Summer Beach Private Home: Private walk to the beach, Pool.

Well kept conveniently located to restaurants and village

We enjoyed the stay but were disappointed that the bunk beds pictured on the website had been replaced with a queen bed for granddaughters. House was well stocked with all the necessary appliances, comforts, and accessories and convenient to the beach. Cleanliness was less than expected but overall our stay was pleasant.

The property was clean but has dated appliances and furniture. The beds were comfortable. The living room is a bit dark. Light bulbs need to be replaced. The neighborhood was quaint with the beautiful old live oaks. The first day we were there we learned that the pool was undergoing a major renovation and so the advertised community pool area was unusable. Surprise!

The beach is beautiful with lots of sand and shells to find. The area bicycle trails are decent and the roads have bike lanes on many of them. It was fun to watch the pelicans at sea and turtles around the dunes. Fernandina Beach town is great with excellent restaurant options.

I must admit that I was disappointed by all the extra fees charged on the rental property. Not only does one pay taxes and a cleaning fee, but there was a $134 VRBO service charge plus a near 3% charge for use of a visa credit card taken after the trip was completed. So, you can expect to add about 30% to the advertised cost of the daily rental for a one week stay.

Other than the extra fees and the lack of a usable swimming pool, we enjoyed the stay.

Three friends rented the house for a week, and had a very nice time there. It is well-configured for friends, multiple couples, or families. The beautiful beaches are a very short walk, as is the pool. The street is very quiet and there is limited noise from busier Amelia Island Parkway to the rear. A shaded walking/biking path is right there, and goes all the way from the Ritz-Carlton (to the north of the house) to the island's southern tip along the Parkway and A-1A. Lots of beach toys, boogie boards, etc. in the garage. If it were my house, I would also provide some new beach chairs in a mix of heights for younger and older renters.

That said, the place could use a good exterior neatening up, and an interior updating and freshening up, thus my rating.

If you rent here, I would highly recommend a day trip to Cumberland Island (look at the website before you commit) especially if you are a hiker, a walking tour of historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and a dinner at Espana in Fernandina, along with dinner by the water at Brett's. Bicyclists will enjoy the area as well.

This was my third stay on Amelia, and my second in the Summer Beach area, which, while most communities are gated as this one is, doesn't feel as self-contained as the Plantation.

We rented the house last June and loved it so much we came back in August to stay. Love the location, and peaceful neighborhood. Can't wait to return.