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Moonrise A Tropical Private Romantic Sea to Sea Nature Retreat
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Space | 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Property type | cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 5 nights |
Overview
A romantic private beach to get tanned and fall back in love with life
Pure happiness for free spirits, beach lovers and tree huggers. An oasis of waterfront tropical bliss in environmental harmony at this peaceful, private sea to sea property. A refreshingly green and elegantly modern rustic eco escape beckons nature lovers, spiritual seekers, romantic adventurers, sensual souls, creative and romantic spirits. Breathtaking views of crystal clear water to Tahiti Beach with a special private beach on six sea to sea native acres of north Lubbers Cay. This ideal, clandestine getaway provides a perfect sanctuary bordered by the brilliant Sea of Abaco bathed by the rising sun and moon. Finding Moonrise is your private 'Slice of Paradise' Easy access to Cracker P's, Tahiti Beach, Hope Town, Marsh Harbour, area reefs and more with boat rentals. Sustainable solar energy provides a silent and reliable power source for your classically styled pioneer wooden cottage. Amusement by curly tail lizards, abundant resident sea life right under the dock and tropical birds flutter into your meditations. Easy access by rental boat or water taxi, safe, private and laid back living in an organic and protected environment. Fresh air, fragrant blossoms, the luxury of silence, open skies, and calming views.
Comfortably Tropically Green: 'The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man'. ~Author Unknown
Unplug and Indulge in the peaceful water and soft sand of your own beach. Marvel at the infinity of a star-washed sky. From our guests:'Nothing compared to Moonrise and its seclusion. You can literally walk around naked! The lot is gorgeous with tropical trees and flowers and plants. It is very private, a great place for relaxation, solitude, romance . . . you name it! We are so glad we chose Moonrise.' 'Moonrise For Romance was just what we needed.....and actually went way beyond our expectations'
'Our experience here was simply awesome! After researching several options, we landed at Moonrise. Thank you universe . . . thank you Marlee. How often can you find a place so far from home that is so comfortable that you are immediately at home? Wow, Wow, Wow. We felt like imperial guests at some one's home - not your typical rental house -- empty, barren, cold, this is paradise!
Personal Freedom Undisturbed Privacy: Our spirits have been nurtured completely. So peaceful, only the sounds of nature. This has not only been a life-changing experience, but one we will cherish in our hearts forever' The view every morning was spectacular!
You will love the sleeping accommodations! No curtains mar the waterfront views. The entire cottage and grounds are absolutely charming and romantic! The bathroom is a unique separate building -- very clean, very close, flush toilet . . . no problem. You will absolutely love the garden shower that is outside among the plants.'
Landscaping is very natural and beautiful attracting many wild birds. This is an adventure best suited to those who appreciate ecology and a simply elegant new age pioneer lifestyle experience. Solar electricity with abundant energy, charging laptops, cameras, etc, no problem. Time to leave the electronics in a bag and embrace the real culture of a wild island experience gently tamed by the conscious hands of the artist owner.
Open Style Living: The cottage was designed to open to the daily sunshine and breezes with very large screened windows. There is no air conditioning and for the months of August and September the cottage is not generally available for rent. The exception is if you are happy to have your cooling provided by fans and water immersion (my personal favorite). This is a very, very comfortable lifestyle for those wishing to decompress and become self aware and conscious of the cycle of life in harmony with nature. If you like 'glamping' this will exceed your expectations and become an unforgettable experience in the bosom of nature.
Nurture your spirit, commune with nature, reconnect with inner peace and the beauty that unfolds into your daily view. Leave your clothing and cares behind and find idle time on the private beach year round. Embrace the kiss of nature Wifi but no a/c
About Marlee Mason
I am a naturalist and artist and keep moving into a vision of earth harmony and connection to earth stewards. I grew up on a farm in North Western Canada and moved to the east before I began to travel south for vacations and got hooked on tropical weather. I began the construction of Moonrise with my husband and young family however the marriage failed in the second year and I was afforded the opportunity to live as a single mom, single resident on a tropical island. I considered myself the queen of the island until others began to arrive and settle the island. I grew into the experience of building and living in a new age lifestyle and learning a respect for nature, discarding much of the unnecessary baggage in my life and focusing on finding inner peace. Moonrise is a triumph over obstacles for a humble farm girl who was determined to prove the skeptics wrong when they declared that I could not do this on my own. I had more time than money so in my free time, I would boat to the outer shores and I began to collect sea glass found on the beaches. This passion evolved into a jewelry art enterprise after I learned silversmith skills so I could set local antique sea glass into fine jewelry. Now I am focusing on developing a style of oil painting in additional to my one of a kind sea glass designs. You can find me on face book if you are interested. My brand is Abacoseglass
Marlee Mason purchased this cottage in 1981
Why Marlee Mason chose Bahamas
We settled here as a young family of four from Eastern Canada to find a better life with clean air, water and a dream to live an organic lifestyle in nature with bigger dreams than a bank account. The property captured my heart as it was out of the village noise and had good protection from ocean swells and major tropical storms nestled behind Elbow Cay yet only a few minutes from the finer restaurants and services of Hope Town or White Sound. The best part was the unpopulated and undeveloped beach that is shallow so it was perfect for toddlers. The view over Tahiti Beach to catch the spray of breaking waves and capture the prevailing winds enchanted me. Although my children have left home there is still a playful energy and a sense of wonder at the crabs, birds, fish under the dock and open spaces to explore.
As I have witnessed the development of the islands, I realized my intuitive choice and desire to buy a large piece of island waterfront was one of the better choices I made in life.
What makes this cottage unique
Solar energy gives the house electricity without interruption and without noisy and offensive exhaust generators. This is a learning and celebration opportunity to live a green life with renewable energy. The cottage is on a 6 acre sea to sea estate parcel so there is plenty of space to roam and find peace from the noise of commerce. The dock has deep enough water to safely keep your boat with a mooring to secure it away from the dock in foul weather. Safe and away from intrusions lending a honeymoon experience to daily activities.
Amenities
Hope Town Cottage Accommodation and Amenities
- cottage
- Guests provide their own meals
- 1000 sq. ft.
- Check-in: Flexible /
- Check-out: Flexible
- Max. occupancy: 6
- Max. adults: 4
- Children welcome ...
- Parties/events allowed ...
- Pets considered ...
- Non smoking only ...
- I will send a memo to assist with responsible living in a solar seaside cottage about 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.
- Supervised beach and cottage fires only.
- Cancellation 100% refund or exchange week only if another guest can occupy the vacancy created or in the event of hurricanes, family emergencies.
- Beach ...
- Beach View ...
- Beachfront ...
- Near The Ocean ...
- Ocean View ...
- Oceanfront ...
- Rural ...
- Water View ...
- Waterfront ...
- Waterfront ...
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Fireplace ...
- Firewood
- Internet ...
- Linens Provided
- Living Room ...
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Mobile Phone
- Parking ...
- Sofa Bed
- Telephone ...
- Thermos Bottle
- Towels Provided
- Wireless Internet ...
- 4 Ring Stove
- Blender
- Coffee Grinder
- Coffee Maker ...
- Cooking Utensils ...
- Dishes & Utensils ...
- Freezer ...
- Grill
- Kitchen ...
- Lobster Pot
- Microwave ...
- Oven
- Pantry Items ...
- Refrigerator ...
- Stove ...
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 6 people
- 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 6
-
Bedroom 1 -
1 king
,
2 twin/ single
,
2 child bed
,
1 sleep sofa /futon
,
tent with airmatress for beach sleeping
- Awake to the sound of waves breaking on the shore from open concept bedroom on lower floor with a king bed and king size view. Very open lifestyle, perfect for naturists. Built to view the water right from your bed with no curtains needed! WOW! Great Room Futon converts to full bed for couple. Kiddies welcome to sleep on air mattress or even set up a tent with their air mattress. A tent on the beach extends the accommodations. Ask me for more details.
- Audio Tape Player
- Books
- Books for Adults
- Books for Kids
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Games
- Games for Kids
- Music Library
- Radio
- Stereo
- Television ...
- Video Library
- Balcony
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Towels
- Binoculars
- Boat ...
- Boat Dock
- Child's Swing
- Deck / Patio ...
- Kayak / Canoe ...
- Lanai / Gazebo ...
- Large Cooler
- Lawn / Garden
- Outdoor Grill ...
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Patio
- Porch / Veranda
- Small Cooler
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Walkway to Water
- Water Sports Gear ...
- Wood Deck
- 8 garden chairs
- 2 beach chairs
- Low Allergen Environment
- unsuitable for elderly or infirm
- wheelchair inaccessible
- bay/sound
- botanical garden
- caves
- churches
- library
- marina
- museums
- nude beach
- playground
- reefs
- restaurants
- water parks
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- eco tourism
- paddle boating
- photography
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
- whale watching
- ATM/bank
- Babysitter
- fitness center
- groceries
- laundromat
- massage therapist
- medical services
- cycling
- deepsea fishing
- fishing
- fly fishing
- golf
- golf privileges optional
- hiking
- paragliding
- sailing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- snorkeling
- sound/bay fishing
- surfing
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
- wind-surfing
Reviews
Wonderful!
4.9/5 -
(22 traveler reviews)
Perfection!
We booked Moonrise for our 20th anniversary and to say we loved it would be a gross understatement! Everything was perfect from the location, to the solitude, to the proximity of things to see and do. The beach was totally secluded with pristine waters. It's close enough to jump on your boat and explore the cays and private enough that you won't see anyone unless you want to. Marlee is one of the nicest people you will ever meet! She was extremely helpful and honest. Do not pass up an opportunity to stay here, it's truly heaven on earth.
John & Carrie
Secluded eco friendly cabin by the sea
Moonrise is a very beautiful place to stay. If you can, stay during full moon to see the most beautiful moonrise over the sea. As with any place, there are some pros and challenges:
Pros:
Eco friendly: solar powered, rain water, compost. Makes you feel close to nature.
Sea view: wake up to the view of the sea, feel the sea breeze at night and hear the ocean waves all the time!
Good swimming: sandy bottom in many places, deep enough to swim, beautiful clear blue water
Some fish and sea turtles to see. If you have a boat, it's a good centralized spot to see reefs and other islands.
Private beach
All tools and appliances: solar powered lights, head lamps, scissors, great kitchen supplies, Marlee thinks of everything you might need!
Kayak for rent: discuss with Marlee ahead of time if you want to pay to use a 2 person kayak.
Quick responses to questions: Marlee responds to questions very quickly and thoroughly
Private house, dock and sea: we only talked to one person the whole week we were there. It was all very secluded.
Outdoor shower: beautiful shower by plants
Challenges:
Marlee can be abrasive, picky and particular:
After we left, she sent me a picture of a dish towel with a tiny hole in it and asked me if I knew how the hole got there. She cussed a couple of times. When I made a list of things we had used up to discuss replacing some of them for the next guests she snapped at me, "I don't provide those things. Haven't you ever rented a house before?"
Refundable deposit for damages:
It was stressful waiting to see how much we would get back. We had spilled some oil on a pillow and broken one plate. It all worked out fairly but the process of discussing it with her was stressful. I find staying places that have guests pay damage protection instead to be less stressful for all.
Mosquitos: If you stay inside at night, you can avoid the mosquitos for the most part. There are a lot of them out from a little past sunset until the morning.
No AC: We actually liked just having the sea breeze and found it cool enough. But if you are into having AC, know that this place doesn't have it.
Frequent boat traffic: The boats were in the distance so we still felt like we had a lot of privacy. They aren't very loud and they stop around sunset. But know that boats do pass by frequently.
Ladders from the sea to the dock need repairing
Bring your own toilet paper, dish soap, soap, etc. Marlee doesn't provide those things.
Rustic Bliss!
My husband and I spent one week at Moonrise and it was definitely not long enough! The property is perfectly located - close enough to Hopetown to not be inconvenient, but far enough that you have complete and utter privacy the entire time. The house and the entire property were everything we could have asked for - everything was incredibly clean and well-maintained, the bed was very comfortable, and the outdoor (heated!) shower was perfect for rinsing off the day`s activities. The beach was fantastic - since it`s only accessible from the property, you are guaranteed privacy and seclusion and the water is quite shallow so it warms up nicely throughout the day. The sunsets from the beach are breathtaking as well.
The entire Abaco region is wonderful and very easy to travel around if you have a boat - the people are very friendly; the beaches are relatively secluded (when we went to Treasure Cay for the morning, we were joined by 4 other tourists on the entire 3.5 mile beach) and every island has something unique to explore. Some of our favourite adventures included coffee and breakfast at the Hopetown Coffee House, lunch at Cracker P`s and Nippers Bar & Grill, Treasure Cay (rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world!), and swimming with pigs.
If a trip to Abaco is in your future, I definitely recommend getting in touch with Marlee about Moonrise. She is quick to respond to emails and gives lots of information and tips to ensure your stay is a memorable one. You will not be disappointed!
**Absolutely Amazing***
Over the years we've gotten pretty picky about what kind of vacation rental we'll stay at. Top must haves- Oceanfront/Beachfront/Waterfront, PRIVATE (no caretaker/owner on site), Secluded (we don't want to visually see our neighbors), an outdoor shower & wifi. With most rental properties you have owners who show their listing as Private/Secluded and then you see pictures or read reviews and see that is not the case at all!! I can assure you, Moonrise gave us that Private, Secluded feeling we have never had before! Two weeks just the two of us, and it felt like we had the whole island to ourselves! Moonrise is away from the majority of houses on the island so beyond hearing a few voices from a nearby neighbor, seeing distant boats or kayaks, we were ALONE! You felt it more when you were on the beach side of the property. It's a large beach and because of curve of the shoreline and shallow waters you do not get boats or kayaks in close. Ahhhhhhhh It Was Heaven!!! Unlike most Abaco vacationer's, we did not rent a boat, we didn't leave Moonrise once during our stay, and it was the most relaxing enjoyable vacation I've had! Marlee does a great job explaining the property-ECO, solar, etc. in her description, she also responds quickly and thoroughly via email or phone. It was an Honor to stay at this Amazing Unique Paradise property, thank you Marlee for going above and beyond in helping us and not discouraging us from staying here when we didn't want to rent a boat! Between your insight and the help we received from Albury's Ferry & their concierge service we could not have been happier with our stay! If you are looking at staying in the Abaco's I highly recommend you stay here!!!!!
amazing natural beauty, total privacy, great place
Moonrise is truly a little slice of heaven. It is a magical place, and completely matches the description and pictures found in the listing. The cottage and property are well maintained and Marlee is a great spirit and wonderful host. A few tips: it does take a while to learn how to live in Moonrise. We enjoyed that and found that little projects like lighting lanterns, checking the electricity, closing shutters etc. were part of the pleasure of staying there. But you need to factor in a learning curve and be aware that this is all part of being off the grid. We did encounter some serious mosquitos, which Marlee had warned us might happen. We followed Marlee's instructions and were able to keep the house and bedroom bug free. If you are looking for privacy, beauty and deep relaxation--this is your place!
Magical retreat
Moonrise is lush, colorful, quiet tropical beauty, shining sun and bright turquoise waters, a multitude of friendly birds and a few cheeky curly-tailed lizard friends, bright silvery moonlight illuminating the gardens at night, gentle breezes, cozy, comfortable and clean indoor spaces with an artist's touch and a feel of home, expansive outdoor spaces to relax and soak in the surroundings, amazing private white sand beachfront to enjoy, warm waters with teeming fish to swim and snorkel, proximity to quaint restaurants, shops and groceries by quick boat rides, and nearby beaches, reefs and cays to explore. This is a place to be close to nature, rather than separated from it.
We spent 2 weeks relaxing on the property and venturing further afield on our boat (had a 20' boat rented from Seahorse, which was a good size for navigating the Sea of Abaco, and we would highly recommend the company). There is wonderful snorkeling at various local Marine Preserves about 30 mins away by boat, and I also spent several mornings snorkeling right off the property dock and saw many varieties of sea life. The private beach is approximately 300 paces from the cottage along a charming jungly path that opens out onto soft white sand and clear, lapping water.
The kitchen was well-equipped and the grocery store at Hope Town was surprisingly well-stocked--we roasted Cornish game hens and potatoes one night!....also plenty of fresh items for salads, guacamole, sandwiches, grilling, etc. (we never needed to go to Marsh Harbor to shop and cooked most of our meals, but there was just the 2 of us). The bedroom was adorable with a spectacular water sunrise view and comfortable bed. The garden open-air shower was private and had excellent water pressure and hot water. The separate "outhouse" (with flush toilet) a few steps down the sand dollar garden pathway was clean and cute.
The owner, Marlee, is a unique and wonderful person who we had the pleasure of spending some time getting to know--she treats you like a guest rather than a renter, was available at all times for any concerns about the property or advice about the area. We have rented many properties, and this was the most personable service we have ever experienced.
Moonrise is a place where travelers with a little sense of adventure and self-reliance will be repaid with enchanting natural beauty, peaceful solitude, and true refreshment. We can't wait to return!
Map
A truly private sea to sea retreat accessible by boat to your private dock with a private beach. Traditional island style wooden cottage solar powered offers all simple comforts. Perhaps the friendliest island experience you will ever have. Unforgettable and enchanting Abaco adventure at a serene and green cottage at Lubbers in the Northern Bahamas. A perfect place to experience a quest for quiet. There is no end to the protected shallow turquoise waters with abundant reef life, charming and welcoming native population, a water enthusiast paradise. Take a look for yourself The essence of Bali living less than 200 miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Historic Loyalist villages, home grown music of the islands, art and events in easy going and welcoming island settlements. Easy boat rentals with helpful resources for your safe use on the water. Shopping a 10 minutes boat ride, fresh fish and deep sea charters on Lubbers, , bakery and arrangements for private chef and delivered meals on occasion. Cracker P's a local restaurant a mile from your cottage for time convenience. Romantic kayak destination on the calm shallows or paddle over to Tahiti Beach. Private tours with Captain Plug's Adventures and many guides for deep sea fishing nearby. Kayak rental upon request. Water taxi and concierge service for those who do not wish to rent a boat.
Other Activities: bird watching, dolphin and whale watching, paddleboarding right on Lubbers Quarters, kayak rentals in Hope Town.
Photos
Rates & Availability
Hope Town Cottage Rental Rates
- Rental Basis:
- per property
- Manager accepts payment in:
- USD
| Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly * | Event | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
My Standard Rate
Changeover Day: Sunday 5 night minimum stay
|
$200
|
From
$250
Fri,Sat,Sun
|
$1,400
|
$4,000
|
|
||||
| Notes: Rates are based on 2 guests; add $40 per night, per additional guest | |||||||||
Additional information about rental rates
| Cleaning Fee | $100 |
| Additional Guest Fee | $40 per person per night |
| Pet Fee | $10 |
| Damage Deposit | $250 |
Daily rate $250.00 with a minimum of 4 days! Discounts after 2 weeks. I accept PayPal. Fees for PayPal are deducted from your security deposit. This is an off the grid solar home on a desert island. You have the luxury of privacy on the beach and house however you do not have unlimited resources. Water and electricity captured by solar panels must be conserved. I strongly recommend a boat rental for you to have access off the property. Best suited for intimate couples or young families who have lived on a boat or off grid cabin. Refunds on your reservation ONLY if another guest can be placed for the weeks you vacate. Alternatively you will be offered a credit for a future stay within 90 days of cancellation.
* Approximate monthly rate. Actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay.
Manager's Cancellation Policy
- Canceled bookings will not receive a refund
- Available
- Unavailable
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