Vacation Rentals by Owner

Thanks to our Generous Hosts

Guest: Bob and Nancy (Brainerd, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 03/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

To share such a comfortable and well thought out home, is wonderful for those of us who chose to spend our special vacation time in St. Joe Beach. A quiet evening on the screened porch, or down the street at the beach watching the sunset, was one of our favorite things about the beach bungelow. Everyone could find a favorite thing about this understated listing. Beautifully decorated, so clean, and everything you need, they have furnished. So many places to see, close restaurants, the quaint and historic cities of Apalachicola and Port St. Joe, and friendly people. A month went too fast. Weather was perfect, but so was everything else. Thank you!

Owner response:So glad you enjoyed your stay!!! Look forward to you booking again.

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

Wow! What a Surprise; beautifully decorated and so much room!

Guest: Kelley (Cumming)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

Aprehensive about renting a home 2 blocks from the beach, but wanted something pet friendly (we decided against bringing our dogs at the last minute). This was a fantastic choice. I have already recommended it to other friends with teenage children and we will definately be back. This home is super clean (you never know with a pet friendly property) and has so much room! When you read the description - bring yourself and your clothes . . . REALLY it's all you need besides groceries. The owners have thought of everything from detergent to beach towels, hairdryers and a well stocked kitchen. We have 2 college aged children and this set up was perfect. The golf cart made the trek to the beach a joy and a lot of fun, It has headlights so a quick trip to the convenience store or walk on the beach at night was a breeze. We left our tent and chairs on the beach all week - this home come with all the water toys you could imagine, so no need to drag them with you like we did. The owners were easy to work with and accessable via phone and email. We travel 3-4 times a year and have rented from VBRO in the past, but this was probably the best value thus far. We will be back and maybe next time bring our dogs too!

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

Definitely A Great Place To Stay!

Guest: Pam (MS Gulf Coast )
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

I admit I was a bit nervous about this house in St. Joe Beach, Florida, because I had never been to the area before and had no idea what to expect. Me, my mother. my husband, and my daughter were all extremely pleased with the house, and the beach! As someone else said: the pictures do not do this house justice. The house has a split bedroom plan so that the master bedroom has privacy from the other two rooms. There are two sitting areas, and everything is comfortably furnished. The screened in front porch and outside shower are fabulous. The golf cart is a lot of fun and we drove it every night in the quaint town of St Joe Beach! (Locals drive theirs too.) The air conditioning was great and we were very comfortable. Most exceptional was the fact that the home owners supply everything, like the ad says, but your clothes and food! We've stayed at many VRBO rentals and have always been happy, but we have never seen homeowners stock their properties with all the essentials you need for a very relaxing vacation. Grocery shopping is a few miles away in Port Saint Joe, at Piggly Wiggly. There are some good restaurants there also. We took a great snorkeling trip out of Port Saint Joe, too. Otherwise, the beach in St Joe Beach is outstanding and even at high season, there were few people. I would also recommend going about 30 miles to St Joseph Peninsula state park and checking out the beaches and snorkeling opportunities there. All in all, we had one fabulous, affordable, and very relaxing vacation! We can't wait to go back! Oh, and I almost forgot : Eddie the caretaker lives next door and is very helpful when and if you need him. This experience was very positive and we plan to return!

Owner response:Thanks, Looking forward to you returning soon.

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

Another Great Week!

Guest: beach lover's!! (Anderson, SC )
Date of Stay: 04/11/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

We just had another wonderful week at The Beach Bungalow in St. Joe Beach!...Mid-April was beautiful with hardly anyone on the beach, it was great. The house was perfect for us and our dogs with the fenced backyard, and my Dad truly enjoyed the golf cart, being able to ride around the neighborhood and look at different homes, go to the store, and the beach. We left our umbrella and chairs on the beach all week with no worries too....surf fishing was fun, and I caught a few pompano for the grill which was excellent...I think this is how Florida was 40-50 years ago...all local shops and restaurants which we love. If you are looking for an excellent rental for your family with all the amenities of home and then some, look no further than right here!!! We Shall Return! Keith & Lisa Glenn Anderson, SC

Owner response:So glad you had a great time. Look forward to you staying at our home again!!

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

Guest: THE DAWSON FAMILY
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Thanks for letting us use your lovely home for a great vacation! THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: THE RABORNS, SMYRNA, TN
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Hard to believe our vacation is over! Everything was wonderful-beautiful house! We loved the golf cart, bikes and kayaks. hope to be back soon!! THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Another great vacation at the O'Connell's beach house.

Guest: beach lover's!! (Anderson, SC )
Date of Stay: 05/31/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

We had a great time as usual and the house was wonderful as always. We always enjoy having the golf cart to get around on and go to the beach, and it is great to have the fenced backyard to allow the dog to go out without a leash, he loves being free on the beach and at the house! We also enjoy fixing great fresh seafood meals in your very well equipped kitchen, I always find just what I need in the way of cookware and utensils. It is always a pleasure to stay at the Beach Bungalow, and we look forward to returning as soon as possible... Thanks, and Take Care, Keith & Lisa Glenn

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

Guest: The Liles Family
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Thank you for letting us enjoy your home! It was very well furnished with all the amenities we needed and felt like home! The golf cart made our trip to the beach very convienient! We couldn't have asked for a more relaxing vacation. The beach was beautiful and the weather was great our entire week! THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: The Anthony Family-Nashville, TN
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We had a wonderful time here. So relaxing!! The house is lovely ans SO clean! Hope to be back! THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: Tony and Terri
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

My husband and I had a GREAT time at the beach bungalow. We took my parents with us at the last minute because my fathers Cardiologist gave him permission to travel. It was an 11 hour trip but, well worth it. They had a wonderful time. The house is decorated so cute and very clean. Also, it is stocked with everything you could possible need and then some ! The golf cart was a great way to go back and forth to the beach. We plan on going back to the Beach house and also St Joe beach. It was a wonderful getaway !!! Tony and Terri Anthony

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Guest: The Shukins
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We enjoyed our stay here. This beach bungalow is a labor of love! THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: Vitaly and Olga
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/20/10

Thanks for your kind hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your beach house this past March. The way you put everything together, the amenities, the home-away-from-home atmosphere that you cultivated, added a great deal to our experience at St. Joe Beach. Your attention to detail and the spot-on decorating made everything that much more special. Our son (he's 15) loved the the golf cart and had immense fun exploring the neighborhood and driving to the beach. We wish you great success and will tell one and all about our wonderful experiences and would recommend you highly to our friends.

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Guest: The Jackson Family
Date of Stay: 10/17/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Dear Kevin aqnd Maria, We have had a heavenly time here! The weather and water were perfect and your beach house had everything we needed! Next time we come, we won't bring so much stuff!! This vacation was just what we both needed. THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: The Hamilton Family-from TN.
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Thank you for making your beach house a home away from home. It is a beautiful home in a beautiful area. We loved the beach and found many fantastic sea shells. It is a peaceful and beautiful area. We celebrated my daughter's birthday here, and it was a birthday to remember. Both our daughters has a memorable experience. The dog loved chasing the crabs at the beach. THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE GUEST BOOK AT THE HOUSE THAT WE COPIED TO POST ON LINE.

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Guest: Stan and Sandi (Lititz (Lancaster County), PA)
Date of Stay: 05/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

Our two months at St. Joe Beach was a wonderful winter escape. The beach house was beautiful in every detail. It was so fully furnished and stocked that we felt totally at home. Stan loves to cook and bake and was very impressed with the complete kitchen. During our grandchildrens' visit, the golf cart was better than any amusement park ride! Our black Lab loved the beach and also enjoyed sitting on the screened porch and watching the birds and neighborhood cats.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/09

Kevin & Maria, Thanks so much for the weekend getaway. You made Morgan's spring break week. Your beach house is the ideal place to get away from it all and you have thought of everything someone needs to feel right at home. It makes you not want to go home. Your home is beautifully decorated and very clean. It was so nice to go to a beach that was not crowded. And having the golf cart makes going to the beach a breeze. We highly recommend this home for a beach getaway. We are looking forward to many returns. Again, thanks so much Kevin & Maria. Chris,Rick & Morgan King

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/22/08

We just returned from a wonderful week at the beach (6/15/08-6/21/08).The house was all that it was listed to be and more. Every convience that we possibly needed was there. We literally only needed to bring food and clothes. Our lab. was able to run off leash all week on the beach. The golf cart made everything even more convient. Oh yes, LuLu's in Port St. Joe is a wonderful icecream/candy shop. We can't wait to go back. Thank you so much!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/11/08

Like staying in the home of a friend, this one has everything we needed for a fun week. We enjoyed coffee on the screened porch, played board games in the sunny dining area, enjoyed the beach with umbrellas, chairs and toys, and fixed delicious seafood meals in the well-appointed kitchen. A lovely setting for some down time with the family.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/07/08

Kevin and Maria - once again you have made our vacation absolutely fabulous! The kids had a wonderful time and it was so hard to leave. They had such a great time!! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely home with us. You have thought of absolutely everything and like you say you literally only have to bring food and clothes! Thanks again, we appreciate it so very much!!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/01/08

Kevin and Maria - thank you so much for sharing your home with us on May 2nd - 4th, 2008. What a wonderful weekend getaway! It was hard to leave! Your home is beautiful and you have absolutely thought of everything anyone could possibly need or want. The family and I can't wait to go again!! Thanks so much!!

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Great accomodations

Guest: Tennessee beach lover (Nashville TN)
Date of Stay: 05/23/08 Review Submitted: 06/04/08

This house is much nicer than your average beach house, with lots of unexpected amenities. Don't even think of bringing towels or bedding - it has more than you'll need. There is even toilet paper and paper towels, and a very well stocked kitchen. We didn't need anything that wasn't already provided. The golf cart makes the beach totally convenient. The neighborhood is quiet. The beach is clean and gorgeous. Well worth the price. Be aware that it is located at St. Joe Beach, not Cape San Blas. But be sure to visit St. Joseph's state park on the cape; we saw a bald eagle and deer in a short visit.

Owner response:We explained to the renters that in our listing under location it "DOES" say the house is located in St. Joe Beach. When we listing with HomeAway they did not have the option of listing under St Joe Beach. We had to choose from Mexico Beach or Cape San Blas so we choose Cape San Blas since more people were familar with that name.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/16/08

I couldn't have been more surprised walking into the Beachbungalo! It was so much more than I expected. The pictures do not do it justice! Being there for 3 months, I was delighted to feel at home.Rentals I've had in the past were just not all that comfortable, especialy for that length of time. Anything you could ever need is kindly supplied by the O'Connells.A true home away from home.They also have the nicest spot of beach on the strip! A kind thank you to my hosts, and I hope to return soon! Debbie

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Cindy,Katie,Mary & Jessica (Canton, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/22/07

What a great mom's get-a-way we had at St Joe Beach/Mexico Beach. Highly recommend it for mom's only & for families. It was very relaxing (not crowded) and wonderful weather with clean white sand beaches. We parasailed, rode the banana boat and dined at Toucans which is right on the beach. The house was very nicely decorated and had everything you could've needed and much more. We enjoyed riding the golf cart down to the beach in the evenings to catch the sunset. We would love to go back again next year. Thanks for such a great hidden treasure. July '07

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Ed Farmer (Trotwood, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/16/07

Very nicely furnished. The kitchen had all the supplies you would need. It is very convenient to the beach, not hard to walk and the golf cart is nice. We really appreciated the screened in front porch, it was a great place to eat or just sit around.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Barb TeVogt (Detroit Lakes, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/25/07

The O'Connell beach house in St. Joe Beach was such a welcome treat. Using the web to find a place to stay, can be risky. We were so pleasantly surprised at what we arrived to. My friend and I brought our pets, with prior approval. It was so nice to have them welcome there. The house.... comfortable and beautiful. The area.... a breath of fresh (and warm) air!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Oren (Jasper , Ga.)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/22/06

What a great vacation spot . Like having a beach all to yourself and like having brought your own home with you . Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beach house--home . We will be back

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Robin Hartley (Canton,GA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/01/06

I finally got it right!! After staying at many "that looks great" UNTIL you get there places...I FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT! St.Joe's/Mexico Beach is definitely one of FL's best kept secrets and now we've found another one..The O'Connell's. Maria and Kevin go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and their caretaker Eddy is great too. This is not your normal "rental", you immediately feel like you're "home". Everything is there to either have a great time at the beach or just relax and not go anywhere. Great assortment of restaurants very close by (our new favorite is Sunset Grill). The pictures truly do not do this place justice and the plants and fruit trees are lovely. Thanks again!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Becky Epps (Athens, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/20/06

It was an amazing beach house. So beautifully decorated in tropical decor. Everything so conveniently provided for your use that it made your vacation time that much more enjoyable. My whole family felt right at home. We have found our beach vacation home away from home. Thank you so much to the O'Connells for the use of their immaculate beach home. The Epps 7/21/06

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Laura Mixson (Canton, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/10/06

Thank you so much for a great vacation. This home was everything we could have wanted and more. You have thought of everything a vacationing family could need.....from relaxing in your spacious living room to driving the golf cart down to the beach. This adventure was A+ all the way.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Doug & Dianne (Phenix City, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/07/06

Kevin & Maria thanks for a great place so near to the beach. This was the first time our grand children have been to the beach. Staying in your rental was the best idea we ever had for young kids to enjoy themselfs. The golf cart was a life saver for getting the kids stuff to the beach. The house felt like a home and made everyone at ease with the trip. Went surf fishing with your rods and caught several small sharks and 1 large stingray grandson had the best time reeling in a small shark. Thanks again we'll be renting again to be sure. Tell Eddie hello from us he was very frendly and knowns they area well.

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Guest: Gail & Tom (Columbus, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/03/06

What a great vacation home! The owners anticipated the needs of their guests. The house was clean and well maintained. The weather was great and the beach was beautiful. We are looking forward to staying here as often as possible.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 04/07/06

My wife and I rented this home for a week in Feb. '06. We found it to be essentially as promised, except that the ceilings are not 12 foot. We were quite pleased with the accomodations and highly recommend it.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: maurizio (USA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/05 Review Submitted: 06/22/05

We spend here a great week end in June. The house had everything we needed, and St.Joe Beach is a quiet, beautiful beach, near national parks, and close by to good food too !(good affordable restaurants and we also fished our own dinners...)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Bill & Alvera (Lawrenceville GA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/05 Review Submitted: 04/17/05

We stayed at the beach house April 3-8,2005. We had most of our family together for the week & found the house affored & the area for a family get together . The house & it's contents very accomodating for our needs. Our ages are from 5 to 70. It was very relaxing with time to sit & talk. The furinishings were very nice & the decorating is very proffesional.We would do it again if the opportunity arose.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Laurie Shock (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/05 Review Submitted: 03/29/05

We just returned from a week at your lovely home and it was one of the nicest homes we've rented in the area. You thought of everything that a guest could possibly need or want. And it was elegantly decorated with a very professional flair, not the typical beach house. It was like a home away from home.

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