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Destin Home Away From Home

Photo gallery for Destin Home Away From Home

Cottage #23 with parking for 3 cars
Front entry door
Entry hall to living room
Living Room Sofa & Loveseat
Livingroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Destin, FL
  • Place, Silver Sands Premium Outlets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Miramar Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Destin Home Away From Home

Our two-story home is located in the family-oriented Mainsail Beach Resort complex.

We are just yards from the beach without the normal hassles of high rise elevators, but with all the amenities of a complex (tennis courts, two full-size pools (one heated), two kiddie pools, hot tub, exercise room, shuffleboard as well as seasonal beach service. The tennis courts are being resurfaced, so tennis, pickleball, and shuffleboard will not be available for the remainder of 2025. The Exercise room has been temporarily moved to the old game room while the resurfacing is being done. You drive your car right up to the front door under cover of a carport. Your children can play in the yard or swim in the heated pool just outside our back patio door.

Mainsail is a 15-acre Gulfside family resort located across the street from the Silver Sands Outlet Mall. The resort is a gated community with 24 hour courtesy patrol. Our cottage is convenient to great golf courses, deep sea fishing, biking, shopping, great food, and all kinds of water activities.



The First Floor:
* Living room with high definition flat screen TV and DVD.
* Dining room seats six with additional seating for three at the kitchen bar.
* Kitchen is fully-equipped with electric stove, microwave, refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher, blender, crock pot, waffle maker, toaster, Keurig and coffeemaker.
* Laundry room - washer and dryer in unit.
* Half bath.
* Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, TV, and full bath with double sinks and large walk in shower.
* Patio with table and six chairs opening to back yard and pool area.

Second Floor:
* Bedroom with two twin beds and TV.
* Bedroom with queen-size bed and TV.
* Balcony overlooking back yard and heated pool.
* Full bath.

Enjoy cooking in our fully-equipped kitchen or grill out using the gas grills provided in the pool area. Our beautifully decorated home is our 'home away from home.' For those times we can't be there, we enjoy renting it to families who agree to treat it as they would their own home.

ADDITIONAL RENTAL INFORMATION:
* This is a Non-Smoking unit.
* Mainsail does NOT allow pets and requires at least one person in your party to be 25 years old.

Keywords: House, Cottage
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 9:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Miramar Beach

Located in Miramar Beach, this holiday home is near a water park and near the beach. While the natural beauty of Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Sirens at the Beach are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
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Map
Destin, FL

What's nearby

  • Silver Sands Premium Outlets - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Miramar Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The Emerald Sanctuary - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Sirens at the Beach - 2 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Whataburger - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Bistrology - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Surf Hut - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Destin Home Away From Home have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Destin Home Away From Home?

As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Destin Home Away From Home on 29 Jul 2026 start from £263, 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.

Is Destin Home Away From Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Destin Home Away From Home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Destin Home Away From Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Destin Home Away From Home?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Destin Home Away From Home located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Miramar Beach. Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber S.

Great place

Very nice place and very convenient, the best place we have stayed in all the years we have visited the Destin area.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review. It is always a pleasure to rent our home to a family who takes such good care of our home. We try to keep our home in great shape and well equipped for our guests to enjoy. I am glad you found our house to be the best place you have stayed in Destin.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was perfect for our family of 5. Just steps away from the pool. And a short easy walk to the beach. The house was comfortable and very homey. We had everything we needed. We hope to stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul 2025
Michelle, Thank you for taking the time to submit a review. I am glad you enjoyed our home and we hope to rent to you again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James R.

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

Great stay

We had a great time staying here for our vacation and would love to stay here again in the future. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul 2023
Thank you for the nice review! I am glad you enjoyed our home and our well equipped kitchen. I hope you will rent from us agsin.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

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

Great Atmosphere

The property was great and served all my family's needs. Distance to the beach was wonderful and the surrounding amenities were a hit with the kids, especially the green space.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you for your kind response. I am glad you enjoyed our home and had a great vacation. I hope you will rent from us again! Pat
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will W.

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

Great property and hospitality

We had a fantastic stay at Pat’s house and would stay there again in a heartbeat. We had more than enough space for our family of 4 and were happy to be right next to a nice pool and steps away from the beach. House was very clean and well appointed, and host was very helpful and responsive.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul 2022
Thank you so much for submitting a review. I hope you do plan another vacation in Destin and rent from us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Morgane H.

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

Home away from home.

Best place to stay! The location is perfect and the owner is very sweet and easy to get in touch with. She is very thorough with directions and is helpful with anything you might need! You can’t go wrong with this place! :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2022
Thank you very much for writing this response. I am very glad you found our place a a great place to stay. We hope you will come back to Destin and rent from us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve A.

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

Cute cottage close to beach

This cottage was exactly as depicted. Kitchen was stocked well and ready for us to make quick meals “at home”. Short walk to the beach is the best (you don’t have to cross any streets). Owner is great to work with. I highly recommend this cottage for a beach retreat.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2020
Steve, Thank you for submitting a review. I am glad you had a great vacation and hope to rent to you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

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

Family Vacation

Aside from our travel problems once we arrived it was a wonderful time for everyone. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2022
I am so sorry you had travel problems, but by I am glad you enjoyed your stay at our home. Thanks for submitting a review.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Emily O.

Perfect vacation spot!

Wonderful house! Short walk to beach with the pool right outside the back doors. Close to shopping, grocery, and restaurants. House was in great shape and perfect amount of space to vacation with our kids and bring the grandparents along! Highly recommend this house! Perfect distance away from the crowds of Destin beaches. Pat was wonderful to work with.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you for your kind review. I hope you will be able to return to Destin and rent our home again in the future
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Morgane H.

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

Home away from home

We are repeats to this lovely place. Pat is the absolute best to deal with. She responds quickly anytime there has been a hiccup and she’s more than accommodating which is so important when you’re traveling with kids. Always a joy staying here!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2024
Thank you very much for writing this great review. We hope to rent our house to you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

E S.

Very comfortable

Very clean and comfortable cottage. Master bathroom and shower is wonderful. Kitchen well stocked. Felt very much at home. Nice resort, warm heated pool. Owners very easy to work with. Renting again next year.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We always try to keep our home nice and make it feel like home for our guests. I am glad you will be returning next year.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Eddie D.

Family Vacation

We have stayed at Mainsail numberous times but this cottage is by far the best. 1st and foremost is the family that owns this cottage, very nice to work with, all business in a friendly manner. The cottage is very clean and convenient to malls, beach, old 98 which has a great view along the coast, new Winn Dixie is wonderful, walking distance from the cottage. I think I will book us a week right now.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your review.We love to rent our home to good families like yours who take great care of our home. I am happy you are going to rent our home again this summer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverly C.

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

Destin Florida vacation at Mainsail Property

This home was amazing. Very clean, fully equipped, comfortable. Will be staying again ! Owner was in contact during our trip. Response was very quick. Couldn't ask for anything more. Family was very impressed with the home. Thank you so much for everything. B. Callaham Greenville SC
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jun 2022
Beverly, Thank you so much for your kind response. We hope to rent to your family again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Huizinga F.

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

Nice place

House is a great size. Nice location to the beach and pool. Had trouble with a couple things that owner helped with. Upstairs bathroom door we could never get locked. Master bathroom had a nice update, but rest of house could use a refresh-more updated look. Would book again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun 2021
Thanks for the review! I contacted the Mainsail Office right away and they sent a maintenance man to fix the bathroom door. We planned to paint the inside of the house but did not get to go to Destin this past year because of the pandemic
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James P.

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

Great relaxing stay in Destin!! Tons of space! Beautiful Property!

We've been to Mainsail a bunch of times, but we have always stayed in a condo unit in the towers. With our children being older now, we were looking for something with a bit more space that would allow for more privacy, but we still wanted to stay on the Mainsail property. When we found out we could rent this cottage it was a win win! Tons of space, SUPER close to the pool and grills (Just walk out the door and you're there!) Reserved chairs and umbrellas at the beach, tons of boogie boards and floats to use. This property is absolutely beautiful and it really felt like a home away from home. One of the best Destin vacations we've had. I highly recommend this property and the owners were a delight to work with! We'll be staying here again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review. I am so glad you enjoyed our home. Before we bought our cottage at Mainsail, we stayed in the condos and the townhouses. The cottage was so much nicer, more room, no elevators, and right by the pool we decided to buy it and just love it. Mainsail is such a great resort community with all the amenities. We try to keep our home nice and love renting to guests like you who take good care of it. Thanks!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

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

Perfect home-away-from-home at the beach

This was our second stay at this property, with our kids, aged 5 and 9. We really enjoy this cottage, as it provides us with the privacy of a house while we still have access to the pool amenities of a bigger condo complex. The house is a great layout for a family. Downstairs is the master bedroom with a comfy king-size bed, upstairs is a bedroom with two twin beds (perfect for the kids) and a bedroom with a Queen bed (perfect for grandma). They also have their bathroom upstairs. The kitchen had everything we needed, and the washer and dryer worked great. The dining room table seats six people, and the two sofas allow everyone to launch. There is also a patio table and enough chairs. The smaller, heated, and deeper pool is right outside the door. There are also grills that everyone can use. The bigger pool, hot tub, and baby pool are on the way to the beach and offer a shadier place in the later afternoon (when one recovers from sunburns). The walk to the beach is over a boardwalk and probably took 5-10 minutes. An umbrella and two chairs are already prepaid for. We enjoy this place and how close it is to everything! We plan to be back! :-)
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jun 2024
Thank you for posting a review. You are right our house is perfect for a family and we keep it furnished with everything you need, including paying for the beach set up for our guests. With a driveway that holds three cars you never have to worry about finding a parking spot or paying extra for parking.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Linda A.

Great Home!!!!!

This great rental started with prompt return emails & return phone calls from Pat. (service with a smile). Next was the easy to understand quote, rental agreement, & short list of things to do just prior to departure. We have rented several homes over the years with our kids & now as empty nesters with much longer lists of expectations the day of departure! Some thoughtful touches included: labeled light switches and fans; several drying racks for clothes, towels etc.; power strip mounted on side of desk for easy to reach power source; detailed instructions to home. This was a clean home with super comfortable King master on main floor (we did not use the 2nd floor at all for the 2 of us), daily trash pickup, great heated pool near back of home, easy 5 minute walk to beach ( no road to cross), loved the 2 beach chairs & umbrella set-up on the beach,very nice beach with shallow areas( great for kids and great beach to walk), there was a large box with beach toys for kids on patio (looked Fun), convenient washer & dryer. Wide variety of restaurants, grocery not far away. We ate breakfast & lunch at house and beach, & then tried several restaurants for dinner. Highly recommend this rental. c
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. I am glad you had a great vacation experience in our home and hope you will come back again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim D.

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

Very nice! Pool right outside, grills close too!

All the amenities were great and right outside the door!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy F.

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

Great Visit for Thanksgiving

We had a great visit to Miramar Beach for Thanksgiving. The cottage was perfect for our family and the host was very friendly and quick to respond. We hope to visit again in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2021
Thank you for submitting a review. I am happy you enjoyed your stay and found our home had everything you needed. I look forward to renting to you again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick B.

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

Excellent

The property was just as described. Fantastic location right by the pool with a short walk to the beach. The place has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2021
Thanks for leaving a great review! We hope you will rent from us again when you come back to Destin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila W.

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

Great location and everything we needed

The place is exactly as described; very large rooms with all the basics supplied. Great AC with ceiling fans in all the rooms. Kitchen had ample equipment and dishes to serve multiple people. Very convenient location to grocery stores and of course, the beach. Community pool close but often too full of people to feel "safe" during covid precautions.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2021
Thank you very much for the great review. We love renting our home to wonderful families like yours.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary l.

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

Very pleased

Renting this property was very easy. Communication with property owner was most pleasant. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2021
Thank you for renting from us. I’m glad VBS you enjoyed your stay in our cottage. We try very hard to respond to all of our guests’ needs.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi E.

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

Wonderful location

We had a fantastic vacation at Miramar Beach! Cottage 23 was the perfect location. It was close to everything yet away from the hustle and bustle. The heated pool right outside the back door was fabulous and the short walk to the beach was very convenient. Pat was great to deal with and very prompt in answering any questions that I had, even giving me advice on activities and restaurants. We had such a great experience that we intend on renting this cottage again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2021
Thank you for the great review. I look forward to renting to you again. Pick your dates for next year and book early. The best dates go fast!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla A.

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

GREAT PROPERTY ON THE BEACH

GREAT COTTAGE TO STAY AT MIRAMAR BEACH, WE LOVE IT CLOSE TO THE POOL AND BEACH, CLEAN AND FULL STOCK WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A GREAT STAY. WE ARE PLANNING OUR NEXT STAY SOON.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2020
Thanks for the review ! I’m glad you enjoyed our home. We look forward to renting to you again.
Verified

8/10 Good

James E.

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

Review of Cottage 23 at Mainsail

* HIGHLY recommend Cottage 23 at Mainsail * Great amenities for groups of 6 or fewer * Very convenient to beach and pools * Master Bath is very spacious and up-to-date; recommend replacing existing commode with a larger (elongated) bowl * A/C downstairs is super cold; recommend an additional small unit to properly cool upstairs-NOT a show-stopper
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

About the host

Hosted by Patricia Arauz

Host profile image
The Arauz Family:
Parents- Rafael & Pat
Children: Tony & Tricia

Family picture taken at Tony's wedding in October, 2006

Why they chose this property

Tony started going to Destin with friends every Spring Break in 1989. We started going a couple years later when Tricia was ready for a Spring Break in Destin. We loved Destin so much, we went back for vacation every summer. We stayed at Beach House, SeaScape, Surfside, and Edgewater, before staying in a Mainsail townhouse. Mainsail was by far our favorite resort community. Everyone was so friendly and the resort is very family oriented. One of the Mainsail cottages was for sale and we went to see it. We decided since we loved Destin so much we might as well buy a place and rent it out until we are ready to retire. It was a great decision! We love our home and we have been lucky enough to find wonderful families to rent our home and take great care of it for us.

What makes this property unique

What we love most about our Mainsail cottage is we have a home to ourselves with a carport and yard. We don't have to find a cart and wait for an elevator to carry in our luggage or groceries. With a home, we have enough room for everyone to enjoy themselves without feeling crowded. I love the large kitchen. Most condos have such small kitchens I hate to cook in them.

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