Walk to the beach at Forgotten Coast Sanctuary!

Hi, we’re Ely and Chuck — lovers of life, love, and adventure!

We believe a vacation should be more than just a break from routine. It should be a return to what matters most: connection, nature, stillness, and joy. That belief inspired the spaces we’ve created — peaceful, intentionally curated homes designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and feel at home by the sea.

Ely was born in Puerto Rico and now calls Tallahassee home. She’s a mother of three, a published author, and someone who finds beauty in the small things — mushrooms on a trail, a perfect sunrise, or a night sky full of stars. Chuck is from Virginia and a devoted father to his son. His steady kindness, quiet strength, and easy laughter bring balance and warmth to everything we do.

We met later in life — two souls who had walked their own paths, raised their families, and learned what really matters. When we found each other, it felt like coming home. Together, we’ve poured our hearts into creating places that reflect how we live: with presence, purpose, and a little bit of barefoot joy.

Whether you’re seeking a solo retreat, a romantic escape, or a quiet space to write, rest, or reconnect — we’re honored to host you.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook @forgottencoastsanctuary

For us, it was more than a move — it was a new beginning after having lived many lives. A chance to start over, to breathe differently, to find peace in a place that feels both grounded and free. Neither of us had roots here, yet somehow, it felt like coming home.

This neighborhood is all about slowing down — in the best possible way. Whether you’re cruising a golf cart over to Windmark Village for pizza at Bruno’s, listening to live music at The Mill, or wandering the boardwalks that lead straight to the sea, everything here invites you to pause, breathe, and simply be.

What I love most is how easy it is to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. Mornings often start with a run along Old 98, a walk on the quiet shoreline, or a paddle when the Gulf turns to glass. In the evenings, Chuck and I hop in the golf cart and chase the sunset — the kind that stops you mid-sentence — as it melts into the water.

This is a peaceful, family-friendly community made for those who value stillness, simplicity, and the sound of nature at night. I love sitting on the porch after dark, watching the stars appear one by one, feeling the day fade away softly.

Port St. Joe reminded us that it’s never too late to begin again — and that sometimes, the most beautiful chapters start where the world slows down.

For us, this wasn’t about finishing up a beach rental for people to hurry up and rent. It’s been something much deeper — a labor of love. Every room holds a piece of our story: artwork from our pasts, treasures from our travels, and new finds from the adventures we’re still creating together.

We didn’t design this space to impress. We designed it to feel. To feel like home. To feel like exhaling after a long day. To feel the warmth of a place where love and intention live in the details — from the locally crafted art on the walls to the bottle of wine waiting to welcome you when you arrive.

Every element carries meaning. Some pieces were handmade by friends, others gifted by family, and many gathered slowly over time. The textures, colors, and layers of the home tell a story of connection — between the old and the new, the seen and the felt.

When we’re here with our family, this is where we gather. We play cards on the couch, sip coffee on the porch, and ride the golf cart just to catch the last bit of sunset. It’s our place to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember what matters.

Our hope is that when you walk through the door, you feel it too — that same sense of peace, presence, and belonging that drew us here in the first place.