Vacation Rentals by Owner

Charming, Comfortable and Convenient

Guest: Deb (Cave Springs, AR, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/06/12 Review Submitted: 05/12/12

My husband and I spent a week at the Smith House in early May. What a perfect time to visit the area! No crowds, beautiful weather and a cozy cottage to call home. Kelly and Billy have gone above and beyond to provide all the comforts you could ask for--bikes, beach equipment, a fully stocked kitchen and more. I was first drawn to the Smith House by the online photos...and they don't lie! The cottage is spotless and charmingly decorated. Plus, it's an easy walk to the beach and hot spots like the Red Bar, Shorty's and other great restaurants and coffee shops. I'm so glad we chose Grayton--and the Smith House--for our beach vacation. It was perfect in every way.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

All The Comforts of Home

Guest: Syl (Waveland, Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 04/29/12 Review Submitted: 05/11/12

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Smith House at the end of April, 2011. I had stayed in the area surrounding Grayton Beach several times so was familiar with the restaurants and fun spots. The house was everything we had hoped it would be. We ate dinner outside on the porch, enjoyed the rockers and my husband especially enjoyed laying on the daybed on the porch to read. I loved the fact that we were supplied with coffee, filters, paper towels, laundry soap, beach towels, chairs, an umbrella and bicycles and so many of the little things that we usually have to lug with us. Enjoyed the little gift shops and The Red Bar down the street...and just a hop, skip, and jump to Seaside...a must see! Looking forward to a "girls" trip there later this year.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Cypress cabin tucked under the trees

Guest: John (Roswell, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 04/19/12 Review Submitted: 04/24/12

What a wonderful relaxing Cypress cottage tucked under the trees. Kelly, you thought of everything.....the house is well equiped for a relaxing stay. Vaulted rooms, outdoor shower, and the screen porch is ready for reading, eating, or sleeping....my 3 favorite vacation activities. The Smith House is just plain comfortable. Grayton Beach, Western Lake, Morrison Springs, the Red Bay Grocery, bike paths and footpaths abound. Bikes or walking were our prefered mode of trasportation....the pace of life is laid back....just perfect for a beach holiday.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our family spring break 2012

Guest: Melissa (Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

This house is adorable! It has so much character and every room pays attention to detail. We loved the screened in porch for eating, relaxing, and playing cards. Grayton is a great little town for families!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Wonderful Get Away!

Guest: Mollie and Marty (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

My boyfriend and I spent 5 nights at the Smith House and we absolutely LOVED it! We had such a great time riding bikes to and from Seaside and other neighboring beach areas. The Smith House was absolutely beautiful inside and out, clean, and it was in a great location to walk/ride to shops in Grayton, local restaurants and the especially the beach! Kelly and Billy were extremely helpful (especially with all of their great restaurant recommendations!). We cannot wait to come back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Perfect Holiday Stay

Guest: Kay in Texas (Garland, Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/29/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

Grayton Beach is a great place to spend a relaxing time after a hectic Christmas, and the Smith house was the perfect retreat. Owners could not be nicer or more accomodating. Everything you need is there for staying in or exploring. Location is perfect for staying in Grayton or heading to Seaside. I highly recommend the Smith House.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A little bit of paradise!

Guest: New Adventures (Pensacola Fl)
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/23/11

December at the beach was delightful, because we stayed at the historic Smith House in Grayton Beach. Modern conveniences, but in a house that takes you back in time. Maybe it was the daybed on the porch to read in while the rain hit the metal roof or the bikes available to ride to the beach but it is a special home. Yes the pictures are correct and the description. Very clean and well maintained and delightfully decorated. The owner could not have been a more gracious host! I would I would absolutely recommend the Smith House to anyone. The history of the house is also interesting. If ambiance is important this is your house!

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

Absolutely loved The Smith House

Guest: beachlover (Peoria, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/23/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

We had a wonderful time staying at the Smith House. We got lots of use out of the bikes and beach chairs. We enjoyed just walking or riding around Grayton Beach. Also rode the bikes to Seaside. Being able to walk to the beach and the two restaurants (Red Bar and Shorty's) was a big plus. As for the house....it was perfect for us. Can't think of one thing that was lacking. Kelly and Billy did a remarkable job at renovating the house but keeping its original character. The screened porch and outdoor shower were fun. You know it's a great place when you find yourself having to leave, but already planning your next trip. We'll be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Historical coastal cottage set in natural landscape provides refreshing retreat

Guest: Kelly (Ocean Springs, Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 10/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

We called the Smith House home base for our eco-adventure vacation with coastal luxuries . This cottage is fabulous and is situated in a natural landscape surrounded by sand live oak and saw palmetto. This refreshing environment complimented the personality of the Smith House. I loved the look and smell of this cypress cottage. It was wonderful to experience historic Walton County. I enjoyed reading about the history of the cottage and the history of Grayton Beach while I lounged on the front porch. It is in a great location. We were able to bike or walk to most all of our destinations. The hiking and biking trails that surround the area were easy to locate. Sunset on the beach was also an easy and short walk just to the south. Restaurants, bars, and retail were easy to access by foot, bike, or car. A special thanks to the owners for providing information on restaurants as well as hiking, biking, and kayaking information for the area. We really felt like we had the local connection.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

EXCELLENT PROPERTY!!!

Guest: Suzie (AL)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/11/11

My husband and I recently stayed at 'The Smith House' and had a wonderful time! We loved the history of the property and were very impressed with the TLC that has gone into the restoration. I loved that the present owners included history about the original owner and keeps 'The Smith family' very much a part of the home today! I also loved that the home looked natural in its setting with earthy paint tones and alot of natural wood inside. Very shady lot with alot the trees! The home is comfortable with everything needed provided! It is conveniently located within walking distance to the beach and local restaurants! We had fun riding the bikes to Seaside for Breakfast and through all the backroads of Watercolor! Beautiful! The owners are extremely helpful and nice! Thank you! It was very nice to have our own little retreat to return 'home' to in the evening after shopping or dinner. No parking garages or noisy neighbors. Just peace, quiet & relaxation which is exactly what we needed! The beach and weather was perfect also! I truly feel the original owner is smiling down knowing what good hands his home is in now and how many people are able to enjoy it :-)

Recommended for:

Great "get away"!

Guest: Mike & Cyndi (Franklin, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/06/11

What a great "get away" for us, being in Grayton Beach & most especially, staying at the Smith House! We both fell in love with the house & this very special & unique part of FL. The week went by much too quickly. It was so nice to have met you on the beach & have a moment to chat. Loved hearing more about the history of the house. What you & your husband have done with it is truly remarkable - so warm, charming, inviting & relaxing, yet so true to its history & the "old Florida" feel & times. Our hats are off to you both! Also, there was everything in the house that you could possibly need - my husband says the only thing missing was the toothpaste! We did make it to Morrison Springs one day - what a beautiful place! And we had a very delicious lunch at the Red Bay Grocery. We enjoyed every morning on the lovely & very comfortable screened in porch, watching the day slowly come to life. The patio & grill area is great too but the one special touch that we enjoyed very much was the outdoor shower! Loved taking a shower outdoors & under the canopy of trees! The wagon, beach chairs, umbrella & cooler were very much appreciated on our trips to the beach. We truly enjoyed your recommendations of Cafe Tango, the Hibiscus Cafe & the Red Bar - we also enjoyed the Great Southern in Seabreeze for a great breakfast & casual dinner, served on the large porch. Oops! I didn't mean to take up so much space, but guess it shows just how much we enjoyed our time here! Thanks so much for sharing this very special place. Mike and Cyndi - Franklin, TN

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Return Renters

Guest: Jennifer (Nashville)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

This was our 2nd time to stay at the Smith House. We LOVE it so much. It is by far the best vacation rental we have ever seen. We feels so at home while we are there. It is very obvious that Kelly has gone above and beyond to make this house extra special!! Not only is the Smith House wonderful but Grayton is amazing as well. It is the most relaxing beautiful place with so many wonderful things to do. We will definetly be back for many more times to come because I cannot imagine any place better to spend my vacation!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay

Guest: SmithHouse (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

My wife and I stayed at the Smith house in Grayton and we were very impressed with the house. It is build for a couple, or a couple with children. Grayton is on the 30A stretch and this entire area is a must see. White sand beaches and great restaurants. The Smith house has everything you need - kitchen, washer, dryer, comfortable beds, TV's, etc. Kelly and Billy, the owners, even had some Aloe Vera for my sunburned shoulders. I highly recommend staying at the Smith house if you like the 30A area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

IT doesnt get ANY better than this!

Guest: sap (Little Rock, AR)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

The owners are so wonderful, kind and helpful...and that is before you even arrive! Upon your arrival, you will find your home away from home, as everything has been so thought out for your needs. We LOVED the quaint character of this house, yet it included lots of extra's like an outdoor shower, lovely patio area and huge porches! The interior was very welcoming with a modern kitchen and "lived-in" feel. Please dont interpret that to mean that anything was shabby but rather you felt as if you were in your own home while staying here. Also provided were beach chairs, umbrella and a cart to tote it all in...so great for those of us that dont actually live on the beach! We truly enjoyed our stay at The Smith House and felt as if the owners were friends rather than people we were renting from. This is definitely the place to stay when going to Grayton Beach!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming Cottage

Guest: Ruthie (Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

My family and I stayed at the Smith House for a week in July. The house is well appointed with everything a prospective renter might need (paper products, laundry soap, basic kitchen items, towels, beach chairs, umbrella, beach wagon, etc.) We were so happy not to have to worry about bringing all of these things with us! Kelly has thought of everything. Upon arrival we found the home to be clean and inviting with fresh cut palms in vases and the fans running and a few lights on. It is beautifully decorated and instantly comfortable. There is plenty of living space for entertaining inside and outside on the large screened in porch. We would not hesitate to stay at the Smith House again. Thanks Kelly for doing such a good job!

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

WOW! GREAT UPDATES!!!!!

Guest: Elaine (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

Smith House has been in Grayton Beach since the 20s-new owners have kept the "Old Florida" cottage feel-but have upgraded it to make it gorgeous! It has the best of the old and the new-digital tv in both bedrooms, and living area. Small enough to be cozy for 2 but big enough to have a dance party-We had about 25 people dancing in the living room one night. It has wireless, ipod player. We have stayed there a few years ago, under previous owners, and the place really needed some updates and love-cardboard in broken windows in kitchen-but now, granite countertops, new stove, new dishwasher, and lots of towels, kitchenware, and all the little things you usually have to go to the store to buy before your vacation can start! . Beach chairs, bikes, beach umbrella all included.Nice grill and new patio in front of house-it comfortably sleeps six. A wonderful place-now our favorite in Grayton!!! I highly recommend it!!!! Short walk to beach,also has all your beach necessities stocked.(Cooler, wagon! floaties/beachbag.) Ideal for someone flying in to vacation, and cant lug alot of gear with. Grayton GEneral store one block away!!! Will definitely stay here again!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Smith House July 2-9

Guest: CB (Memphis, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/10/11

Our vacation at the Smith House was perfect! Everything was well thought out and carefully selected in the home, ensuring a stress-free and wonderful stay. The Smith House is the perfect choice for a family or couple to have a vacation with all of the comforts of home. I would highly recommend this property.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Smith House

Guest: Tim (Brentwood, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

Wow! This is a true find and we will being staying again! If you are looking for a true "Grayton Cottage", then this is your choice. We wanted a laid back beach cottage that we could just unwind in and not feel the pressure of the "crowd" at the beach.... We don't do the high rise condo thing where you are just one of the many ants on the beach.... Kelly and Billy are wonderful host and offered so many details that a large rental company just can't compare too! We will return to this lovely home!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Most relaxing vacation in while

Guest: Happy Renter (Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

I have rented thru VRBO a lot of times and I have to say this was the best place we have ever stayed. It was like walking into my best freinds house and everything you needed was there. Great place to stay! Thanks Kelly,

Recommended for:

Fabulous Family Vacation

Guest: Patricia (Tyrone, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

We had a fabulous stay at the Smith House. It was the perfect vacation spot for our family. We have 2 children (3 1/2 years old and 14 months). The house was perfect. Kelly has decorated the house beautifully but it is still child friendly. The house has been perfectly stocked down to kids books in the bunk room. Everything we needed was there (we did bring a highchair and pack-n-play). We loved the porch for our meals. The outdoor shower was fabulous. We never used the one indoors! The house is nicely shaded which was key in the summer. Also, it means the house gets quite dark with the shades pulled which was perfect for napping. The beach was perfect for the kids. They loved wading and playing in Western Lake. The walk down to the beach was easy. My only hesitation in writing this review is that I don't want other people to find the house because we want to be able to stay again in the future. :-) Thanks, Kelly, for the fabulous vacation!

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

Another wonderful experience at Grayton Beach (Smith House)

Guest: Larry (Pensacola, Fl.)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/22/11

This was our second stay at the Smith House and I think it was even better than the 1st, We used the bikes more than ever, riding up and down the 30A bike paths as well as back through Seaside and Water colors. I kayaked the small bayous ans well as the gulf. I watched two dolphin in a mating ritual while I paddled just above them in crystal clear water. We took a short beautiful drive to Morrison Springs and couldn't believe what this wonderful FREE park had to offer with its crystal clear waters that I kayaked also. The Smith House has everything you could want down to the tooth picks I needed one night...Ha! We used the grill for hot dogs & burgers and took the wagon loaded with chairs & a cooler to the beach several days. The outdoor shower was my favorite and it's the only shower we ever used. The lighting is incredible with so many options for dimming etc. The three T.V.s all got watched at one time or another. We will be booking again soon. Thanks for providing, not just a house but a real home. Larry & Charlotte Northup (Pensacola, Fl.) May 9-13th

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Tennessee visitors (4/28 - 5/4)

Guest: Visitors from Tennessee ( Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

The Smith House listing and photos reflect this historic home/cottage perfectly. You could just 'move right in!' It has all of the comforts of home. We enjoyed walks around the neighborhood in the a.m. and walks to the beach in the late afternoon. We enjoyed dinner around the corner at Borago's. The Red Bar is great. We got a good look at all the new development along 30A on our way back and forth to Rosemary Beach where we attended a rehearsal dinner, pool party and wedding reception. It was a great week and the owners could not have been more accommodating.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

A Great Vacation!

Guest: Rebecca (Mandeville)
Date of Stay: 04/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We loved staying at the Smith House and would recommend this vacation home to all. Perfect for a family as it is cozy while very comfortable. We felt like we took a step back in time when beach trip meant a house not a high rise, but you also have all the modern amenities. We enjoyed hanging out on the spacious porch and playing cards and visiting. We can't wait to come back to the Smith House.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We want to go back

Guest: WI escapees (Milwaukee, WI)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

We spent last week at the Smith House. The house is equipped with absolutely everything you would need....from kitchen to laundry to linens/towels to bikes and entertainment. The layout is ideal...we had 17 year old girls with us, and when we didn't want to be with them, or they didn't want to be with us, there were many different private equally delightful places to hang out (porch, bedrooms, living room, front patio). The house is only a couple of blocks walking distance from a perfect beach, a couple of darling restaurants (good food; reasonably priced), stores and lots of ginormous houses to gawk at. Within a short drive is even more shopping/eating/recreation, including the (too perfect) town of Seaside nearby, if you need an expensive meal or a view of the beautiful/pretentious people. Plus there's always the irresistable outlet mall nearby for when it will inevitably rain at least part of a day in FL. The owners obviously pride themselves on providing a comfy, well maintained and gorgeously decorated (yet casual) place for renters to enjoy. We had an excellent time, and would highly recommend. Definitely in the top 10 places we've stayed, and we've stayed a lot of places. Thanks!

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

Post Mardi Gras relaxation!

Guest: NOLA natives (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 03/07/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

We so enjoyed our time at this comfortable, cozy and interesting little piece of Grayton history. The Buzzetts were such gracious hosts and have obviously put tremendous care and consideration into this home. Use the bikes; hike the trails; hit the beach; watch the sunset; take an outdoor shower; laze on the daybed on the porch and read a good book; and don't forget to turn on the party lights - they will change your mood in an instant!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Chill out under the pines

Guest: Scott S. (Auburn, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

Place has everything one might need to really unwind and relax at the beach. The owners really care and that shows in their attention to detail. This is the place for you if you're tired on renting a condo, dealing with elevators/parking lots, and wanting to get away from crowds. Walk or use the owners' bikes to hit all the local eateries and shops.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children.

Great place

Guest: Walter (Montgomery)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

My wife and I took our young son to Smith House and had a blast. Anyone wanting to escape the commercialism of destin needs to come here

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Great Grayton Cottage

Guest: April (Montgomery, AL)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

We stayed at the Smith House over the New Year's holiday and had an excellent time, even in spite of the less than excellent weather. The house is perfectly equipped and stocked with all you will need for your stay and we appreciated the extra "touches" that made the house feel very homy and comfortable. We will definitely be back again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Red Wine & Relaxation

Guest: Mike & Jen (Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

The pictures do not show the true beauty of the place! We stayed awake until 1:00 a.m. the first night enjoying the wonderful amenities the "Smith House" had to offer. Kelly's customer service, kindness and attention to detail were tops! We would recommend the "Smith House" to anyone who asked. We hope to remain in contact with the wonderful owners as we continue to travel to the area in a soon to be place of our own! Mike & Jen Cut Off, Louisiana

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Loved the Smith House experience !

Guest: David (Nashville)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

Kelly and Billy - Thank you again for helping our family have a wonderful Grayton Beach week. We have stayed in the area many times but this was our first actually in Grayton Beach. We loved the house and our two daughters had a blast discovering something new every day in your very well appointed home. Of course we had beautiful October weather and it allowed us to enjoy the screened in porch and outdoor picnic table for every meal. The house had everything that a cook would need and we took advantage of the grill as well. We used the beach umbrella and chairs every day - a very easy walk or bike ride from the house. All that to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our family stay and we also really appreciate your prompt emails and checking-in call while we were there to make sure all was well. We have rented many times from VRBO and you guys are the most organized and gracious hosts by far. Hope to enjoy the Smith House again in the future. Take care, David

Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing.

The Moores from Atlanta

Guest: Cathy (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Our family cannot say enough about the wonderful ambience we experienced at the Smith House in September, 2010! Our stay was too short, but we took full advantage of the cozy decor to create some memorable family moments. This 'cabin' has the perfect blend of a step back in time combined with all the modern comforts anyone needs with its' wrap-a-round porch, tin roof, plank floors and ceiling fans. We made use of the entire property including an outside patio and shower. Bicycles were provided and we used them to tour Grayton and pedal a very short distance to the beach. The owners live close by and were very interested in making our stay special. In fact, it seems as if the owners are allowing you to house-sit as they have it stocked with so many items that you are used to having at your fingertips. As we looked around and compared these rates with other Grayton properties, the Smith House beats them hands down for character and true charm. If you want Grayton beach, you cannot go wrong with the Smith House.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Beverly

Guest: Beverly (Flowood, Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

I can, without reservation, recommend a stay in this remarkable cottage. With great attention to detail, the property is beautifully maintained and attractively furnished in a way which preserves its great past while providing all the comforts required by modern travellers. Cozy spots for reading and resting in addition to comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining make it a perfect spot for families or couples. Grayton Beach itself is lovely and much less commercial than its nearby neighbors, yet its close proximity to other popular areas such as Seaside, Watercolor, and Destin provide dining, shopping, recreation, and entertainment opportunities to suit any taste.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Laid Back Time!!!

Guest: Jennifer (Nashville)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

This was a wonderful house!!! Kelly went above and beyond to make us feel right at home. This house was stocked with EVERYTHING we needed. We flew from Nashville and we were nervouse about what all we would have to buy once we got there but we were so pleasantly suprised when we arrived...we could have cooked anything in that kitchen...you name it...this house had it!! We really enjoyed the daybed on the screened in porch...perfect for afternoon naps and the outdoor shower was amazing!! Another favorite activity was riding our bikes though this beautiful laid back community! I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. Whether you are a family with children or a couple looking for a romantic getaway you will really enjoying staying in this great home.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Grand Cabin in the Woods

Guest: Larry (Pensacola, Fl.)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/10/10

This authentic Florida beach cottage met our every need - from bicycles, Weber grill, great outdoor shower; cooler, chairs and umbrella for the beach, etc. It was like stepping back in time but with all the modern conveniences. The screened in porch was "The Best"! The natural landscaping made you feel as if you were tucked away in the woods. Kelly and Billy were most accommodating, and it is obvious that this house is much loved. Our daughter loved the bunk room with her own flat-screen TV. We had such a wonderfull experience at the Smith House that we cancelled other plans for Thanksgiving to return here.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A true gem

Guest: Big Fans of Grayton Beach (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/21/10

The listing photos do not do justice to the charm and beauty of the Smith House, which is a beautiful, relaxing, charming Old Florida space. This is a great location, within walking distance of the beach and a few quality shopping and dining establishments, including Shorty's and Red Bar. Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside are only a short car or bike ride away. The spacious porch is one of the nicest features of the house. While Smith House only sleeps six, it is a great space for entertaining, with a nice grill, well-equipped kitchen, picnic table, plenty of chairs, and a large dining table on the screened porch.The owners are very helpful and their love for the area shows in their care of this historic property and the information they provide about local attractions and items of interest. We would recommend it to anyone, and will definitely return!

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

Historic Smith House

Guest: Brooke (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/23/10

If you are looking for "Old Florida" you have found it! This is the best little cottage on the coast. It exudes old Florida with streamlined taste. The kitchen is modern and well thought out. The linens are charming and appropriate. Kelly is the best host- going so far as to give recommendations for activiites while we were there. I highly recommend this hidden gem and cannot wait to get back!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Island Feel in the USA

Guest: Steve_&_Marilyn (Marietta, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/07/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

The Smith house was one of our better beach rentals and a lovely, romantic place to spend our 27th anniversary vacation. Kelly and Billy were fantastic and so responsive. The cottage was the most equipped rental (kitchen and recreation) we’ve ever experienced. The outdoor shower was fantastic. We didn’t use the indoor one during our 5 day stay. Fish on the grill and local restaurants kept our belly’s happy. Grayton Beach was the exact pace we love. If you’re looking for high-rises, loud music, and crowed beaches go somewhere else. Grayton has the most “island feel” of any US beach we’ve encountered. Make sure you read about the Hayes’ (Kelly’s family) efforts to keep Grayton from being overdeveloped.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Wonderful Beach Getaway

Guest: Lisa (Gainesville, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/10

Three of my girlfriends and I just got back from our visit to Grayton Beach where we had the pleasure of staying at The Smith House. This was our 10th annual trip and we visit different locations each year. The Smith House was definitely one of our top favorites. Our trips involve alot of relaxing, good girl talk and laughter. The Smith House was the perfect setting. The shaded cabin was so cozy and just a short walk to the beach. The accomodations were very clean and all the extras are a bonus. Everything you need is there - chairs, cooler, wagon for transporting, bikes and more. You don't want to miss out on the outdoor shower - what an experience! We used the Weber grill to prepare a wonderful steak dinner one night on the patio underneath the strung lights. Another evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the famous Red Bar. We rode our bikes to Seaside for lunch at Bud and Alleys. Other than one trip to Publix there's really no reason to get in your car. We had the opportunity of meeting Kelly and Billy on the beach one evening and what nice folks they are! They even helped us transport all of our chairs and cooler back to the cabin! I would most certainly recommend The Smith House and Grayton Beach if you like a very laid back place to vacation and get away. I intend on visiting again soon with my family.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Awesome Beach Cottage!

Guest: Kelli (Kingsport, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

We loved our week at The Smith House! We have two boys and they loved the bunk room! Our favorite part of the house was the screened-in porch! The house has everything you need to make your week at Grayton Beach amazing!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Great Place!

Guest: E and B (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/03/10

The Smith House was wonderful! We came and stayed at the end of May and were so pleasantly surprised by all of it's charm! It feels like a retreat- quiet, clean, and stocked with everything you will need. It has beautiful historic character, but it's updated and clean like a new home. Very close to the ocean, as well. Kelly was very kind and helpful to answer any question and make sure we had everything we needed! Couldn't have asked for a better place, with better owners. The property is obviously cared for and loved and there is also care for the people renting. Perfect!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Very Cool Beach Cottage

Guest: SMC & NSR (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/07/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

We have been going to Grayton Beach for 10 years and this is the perfect eclectic cottage. We loved absolutely every detail to the cozy daybed on the screened in porch, beautiful wood floors and all the vintage beach photographs. Scared to say too much as this is a real treasury and we want to make sure we can stay there again with out booking 2 years in advance.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Historic Smith House

Guest: The Crowes (Jacksonville, AL) (Anniston, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

We just spent one week at the Smith House and had a wonderful relaxing stay...as owners of an historic property ourselves, we saw that the Smith House had been lovingly restored down to every detail! There is so much to do in the area and we could not have asked for a nicer place. We plan on returning and staying in the Smith House again soon and would highly recommend it to friends and relatives.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Jane Dobbs (Tallahassee, Florida)
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

My girlfriends and I just spent a long weekend at the Smith House. We thoroughly enjoyed the cottage. It is beautifully restored and includes a great screened-in, wrap-around porch. Grayton Beach is my favorite beach in Florida and staying at the Smith House reminded me of my trips to the beach as a child!

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Guest: Lisa Gildehaus (Milwaukee, WI)
Date of Stay: 01/10/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/10

My husband and I stayed at the Smith house over the Christmas holidays to get some sun and just unplug for a bit. We had a great time and the Smith House was perfect for us. It's close to the beach and a lot of fun restaurants and local businesses. We also liked staying there in the off season. Things were not too crowded (but still active) and we also loved hiking the nature trails near the house. Definitely hope to do it again!

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Guest: Debby Kearney (Tallahassee FL)
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 01/01/10

We had an enchanting stay at the Smith House over the Christmas holiday. The house is crisp and clean while at the same time the historical features have been well preserved. Every possible need and desire was anticipated. As a foodie I especially loved the kitchen, which was better equipped than the home kitchens of most of my friends. Cookware, bakeware, utensils, appliances--even some excellent cookbooks, and plenty of serving pieces to feed a big crowd. I can't wait to go back in the warmer weather when I can take full advantage of that inviting wraparound porch.

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Guest: Mann Family
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/17/09

It's Thanksgiving '09 and we've just now been relaxing in this beautiful cottage full of our left-overs...for almost 4 hours. When we drove up we ran in to check it out before we unpacked the car. It's perfect! We love it and wouldn't change a thing! The bikes were so much fun! It was a great way to experience Grayton Beach. Thank you for allowing us to stay in this peaceful little bungalow! We will definitely be back! The Mann's Albany, GA

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Guest: Erin D.1 (Crestview, FL)
Date of Stay: 11/23/09 Review Submitted: 11/23/09

We absolutely enjoyed our stay in this wonderful cottage! The perfect balance of rustic charm and modern amenities. The owners have thought of everything you might need - a fully stocked kitchen with super appliances, complimentary bikes, beach needs, and even a box of books for the little ones! The Smith House was charming and comfortable, from the cozy beds to to the rockers on the porch. Just what we needed for a wonderful weekend away from home!

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Guest: Lisa Fowler (Atlanta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 10/27/09 Review Submitted: 10/26/09

Perfect beach cottage at the perfect beach location! We just returned from a girl's weekend at the Smith Cottage and it was a transforming experience. The cottage has every amenity needed for a relaxing and stress free vacation. Grayton Beach is a little slice of heaven - small and quaint surronded by state parks with miles of sand dunes and uncrowded beaches. If you want to escape to an authentic Florida cottage by the sea, away from the crowds, this is the place for you! The owners have thought of everything and it was hard to leave this adorable cottage. We vowed to return - just as soon as we possibly can to the Smith Cottage. We couldn't recommend it higher.

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Guest: Sarah Dorahy (-)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/09

What a delightful cottage! We had a wonderful weekend at The Smith House and Grayton beach with our three young children. The house is stocked with everything you need for your holiday including cooking basics which makes it super easy for a weekend away. How refreshing it was to stay in a place that has true charm and originality. We really got a sense of what the Old Florida is like. The beach with its sugar sand and turquoise water is amazing, and the nearby restaurants/bars were excellent. Everything is a short walk from this lovely cottage. Forget the car! The Buzzetts were so hospitable and helpful. I cannot recommend this place highly enough! Great fun.

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Guest: The Ferrells
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

Well, I finally figured out the reason it took me so long to spend a few days in Grayton Beach – it was meant for me to wait for the Smith House to get renewed and “all dolled up.” This little beach cottage is absolutely adorable. We had a real sweet time and I’m taking home some cute photos, but even more mental snapshots of a beautiful trip in a lovely home. Thanks for sharing it with my family….

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