living space.
A tropical oasis
The entry breezeway. Welcome!
Downstairs bedroom/bath and laundry room entrance
Front breezeway & sitting area. BIG outdoor shower @ left. Bdrm/laundry @ right

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 588.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
St George Island, FL
  • St. George Island Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • St George Lighthouse
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • St. George Lighthouse
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy

818 W. Pine Ave., St. George Island, FL

Truly an 'Island Secret'! Very 'BEACHY' & fun 950sf coastal cottage! Only 4 rows of homes between you and the beach! A short walk to the beach boardwalk located only a football field and a half away, (150 yards), at the end of 8th Street! Enjoy the lush & knarled coastal oaks on our 2nd floor covered porch or screened porch! When we have 10-15 knot winds from the south you'll enjoy listening to the ocean waves. Complete privacy from neighbors!

Our fully stocked kitchen offers stylish quartz solid-surface counters, under mount sink and white bead board cabinets!

The kitchen, dining, and comfortable living areas are all open to each other and overlook the deck & island vegetation.

Each room in the house is a fun coastal color! You're at the beach on an island and on vacation! Bead board ceilings too for that cottage feel! Two bedrooms and one bath are upstairs along with one bedroom and one bath conveniently located downstairs on the ground floor with a separate entrance. Perfect for two couples wanting a bit of privacy or adult children! There is a laundry room with a washer and dryer located downstairs too!

You have a extra large private hot/cold outdoor shower, park style charcoal grill and a large swivel charcoal grill, along with a fish cleaning sink & table located downstairs. The property entry at the street offers a 16' wide gate and a fully fenced yard! Yes, we love your 4-legged children and are pet friendly! You'll love the securely fenced & gated property for your dogs!

A short walk away is Regatta Park! This is a bay front park that offers parking, covered picnic tables, park style grills, a white sandy beach nestled on a cove, and a kayak launch site!

For a 3 minute drone video of our house, go to YouTube and type in: Island Secret, St. George Island

Follow our island and area on our FACEBOOK page! Type in "Our Little Secret on St. George Island".

Glenn & Lawson Smith would be honored to have you as guests at our 'Island Secret'! Please email Glenn through VRBO for further questions or to arrange your wonderful vacation on an island paradise!

Sorry no group gatherings allowed, even for day use, beyond the maximum occupancy of 5 people. Absolutely no occupancy beyond 5 people total, which includes children and infants.

Our other VRBO listing located near St. George Island is 60 minutes N.E. at beautiful Lake Talquin, VRBO 765447.


NOTE:
3 night minimum stay requirement except during the peak summer season when we have a 7 NIGHT MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENT. Summer season: 7 night minimum stay with Saturday to Saturday rentals.

Sorry, we do not offer a monthly rate.

If you bring your dog, unlike most vacation rental homes, we DO NOT charge you extra for your 4-legged children, and we DO NOT charge you a pet security deposit. IN EXCHANGE, we simply ask that they'd be well behaved & trained, supervised at all times, current on flea/tick meds, non-scratchers on doors/windows/furniture, to keep them off the new Lovesac couch, (or bring blankets for the couch), & off beds, keep off the fence, avoid digging in the yard and that you'd pick up after them in the yard & tidy up. Due to the fact that your pet is not familiar with his/her surroundings at the house, PLEASE bring a kennel in case you plan to leave him/her alone so that your dog does not scratch our doors, door frame and sliding glass doors.

*We cater to family groups and cannot accept reservations for vacationing students or house parties. We do not rent to students or to groups under 25, even if one or more parents or legally responsible adults accompany them.

Cleaning/linens/bath towels fee is $150.00

In the event that you need to cancel, we provide a full refund 60 days or more prior to arrival. Within 60 days there is no refund. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended because you never know what unexpected life event or weather event can occur.


Up to a $300 damage option will be automatically charged to your credit card within 14 days of check out if any damage occurs.

Property manager

Glenn and Lawson Smith
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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
We welcome well behaved children
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well trained and behaved pets welcome. See policy
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside or outside near open door/window

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

About the area

St. George Island

Located in St. George Island, this cottage is near the beach. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Orman House Historic State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Downtown Books & Purl and Apalachicola Chocalate Company. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
St George Island, FL

What's nearby

  • St. George Island Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • St George Lighthouse - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • St. George Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • St. George Island Fishing Pier - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Pelican Reef - 16 min drive - 11.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Family Coastal Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Beach Pit - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Paddy's Raw Bar - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Adorable cottage! Fun, colorful, gated, fenced, meticulously maintained. Privacy located?

Situated near the beach, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of St. George Island Beach and St George Lighthouse. St. George Lighthouse and St. George Island Visitor Center are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

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. 235 out of 249 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 249 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 249 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 249 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 249 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rayburn B.

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

Island secret

Enjoyed our stay very much
Stayed 15 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy K.

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

Perfect fit for our needs

We had a lovely time here! The location was great, we enjoyed the walk to the beach each day. The property was very comfortable for the two of us and our dogs. We look forward to our next stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

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

Cozy and comfortable

Nice little tucked away gem! Close to everything but private. Enjoyed it so much, staying there again in October
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shaw S.

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

Annual winter stay on SGI

This was our second time staying at Island Secret and it will not be out last. We enjoy everything about this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Walter Y.

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

Sweet Little Hideaway

If your looking for a secluded little beachy home in the trees this for you. It was a easy walk to the beach . The kitchen was very well stocked. Just big enough for the 2 of us and a dog! Quiet, except for the sounds of the waves at the beach!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jan P.

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

Lovin’ Island Secret!

Great stay. Everything was as described. Well stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, great yard for our dogs.Communication with owners was prompt and helpful.Will stay again!
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

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

Our Perfect Island Escape

This was our second stay at Island Secret, and it won’t be our last! We first visited for a week in February last year and loved it so much that we returned for two weeks this time. The privacy of this charming cottage, nestled in a treehouse-like setting just a few blocks from the beach, is truly special.One of the biggest draws for us was the fully fenced yard, which made it easy to relax and enjoy our time with our two dogs. The soothing sounds of the ocean combined with the beautiful collection of wind chimes placed by the hosts created a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Inside, the kitchen is impressively well-stocked with everything you could need—pots, pans, utensils, dishware, and even a variety of spices for cooking up a great meal.We had a wonderful time – thank you!
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd B.

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

Sgi

Nice very private. Very comfortable
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber L.

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

Christmas getaway

This house is perfectly stocked for all of your needs! It’s decorated cute as a button and makes you feel right at home. We absolutely love it!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Suzanne B.

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

Xmas 2024

Enjoyed overall
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walt F.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Loved our stay. Excellent location on the island. Enjoyed the property with all its different places to relax. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Bryan V.

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

?

Calm and peaceful. Loved the grounds and being in the trees.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deric P.

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

Great Time

Will book again
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori H.

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

Fabulous second stay!

This is our second stay at this property, and we loved it just as much this time! We enjoyed having coffeee out on the balcony, hanging out inside and cooking dinner and breakfast, and walking down to enjoy the beach. We love St. George Island and Apalachicola and already can’t wait to return! The property is perfect, quiet, and exactly as described. Be sure to check out the outdoor shower as it’s fabulous when it’s not too cold out!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

debra t.

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

Key West Vibe

This cottage has easily become our happy place. Private but easy walk to beach. Local nature right outside your door. We loved it and will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elise P.

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

Treehouse vibes

This property was really neat, convenient to public beach access and island amenities. The yard is fenced in, but if you have a smaller dog who likes adventures, there are a few places in the perimeter big enough to escape. The balcony is gated though, so that was a nice place to sit outside with the dogs. Owners were very communicative. We did not need to reach out during the stay, but they were very helpful during the booking process.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana H.

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

Another amazing stay

Another amazing stay at Island Secret! The cottage is perfect for our annual beach trip. Cozy, clean and just what we needed for our stay at the beach. We look forward to be back next year!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lillian H.

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

Great place. Great location.

We arrived a few days after hurricane Helene so the driveway was a little flooded and the water didn't go down while we were there. It was to walk anywhere, had to get in the truck and drive to the end of the driveway
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pam W.

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

Awesome experience

The yard was fabulous! Home had everything we needed. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tonya M.

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

Loved it

Stayed 7 nights close to the beach and very close to bayside too and close too shopping and restaurants we loved it
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janna D.

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

Perfect Little Cottage

We love bringing our family and our 2 dogs to this private little cottage. This is our 2nd time to stay, and we will definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh D.

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

Comfort and Privacy with Easy Beach Access

We just returned from a wonderful week on St. George Island, and Island Secret was the perfect rental for our family. It provided the ideal mix of comfort, privacy, and easy access to the beach. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well stocked, and the deck was our favorite hangout away from the beach. You will not be disappointed when staying at Island Secret.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura Schultz S.

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

St George Island

My daughter and I stayed one week at the cottage, and loved it. Everything was well-kept, and located in a quiet area yet close to everything. Thank you!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

miki b.

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

Enjoy the Forgotten Coast

We really enjoyed our stay in the cottage. It was great to be secluded in the woods, yet just down the road from the beach. We loved the outdoor shower, rinsing off our puppy was so convenient The cottage was equipped with everything we needed. We look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee C.

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

Beach treehouse escape

Loved the way this property was nestled in the trees. It felt like we were vacationing in a treehouse just a short walk from the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Glenn and Lawson Smith

Host profile image
Island Greetings, Friends! We both grew up around Tallahassee where we still live today and started enjoying nearby St. George Island as kids since the '60's. My wife has fond memories of the island while visiting her family's beach house on East Gorrie. Oh my, have things changed! Fortunately, with 16 of the island's 27 miles preserved along with low density zoning & height restrictions, our island will remain pristine.

I have treasured memories during Middle School in the mid-70's of a buddy & I camping for a week at a time on the beach at the end of the island, without a tent, miles from the nearest house, long before the state park existed.

Our first experience of building on the island was in 2004 when we custom built our dream home, a large 4 story beachy home with all the resort amenities imaginable. We later sold the home and desired to create a cozy island vacation experience that is perfect for a small family or couples that want an affordable get-a-way. The 2nd time around is the best, 'Island Secret'!

Lawson is a 4th generation FSU graduate and lifelong teacher while Glenn enjoyed hospitality in a long airline & travel agency career. Both careers allowed us to serve others & to understand peoples needs.

Our family of 7, (plus spouses and grandchildren), enjoy boating around the area, shelling, and spending time together on an island that they also grew up on!

We'd love for you to create memories too & experience St. George Island in a laid back setting and a relaxed island atmosphere.

Thank You for viewing our page! We hope that you'll be our guest at Island Secret!

Glenn & Lawson Smith

Why they chose this property

We purchased this property as we love beach cottages! Not everyone wants to spend a small fortune for a short vacation. Why pay more?! Whether you're a couple, two couples, or a small family, you'll find everything you need at Island Secret in a fun and beachy surrounding!

What makes this property unique

Our family fell in love with this property because of it's privacy among native island vegetation and still being so close to the beach where you can enjoy the sounds of the waves. You can have family-or-friends time on the deck without seeing a neighboring house.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests