Emili's Historic Lighthouse Keepers Cottage [#180046] | View Property
St. Augustine
Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Sunroom, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
$150/nt US Dollars
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Traveler Reviews (13)
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Quiet and Beautiful Cottage
Quiet and Beautiful Cottage
- Guest Regina and Susan
- Date of stay 10/08/12
- Review Submitted 10/13/12
My sister and I stayed here three days for a "girls' vacation." The location was wonderful, and the cottage had everything that you could need: plenty of towels, extra blankets, and all kitchen appliances that you would need to do all your cooking at home. But why would you want to cook at home when there are so many fantastic restaurants so nearby. We arrived late our first night, so decided to take advantage of the Gypsy Cab Company on the corner. The food was good, but more important, the wait staff was friendly and helpful in making plans for our St. Augustine and Anastasia Island stay. The lighthouse pass included with the cottage was a wonderful amenity. My sister climbed to the top of the lighthouse. From the photos she took, I would say that the trip up the 14 stories was worth the view. Unfortunately, I'm terrified of heights, so I simply enjoyed the grounds and museum. Each night, as we arrived home, the lighthouse welcomed us through the trees. We chose to drive to the swimming beach (although it could make a nice, longish morning walk or easy bike ride). During our stay, the beach at Anastasia State Park was closed to swimmers as the beach was being maintained (althought the water sports area was still open). So we just drove south along the beach to catch another public beach. If you have not planned what you wanted to do in the Ancient City, Emili has left a large supply of flyers to help you plan. From the cottage, you will spend no more than 15 minutes driving to the heart of the city via the Bridge of Lions. It is only a few minutes more south on A1A to get to the Route 312 bridge. This bridge came in handy during our stay, as they were working on the Bridge of Lions at night. If you visit during the summer, when Parking is at a premium in the city, with some advanced planning, you could arrange to ride one of the Trolley Tours into the city. With a short walk down A1A or to the lighthouse, you could leave your car behind most of the trip. Stops depend on which Trolley tour you use, so just check them out. Be aware, there is no phone and the only clock was on the stove, so bring your cell and use it for an alarm if you need one. If you don't, enjoy the freedom! I will definitely consider this cottage again if I plan another St. Augustine trip in the future. Thanks Emili and Jill! (P.S.: Beautiful family photo!)Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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So adorable and comfortable
So adorable and comfortable
- Guest Decatur_Gal
- Date of stay 06/16/12
- Review Submitted 06/20/12
This place is perfect. Clean, quiet, homey. The kitchen it totally set for cooking. Great walking around the neighborhood and the free access to the adorable lighthouse makes you feel ultra special. It was an ideal weekend. Only change I'd make: stay longer next time!!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Cozy Historic Cottage with Charm
Cozy Historic Cottage with Charm
- Guest Brian
- Date of stay 06/06/12
- Review Submitted 06/22/12
We will stay at Emili's Cottage every time we want to get away to St Augustine.If there is a more perfect way to spend a week in St Augustine,I wouldn't believe it! It is private,rustic,historic and set beneath the Lighthouse.The property is a serene piece of Earth.We took our dog on her very first family vaction and she enjoyed it as much as we did.Thank you, Emili and Jill, for THE best weeks stay I can remember.It's not typical for me to return from a vacation feeling that relaxed and refreshed.If you haven't been to experience St Augustine,rent this cottage and enjoy all the history the city has to offer.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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parents of the groom
parents of the groom
- Guest Reenie
- Date of stay 05/17/12
- Review Submitted 05/28/12
Emili, thank you so much for providing us with the perfect back drop for our son's wedding! Everyone that dropped by during the week that we were there was amazed with how unique this cottage was and the lighthouse was an added attraction for many of our out-of-town relatives. The weather cooperated fully as we took in the beaches and beautiful historic St. Augustine. Our stay here was not only memorable but relaxing and comfortable!! Thanks again!!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
- Guest Sara
- Date of stay 04/19/12
- Review Submitted 04/30/12
The house is very secluded. It is within walking distance of the lighthouse, but not within walking distance of the beach. We drove to the state park in order to walk to the beach. The house is clean but the furnishings are showing some wear. The bed linens really need to be replaced. The master bath has been recently updated and has a great shower.Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3
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St Augustine is a great place to visit
St Augustine is a great place to visit
- Guest Cheeseheads
- Date of stay 03/01/11
- Review Submitted 04/16/11
We had great weather, location was good and bad. Hardly any traffic, nice neighbors, but only 1 1/2 blocks from the ocean, but no beaches. Had to drive to find beaches for the us. The nearby state park did not allow dogs on the beach, but it was beautiful beach for humans even though we had to drive to the park. The lighthouse was great. The cottage was vintage and alot of personality, but not especially clean. The one bathroom was newly remodeled and nice. The second bathroom had a claw foot tub, but no shower. The entrance of the cottage does need some work on the pavers and the screens to need to be repaired if you are there in the mosquito season.Great produce markets on Sat & Wed, also Stewart's Market was nice. Many great "birding" sites in the area along with many many great places to eat or just to buy fresh seafood, which we did. St. Augustine is a great place to visit and we will return to the area.Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.
Owner response: Dear Donna, Thank you for taking the time to submit your review addressing your stay at our historic Lighthouse cottage. So glad you enjoyed your visit, and I regret I was unable to grant your request for a return visit next March, due to a previous reservation. Perhaps we can try again for 2013. I will admit I am surprised to receive a three star review from a guest that requested a return visit for a month next winter. As cleanliness is of utmost importance to me, I employ a reputable team so as to present an immaculate environment for my guests. I also employ a system of double checks with my management person after the cleaning has been completed. In view of your comments, my staff and I have taken the time to review the check list we use after the cleaning is complete to ensure that all is pristine and in good working order. We do this when we deliver the complimentary refreshments and snacks for guest arrivals and place the welcome letter and gift passes for the Lighthouse and Museum. Upon completing the review, our findings showed that all of our standards had been met. We are however considering an option to have periodic cleanings available for our long term guests like you, so the cottage will maintain its luster throughout the visit. Our pet friendly policy does require a more constant maintenance of our screens, but we do it. We love animals, and our guests, and therefore do not begrudge this. We did see the damage to the screens when you and your Labradors checked out. They were replaced immediately. I do regret you could not find the beach, it is but a brief scenic able along the Lagoon, and welcomes leashed dogs. I thank you for having taken the time to appreciate the ‘personality’ of our ‘vintage’ abode; it has been fashioned by cruelty free, loving hands. Best Regards, Emili
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/6
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Simply Lovely
Simply Lovely
- Guest Heidi
- Date of stay 12/18/10
- Review Submitted 04/22/11
My husband and I had the privilege of staying at Emili's Lighthouse Keepers Cottage in December of last year. From the moment we pulled under the carport, looked up through the trees and saw the lighthouse, (in our backyard) we knew this place was special. Once we walked in the cottage, we couldn't believe how beautiful it was. It looks really nice on the website...but the pictures really do not capture the special ambiance that this place possesses. It's impeccably clean, well stocked, has every kitchen gadget you can think of and it's very tastefully decorated. In the past when we've stayed at other hotels etc. in St. Augustine we couldn't wait to get out and go to the old town. When we stayed at Emili's we didn't leave the cottage for 2 days!! We were content to walk the quaint neighborhood, light a fire (in the really beautiful wood burning fireplace) and cook our meals on the gourmet stove in the (really cool) kitchen. We stayed for four nights, so we did have the luxury of being able to relax, hang-out and enjoy the cottage. (and still have plenty of time to explore S.A) We brought our dogs and they loved it too...seriously! There's a fenced in area at the cottage that they could sniff around and explore till their heart's content! S.A. is a very dog friendly town in general; as we took them to the old town and they were allowed to dine outside with us at several neat little restaurants. As much as I'd like to keep Emili's a secret...I wanted to let anyone that plans on going to S.A to know...this place is just so lovely and I highly recommend staying there. You won't be disappointed. We've already booked again for December 2011 and hope to make it Christmas tradition. It's truly a special way to get into the holiday spirit. Emili and Jill...keep up the great work and....thanks for sharing this special place with us!! See you in December! :-)Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Dear Heidi, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am thrilled to hear that we have made you and your family comfortable. We will have everything prepared for your return this December. Have a lovely spring and summer. Most Cordially, Emili
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9
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Beautiful Lighthouse Cottage
Beautiful Lighthouse Cottage
- Guest Liz
- Date of stay 08/26/10
- Review Submitted 09/29/10
We stayed here for a very overdue vacation. It was the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. The cottage was so cute and very clean and comfortable. The location was perfect for all our sightseeing and "Pub-Crawling". I recommend this cottage as a place to stay, for 2 or 3 people on vacation. The cottage looked exactly like the photo's on the site. We found it with no problem at night, in a pouring rain. It was always easy to find, we just looked for the lighthouse. We will go back, for sure!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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- Guest David & Amy
- Date of stay 10/28/09
- Review Submitted 10/28/09
We had a great stay over the 4th of July. We loved the Cottage, and are planning to come back next year. The Light House was wonderful to look at threw the trees at night. The cottage was very clean and peaceful.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 10/11/09
- Review Submitted 10/11/09
We had a fantastic time here...it is completely fenced in with a very charming yard...we felt very much at home here and so convenient to everything. The cottage is so quaint and clean. We will definitely return.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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- Guest Kelly and Blair
- Date of stay 07/22/09
- Review Submitted 07/22/09
We stayed in the this cottage in July for a few nights and it was wonderful!The house was adorable and clean. Very peaceful. It was great to walk our little dogs down the block out on the pier- it was beautiful even though it rained most of the time. We didnt get a chance to visit the lighthouse because it was closed for a majority of the trip due to lightning:( We hope to go back soon when we can stay longer.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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- Guest Pete16
- Date of stay 07/18/09
- Review Submitted 07/18/09
My wife and I spent a week at this lovely cottage. We were so happy with the setting and location. The garden is just so relaxing and you can see the Lighthouse lit up at night from there. We went to the beach everyday and had family over in the evenings to barbeque and enjoy the gardens. Everything was great great great!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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- Guest Janet W.
- Date of stay 06/22/09
- Review Submitted 06/22/09
Thank you for providing such a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere for our weekend getaway. Our dogs loved chasing lizards and butterflies in the fenced garden!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3