Truly an 'Island Secret'! Very 'BEACHY' & fun 950sf traditional coastal cottage! Nothing fancy....but updated, sparkling clean, and extremely well-maintained!
Only 4 rows of homes between you and the beach! A short walk to the beach boardwalk located only a football field and a half away, (150 yards), at the end of 8th Street! Enjoy the lush & knarled coastal oaks on our 2nd floor covered porch or screened porch! When we have 10-15 knot winds from the south you'll enjoy listening to the ocean waves. Complete privacy from neighbors!
Our fully stocked kitchen offers stylish quartz solid-surface counters, under mount sink and white bead board cabinets!
The kitchen, dining, and comfortable living areas are all open to each other and overlook the deck & island vegetation.
Each room in the house is a fun coastal color! You're at the beach on an island and on vacation! Bead board ceilings too for that cottage feel! Two bedrooms and one bath are upstairs along with one bedroom and one bath conveniently located downstairs on the ground floor with a separate entrance. Perfect for two couples wanting a bit of privacy or adult children! There is a laundry room with a washer and dryer located downstairs too!
You have a extra large private hot/cold outdoor shower, park style charcoal grill and a large swivel charcoal grill, along with a fish cleaning sink & table located downstairs. The property entry at the street offers a 16' wide gate and a fully fenced yard! Yes, we love your 4-legged children and are pet friendly! You'll love the securely fenced & gated property for your dogs!
A short walk away is Regatta Park! This is a bay front park that offers parking, covered picnic tables, park style grills, a white sandy beach nestled on a cove, and a kayak launch site!
For a 3 minute drone video of our house, go to YouTube and type in: Island Secret, St. George Island
Follow our island and area on our FACEBOOK page! Type in "Our Little Secret on St. George Island".
Glenn & Lawson Smith would be honored to have you as guests at our 'Island Secret'! Please email Glenn through VRBO for further questions or to arrange your wonderful vacation on an island paradise!
Sorry no group gatherings allowed, even for day use, beyond the maximum occupancy of 5 people. Absolutely no occupancy beyond 5 people total, which includes children and infants.
Our other VRBO listing located near St. George Island is 60 minutes N.E. at beautiful Lake Talquin, VRBO 765447 and 1 hour north on a deep-water tributary of the Apalachicola River with your own boat ramp and dock. VRBO 5034655
NOTE: 3 night minimum stay requirement except during the peak summer season when we have a 7 NIGHT MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENT. Summer season: 7 night minimum stay with Saturday to Saturday rentals.
Sorry, we do not offer a monthly rate.
If you bring your dog, unlike most vacation rental homes, we DO NOT charge you extra for your 4-legged children, and we DO NOT charge you a pet security deposit. IN EXCHANGE, we simply ask that they'd be well behaved & trained, supervised at all times, current on flea/tick meds, non-scratchers on doors/windows/furniture, to keep them off the new Lovesac couch, (or bring blankets for the couch), & off beds, keep off the fence, avoid digging in the yard and that you'd pick up after them in the yard & tidy up. Due to the fact that your pet is not familiar with his/her surroundings at the house, PLEASE bring a kennel in case you plan to leave him/her alone so that your dog does not scratch our doors, door frame and sliding glass doors.
*We cater to family groups and cannot accept reservations for vacationing students or house parties. We do not rent to students or to groups under 25, even if one or more parents or legally responsible adults accompany them.
Cleaning/linens/bath towels fee is $150.00
In the event that you need to cancel, we provide a full refund 60 days or more prior to arrival. Within 60 days there is no refund. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended because you never know what unexpected life event or weather event can occur.
Up to a $300 damage option will be automatically charged to your credit card within 14 days of check out if any damage occurs.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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No smoking inside or outside near open door/window
Important information
You need to know
Property # 616093vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
St. George Island
Located in St. George Island, this cottage is near the beach. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Orman House Historic State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Downtown Books & Purl and Apalachicola Chocalate Company. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
St. George Island Visitor Center - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
Port St. Joe Beach - 49 min drive - 66.6 km
Indian Pass Beach - 52 min drive - 69.7 km
Restaurants
Red Pirate - 10 min drive
Family Coastal Restaurant - 12 min drive
Blue Parrot - 3 min drive
The Beach Pit - 3 min drive
El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy!?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy! on 19 May 2026 start from £160, 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 at Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Adorable Cottage! Fun, colorful, gated/fenced, meticulously maintained! Privacy! located?
Situated near the beach, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of St. George Island Beach and St George Lighthouse. St. George Lighthouse and St. George Island Visitor Center are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very comfortable and well equipped cottage. We enjoyed our stay and plan to return soon.
Richard R.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jan 2026
Thank you for granting us five stars and for coming to our little beach cottage! We appreciate your wonderful compliments and we’re thrilled that you’ll be back again to stay at Island Secret!
Glenn and Lawson
My husband and I were very happy to return to Island Secret. It was a delightful home-away-from-home for our month-long stay, with our two kitties, at St. George Island. We would not hesitate to recommend this property for those looking for a rental in this area….super-comfortable outdoor spaces for enjoying both sunshine and shade; quiet neighborhood; quick walk to the beach; amazing grilling area, very well-stocked kitchen which made meal-prep a joy! The island is so bike-friendly. We rented bikes for the month from Island Dog; and were highly satisfied with the bikes provided. The kayak rentals through Whenever Watersports within Dr. Julian G Bruce State Park were great for paddling/fishing adventures. We had lots of fun with pier, surf, and kayak fishing…flounder, pompano, Spanish mackerel, whiting, sea trout. Thanks to the friendly/helpful/kind owners for sharing such a sweet cottage/property! Our time at St. George Island was amazing; and Island Secret is a gem of a rental!
Jessica C.
Stayed 30 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2026
Thank you for granting us a 5 star rating, wonderful compliments, and a fantastic review!!! We LOVE and appreciate hosting you each spring! Thank you for your business at our little beach cottage!
Glenn and Lawson
The hosts were communicative and welcoming. The kitchen was well equipped and the cottage is adorable.
Shannon N.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Dec 2025
Thank you for 5 stars along with your wonderful compliments! We appreciate you coming to spend the weekend at our little beach cottage and hope that you'll be back in the future!!
Glenn and Lawson
This cottage was a wonderful place to stay and the host was very kind and available for any questions we had. We look forward to going back next year !!
Debbie B.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Nov 2025
Thank you for your stay at our little beach cottage, and granting us 5 stars! We appreciate your nice review, along with your plans to return next year! We would love that!!!!
Glenn and Lawson
We enjoyed our holiday weekend at Island Secret. Relaxation, beach walks, good food. Never tire of St. George Island. Thirty plus years.
Tyler A.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Dec 2025
Thank you for giving us 5 stars and a great review! We're so pleased that you chose our little beach cottage for your return to the island! Please come again!
Glenn and Lawson
All was as described. The natural setting was a plus as was the fenced area for dogs. Easy walk to the beach. Host offered us early arrival which was appreciated!
Robert Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Nov 2025
Thank you for the compliments and for giving us 5 stars! We appreciate you coming to Island Secret and hope that you'll be back!
Glenn and Lawson
The cottage is everything you could hope for and then some. It’s the perfect retreat for anyone looking to getaway. From the patios, to the grills, outdoor shower, all of it is secluded behind an array of vegetation and wildlife. We were so pleased to see they had left a Christmas tree out during our stay over the holiday break. It was very endearing and meant a lot to my fiancé and I. Stay if you can because they don’t make VRBOs like this anymore.
Kyle S.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your 5 star rating and fabulous compliments of our cottage! We love hosting guests such as yourselves that appreciate our secluded "secret" behind the natural vegetation, of which is becoming rarer on the island as the island continues development. Thanks for coming and please keep us in mind for a future return stay!
Glenn and Lawson
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lance B.
28 Feb 2026
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Hosts were available for questions. Cottage was in a great location-a few blocks to downtown area and beach. Fenced in area for pets was a plus. Basement bedroom area-very small, smelled mildewy, door cannot be fully opened. Basement bathroom lacks adequate storage, no shelves for toiletries. Needs a good, thorough cleaning in basement and throughout cottage.Dishwasher does not clean dishes well-food residue left on plates, glasses, silverware. Clothes dryer seems very hot on various settings.
Lance B.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Mar 2026
Thank you for returning to Island Secret, along with highlighting the great location, and pet area! We're so glad you enjoyed those features and our cottage.
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We're sorry parts of your stay didn't meet your expectations. The basement bedroom is shown in the listing as a compact space, as you noticed during previous stays. Maybe small for the two people with extra luggage accompanying you during your extended 2 week stay. We did not notice any mildew odor immediately before and after your stay, but today during our 1 night stay we completed a deep clean to make sure everything meets our high standards. The downstairs is connected to the central heat/air system, but also has it's own mini-split system with a "dry" setting for humid/rainy days.
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The dishwasher is newer and performs best when dishes are lightly rinsed and not overcrowded. The dryer was recently serviced with a new heating element and is functioning properly.
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We appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to host you again. Thank you for being our repeat guest at "Island Secret"!
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Glenn and Lawson
Perfect for my family. Pet friendly and safe. The privacy and outdoor shower were my favorite part. Close to beach and good seafood restaurants. Wish I could stay longer.
Jessica R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Oct 2025
Thank you very much for giving us 5 stars, along with spending island time at our little beach cottage! We love your review and appreciate it! Please come again!!
Glenn and Lawson
We loved our stay in this home! The kitchen is fully stocked for cooking full meals, the deck and closed in porch are amazing for hanging out and enjoying the weather, and the proximity to the beach is perfectly walkable. I am looking forward to my next visit to this cottage.
Beverly B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
Thank you for 5 stars, and a phenomenal review!! We so much appreciate it! You are GREAT guests and we'd be thrilled to host you again!
Glenn and Lawson
The house was exactly what we wanted and expected. It was a fresh glimpse of old Florida with the best of the Gulf coast. The house is small but absolutely great. Host was available but never intrusive.
Jill D.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov 2025
Thank you for 5 stars, and a complimentary review! We very much appreciate your business at our beach cottage and we hope that you'll return to Island Secret in the future!
Glenn and Lawson
Great location, fenced yard was a plus for the pup. Nice and cozy home on SGI.
Danielle E.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2025
Thank you for a fabulous and positive review! We work so hard for you and we appreciate you coming to stay at our little beach cottage!!!
Glenn and Lawson
Our 4th visit to this home in 2 years. Everything was perfect! Look forward to visiting again soon!
Pam W.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2025
We are so thankful and very blessed that you continue to come back to our little beach cottage! You both are phenomenal guests that always leave the place looking so nice! Thank you for giving us five stars, and a great review! We would be thrilled to host you again!
Glenn and Lawson
Repeat stay! Love it! We can bring our dogs and love it! Everything is awesome and we can’t wait go back!
Crystal L.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2025
Thank you for five stars, and for being our fabulous repeat guest! We appreciate your review and your continuing to return to Island Secret!
Glenn and Lawson
Another fantastic stay....I almost hate writing reviews because I want Island Secret to remain out secret! The house an property were exactly what we like - a secluded cottage tucked away near an amazing beach!
Diana H.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Thank you for spending another beach vacation at Island Secret! We so much appreciate that, along with your 5 stars and especially nice review! It's a blessing to host such great guests that take such good care of the cottage and return on a regular basis!
Glenn and Lawson
Had a fantastic time as always. Third time at island Secret. We love it and will be back. Thank you for having us.
Jeffrey C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2025
We deeply appreciate your granting us 5 stars! Thank you for a great review, and for continuing to return to our little beach cottage!!!
Glenn and Lawson
Love the fact we could bring our fur babies, they were safe with the drive through gate and fencing. Really enjoyed the folage around cottage, it makes it very private and cooler. Everything we could have needed was there for us. Very short walk to the beach.We will definitely be returning for another visit.
lana b.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2025
We're so pleased that you all had a wonderful time at Island Secret! We love doggies and we are happy that they were happy! Thank you for granting us 5 stars and for keeping in mind a return visit to our little beach cottage!
Glenn and Lawson
Thank you for 5 stars, and a positive review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your stay and we thank you for spending island time at our beach cottage!
Glenn and Lawson
Second time at this clean, comfortable beach cottage. We enjoyed our stay and really appreciate the quiet, yet conveniently located home. This is a special place- and feels like home-away-from-home. We hope to come back again!!
Laura Schultz S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun 2025
Thank you for 5 stars and for such nice compliments of our little beach cottage! We're so thankful and blessed that you've chosen Island Secret as your beach home! Looking forward to your return!!!
Glenn and Lawson
Everything was as expected. Glenn was easy to communicate with and was very prompt to answer questions by text. Very well equipped with everything we needed. Thanks
Cliff S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2025
Thank you for the compliments, and for your stay! We're so pleased you enjoyed Island Secret and that everything was great!
Glenn and Lawson
We had a lovely time here! The location was great, we enjoyed the walk to the beach each day. The property was very comfortable for the two of us and our dogs. We look forward to our next stay!
Jeremy K.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Feb 2025
Thank you for 5 stars, and such nice compliments! We appreciate you coming to Island Secret and we're so glad you're planning on returning!!
Glenn and Lawson
Great communication with owner and I understand now why the property is rated 10/10. We'll be back.
James B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2025
Thank you for 5 stars, and your compliments!!! We appreciate that, and that you came to our little beach cottage, "Island Secret"! Please come again!
Glenn and Lawson
About the host
Hosted by Glenn and Lawson Smith
Island Greetings, Friends! We both grew up around Tallahassee where we still live today and started enjoying nearby St. George Island as kids since the '60's. My wife has fond memories of the island while visiting her family's beach house on East Gorrie. Oh my, have things changed! Fortunately, with 16 of the island's 27 miles preserved along with low density zoning & height restrictions, our island will remain pristine.
I have treasured memories during Middle School in the mid-70's of a buddy & I camping for a week at a time on the beach at the end of the island, without a tent, miles from the nearest house, long before the state park existed.
Our first experience of building on the island was in 2004 when we custom built our dream home, a large 4 story beachy home with all the resort amenities imaginable. We later sold the home and desired to create a cozy island vacation experience that is perfect for a small family or couples that want an affordable get-a-way. The 2nd time around is the best, 'Island Secret'!
Lawson is a 4th generation FSU graduate and lifelong teacher while Glenn enjoyed hospitality in a long airline & travel agency career. Both careers allowed us to serve others & to understand peoples needs.
Our family of 7, (plus spouses and grandchildren), enjoy boating around the area, shelling, and spending time together on an island that they also grew up on!
We'd love for you to create memories too & experience St. George Island in a laid back setting and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Thank You for viewing our page! We hope that you'll be our guest at Island Secret!
Glenn & Lawson Smith
Why they chose this property
We purchased this property as we love beach cottages! Not everyone wants to spend a small fortune for a short vacation. Why pay more?! Whether you're a couple, two couples, or a small family, you'll find everything you need at Island Secret in a fun and beachy surrounding!
What makes this property unique
Our family fell in love with this property because of it's privacy among native island vegetation and still being so close to the beach where you can enjoy the sounds of the waves. You can have family-or-friends time on the deck without seeing a neighboring house.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests