Location: Homes, Single Family, Gulf Shores West, Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA (3.7 Miles from Hwy 59 on West Beach Blvd, Beach & Lagoon) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 8-11)
Keywords: house, beach view, pool
The Southern Cross. It may not get any better than this! Seriously! What are you looking for in your vacation home? Play time on the beach? Okay, that would be less than 100 yards from the front door by way of your deeded boardwalk beach access. Fishing in Little Lagoon? Okay, that is only 50 yards out the back door. Swimming? Try the pool to the back of the house. Quiet, peaceful relaxation? Try awakening in your bed to a view of the gulf, or sitting in your living room looking out on the gulf, or hearing the waves crash at night from one of your decks with total unobstructed views of the gulf. This house has it all! Located 3.7 miles from the intersection of Hwy 59 on West Beach Blvd, you are close to the great restaurants and shopping but yet in a very quiet part of Gulf Shores.
This house has great unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico out the front door. It also has great views of Little Lagoon out the back door where you can fish (spotted trout, red fish, flounder, stingrays and many other fish all call the lagoon home) and crab day and night. Of course, you can clean your fish at the fish cleaning station at the pier, which goes out into the lagoon. Have your own boat? Launch it using our boat ramp. The kids will also enjoy the shared swimming pool. This is NOT a duplex ... this is your own house. Very hard to find a 3 bedroom, 3 bath house with unobstructed gulf views, lagoon fishing, swimming pool and in a quiet area!
This home features 3 bedrooms, all with queen size beds plus bunk beds in the downstairs bedroom. There are also 3 full baths. Two bedrooms and two baths are upstairs and both have incredible views of the gulf and open onto a large deck. These bedrooms also have sitting areas. The third bedroom and bath is downstairs and looks out onto the lagoon and also opens onto a deck. There are tables and chairs on all of the decks. Also on the first floor are a kitchen, eating area, living room, and laundry room. Sliding doors take you from the living room onto a first floor deck overlooking the gulf. The living room has ample sitting options, plus both a queen sleeper sofa and twin sleeper loveseat. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you will need. Eating options include a decorative table and chairs with a great gulf view or pull a stool up to the bar separating the kitchen and living room. There is a 37" high definition TV in the living room and 26" high definition TVs in each bedroom. Plus, there are 3 DVD players and an X-Box with game for the kids. Speaking of games, there are lots of games, books, puzzles and toys for everyone to enjoy. Finally, don't worry about your vehicle since you can park up to three vehicles under the house.
What else can we tell you? Did we mention the full size washer and dryer in a separate downstairs room? Or that the living room and master bedrooms have sliding glass doors onto decks overlooking the gulf? Or that this is a very quiet location where you can really relax? Or that the house has a colorful beach decor? Or that you can sleep as many as 11 in the home? Come see for yourself. As the song says "when you see the Southern Cross for the first time, you understand now why you came this way."
Is The Southern Cross booked the week you need it? We have 3 other properties. If you have kids then check out Fun In The Sun, vrbo number 332813. This is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse on West Beach Blvd less than 50 yards from The Southern Cross. This unit sits right on Little Lagoon and is perfect for those with small kids wanting to play in the water! If you want to be right on the gulf then look at A Whale Of A View, vrbo number 398689. This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo (5D) at The Whaler on East Beach Blvd. This unit may have the best gulf views of any unit in all of Gulf Shores with gulf views from every room in the house! If you have a big family reunion, go to Sweet Dreams, vrbo number 291114. This is a very large house with 8 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a very large, private pool on West Beach Blvd.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer : Full size in separate room Iron and ironing board
- Dryer : Full size in separate room
- Covered Parking : Parking under house for three vehicles.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Boat and/or trailer would have to be parked under the house. Also boat ramp into Little Lagoon.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : Queen bed in each of the bedrooms. Each bedroom has a private full bathroom.
- Bunk Bed : Downstairs bedroom has a queen bed and bunk beds with a private full bathroom.
- Convertible Bed : Living room has both a queen sofa sleeper and a twin loveseat sleeper.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Dish Network with Classic Gold 250 package. 37" flat screen high definition TV in living room. 26" flat screen high definition TVs in each bedroom.
- DVD
- Video Library : DVD players in living room and all three bedrooms. Nice selection of movies provided.
- Video Game Console : X-Box with games attached to TV in downstairs bedroom.
- Video Games
- CD Player
- Shared Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Kitchen is equipped with everything needed including a toaster oven, coffee maker, and waffle maker.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Everything necessary for preparing a meal can be found in the kitchen.
- Refrigerator : Ice maker and water dispenser in door.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Downstairs deck from living room and upstairs deck from two master bedrooms overlook gulf on the front of the house. Deck from the bedroom downstairs overlooks the lagoon on the back of the house.
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Beach View : Across street from beach but no houses across street to block view! Plus deeded boardwalk beach access directly in front of house.
- Lake View : Little Lagoon is behind the house. Fishing pier extends into the lagoon. Also has a boat ramp into the lagoon.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : Wireless high speed internet available throughout the house and on the decks.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : In addition to the beach, pier, swimming pool and decks, this house includes 4 tvs, 3 DVD players, an X-Box system, and lots of games and toys for everyone to play.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Minimum age for renters is 25.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking is NOT allowed in the unit.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Hiking
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
October 29 - February 25 ... Winter ... $1,000/week or $1,700/month
February 25 - May 12 ... Spring ... $1,500/week
May 12 - August 18 ... Summer ... $1,950/week
August 18 - October 27 ... Fall ... $1,325/week
Rates on Holidays / Special Events are 25% higher.
Prices do not include $135 cleaning fee and 11% Alabama tax.
Minimum of 25% security deposit required. No renters under 25.
Saturday - Saturday Rentals. Nightly rates may be available in off-season.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Great Beach View, Fishing on Little Lagoon, & Swimming Pool!
Year Purchased: 2009
The Unique Benefits at this House
We feel that The Southern Cross (we know, you can't see it from here!) is the perfect vacation home. Here is a typical day for us at our home ... see if this works for you. First, I tend to be up at sunrise while my wife likes to sleep in. I walk less than 50 yards out the back door of the house to the pier on Little Lagoon. There I fish and enjoy watching both the sunrise over the water and the wildlife. Feeding the bait fish to the herons who stand patiently behind you as you fish is always fun. When my wife awakes, she walks across the street on the deeded beach access to enjoy a morning dip in the gulf and catch some rays. Later, we meet back at the house to have lunch while sitting on one of the three decks (two facing the beach, one facing the lagoon) all of which have great water views. After lunch, we head to the pool at the back of the house for some swimming and relaxation. That evening, we leave the peace and quiet at our house and drive 3 miles into Gulf Shores to have seafood at any of the great restaurants or do a little shopping. Returning home, we take a moonlite walk on the beach looking for sea turtles and go to the lagoon to set the fishing poles out for the night in case a fish decides to have a midnight snack. We then sit on the deck and listen to the waves crash on the shore. Talk about peaceful! To finish the day, we watch a favorite TV show or a DVD on the 37" HD TV in the living room or on the 26" HD TV in our bedroom. Sound like a perfect day? It is to us too!!! And should the kids join us? Well, in addition to the fishing, swimming and playing on the beach and in the gulf, they can relax in their private rooms, each with TVs, one with DVD player and X-box, or play some of the games we have in the house for everyone to use. Oh, and if you just have to get on your computer to check email or that dreaded facebook account, then you can use the wireless high speed connection anywhere in the house or on the decks.
Owner's Map of Homes, Single Family
We are Mark and Janet Binkley from Starkville, MS. Janet works at Mississippi State University and I am retired from MSU and own a consignment store in Starkville. We are looking forward to an early retirement in a few years and moving to Gulf Shores. We have a son who is a senior in college and a daughter who is a sophomore in college. With the kids "normally" out of the house, we discovered that we enjoy being at the beach. After looking at literally hundreds of homes along the coasts of Alabama and Florida, we decided on this home in Gulf Shores. To us, it is the perfect spot, complete with the beach and gulf, fishing in the lagoon, shopping and great restaurants, and all in a quiet location. We would love for you to visit our home and have a great vacation!
Mark & Janet Binkley
Starkville, MS
Property Photos
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- Front of house with two decks overlooking Gulf and beach - Gulf Shores, Alabama - Beach Vacation House with Pool near the Lagoon
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- Back of house with deck overlooking Little Lagoon - Gulf Shores, Alabama - Beach Vacation House with Pool near the Lagoon
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- View of the beach and Gulf in front of the house - Gulf Shores, Alabama - Beach Vacation House with Pool near the Lagoon
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- Swimming pool for the kids!
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- Pier extending into Little Lagoon
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- Catch the fish, feed the Heron!
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- Living room with lots of seating
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- View of beach and gulf from the loveseat in the living room!
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- View of the beach and gulf from one of the two decks facing the beach
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- Fully equipped kitchen with counter and stools
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- Eating area with view of beach and gulf
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- 1st master bedroom on 2nd floor
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- Sliding doors onto 2nd floor deck from master bedroom
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- 2nd master bedroom on 2nd floor
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- Door to deck in 2nd master bedroom with view of gulf and beach
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- Kid's bedroom downstairs with queen bed and bunkbeds
Traveler Reviews (21)
Great place on the beach
Guest: Leah
(Sharon, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 01/10/12
We were pleased to see the house was exactly as described. We stayed there with our 16-month-old daughter, her aunt, and her grandparents, and there was plenty of room for everyone. We rented or brought baby safety items (cabinet locks, baby gate, travel crib, hi-chair) and easily childproofed the house. Location is wonderful for families, away from the busy strip down the street, but a quick drive for shopping or a bite to eat. We loved watching sunrise on the beach, and sunset from the pier on the lagoon. Plenty of wildlife to watch, everywhere. The wading pool down by the lagoon pass was perfect for our daughter to wade in, and she enjoyed watching the crabs and other ocean life pass by there. Mark was great to work with and was very accommodating when Hurricane Irene extended our stay a few days. If (when) we visit the gulf again, we will definitely stay here -- great house!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Celebrating a 1st birthday!!!
Guest: Matt and Judy
(Louisville, Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11
Review Submitted: 11/10/11
We were delighted to celebrate our youngest child's 1st birthday at this beautiful home in Gulf Shores! It was our first family vacation with our 2 children and the house did not disappoint - it was everything and more that was presented online. We could literally see the dolphins from the front deck! The owner continued to keep in touch with us and was extremely professional and prompt with his answers to our questions. The location of the home is outstanding and the views are awe-inspiring. We stayed in late October (off-season), but we found plenty to do for our 4 year old and for us. Our 4 year old adored the gulf and we loved that this section of the beach was so sparsely populated. We also met a few neighbors that were extremely kind and courteous. It was short drive to wonderful restaurants and attractions, yet located far enough away for privacy and quiet evenings. We would highly recommend this rental home and plan on using it again in the near future for our second family vacation!!!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Best of Times
Guest: Smitty
(Starkville, MS)
Date of Stay: 10/02/11
Review Submitted: 10/10/11
Southern Cross was found to be exactly as described on vrbo, we could not have had better accommodations, amenties, neighbors, and fun any where in the world. Loved the blue heron who appeared each time a fish was landed from the pier. We fed him and he returned nightly. Crabbing was so easy just off the pier out back. Short walk to beach which we enjoyed twice a day for our entire stay. The view from the balconies was wonderfu, made so many friends who were also staying at Hero landing. Southern Cross was just the best of the best from every aspect. We look forward to returning there to once again renew our attitudes and outlooks. Thanks for a wonderful time!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Wonderful Family Vacation
Guest: Happy Grandparents
(Tyler, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11
Review Submitted: 08/25/11
Our two daughters, their husbands and the grandkids joined us for a week at this beautiful home. There was plenty room for all three families! It felt like a home away from home. We were pleased and pleasantly surprised that it was EXACTLY as described and extremely clean. It had everything we needed! And was so close to the gulf. We loved it and will be back!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Wow! What a week!
Guest: Leslie
(Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 06/25/11
We rented the house as three generations of a family. This house was comfortable for all ages. Everything you could think of needing was at hand. The beds were comfortable and the bedrooms were spacious. Plenty of comfortable seating ws available, both inside and out. We ordered cooked seafood from the store by Waves and had a feast out on the deck, listening to the ocean and enjoying the cool ocean breeze. Entertainment is nearby, while the neighborhood is quiet and family friendly. Someone even fixed the tangled fishing line on my son's pole he left out on the fishing pier overnight. I hated to leave, but definitely plan on returning soon! Thanks, Binkleys!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Very enjoyable family vacation
Guest: happy in gulf shores
(Southwest USA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11
Review Submitted: 05/15/11
We enjoyed the Southern Cross with all its amenities. The location to the beach and inlet to the lagoon was ideal for our small children. We had plenty of space with 5 kids and three adults. I would highly recommend this property for family vacations, and travel to the Gulf Shores in April was perfect timing. We hope to get back for fishing and crabbing sometime soon.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Best vacation ever!!
Guest: Hannah
(Dayton, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 05/07/11
Review Submitted: 05/13/11
We are leaving tomorrow, and I can't express how sad everyone in my family is! This has been the best week ANY of us have ever experienced. Granted, the presence of family has made it what it is, but this house was the PERFECT place to spend this amazing week and definitely contributed to our amazing time! From the moment we stepped foot in the house, we were pleased. The rooms are spacious and well kept, the furniture is comfortable and clean. There were eight adults, one child, and one infant in our family and there was more than enough room for everyone. Everything about the house welcomes you... and it is easy to feel at home here. We truly truly are going to miss this place... *frowns* In addition to the interior of the house, the location is beyond amazing. The very short walk to the beach made it extremely easy for our family to go to the beach and make a quick trip back the house if needed (with a baby in the mix, this happened rather frequently). The view from the deck is wonderful. The house is far enough away from the main part of town that you can enjoy the sound of the ocean at night and not be bothered with all the city lights, but close enough that if you want to do a little shopping, you don't have to drive much more than 5-10 minutes. There is a basket full of brochures in the living room that gave us ideas of great places to go if we wanted to do some new things (renting boats, jetskis, etc) and a book of restaurant reviews so that you kind of know where to go to eat some good food! Would definitely recommend this house to any and everyone!!! Can't wait to come back!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Lu & Mike (Wisconsin)
Guest: Luann
(Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11
Review Submitted: 05/04/11
Great description of the house on VRBO. Everything we expected. The only thing we were concerned about was the road in the pictures and the traffic noise. NOT a concern once we got there. Barely any traffic since the condo area ended prior to the house-- so private home traffic only occurred (which was minimal) and lots of walkers. Great "ocean view" without paying ocean view prices. Easy access to the ocean. Just a walk across the rarely used road. Far enough from the bustle of "downtown" Gulf Shores for a peaceful retreat but still close enough to enjoy it when the mood struck. Mark gave great suggestions for restaurants and activities. The house also has a book of restaurant experiences from past guests. Beds and bedrooms were comfortable and our 2 families had our own space when needed. Hope to return in the future and will definitely look @ this house first.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Escape From Wisconsin
Guest: Maria
(Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11
Review Submitted: 04/04/11
Just returned from a wonderful week in Gulf Shores. The property was perfectly located to help our family enjoy a relaxing week in the sun. The house was well equipped, in a quiet area. The access to the beach, lagoon and pool were awesome. The kids spent so much time in the water that I think they grew scales. We enjoyed body surfing in the ocean, fishing in the lagoon, walking on the beach, collecting shells and even riding our bikes. It was awesome to find that there was a bike lane for us to use on the main road. Terrific restraunts near by - our diet consisted of shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. We can't find good seafood in Wisconsin. Hope to make it back some day. Thanks for the use of your home.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Paradise
Guest: Courtney
(Fort Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11
Review Submitted: 03/22/11
This house was wonderful. First of all the view was wonderful. In the front of the house there is not a house in front of you to block the ocean. The group of people I was with loved sitting on the deck and hearing the calm waves crash down. The lagoon was very popular as well! It was just a 30 second walk from the door and it was breath taking. The house was very clean and it had everything one could ask for: games, cleaning supplies, towels, dish soap as well as many appliances. There are a lot of beds to sleep on as well including pull out beds. It comfortably slept 11 of us. It was such a wonderful experience and hopefully I will be able to stay here again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #257393
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