Excellent vacation home-All amenities, Clean House, Privacy and easy to shop!

Hapi (Cape Cod)
Review submitted: April 10, 2013   Date of arrival: October 30, 2012

My wife and I have been renting this house long term ( 6 months - because we are building a house near here). We have stayed in many vacation rentals over the years, and this house is really one of the very best! First and foremost, we are Right on the ocean beach - that should say enough. The sun even rises right out front. Walk 50 feet to swim in the beautiful ocean! This house has everything you need for amenities, plus added benefits like both front and back porches for added outdoor living and privacy, nice outdoor shower to rinse the sand off, Barbecue grill, built in fire pit, beach chairs, outdoor tables and chairs, and more. Plus your can walk to the supermarket and buy absolutely anything you need. Restaurants also in walking distance. I also love the fact that it takes maybe only 8 minutes to drive to be in beautiful downtown St. Augustine. A fabulous town with so much to do and see. Then, when your done in town, hop in the car, and arrive over the Vilano Beach bridge back into your own piece of Palm trees and Paradise.

The hostess, Pat, is great and very kind. She has been renting for a long time and really knows what it takes to keep her guests happy. The washer broke down one day and she had a guy in to fix it within hours. The house was very clean for us when we arrived. The outside yard is also clean and well taken care of. She also allowed us to bring our two small Shih Tzus dogs, and they also love the house. My last comment is that Pat's weekly rates are very reasonable for such a nice, private, oceanfront property. (We have paid more in the past for Ocean front, and not nearly at all as good as this place.) You will not be disappointed if you book here. I highly recommend this wonderful house, and also this beautiful area of St. Augustine.

Kevin & Paola

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

My First FL. vacation

Melody (Nashville TN)
Review submitted: October 26, 2012   Date of arrival: October 15, 2012

The house was great and I loved the fact that the ocean was only a few hundred feet from the back deck. Waking up at 6:20 am to see the sun rise over the ocean for the first time was a majestic experience. Great for family getaway or a romantic one. I will visit again!!! Thanks for the great time!!!!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Vilano Beach

Li (Park Ridge, IL)
Review submitted: August 22, 2012   Date of arrival: August 14, 2012

Unfortunately, we only had one night to stay in this charming & clean beach front propery. My husband, two daughters & I would have loved to stay longer, but time did not permit on this trip. We would definitely stay here again. Pat is a wonderful host. She took the time to show us around & provide some good restaurant recommendations. The house has all the conveniences if you want to cook your own meals and the washer/dryer is a plus. Highly recommend!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Girl's Week at the Beach

Lala (Jacksonville)
Review submitted: July 17, 2012   Date of arrival: July 7, 2012

This beach house is what you envision a Florida beach house is supposed to be like and better! You have all the comforts of home with a huge patio, grill and fire pit; view of the beautiful beach and night sky stars all around; cable/stereo/kitchen; very nice bathroom; and clean beachy decore. The best is taking showers outside in the awesome private shower! We never used the shower indoors. Now that I am home, I wish I had an outdoor shower. I didn't realize what a difference it makes in one's day to shower outdoors. The beach is right outside the house, a few steps up the path. Water is clear and light greenish blue with lots of fish jumping and dolphins rolling by. It is really nice that Vilano Beach is not a heavily populated beach so you can have your space.

The owner of this beach house is an incredible person. We played music loud, laughed all night and never knew there was someone upstairs, and neither will you! Enjoy your stay, I guarantee you will love it and make it a tradition!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Girls' week at the beach!

Wight (Jacksonville Florida)
Review submitted: July 17, 2012   Date of arrival: July 7, 2012

This was the perfect location for a get-away for our girls' week! The house is so warm and inviting, and the kitchen well stocked for all of us cooks! We will definately be back next year, if not before!!

Recommended for: girls getaway, pet-friendly, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

NICE WEEK IN JUNE.....

The Kruth's (PIttsburgh, PA)
Review submitted: July 4, 2012   Date of arrival: June 16, 2012

Recently (June 16th - 23rd) we had the pleasure of staying at Pat's rental. The location was PERFECT! The beach was right out our back door. The house had everything we needed for our stay. Our two teenage daughters loved the ocean and especially LOVED going horse back with Pat!
Excellent vacation and Pat was a GREAT Host!
The Kruth's
Pittsburgh, PA

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

John

John (Gainesville, FL)
Review submitted: June 21, 2012   Date of arrival: June 7, 2012

Ms. Pat was very hospitable and house was clean. We have rented many beach places; so our review may be more critical. There is NO dishwasher. This was our first time to Villano Beach and will be our last. The beach was too shelly for walking or surfing. We are used to white sandy beaches such as Siesta Key or Destin. Even the beaches down the road (St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach) are not as shelly. We ended up driving our children to St. Augustine Beach during our stay. If you are looking for a quiet get-away and do not mind the harsh beach, then you will enjoy this rental.

Recommended for: pet-friendly

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Lovely Lovely Lovely

Tori (Winter Springs, FL)
Review submitted: May 26, 2012   Date of arrival: May 17, 2012

My boyfriend, two friends, and myself visited this beach house for a long weekend away. This place has everything you need- the beach time and relaxing time itself was enough to keep you busy! St. Augustine was a fun few hour trip, but some of our favorite moments were hanging out in the living room or enjoying the plentiful outdoor seating on the property. The whole setup is beautiful- gardens, sculptures, dunes, and privacy! We had such a great time. Not to mention, having Cash the border collie greet us with a wagging tail was a highlight :)

Thanks for having us Pat!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Relax within steps of the beach

Ginlin (Albuquerque)
Review submitted: April 18, 2012   Date of arrival: April 13, 2012

Great hideaway only a few steps from the beach. Comfortable two bedroom, serviced my husband and I who enteretained my sister in law and her husband and then a day or so with my other sister in law.
Close to everything you want or need in the St Augustine area.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 1

Worth Considering

DAS (OHIO)
Review submitted: April 17, 2012   Date of arrival: April 6, 2012

Nice decor, functional kitchen, helpful host, and right on the beach. But if you like drifting off to sleep to the sound of the ocean, beware that the sliding door in the oceanside master bedroom is nailed shut. Also, a number of the other windows could not be opened, so check out the state of repairs which were under way when we left.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, tourists without a car

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Wonderful Winter GetAway

M & S (Ann Arbor, MI)
Review submitted: April 13, 2012   Date of arrival: January 25, 2012

Great 6 week stay - 1 in January, 5 in March, 2012. Beach house is very clean and comfortable, private and peaceful. Great beach out front door over the dune. Long walks and fishing. Our dog Willow had a blast. Close to St. Augustine action and dining, yet tucked away, quiet and secluded. Landlady is great - cooperative and works hard to have guests comfortable. Weather was super. Vilano Beach is a step back in time - a short few steps away from house - with shopping, dining and people watching. A refreshing break from the St. Augustine crowds. Great spot !!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

VILANO BEACH

BEBE (NORTHERN USA)
Review submitted: March 7, 2012   Date of arrival: February 1, 2012

WONDERFUL STAY....BEAUTIFUL SETTING, GRACIOUS LANDLADY...WILL DEFINITELY RENT AGAIN, AS HOUSE IS SET BACK FROM THE BEACH WITH NO TALL BUILDINGS IN FRONT OR TO THE SIDE OF HOUSE. AREA IS EXTREMELY PRIVATE AND COMFORTABLE. WE ENJOYED OUR STAY TREMENDOUSLY.....OLD ST AUGUSTINE IS A SHORT CAR RIDE AWAY....GREAT RESTAURANTS'-BENITO'S AND KINGFISH GRILL...WE RENTED A MOTORBOAT AND WENT DOWN THE INLAND WATERWAY, AS WELL AS KAYAKED. WE HIKED IN THE CLOSE BY PRESERVE. WOULD RECOMMEND THIS STAY TO ALL.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Time to relax!

MAC (St. Louis)
Review submitted: October 3, 2011   Date of arrival: September 18, 2011

My husband and I traveled to St. Augustine for a much-needed vacation. The property on Vilano Beach was a PERFECT place to rest and rejuvenate. Pat's rental is clean and feels like home, the minute you walk in. She has that wonderful lifeguard chair out on the dunes so you can meet the day drinking a cup of tea and watching the pelicans glide over the ocean. IDEAL!!! The area is quiet but a stone's throw from everything. Pat was gracious and Cash was a love!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Loved it!

Doug (San Jose CA)
Review submitted: September 14, 2011   Date of arrival: August 30, 2011

My girlfriend and I and our Golden Retriever were looking for a beach side getaway on the spur of the moment. All our first choices on VRBO were unavailable to we chose Pat's by attrition. But next time her's will be our first choice! Pat was a wonderfully hospitable and accommodating hostess. The unit was clean, stocked with an ample supply of housewares, and decorated in a cute artistic beachcomber theme. We instantly felt at home.

The location is sublime, just a short walk to a sparsely peopled beach. Our dog had plenty of vacant oceanfront on which to chase sandpipers to her heart's content. We made much enjoyed use of the hot outdoor shower and BBQ on the patio as well.

We tore ourselves away from the grueling task of sunbathing one afternoon for a drive into nearby historic downtown St. Augustine. We perused the Lightener Museum and had lunch in the bottom of what used to be the largest indoor swimming pool in the late 1800's.

The only bad thing about our time at Pat's was that it had to come to an end.

Thanks again Pat! We'll be back...

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Stayed at this property 2 years in a row and loved it !

Kim (Saint Johns, Florida)
Review submitted: August 25, 2011   Date of arrival: August 6, 2011

Beautiful beach just steps away down a sandy path from the house. Outside shower and large patio used often after a day at the beach with our dogs. Inside is clean and well-maintained with soothing tropical colors throughout the unit. Close to downtown St. Augustine with it's many shops and restaurants. Would highly recommend to anyone that needs a quiet, peaceful get-away on a beautiful beach. Would stay at this property again and the owner, Pat is very nice as well as accommodating.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Great Place for Family Reunin

Amy (Florida Keys)
Review submitted: August 20, 2011   Date of arrival: April 7, 2011

Our family stayed at Pat's place during a stay for my nieces wedding. It accommodated our family well and my mother was able to join us. Also relatives came to visit us at the site. We were grateful for the warm and caring atmosphere. Being near the ocean is always a highlight for our family. We wished we could have stayed longer. Thank you Pat.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Great family vacation at Vilano Beach

sarah (Jacksonville)
Review submitted: August 7, 2011   Date of arrival: July 25, 2011

Our family of 4 had a wonderful stay at Pat's place. The beach was beautiful and not too busy. There were tons of dolphins during our stay and we were able to paddleboard right among them! It was easy to come in for a much -needed break mid-day, then head out to the beach in the afternoon for as long as we wanted. The kitchen worked well for our nights of cooking in, and we also enjoyed great dinners out at Cap's and Aunt Kate's - both on the intracoastal.
Downtown St Augustine is only 5 minutes away - very convenient.
Cash (Pat's Austrailian shepherd) was a huge hit with the kids- they still miss him! We plan to stay here again.

Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great house, great location, great owner, great dog!

Tonya G. (LOS ALAMOS, NM)
Review submitted: July 21, 2011   Date of arrival: July 2, 2011

Thanks Pat for a great stay! We are so glad we chose your place for our beach vacation. The house is spacious and oh so close to the beach. We liked that it was the part of the beach that didn't have vehicles. The outdoor, private shower (with warm water!!) is a great feature. We hope to be back very soon.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great place!

Wight (Jacksonville FL)
Review submitted: July 19, 2011   Date of arrival: July 9, 2011

This a lovely cottage with all of the amenities that are needed and MORE. We especially liked the pet-friendly policy and proximity to serv ices. Although close to the public beach access, we found plenty of serenity on the beach. Our hostess was especially accomodating and everything we needed was on site.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, pet-friendly, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Best ever!

Morgan (St. Augustine)
Review submitted: April 26, 2011   Date of arrival: April 15, 2011

This house was wonderful. I rented it out for the weekend because my husband was leaving for the air force and we wanted to spend some time together. We had a little get together with his friends and family on saturday and had a cook out and everything. The house was the perfect setting. It was just enough space! The back outdoor patio was perfect for the cookout! And the lifeguard chair was a perfect touch and the perfect spot to watch the sunrise/set. I highly recommend this house to anyone who wants a home away from home!

Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great Location

Karen (Acworth, GA)
Review submitted: April 17, 2011   Date of arrival: April 3, 2011

The property is accurately portrayed with photos and description. The property is very clean and well maintained. It has everything you could possibly want to make your beach getaway enjoyable. We especially enjoyed the patio and fire pit and my 7 year-old son loved climbing into the lifeguard chair. The proximity to the beach is perfect and it was very conveinient to get in and out of St. Augustine. Over the Ditch is a great place for lunch and is within walking distance. Our family of four along with our German Shpeherd thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We would recommend this property and Patricia and her dog Cash were outstanding hosts!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, pet-friendly, sight seeing

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Patio to pristine dune, 91 paces.

Lee (New York)
Review submitted: April 8, 2011   Date of arrival: March 1, 2011

Part of the joy of our stay were the spacious front and rear extra wide patios with two BBQs and a fire pit, an outdoor shower stall, multiple tables and chairs, mosaic tile benches and chaise lounges throughout.

A cozy hidden garden with palm fronds overarching yet another table and chairs. This is great for morning coffee, afternoon iced tea or quiet evening wine. The tiny lights on spreading branches with hanging baskets and bromeliads gave an Eden feel to the experience.

The interior was light, open and well decorated. Some gentle hints for upgrades are in order here however: a dishwasher and a microwave with a turntable that turns.

But there is full dining area and a kitchen bar as well so there is room for plenty of family to eat in the same room. Best of all the interior fun for me was the sound of gently crashing waves through the night, sounds that still carry in my ears to this day.

We had a fantastic stay! From the front patio, just a 15 minute bike ride over the nearby bridge into St. Augustine proper and all its attractions and restaurants. We'd recommend the restaurants, Casa d' Maya in the heart of town and Amici's a bit farther out. But most of all, "Cap's" just three miles down the road from Pat's rental. Fantastic waterfront spot, great food, fun and scenery. You can eat outside or in. Kids play on the limbs of tiny-hand-smoothed branches of a shore-line tree while mom and dad watch from a table on deck.

Then, just an incredible 91 paces from the rear patio of the rental to the best place I've been in our three month stay in the St. Augustine area, the dune overlooking the beach and sea.

Pat doesn't have one of those banal, wood, dune-walks to the beach; she has a gentle natural path upon which you stroll those 91 steps where you then perch on a chair atop the dune with tea, book, hat and pooch.

There, you do not just arrive at the beach, you are the shore, as much a denizen as its pelicans, porpoise and palms. There, you do not pick up the book too quickly and waste the splendor before you. You must drink it all in first. You must be there. Believe me, you must be fully present and feel the joy.

Obviously we did have a fine stay with Pat. She's an animal lover and plant lover as well. She keeps a very well tended garden and a spotless rental. We'd recommend it to family.

Wow! Sounds like we should be writing for the J. Peterman catalogue. But hey, it's all true and it's all from the heart.

Sincerely,
Lee and Cheryl

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Winter by the Sea

Ed (Vermont)
Review submitted: March 16, 2011   Date of arrival: February 1, 2011

My wife and I are from Vermoint and we stayed for the month of February, 2011. What an outstanding place. The weather was beautiful and we really enjoyed the proximity to the beach. It was a very private location and we enjoyed great times in the evening sitting by the firepit with logs ablaze. Pat (and Cash) were wonderful hosts... always accomodating and never intrusive. The apartment itself was a great space and well equipped.

Very easy in and out to St Augistine downtown and to the restaurants (try Rhetts) and shops. We enjoyed the Farmers Markets and the First Friday Art Walk as well as just exploring the area.

Highly recommended. We'll be back!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Great Getaway

three (Stuart, FL)
Review submitted: December 4, 2010   Date of arrival: November 22, 2010

This house was clean and comfortable with an excellent location. It had everything we needed to make our selves at home. My husband and I took our 3 year old and our dogs for a few days getaway. We loved being steps away from a dog friendly beach and the fire pit out back. Our son loved the bunk beds. Pat (the owner) was very nice and accommodating to our last minute plans. We can't wait to go back.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Fabulous Staycation

Sheryl (St Augustine, FL)
Review submitted: August 2, 2010   Date of arrival: July 24, 2010

We live in the area but wanted a beach vacation & we had a great week here. This rental has everything you need and is clean and spacious. Patricia and Cash are great! The private beach is just steps away and very peaceful. We brought our dog and although she's not a beach bunny, she had fun too. Daisy accompianied us to dinner at Scarlett O'Haras - they brought her water and ice. We enjoyed Caps on the Water, The Reef, Kingfish Grill and Aunt Kates for dinners. We highly recommend Patricia and Cash's place.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 4 / 4

Perfect Get-a-Way

mom23girls (Jacksonville, FL)
Review submitted: July 27, 2010   Date of arrival: July 19, 2010

My husband and I stayed a few days here in celebration of our anniversary and we both couldn't have been more pleased! A week later and we are both still talking about how perfect it was. We just enjoyed everything so much! This is a very charming home inside & out. The owner who lives upstairs is an avid gardner so the surrounding grounds have little garden areas outside that are so pretty and the inside was decorated/furnished in the perfect way to make this home away from home make you feel so comfortable. She provided everything you would need for your stay with the exception of food and clothes. We will be recommending this to our friends/family and plan to return with our daughters for another stay.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Outstanding Vacation Rental A+++++

Brian, Brenda, and Eric (Eclectic, AL/USA)
Review submitted: July 21, 2010   Date of arrival: July 11, 2010

Everything about this rental is OUSTANDING. The duplex is very well furnished and decorated. Everything that you would want or need is available including cooking stuff, grills, chairs, and even beach towels - I would go so far as to say the only thing you will need is the food and drinks you will use while vacationing. The pictures and description does not do this property justice - it was FAR superior to our expectations. The location is perfect and within a few minutes of most everything that is available in the St. Augustine area.

Ms. Patricia and her dog Cash (yes, we consider Cash to be human) are probably some of finest folks we've ever had the pleasure of meeting and to say they are generous would be an understatement. From the moment we arrived till the day we left we felt at welcomed and at home.

When we vacation again in the St. Augustine area - we will ABSOLUTELY stay here again.

Thanks Pat and Cash for being such great hosts, we REALLY enjoyed our stay with you and hope to see you guys again!!!!!!


Sincerely -

Brian, Brenda, and Eric

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 10 / 10

A 4th of July to Remember

Ty & Kim (Warner Robins, GA)
Review submitted: July 20, 2010   Date of arrival: July 3, 2010

We stayed at Patricia’s rental for a week, July 3-10. This was one of our best vacations. Her place is roomy and clean—decorated in a beach theme too. I don’t think you could get any closer to the beach. It’s fully stocked too.
We did a lot of fishing during our stay. We fished on the beach, the Vilano Pier (0.4 miles away), and had a blast on a guided fishing trip with Captain James of Drumman Charters.
The beach never got crowded even during the holiday weekend. We also did some sightseeing in St Augustine; toured Flagler College, the Old Jail, the historic area, and took in a Ghost Tour.
This was not our first visit to St Augustine, been there many times. We ate about half our meals in the rental and the rest out. We had everything needed for meal preparation—it was great!
Patricia is a caring hostess and tries very hard to accommodate her guests. Cash made a great co-host—he is her friendly border collie.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 11 / 11

Cozy Quiet Beach Property

BH (Denver)
Review submitted: July 9, 2010   Date of arrival: June 2, 2010

If you are looking for a smaller and affordable excellent beach location property you can't go wrong here. This is a well kept property with all the amenities. It is steps from a great beach that is very uncrowded and seemingly remote. Pat is a very pleasant, hospitable and integral "landlord".

My son, my girlfriend and I had a wonderful week here and would definitely consider returning as we visit Florida often.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 10 / 10

Great Family Vacation - Very Nice Oceanfront Home

Kim (Saint Johns, Florida)
Review submitted: July 7, 2010   Date of arrival: June 26, 2010

Pat's home and beach access was even nicer than we expected it to be. It was clean and bright, with large rooms and all the comforts of home. The beds and two couches were very comfortable for sleeping or lounging. The front patio was very pretty and the back patio was large enough to have several people for a cookout. The beach was just a walk down a path and it was uncrowded and beautiful. We enjoyed our relaxation so much that we only left to go to eat twice all week. The King Fish Grill and the A1A Ale Works were both restaurants that we would recommend (both nearby). We all had a great time (including our dogs) and would love to stay there again sometime.

Recommended for: age 55+, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 11 / 11

Mom's & Dad's w/ kid's going to Flagler College...LISTEN UP!

OTTIE (PALM HARBOR, FL)
Review submitted: June 23, 2010   Date of arrival: June 18, 2010

I have spent 4 years coming to St. Augustine to visit my son while he was attending Flagler College (he graduated just 2 months ago). Spent many weekends in a hotel room. Never again! I came up to celebrate my sons birthday and was so fortunate to have found this property. It is fantastic! My son and a few of his friends came over on his birthday. They had a great time on the beach.We barbequed corn on the cob in the Weber grill on the back porch & shish-ka-bobs on the gas grill the front porch! Everyone had a wonderful time. They really enjoyed the Lifeguard chair too. The guys threw the ball trying to out wit Cash till the sun went down. Cash was the victor in that game! The accomodations of this property are great. You want for nothing. Pat is a wonderful and gracious Innkeeper. Will definately return, it was like a home away from home. NO MORE HOTELS FOR ME!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 12 / 12

We had an amazing time....

Review submitted: June 21, 2010   Date of arrival: May 2, 2010

Our visit was very relaxing and quiet. It felt like home away from home! We will definitely be back and will tell our friends about this wonderful getaway.

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 4 / 4

Thank you for a wonderful visit

Review submitted: June 21, 2010   Date of arrival: April 22, 2010

We love the house. It was a perfect location right on the beach and just minutes to downtown St Augustine. During our stay we wandered the streets of St Augustine, visited the Lightner Museum and relaxed on the beautiful beach. The Gypsy Cab Company and the St Georges Diner were 2 of our favorite spots to eat. I can't wait to bring my husband and the girls back to see the beach, meet Cash the dog, and ride the horses.

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Great Beach House !!!

Review submitted: June 21, 2010   Date of arrival: June 2, 2010

Loved the beach. We had everything we needed. Would love to come back.

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Great time away at the beach!

Wally (Stockbridge, GA)
Review submitted: June 19, 2010   Date of arrival: June 8, 2010

We loved staying at the beach. What a neat place...it had all we needed. We grilled steaks, and cooked using the fire pit. It was close to St. Augustine, so we were able to get some shopping and dining in. We even took a field trip to see the horses with Pat. Pat was a gracious host and Cash was a great canine host as well! Our 3 kids had a good time away from home in sunny Florida.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 10 / 10

A Special Birthday Get Away!

E. and S. (Gainesville, FL)
Review submitted: June 2, 2010   Date of arrival: May 28, 2010

We enjoyed our quiet get away to your house. St. Augustine is one of our favorite escapes and your well equipped home made this escape relaxing and comfortable. We walked to Benito's Restaurant one night and shared a glass of wine while we waited for a take home pizza and another night we ate dinner there. Your herb and vegetable garden was another added touch. Thanks!

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 13 / 13

What a relaxing Beach House

Doger (New Orleans)
Review submitted: April 26, 2010   Date of arrival: November 14, 2009

The soothing sound of the Atlantic Ocean's waves always in the back ground. The private beach, steps away.The patio's , front and back. The comforts of the home. Peaceful Vilano Beach, down town St Augustine. Bike rides that took in all of it. These are some of the great times that we had staying with Pat at here terrific place.
Sign us up again next year, we'll be back.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 13 / 13

Mom's Getaway

cricket2 (Waycross, GA)
Review submitted: April 26, 2010   Date of arrival: April 20, 2010

My vacation stay at this property was worth every minute there! I enjoyed the view, the property itself was clean and inviting, and the location was great!! It was also very private and quiet! The owner was so helpful in giving directions and recommending restaurants. I will be back very soon to enjoy more delightful days here!!!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 11 / 11

A dreamy place at beach

number6 (Ojai, CA)
Review submitted: April 24, 2010   Date of arrival: December 14, 2009

My husband and I stayed at this fabulous beach home on Vilano Beach last December and had a terrific time. Off the beaten track yet close to every activity in St. Augustine... so much to do when we wanted to play yet private, quiet and cozy when we wanted to veg. We needed to be in Jacksonville a couple times during our stay and it's an easy trek from there (although it was difficult to tear ourselves away from this beach haven). The perfect romantic spot for two. Light, airy, roomy and tasteful interior -- plus a large and very private beachfront patio with fire pit, outdoor shower, and direct access to the beautiful uncrowded beach. Being surfers, we did our morning spot check from the dunes, right after the coffee brewed. Imagine playing in the surf then running right from the sand to a hot shower! Obviously it would easily accommodate a family too, I'm sure kids would have a blast there. The owner Pat is the hostess with the mostess... always ready to provide just what we needed... whether that was household amenities -- or recommendations for fun outings (from horseback riding + kayaking to the best eateries + night spots) -- or simply the great sense of privacy we had there. She's also a true animal lover and quite knowledgeable about critters. Kudos to Pat, she completes this ultimate beach getaway.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 7 / 7

Home Away From Home

Jean M. (St Augustine, Florida)
Review submitted: April 20, 2010   Date of arrival: October 24, 2009

We are friends of Pats and put a business associate up in her rental instead of a typical hotel room. Our associate enjoyed long walks on the beach and a delicious taste of oceanfront living. It also made for perfectly enjoyable evening visiting around good food and good friends.
I would definitely recommend this rental for a slice of wet, salty, heaven mixed in with business trips also.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 8 / 8

Wonderful find!

JudyDaveSam (Asheville, NC)
Review submitted: April 15, 2010   Date of arrival: April 7, 2010

We loved the accommodations that Pat provided.. beautiful ocean front spacious two bedroom duplex with a large bathroom, washer/dryer and fresh water cooler!! The patio outside was great, the restaurant next door was delicious( Toucan Terry's) as was the Italian place just down the road.. We toured St. Augustine and found this location was actually much closer and more convenient than St. Augustine Beach. There was nothing missing, we had tv/dvd for our 8 year old, beach chairs and plenty of room and linens and beautiful gardens outside.. I will definitely come again!! Thank you Pat and pet Cash for us, he is one sweet dog!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 6 / 6

Spring Break 2010

Chris, Jeri, Ariel and Will (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Review submitted: April 3, 2010   Date of arrival: March 27, 2010

Dear Pat and John,
What a wonderful place you have. The hospitality was outstanding, the house was impeccable,the beach was perfect for my shell hounds. Convenient to everything, and there are a lot of things to do. It felt like home away from home. We had a great time and will return.

Thanks again for sharing your home!
Sincerely,
Chris, Jeri, Ariel and Will

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 7 / 7

It felt like home!

OT_Traveler (South Pasadena, CA)
Review submitted: April 2, 2010   Date of arrival: October 18, 2009

So many good things to say about this place that I have to list them!

1. I was able to bring my dog - who loves the beach.
2. This property backs up to the ocean. I was able to look out the kitchen window and see the ocean during high tide, feel the breezes and hear the waves.
3. This property is on Vilano Beach. A fantastic place with very little traffic and very few tourists (MUCH less crowded than St. Augustine Beach).
4. I had everything I wanted/needed - linens, washer and dryer, pot/pans/dishes, DVD player, etc.
5. The back patio has a fire pit!
6. Pat, the owner, went out of her way to make me feel welcomed. She was full of great ideas about what to do and where to eat. She made my stay special and I saw a completely different side to St. Augustine because of her (she has lived there many years).
7. The unit is clean, cozy, and large. It sleeps 2 comfortably and can sleep up to 4. I didn't use the 2nd bedroom when I was there, but I imagine that there would be plenty of room for a family.
8. If you like to run, the Vilano Bridge (very close to the property) will give you a workout. It has a path specifically for bikers and runners.
9. The property is only 2 miles from downtown St. Augustine.
10. Lastly, because the beach is so close, and it's not crowded, I felt as if I had my own private beach.

I had a wonderful, unique and relaxing stay here. I was lucky to stumble across this place - truly a hidden gem!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 5 / 5

I wanted to move in!

OT_Traveler (South Pasadena, CA)
Review submitted: April 2, 2010   Date of arrival: October 18, 2009

I found Pat's rental property online - I had never been to Vilano Beach, let alone St. Augustine. I completely lucked out with this find!! The property itself is part of Pat's home - her entire first floor (completely separate and secluded from her upstairs). It was fully equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay (linens, dishes, pots/pans, tv/dvd, w/d). The rental is spacious, airy, cozy, and clean. There is a large back patio (and fire pit) off of the kitchen and the backyard is the ocean!! I believe the bathroom has been recently remodeled.

The location is perfect - Vilano Beach is quiet and peaceful, and has far fewer tourists than St. Augustine beach (no traffic). The beach is a bit more rustic/natural than other beaches in the area. There is a fantastic little Italian restaurant down the street (5 min walk) that makes delicious pizzas. But, the rental itself is only a mile or two from the shops, restaurants, and bars in downtown/historic St. Augustine.

What really makes this place extra special is Pat. She is so welcoming and full of great ideas about what to do in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas. She is the perfect activity consultant! She went out of her way to make me feel at home - I highly recommend.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 7 / 7

The Ultimate Winter/Summer oceanfront get away...

PLG1 (Hartford, CT)
Review submitted: April 1, 2010   Date of arrival: March 17, 2010

This was the perfect week getting away from the snow in Hartford. Excellent first floor private accommodations.... large oceanfront porch, full kitchen, compfy living space, laundry and beautiful bath. So clean. Easy parking. We spent our days exploring the wonders of St Augustine and then enjoyed the feeling of home in this roomy home. We so enjoyed our morning and afternoon walks on the beach. We will be back for a Summer visit also. Thank you Pat for exceeding our expectations.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 6 / 6