Historic Watermelon - St. Augustine, FL

Experience a charming piece of Summer Haven history at this beautifully restored home that dates back to 1890. As the oldest home in the area, this property has hosted the likes of Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, and even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Originally built as a small inn, this property will let you experience what it was like to vacation in a more genteel era, yet you'll still have all the modern amenities you'd expect in a luxury home. You'll also be treated to beautiful ocean and river views from nearly every room in the house.

Your visit begins on the first floor, where you'll be greeted by a front porch with rocking chairs and a view of the stately fountain framed by swaying palms. Inside, find a gracious foyer and a fantastic kitchen with such bonuses as a gas cooktop, double ovens, a warming drawer, a pot filler, an ice maker, a large island with a prep sink, two refrigerators, and a separate pantry. The glass dining table seats 10, providing ample space for memorable meals and great conversation.

Also on the first floor are a TV room with a sectional sofa, an amazing family room with original floors and a massive stone fireplace, a library/office (with a Murphy bed hidden behind the bookcase), and a sun porch where you can take your morning coffee with a view of the ocean and river. Outside, enjoy a tropical bar and hut, a grill, and space to dine al fresco.

The six bedrooms include a primary suite with gorgeous water views, a covered porch, and a luxurious bathroom. The other five bedrooms are the Marjorie Kinnan-Rawlings Suite (with a cheerful tropical vibe and a pink flamingo bath), the Cary Grant bedroom (with sea-themed decor), the Gary Cooper Suite (with a private bath and direct access to a huge covered porch), the Sea Turtle Bunk Room, and the Lewis Suite (with a beautiful bath, a charming sitting area, ocean and river views, and access to a covered porch). Views of the ocean can be seen from the primary, Kinnan-Rawlings, Grant, Cooper, and Lewis Suites.

Additional amenities include a private swimming pool with a waterfall mermaid grotto, a private hot tub, beach chairs, beach towels, a cooler, four kayaks, and two paddleboards. You can fish in the river or off the private dock, or walk to the beach in a matter of minutes.

You'll feel miles away from the stresses of daily life, yet you'll also be close to so much. It's a quick, 16-mile drive to get into the heart of historic St. Augustine with its many restaurants, shops, museums, and pedestrian mall. Marineland is two miles south and the quaint town of Flagler Beach is only 15 miles beyond.

THINGS TO KNOW

• There are two washer/dryers.
• There is no elevator in this two-story home.

• No pets are allowed at this vacation rental.
• Parking notes: Please be respectful of neighbors when parking more than 4 cars
• Guest entry instructions: This rental utilizes an E-lock, a digital lock that requires a unique code to enter. This code is reset after each guest's stay.

County permit number: 1087095

You must be 25 years or older to rent this property.