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A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.

Photo gallery for A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.

Choctawhatchee Bay at sunset from the Bay House
The Bay House back yard and seawall.
View of the bay from large deck off the living room
Kayak out from the house with the dolphins
Front of house and carport located behind a private gate entrance

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bayview King

1 King Bed

Bayview King Suite

1 King Bed

Garden View Queen Suite

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Upstairs Bayview King with Private Bath

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Bayview King Suite Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Hall Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Queen Room Private Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom with Dual Vanities

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.

**NEW RENTAL** Come for the beach. Stay for the bay. It's a little known secret that the locals love the bay more. How would you feel waking up to a wrap around water view and having coffee or cocktails on your private dock overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay, all while only 5 mintures from the beach?! We are also one of the only rentals, if not THE ONLY rental on the bay with a boat lift and access to deep water. We love it so much, we live right next door.

The Hewett Point Bayhouse is a contemporary four-bedroom bay front home featuring sweeping views of Choctawhatchee Bay and a lush front garden filled with magnificent oak trees, magnolia trees, azaleas and palms. A gated entry into a private drive finishes in an exposed-rafter carport creating a sense of arrival.

Entering the newly furnished home, a striking open floor plan and panoramic views greet you. The interior features timeless finishes, luxury plank flooring, custom lighting and four exquisite baths.

Boat lift is available for use upon request. Bring your own boat or there are nearby options available to rent a pontoon.

It’s a relaxing vacation home for families with children or a group of friends that offers easy access to the amenities of Grand Boulevard and is just moments away from the sugar-sand beaches of 30A.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Santa Rosa Beach

Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach. Sirens at the Beach and Blast Arcade and Laser Maze are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
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Map
Santa Rosa Beach, FL

What's nearby

  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - 5 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Grand Boulevard at Sandestin - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Baytowne Wharf - 7 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links - 8 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kilwin's In Grand Boulevard - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Outcast Bar & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cajun Corner - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cantina Laredo - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.?

As of Mar 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse. on Jul 2, 2026 start from $869, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A hidden secret. Escape the crowds, not the view! Bayfront oasis with boathouse. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is steps from Choctawhatchee Bay, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast. Topsail Hill Reserve Beach and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Seth P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best home, best location, BEST host!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hao C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome view and stunning place

This is really a quiet, stunning and peaceful spot, we had a really good experience here, will definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Home

This was a comfortable, wonderful home in an amazing location. Could not have asked for anything better. Laura was extremely helpful and responsive to any questions we had. My family had a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maggie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is by far our favorite vacation rental in Destin area! Nothing beats watching dolphins from the living room and backyard deck!Laura, the host of this property, did incredible job setting up all spaces - at any point we didn’t feel like missing anything. Each room is tastefully furnished, with comfort in mind, the living space is set to enjoy fantastic water view from every angle. Grateful for an incredible experience here. Thank you Laura!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location and home, incredible host!

Easily 5 stars!! I hope to rebook this property every time we return! Location 5⭐️ Privacy 5⭐️ Ease of access ⭐️ Host 5⭐️
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Seth P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem!

My wife and I stayed for a brief getaway to rest and recharge. We were BLOWN away when we got to the home. You won't find a view setting and view that this home on the Bay. My wife and I barely wanted to leave the house, just so beautiful! The home has such a nice setup with everyone you could want or need. The home is extremely clean with many seating options inside and out. Watching the sun go down on the dock was a major highlight. Communication with the homeowner was outstanding from start to finish. Not only do we recommend, we can't wait to make it back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

From the moment we pulled into the driveway we were impressed! The location is beautiful and the home is wonderful. It was very well stocked which was helpful. Swimming off the dock and canal access for our kayaks. So peaceful and gorgeous sunsets.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

wendy g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location
The host was very welcoming and accommodating, which made check-in and communication smooth throughout my stay. The house itself was clean, well-kept, and located on a beautiful property. It’s a peaceful setting, and the overall atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing.One thing to note is that the yard is not enclosed. The neighbor’s dog visited often—he was very friendly, so this wasn’t a problem in itself. However, I brought my own dog and was very diligent about cleaning up after her, yet my nieces and nephews frequently stepped in dog waste left by other animals. This was a recurring issue and something future guests may want to be aware of.Additionally, while I am an avid walker, I found that the surrounding neighborhood does not provide a safe or pedestrian-friendly walking environment, which was disappointing.Overall, the home and host were wonderful, but the yard situation and lack of safe walking areas are factors worth considering depending on your needs.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding

This was one of those places you never want to leave! From check in to check out, the entire stay was absolutely amazing. Laura could not have been more helpful and accommodating to deal with. We were able to bring our boat and lift it out of the water at night. The location was close to everything we wanted to do and the sunsets were breathtaking! We were able to have our kids and grandkids with us with plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Thank you Laura for being an amazing host! Many wonderful memories were made. Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place to Escape the Crowds!

We had an absolutely perfect family vacation and will be back! The property and furnishings look brand new and everything was meticulously clean. Our favorite part was the waterfront view with private dock where we could watch the sunsets with dolphin and pelican friends. The gardenias were blossoming and smelled wonderful. Everything felt very serene and private, making this a wonderful escape and true vacation. They even have a little play area for the kids with books and toys! The property is close to a very nice Walmart with grocery which was incredibly convenient. The host had some great recommendations for beaches that saved us from the crazy Memorial Day crowds. Overall great hosts, property, and we will be back with our family!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Whitney M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can't beat the view!!

Our stay at this bay front home was nothing short of magical! The house itself is a gem - beautifully designed, impeccably clean, and filled with thoughtful touches that made us feel instantly at home. The location is perfect! We enjoyed our morning coffee on the back deck watching the boats trolling around on the water and spent evenings relaxing on the dock watching the most perfect sunsets. We even got to see a pod of dolphins playing around!! The peacefulness of the surroundings was exactly what we needed to recharge. Our host was wonderful and made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. She provided great recommendations for local activities and dining options. If you're searching for a place to relax and rejuvenate, look no further! It exceeded all our expectations and provided us with memories that we'll cherish for years to come. We can't wait to return and experience the magic of this waterfront retreat again!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cody B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Jewel on the Bay

We have always wanted to stay on the Bay side of Destin, and this property fulfilled all that we thought a Bay side stay could be. First the location is really special - the property is gated and private but more importantly it has an amazing unobstructed view of the bay. With a canal on one side, the property is super private. And the neighbors, who are also the property managers and hosts, are as accommodating and kind as you could ever ask for. On top of that there is a boat house on the dock with a new lift in case you have a boat. Great outdoor seating and areas to hang out. Kayak and paddle board provided, and great fishing. And the house itself has been recently renovated and updated and has everything you need for a great stay. It’s beautiful, the pictures on the listing frankly do not do it justice. It’s way nicer and roomier than shown. And it is fully stocked with everything you need. Plenty of room too. We had a very large group with lots of little kids and the house was perfect for us. We stayed out on the water a lot and the property really handled everything we needed. Laura and Wes are awesome. We would definitely stay here again. Really can’t say enough about it. Maybe the best review is that our kids say they liked it better than their previous stay at Watercolor.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Kate V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay here! Perfect vacation home!

We had the most wonderful vacation at this home! We will definitely come back! First, this property is even more beautiful in real life than the pictures can show. It was very clean and comfortable. The beds and pillows are great quality and super comfy. Each room is decorated beautifully. The views of the bay are spectacular! The home is very spacious. We went with my family and enjoyed the very open kitchen and living spaces, and it was so nice for everyone to have their own individual bedroom and bathroom. We had 2 young kids, who loved sleeping in their own room with a comfy pullout out, tv, and kids books. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you could need for cooking. They have everything to make your stay easy and enjoyable, like kids bikes, beach toys and chairs, great books, etc. The hostess was very responsive to our requests and questions and is extremely friendly and accommodating. My kids loved swimming off the dock and exploring the canals with the kayak/paddleboard. There is a lot of outdoor seating and eating spaces for soaking up that gorgeous view. The house is very close to the beaches—only a quick drive away. It’s conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood, but close to a Wal-Mart for grabbing anything you need quickly. It feels extremely safe, as the entire property is private and gated. We just loved every minute of our stay and have zero complaints. This property exceeded our expectations in every way! Highly, highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Laura E Madden

Host profile image
We moved to Santa Rosa Beach 6 years ago from Alaska with our 3 boys and have fallen in love with the bay life and all it has to offer. Everyone told us when we moved here that we'd come for the beach but would stay for the bay, and they were not wrong. We conveniently live right next door to this bay house rental which makes it even more special for us to be able to host and share our love of the area with you.

Why they chose this property

The house sits behind a gate at the end of a quiet road. The neighbors along our road are all full time residents and dog lovers. We love that it is super quiet and serene, yet only minutes from the beach and the hustle and bustle of town.

What makes this property unique

This property is unique because of it's location on the bay. Not only does it face the bay, it is also wrapped by a canal which provides seclusion and water views on 2 sides.

Languages:

English

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