Summary:
The perfect beach getaway!
* Wake up to coffee and a stunning sunrise.
* Spend all day lounging on the beach and cooling off in the ocean.
* Wind down with a gourmet dinner overlooking the water.
Embrace the essence of coastal living in this classic 3 br home. Directly on the beach, this home features spectacular views and plenty of space to make lasting memories.
The Space:
Welcome to “Sofia’s Sand Castle”. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath oceanfront home is the perfect get away for a family or two. When you enter on the first floor, you find a large, open foyer that leads right out to the beach. There is a spacious bedroom downstairs. It has a king bed, dresser, TV, and an ocean front patio. On the ground level, you will also find a full bathroom with a walk-in shower. Upstairs you will find two more bedrooms. The 2nd is on the ocean side of the house, so you can wake up to the sounds of the surf. This bedroom has a queen bed, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. The 3rd bedroom is great for kids. It features two twin-over-twin bunk beds, and a semi-private bathroom with a shower/tub combination.
The living area is nice and open. The kitchen, living room, and dining are all connected and offer views of the beach.
The kitchen features stainless appliances, granite counter tops, and from the sink, a beautiful view of the Guana Preserve. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to make your favorite meals. Bring your best vino, there’s a wine cooler! The living room has two sofas with seating for six plus a game table with seating for four more. The dining space is extended from the living room and overlooks the beach. The dining table comfortably seats six, plus there is bar seating for two at the kitchen island.
Sofia’s Sand Castle has excellent outdoor spaces as well. Upstairs is a covered balcony, a perfect place for enjoying your morning coffee as the sun rises. Downstairs, the back door leads out to a covered patio that overlooks the beach. This is a great place to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, while escaping from the sun. However, if the sun is what you’re looking for, there is an open patio just beyond the covered one. When you come up from the beach, be sure to rinse off in the outdoor shower, which has hot and cold water!
Sofia’s Sand Castle is fully stocked with all linens, beach and bath towels, fully stocked kitchen, beach chairs, and a gas grill. Historic St. Augustine (the nation’s oldest city) is just 15 minutes away. Here, you’ll find countless shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions. Wren Beach Rentals has relationships with many local businesses, offering you discounts. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the intracoastal, get a scoop of ice cream at “Scoops”, or have a fishing guide come to the beach and teach everyone the art of surf fishing. All of our guests also have the opportunity to get a temporary membership to the Serenata Beach Club. The club offers swimming pools, a fitness center, casual and fine dining, and planned kids’ events. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, plenty of sight seeing, or both, you’re sure to find it here.
Experience the beauty of sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and fish. Take leisurely walks along the beach to discover treasures like shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.
Explore Anastasia State Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a stunning coastal setting.
Discover the rich history of Historic St. Augustine by visiting landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian only thoroughfare in the heart of the historic district, lined with charming shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites.
Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age at the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel, showcasing a diverse collection of art, antiques, and artifacts.
Experience the thrill of getting up close to alligators, crocodiles, and exotic animals at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which also offers educational shows, zip lines, and exhibits of native Florida wildlife.
Take a scenic short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a historic Spanish fort located on Rattlesnake Island. Learn about its role in protecting St. Augustine during the colonial period while enjoying views of the surrounding marshlands.
Indulge in delicious cuisine at the many restaurants in St. Augustine, cafes, and eateries. From fresh seafood to international fare, there is something to satisfy every palate, including popular spots like 180 Vilano Grill and Pizza, Briskys BBQ, and Beaches at Vilano.
Please note, that all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and provide a valid form of ID. The primary reservation holder must provide a Government-Issued ID that matches the name on the rental agreement. This is a requirement from St. Johns County. All guest's names (first and last) must be provided. The ages of any minors are required to be listed. This is for emergency and insurance purposes.
Guest Access:
We offer self-check-in. Portoro uses smart locks.
• We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts in advance. If the house happens to be ready earlier than our standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, we, in most cases will allow an early check-in. For a reliable alternative with guaranteed check-in or check-out timing, it's recommended to book the night before or after your scheduled arrival or departure.
Getting Around:
Immerse yourself in the blend of adventure and activity by renting a bicycle. Lose yourself in enchanting streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take in a leisurely pace with beachfront strolls, explore shops, and savor local cuisine on foot.
Enhance your experience with a sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot playful dolphins. For the adventurous, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore our beautiful estuaries and waterways.
Local favorites include Brewer Beach Rentals, St. Augustine City Tours, and Adventure Boat Tours.
Please note that beach driving is not permitted. Beach access points can be found on Coastal Hwy at even-numbered properties and on the 3000 block on S. Ponte Vedra, specifically odd-numbered properties.
Other Things to Note:
Please pay close attention to following the house rules. Non-compliance could result in sizable fines.
- All guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and complete identity registration.
- Age restrictions apply. Please inquire for more information.
- All guests must be included on the guest list and not exceed the maximum number stated on the listing.
- To ensure your safety, proper access to the home, and guest features, ALL guests are required to read the house manual upon arrival and notify Portoro with any questions.
- Known damages incurred during your stay must be reported to the property manager immediately.
- Before check-in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival.
- Pets are not allowed at this home. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without Portoro’s approval, there will be a cleaning charge of $500.
- We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts. When it is possible to check in early or check out late, there will be a fee for anything outside of a one-hour window within our standard times. If your need for an early check-in or late check-out is great, your best option is to book an additional night.
- The home has cameras for external monitoring only.
- HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both St. Johns County and the State of Florida require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6.5% and the county requires 5%.
- LONG-TERM STAYS: (Snowbird, long-term rental). Contact Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro to discuss if a long-term stay discount applies to this listing. Stays over six months are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping. In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect an additional cleaning fee for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed.
Interaction with Guests:
We offer self-check-in. Portoro uses smart locks.
•We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts in advance. If the house happens to be ready earlier than our standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, we, in most cases will allow an early check-in. If your need for an early check-in or late check-out is great, your best option is to book the night before or after your arrival/departure.
