'Happy Shack' is the ultimate old Florida getaway. This unique home sits on a large BAY FRONT lot with a sandy shore and private, deeded BEACH ACCESS across the street. A large tiki structure provides shade at the beach. Lots of love and attention have been given to this 1940s military barrack. It has been transformed into an amazing beach bungalow with lots of art, quirky touches, and thoughtful amenities.
The exterior of this unique property includes parking for 4 cars and just 4 steps to enter the home. The front sun deck offers 2 tall Adirondack chairs. The front screened porch provides a relaxing hammock, a patio table for 4, and 2 additional chairs. The back screened porch offers a wonderful conversation area for 4, a dining table for 4, and fantastic views of the large yard and beautiful bay. A private, enclosed outdoor shower with hot and cold water is perfect after a day in the sun. A fish cleaning station and park-style grill are provided for your fisherman's catch! Additional Adirondack chairs are provided at the grill area. The large backyard boasts a stone fire pit with wrap-around seating, an oyster roaster, a horseshoe court, 2 person kayak, two paddle boards with life vests, and a two-person swing by the the bay. The bay enjoys a sandy beach for fishermen and swimmers. Cross the street to our private, deeded beach access.
The interior of this gem enjoys an open living/dining room with gorgeous views of the Bay. Comfy seating in the living rooom and extra seating area ensure a place for everyone. Exit double French doors to both the front and back screened porches. The interior dining table seats 6 for a fantastic meal or high-stakes card games. The well-appointed kitchen offers beautiful wood counters and an abundance of small appliances, chef knives, cooking gadgets, and pots and pans. A breakfast table, seating 2, is the perfect location for your morning coffee. Another exit from the kitchen puts you on the covered, screened porch with Edison lights and a fun beach vibe. It's the perfect location for hours of evening chats and delicious meals with beautiful bay views.
The king bedroom enjoys a smart TV and a convenient sink in the bedroom. The twin bedroom is perfect for the littles or young at heart. A full bathroom with a shower is just down the hall and connects to a laundry area with washer/dryer. Exit the laundry to the outdoor deck and the detached & enclosed private gazebo house that sleeps two in a queen bed. This unique hideaway enjoys beautiful beamed ceilings, amazing bay views, a flat-screen TV, and a convenient sink. (AC & heat provided)
The living room enjoys a smart TV, DVD player, Bose stereo speaker with Alexa (turn her off if you don't like her), and a boom box. Board games, puzzles, DVDs, beach coolers, and kites are also provided.
A beach box with an umbrella, two beach chairs, 3 boogie boards, and sand toys are on the back deck. Life vests of all sizes are provided for water activities. Use kayaks and paddle boards at your own risk, please. Do not leave paddle boards or the kayak on the shore...tides will carry them away! Bocce ball and horseshoes are provided for fun lawn games.
Beds: 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Twins
A boat ramp is less than a mile from the Happy Shack, and there is plenty of room on the property for a boat and trailer with additional cars. Some guests have enjoyed anchoring their boat in the bay behind the house and wade or shuttle to the house (we have a boat buoy; we do not have a dock). The beach tiki is shared with four properties, and the wood flooring is messy from a hurricane, but it provides shade with bench seating. Happy Shack is not recommended for toddlers and children 5 & under, as there is a lot for little hands to get into! Additional videos and photos can be seen on our Facebook page @HappyShackBeach
We have removed decorative bedding & pillows and use commercial-grade disinfectant between guests.
HURRICANES & TROPICAL STORMS: If there is a storm or hurricane, refunds will be provided for the following reasons: 1) The state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning area" and/or 2) The day that the authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning" area, we will refund: - Any unused portion of rent from a guest currently registered; - Any unused portion of rent from a guest who is scheduled to arrive and wants to shorten the stay, to arrive after the Mandatory Warning is lifted; and - Any advance rent collected or deposited for a reservation scheduled to arrive during the Mandatory Warning period. Refunds are not provided for an issued Watch.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Return recreational items to their place. Empty grill coals into the bay water.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No events/parties, rental guests only.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector 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 first aid kit
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Panacea
Located in Alligator Point, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Bayside Marina and St. James Bay Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bald Point State Park and Public Beach Access. Snorkelling, waterskiing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
How much does it cost to stay at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?
As of 27 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi on 2 May, 2026 start from S$288, 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 Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi located?
Nestled on the beach, this Alligator Point holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Public Beach Access and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Alligator Point Beach. Wilson Beach and Mashes Sand Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had an amazing stay!! The house was super clean, fully stocked with everything we needed, great location, great beach and bay access! Our host was quick and responsive when we had questions. Best stay ever!!
Diane W.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan, 2026
Thank you for trusting us for your Christmas holiday! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed the home and surroundings. Happy New Year!
We had a wonderful time and plan to come back when it's warmer.
Eric M.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan, 2026
Glad to know you had a wonderful New Year at the Happy Shack! Thanks for staying with us. The kiddos will be even happier in the warm weather. We hope to have you back.
Stay was awesome!…wish the weather was warmer and winds calmer so we can enjoy the back yard…was stocked very well, except couldn’t find a flashlight. We had to turn on heat, but unfortunately, no vent in bathroom, so it was freezing in there. But all in all very nice property..rustic
This is such a unique home with added touches to the decor that just made us feel like we were at a beach cottage with lots of history. Communication with Allison was and has always been top-notch. She gets back to us usually within a few hours with any questions, sometimes sooner. Also, love having access to both the bay and the Gulf of America!
Kelly B.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan, 2026
Thank you for trusting us with your valued vacation time! We are glad that you find the Happy Shack to be a special beach cottage!
We absolutely loved the Happy Shack. We wanted a family trip for rest and relaxation, and togetherness.. that is exactly what we got. Private beach days, home cooked meals and all the card and board games we wanted. The owners were easy to communicate with, and the house had almost everything you would need.
Cejay H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug, 2025
We are always happy to hear that our guests enjoy the quiet beach and relaxation that the Happy Shack offers. Thank you for choosing us for your vacation!
This was the BEST place for my family to enjoy a relaxing spring break vacation. The Happy shack was clean and accommodating. We loved having a bay and a beach to enjoy. Alligator point was so quiet and beautiful. This will not be the last time we visit the Happy shack!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Apr, 2025
It's perfect when a family vacation meets everyone's expectations! Thank you for choosing the Happy Shack. We look forward to hosting you again!
This was our first time staying here and it did not disappoint!! It’s a beautiful place inside and out. Very quiet and private. The place is well stocked so we really had everything we needed. Loved that the beach is just across the street.
Joy B.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun, 2025
So glad you found everything you needed at the Happy Shack. We strive to anticipate our guests' needs and wants.
After touring the campus of FSU with my daughter it was nice to have a place to relax. We really enjoyed our stay and would stay again in the near future!
We fished, swam, played, watched movies, cooked in the well-appointed kitchen and just generally had the best week in the Happy Shack. The bay beach was a surprisingly awesome amenity.
Katie Rutledge S.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec, 2024
It sounds like you had the perfect week at the Shack! With the recent storms, our bay beach is growing larger, but Mother Nature seems to leave the Shack alone for whatever reason! We are blessed :)
Hi Don, We so enjoyed having you at the Shack and getting to meet you at the basketball game! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to have you back next season.
Very cozy property with a lot of thoughtful details
Our family truly enjoy our stay at the property. Very clean, cozy, and comfortable, with a lot of thoughtful details in the house. Owner always communicates and responds promptly. Beautiful bay at the backyard and great private beach across the street.
Xiaona H.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Apr, 2025
We love it when families create memories together at the Happy Shack! We are pleased to know you found the property clean and comfortable and enjoyed the many fun details we have placed in the home. Come again!
The Happy Shack was perfect for our Alligator Point stay! It had everything we needed to enjoy our time away. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Lindsey T.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug, 2022
We are glad to know that you enjoyed your Forth of July family get-away with friends next door! I look forward to meeting you in NOLA for the upcoming FSU game!
This area is magical and Happy Shack is the perfect place to stay. We will be back!
Leigh P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul, 2021
We feel tht magical is the perfect description for the Forgotten Coast! Thank you for staying with us. We look forward to having you back!
About the host
Hosted by Allison Ager
We are Allison and Robert from Tallahassee, FL. We have three grown sons. We live and work in Tallahassee. Allison grew up visiting Alligator Point as a kid and Robert came to love it while attending Florida State University. The Happy Shack is a breezy reflection of who we are. We have poured our hearts and souls into transforming this property into the ultimate beach getaway!
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with the old Florida charm that we saw in the Happy Shack. We stumbled on this property in the spring of 2016 and recognized that with a lot (a whole lot) of elbow grease, we could have a little slice of heaven at the coast. Originally built in 1941, the Happy Shack served as officer quarters at Camp Gordon Johnson also know as "Hell by the Sea" located in Carrabelle, FL. It's beautifully weathered and awesome! The eclectic details are all around you, be sure to take them in. We are pretty sure you will feel that you 'fell into' the most amazing cottage on Alligator Point! Don't let the the 'old gal' fool you....she's a gem! The backyard is private and sprawling. Perfect for a game of Boccee Ball, oyster roasts, bonfires, horseshoes or simply watching the sunrise and sunsets. We've added bird, bat and squirrel houses for our critter friends.
What makes this property unique
Besides the breezy vibe that Happy Shack offers, there's a bit of 'famous' here as well. Best selling author (9 books) Connie May Fowler owned this home for 17 years and the gazebo house where she wrote, is now named the 'Fowler House' in her honor. You will find her books in the home...read them, they are wonderful! Connie adapted "Before Women had Wings" for Oprah Winfrey. The result was an Emmy-winning film starring Oprah and Ellen Barkin. Her latest writing (April 2017) "A Million Fragile Bones" is all about her life at the Happy Shack and the BP oil spill that broke her heart.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests