"The Best of Both" - Lakefront Gulfview with Pool and Easy Access to the Beach
House in South Walton County, FL
15 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsPool, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this house rental
It's all about access... and this home has the Best of Both. If you want to explore Eastern Lake, on a kayak, or canoe, you can simply step off the porch and you are on the lake. If you want to go the Gulf, it is about 200 yards due south. A county beach access walkover leads to approximately 350' feet of county owned Public Beach. You will have to wade through the Inlet to get to the beach. It may be ankle deep some days and thigh deep on other days. Or you can use a completely dry access about 300 yards west of there. There is a public parking lot nearby to shorten your walk. We feel the most enjoyable way to get to the beach is to load up your beach gear onto the canoes and kayaks and just paddle south. Soon, you will be at Eastern Lake Inlet, one of the best beach locations in all of South Walton for children and adults to enjoy the sand, the sun, and the sea in one special place. Last, but not least, we offer a beautiful, terraced, Lakeside Swimming Pool! The pool is heated to offer a refreshing place to spend a vacation in the Fall and Winter of the year, at no extra charge.
"The Best of Both" offers two separate living spaces that are connected with interior stairs. The upstairs has its own master bedroom and master bath, as well as a full-sized guest bedroom with private bath. The upstairs also offers a full modern kitchen and the most panoramic view of the Lake and Gulf you could ever wish for. The downstairs has another master bedroom and master bath and a bunk room for the kids, which also has another bathroom. There is a queen sleeper sofa in the living area of each floor. The downstairs offers a breakfast kitchen, with an under-counter refrigerator and ice maker, as well as a microwave. The downstairs porch has a propane grill and is convenient to the Pool and walkover, which leads you to the dock. Near the shore, you will find an array of small watercraft: 6 kayaks and 2 canoes, for your use. There's an outdoor shower in the courtyard. If you venture North, the lake will take you to the backwaters of Eastern Lake, or to the "Old Florida Fish House", if it's seafood you are interested in. If you venture South, the Gulf of Mexico will greet you, as you sit yourself down on the crystal white sand, and gaze at the emerald green waters in front of you.
If paddling isn't your style, it is a two hundred yard walk to the beach, or you can rent bicycles to cruise the almost 30 miles of bike paths that are readily available nearby. Of course, shopping and activities are just down the road at Seaside, about 3 miles to the west. The Big Chill is a shopping and restaurant hub about 3 mile east, and Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach are about six miles east. Deer Lake State Park in less than 1 mile away We have parking for about six vehicles.
We also offer a separate rental apartment with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, and bunks, which is located right next door. It can be viewed at VRBO #36616 and can be rented separately if you have an extra large group.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Map of South Walton County, FL
RRRR
Reviews
10.0
We loved staying on the lake with close access to the beach. The kayaks and canoes were great to carry beach equipment back and forth each day and the pool was a wonderful reward after a hot day under the sun. We enjoyed views and meals from the 2nd floor deck and the lower deck by the pool was great too. The lake fishing was lots of fun for some of our youngsters. The Beachy Bean and Old Florida Fish House were a short walk away as were several other restaurants and shops. The house was comfy and big enough for our group and the air conditioners worked great! The private beach areas were a bit of a nuisance, so we would haul our beach chairs and canopy each morning (around 6:30am) via the lake to set up for the day. Otherwise, we would not have found a spot close to the water. The umbrella companies were already hard at work taking up lots of beach real estate and there was a guy protecting a portion of beach for a homeowner. The beach was very crowded, but the key is to get there early and stake out your spot. I love 30A and have been coming here for 30+ years but we'll probably go somewhere else next year for our big family vacation.
10.0
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Location was great. House was clean. We would love to stay here again.
8.0
It was picture perfect!
10.0
This location was perfect for us this year, especially since the beach was extremely rough. This home with a pool and a fishing dock made our trip extra enjoyable with the less than ideal beach conditions. The owners were fabulous to work with and were very responsive to our every need. You don't have to think twice about renting this one. It was a great experience. Thank you Nina and Garrett for your hospitality.
10.0
This home was perfect for our group of 7 adults and 2 kids. We had a family with young children who stayed downstairs with MaMaw and then a younger crew that stayed upstairs. The 2 living/kitchen areas were perfect. The private pool was a luxury and the short walk to the beach gave us all the options in one place. I can't recommend this lovely home more.
10.0
Kids loved the pool and kayaks, and catching crabs in trap
10.0
This is our second time staying here and it was once again fantastic. Great location and super comfortable. Great communication with owner and timely. Already booked for next summer !
10.0
Great house with practically layout and wonderful porch. Kitchen is nicely stocked and owners are very responsive. We love the area and will stay here again!
10.0
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful property! Having a pool, the lake and the beach within walking distance made this vacation enjoyable for everyone! It’s a perfect property for multiple families to share - we had 2 grands, 4 adults & 4 kids & all fit comfortably. We could have used some blankets or throws as the weather was cooler at night but there were none available. We also ran out of forks after a meal in, but theey generously provided plenty of dishwasher pods in addition to many other disposable items! There’s tons of beach gear to use, and the use of the kayaks & canoes were an extra bonus. We attempted to use the paddle board but it started sinking - not sure if it’s only meant for kids or maybe something happened to it, but that did not ruin our fun!
It was amazing to see how the lake changed at the gulf throughout the week - early on the water at the beach access was up to the adults thighs, and towards the end only ankle deep! Regardless you will have to wade through water to get to the beach. There is a dry access at Ramsgate but it’s a little farther down from the house. We reserved beach service through 30A shade, but upon arrival were told we technically shouldn’t be using their services as they’re only for the condos - however they did honor our reservation & placed us at the end closest to the lake in case that’s something you’re considering.
Overall this was probably the best rental home we’ve stayed in & hope to return! Thank you!
10.0
This house is perfect for a large family. It really had almost everything you need. Although majority of our group drove down, it is ideal for groups flying in as you would need to bring little with you. We had 6 kids ranging from age 5-16 and the consensus was that their favorite thing was the lake and getting to learn how to kayak. There was something for everyone to do and adults could relax while easily keeping an eye on the split group swimming in the pool and those enjoying the lake. It was a quick trip to the beach. We found that loading everything into the canoe and going to the beach through the inlet was the most efficient method. We had a glitch with VRBO and didn’t receive check in information. Garrett was very responsive and helpful when we called, even with being on vacation himself. The only note for families needing to use one or both of the sleeper sofas, the one in the downstairs has broken springs so the mattress sinks through the frame on one end. We made it work by propping it, so it was still usable. You may want to consider bringing extra bedding if using the sofas. We did find two extra pillows and a sheet set in the closet. There were no extra blankets though. It worked out for us as my kids are young and bring their own favorite blankets when they travel. This house definitely had the best view we have had in any of our stays in Florida. We all gravitated to the upper deck as soon as we woke up. We definitely loved everything about our stay.
10.0
A big thanks to Nina & Garret for making our vacation just perfect. They are so accommodating & the place had everything you might need. Being on the lake was great for the fishing men and kids! They provide all the toys to experience the water. Thanks so much!
The Gulley family!
10.0
Awesome view. Truly was best of both worlds.
10.0
We had the best time! We could have stayed at the house, lake, and beach and never left! So many things for all ages to do here. The pool was really an added bonus for the little ones in our group. Can’t wait to go back!
10.0
We loved the location of the house. Absolutely loved the pool, lake, and view. Very beautiful! Layout of house was good and very comfortable. The kayaks were so nice to have to take to the beach! Huge win for the kids ! My only complaint would be the outdated TVs. Would’ve loved to have smart tvs for the two main living rooms so that we could have apps or stream shows from our phone at night . Also, downstairs shower sprays water on to the floor and gets pretty soaked.
10.0
The Best of Both did not let us down for the second year in a row with grandkids enthusiastically wanting to come back in 2024 which is already booked. So much to do, great furnished house both inside and out. We love our travels to the beach in our canoe and kayaks. The pool and its lake view is breathtaking. The best house we’ve stayed and there have been many. Thank you to the owners for sharing.
10.0
House as shown. Updated and clean and well stocked. Need to walk a ways to get to beach unless you are willing to wade knee deep. Beach was nice. Busy area. Had kayaks and canoes and owner got us enough life jackets for all. Cooked meals with ease using appliances and cookware. Fishing was not good but hit bad days probably—cool and windy week—no ones fault. Good for family of adult children and grandchildren. Pool was nice and was heated.
10.0
We absolutely loved our stay at Best of Both! It was the perfect location with an amazing view. Most of the small towns are within walking/biking distance. The lake access was perfect, even in the cooler weather and the beach was a very short walk down the street. We had so much fun and can’t wait to come back!
8.0
We have stayed over 8 years in this exact area trying out different properties. This was definitely top 3. The pool was perfect for keeping the kids occupied from sun up to sun down. We absolutely loved having all the kayaks to use. Took all our stuff to the beach that route. Layout of the house was perfect for two families.
10.0
Such a great location, and so nice to have the pool there for after beach time!
10.0
The anticipation of this trip was huge and the property did not disappoint. Having the Pool, Lake , and Beach option, no one was ever bored. The kids loved the kayaks and are still talking about them. Can't wait to go back next year is possible!
10.0
Amazing
We had 6 adults and 5 children and Best of Both was definitely the best fit for all of us. The house is great with everything (and more) that you need for a beach vacation. Everyone loved being able to get out on the water right from our private dock. The beautiful private pool is truly one of a kind, looking right out on Eastern Lake. We loved sitting on the upper deck watching the full moon and playing games every night! Even on the rainiest of days everyone found a special nook in the house to enjoy a good book, play a game or even take a nap! We can’t wait to plan our next family vacation at Best of Both. Thank you Garrett and Nina, you truly have a gem!
10.0
Annual Family Vacay
Loved the house! Children loved the pool and boats. Fun being on the lake.
10.0
Amazing place, amazing hosts, amazing time
Can’t say enough good things about this place. The home is beautiful and we love being on the lake and being able to paddle out to the beach! So much to do and the hosts are very kind, very gracious people. I want to give it no stars just so this place stays a hidden gem just for our family LOL.
10.0
Best of Both-an Ultimate Experience
My family and I have shared many beach rentals over the last 30 years, east coast and gulf coast. The Best of Both hands down was the first rental I rebooked before we even left for the this years stay to return in 2023. The house was furnished comfortably, the kitchen was well stocked with all needed. The pool was awesome. The beauty of the lake and the many water vessels to use in the lake were a very welcome surprise. The dock was my grandkids, 3 under 10 years, favorite place for fishing. And the waterway to the beach and the beach itself was beautiful also. Taxiing to the beach via the waterway was our big adventure. Thank you to the Garrett’s for allowing us to stay in our favorite beach/lake house.
10.0
Quaint, quiet, and comfortable with a breathe taking view
The location was excellent - an oasis away from busy areas. It was conveniently located. The owners were responsive to any questions we had. Nothing beats waking up to the beautiful view.
10.0
Awesome Spring Break
This house really hit the spot. A block from the beach on Eastern
Lake. The pool was heated. We kayaked a lot on the lake. It is a beautiful view from both the 2nd level and pool level. This was the first year we stayed in this house. We moved a mile or so east from Seaside and we are glad we did. We would certainly recommend this property and look forward to staying there in the future.
10.0
Truly the best of both
The property was as described and having read the other reviews, our experience aligned with what others have written.
Excellent location and we truly enjoyed the pool. A great kitchen with a ton of extras. (i.e. I ended up bringing kitchen supplies that were already provided). We found out that using the canoe to get all of our beach supplies was the most efficient method. The only thing that would make this location better is if there was a closer beach access point that did not require crossing water. All and all , this property is amazing.
10.0
Best of Both!
Wonderful location, wonderful stay! Nina and Garrett were excellent hosts!
10.0
Great family stay
Everything was as listed. Great location and great house.
10.0
Awesome location!
Great Florida water location! Eastern Lake and Gulf of Mexico meet here. Easy access and perfect accommodations. We will be back.
10.0
Great time!
Location can’t be beat!
10.0
PERFECT AND TONS TO DO
We have visited 30A many times over the years and this was our best stay yet. The owners are very responsive and caring and so much to do on this property. We enjoyed the pool, fishing from the dock, kayaking to the inlet and beach. The view from both decks is exceptional. We'll gladly stay there again in the future.
10.0
Great family vacation!
We enjoyed our stay at “Best of Both”! The location of the house was perfect! The house was clean and had everything we needed! We will definitely be back!
10.0
One word - A-ma-zing
This was our first time in Sea Grove and our first time with this property. We have a large family, 7, plus borough along a friend. The property is beautiful, bright, clean, and was more than large enough for the entire crew. The landlord lives next door and checked in on us once to make sure we had everything we needed. The lake was a hit with the included kayaks, fishing, and the ability to paddle out to the beach was super cool! By the way, the owner is an artist, author, and all around super neat guy if you get a chance to meet him and his wife. I would highly recommend this property is you plan on staying in the Sea Grove area.
8.0
Consider taking extras...
The access to the lake & ocean is fantastic, and the accommodations are exactly as presented online. Consider taking extra towels & linens, as minimal are on site. Need to pack your own dishtowels as none were provided. Also note, if you have young children, the dishes are all breakable so you might think about taking paper or plastic versions.
10.0
Great Vacation Getaway 😎🌴
Thanks so much to Nina and Garrett Horn for a wonderful stay at your lovely lakefront vacation rental home. Beautiful views and a great location. We had a fun and relaxing time in Seagrove beach.
10.0
"Best of Both" is Best of ALL!!
Incredible house and unforgettable views! You can paddleboard/kayak to the ocean in 5 minutes from your own lake dock. The owners are very accommodating and helpful. We'll be back!!
10.0
Best of Both
We had a wonderful time on our trip to Best of Both.
5.0
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location provided access to so many fun activities. The pool was perfect, the ability to kayak from the property was perfect, the kitchen supplies were perfect. We could walk to shops and restaurants. Great walking and biking paths (which were busy). We were provided via email information on the local activities, but could have used a little more if we were not there during a pandemic (when we were keeping to ourselves!). It was truly perfect and I would visit this home again.
10.0
Perfect place
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location provided access to so many fun activities. The pool was perfect, the ability to kayak from the property was perfect, the kitchen supplies were perfect. We could walk to shops and restaurants. Great walking and biking paths (which were busy).
We were provided via email information on the local activities, but could have used a little more if we were not there during a pandemic (when we were keeping to ourselves!).
It was truly perfect and I would visit this home again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in South Walton County?
The average price for a rental in South Walton County is R 6,265 per night. This rental is R 12,041 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at "The Best of Both" - Lakefront Gulfview with Pool and Easy Access to the Beach . For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at "The Best of Both" - Lakefront Gulfview with Pool and Easy Access to the Beach . Enjoy the water!
Is "The Best of Both" - Lakefront Gulfview with Pool and Easy Access to the Beach pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at "The Best of Both" - Lakefront Gulfview with Pool and Easy Access to the Beach ?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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