BLUE WHALE on St. George Island, Florida

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Interior
Property grounds
9.4
Outstanding(112 Reviews)

Cottage in Saint George Island, FL

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Well priced for this locationProperty prices in this area are generally higher

About this cottage rental

SUMMARY: Looking for a great stay at the beach that won’t break the bank? The Whale might be a good fit. This low key retreat is a traditional old school 3-bedroom cottage w/direct access & stellar views of the Gulf. It was built in the 70's & is available for rent at a very affordable rate. St. George has been voted The #1 beach in the USA for 2023!!

LOCATION, LOCATION! We’re ideally situated - directly across from the Gulf w/easy access to the beach.  Near the center of the island (309 W. Gorrie Dr). There is little traffic in front of the house, crossing the street is not a problem (more bicycles & golf carts pass by than cars).  We love the ability to walk/bike back after an evening at The Blue Parrot or Paddy's (Harry A's is 4 blocks away. Weber's donuts is a block away).   Check out our personal FB: bluewhaleinnsgi

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This is an older property; a 'lived in, traditional, Florida beach house'. THEREFORE, we are pleased to be able to offer The Whale as a fun/enjoyable option for your family vacation at a reasonable price! Please feel free to call us with any questions in advance so that we can fully describe The Whale. We want to make sure there are no misunderstandings and you're happy when you arrive.  This cottage is NOT a fancy, new or pristine 'beach house’ or luxury resort. Some guests have expressed the following as ‘negatives’:  The spiral staircase to the loft is tight and some have found it difficult to climb. The furniture, appliances etc., are not new (although everything is comfortable and works well), not all the windows open. Although our housekeeper is fantastic and everything is clean, you could probably find some things that weren't perfect. The surrounding grounds are natural... NO fancy landscaping, The beds however, ARE all TOP QUALITY and very comfortable (less than 3 years old).

ON THE UPSIDE: The '70's interior has been upgraded and refreshed (after minor damage from Hurricane Michael). It's now much more contemporary. Please read our reviews, they provide a good objective perspective of our place (also see our pictures).

AWESOME DECK FACING THE GULF: The front deck is spacious. There is plenty of outside furniture (hammock, table, umbrella chairs and reclining lounge chairs).

The 4 person hot-tub is the highlight (2-speed jets, bubbles and temp up to 104)! 

FUN TIMES: Super entertainment system (powered speakers inside w/sub & separate sound system on front deck). Bluetooth receiver.  Flat screen TV w/HD Dish Network satellite (over 250 channels including all Sirus/XM music stations). ROKU streaming box with Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Apple TV and more. There is also an auxiliary HDMI input cord if you would like to bring your own Fire or ROKU stick to sync with TV.

DVD/CD player on hand that connects to in & outdoor speakers.

High speed 5G Wi-Fi provided to power many devices. A collection of games, books and DVDs are on hand.

BEACH: There are also normally several beach chairs, boogie/skim boards, beach umbrella, beach canopy & kids toys (although what's available is not guaranteed and varies).  There's even a 'Gorilla Cart' to transport everything to the beach!  Our personal bikes are in the carport. They're a bit old, but work great and you're welcome to use them.

KITCHEN: No luxurious granite countertops or Wolf range, but the kitchen Is maxed out (we love to cook)! Dishes, cookware and an extensive selection/variety of utensils are available.  K-Cup coffee maker (along with standard filter/drip coffee maker), ice maker in fridge + Frigidaire counter top ice maker, top of the line KitchenAid blender (for perfect margaritas), 4 slice 'extra wide' slot toaster, microwave, dishwasher, glass top stove & more.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: The home sleeps 6 comfortably (maximum occupancy) with 3 bedrooms (upstairs loft with Casper memory foam king pedestal bed and sitting area, primary BR with Serta Signature queen & 3rd BR has Linenspa twin beds for kids/teens). All mattresses are less than 3 years old! All linens are provided (w/extra pillows & blankets). There are fans in all rooms.

BATHROOMS: There is a full bathroom with a large walk-in tile shower on the main level. A half bath is in the loft & outdoor 'open-air' shower on the side of the cottage (with a soap/shampoo/conditioner dispenser). 

NEED MORE SPACE: Add the “Wreck Room” below.... our optional expansion on the ground level. There’s a lounge area with an L shape sofa, smart TV (with all our streaming services activated). A bar, small kitchenette area & additional full tile bathroom. This would be good for teens who want to stay up later (watching movies/playing games), or for a guest to nap or relax during the day. It's nothing fancy, but does provide extra space and privacy (and the extra bathroom)!

Please note: This is a separate space... It's NOT connected internally to the the main house above and is accessed from the carport below only.  Although we've slept many nights on the sofas downstairs (twin bed size), it wouldn't 'technically qualify' as an additional bedroom (or increase occupancy). Contact us if you’d like to add this space to your reservation ($300 for the week). The Wreck Room is NOT rented separately from the main cottage. (It can only be added by the guests renting the cottage above).

WELL STOCKED W/THE BASICS: Dishwasher/laundry detergent, bathroom tissue, paper towels, garbage can liners, hand soap, shampoo, cleaning supplies, coffee filters, herbs/spices/basic staples... You would normally have to purchase these at other rentals, but we are happy to share/provide them for you (while they last).

HVAC: We've just installed a brand new TRANE central AC/heat system (April 2023). There are also individual wall mounted AC units in each bedroom for personal climate control. The cottage stays quite CHILL !! :-)

PETS: The home & island/beach are 'pet friendly' (pets require a non-refundable $120 pet fee). Maximum 2 pets. It's HIGHLY recommended that dogs be kept in a kennel/crate if left unattended in the house. We respectfully ask that pets are kept off the furniture (especially beds) and that you clean pet hair when you leave (lint rollers are under sink).

IF YOU'RE BRINGING A PET YOU MUST 'CHECK THE PET BOX' ON VRBO WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION (VERY IMPORTANT).
(undisclosed pets would violate your rental agreement).

NO EXTRA FEES: There are no cleaning/service/extra fees except those assessed by VRBO. All bookings & payments MUST be done through VRBO.  Per Florida law... We are not legally able to rent directly. This home is owner managed (not by a rental company). 

HOUSEKEEPING: Although our maid in Eastpoint comes over between reservations to change the sheets/towels, clean the bathrooms, vacuum/mop, wipe surfaces, etc. to make sure the house is ready; we do ask that guests make every effort to leave the cottage in good condition when you depart (see rental agreement).  We can send our housekeeper over, at no charge if upon arrival you discover anything unsatisfactory (which you should report to us immediately). 

PEST CONTROL/HOT-TUB/OBLIGATIONS: We also have monthly pest control (however we are on an island in FLA... sugar ants can find their way in). We highly recommend any food (even bread or chips/crackers in sealed packages) be stored in upper cabinets or refrigerator. The Hot Tub is serviced/cleaned on Saturday and Tuesday. In the summer, you can keep it cool. When it's chilly, you can move the temp 'up' for a relaxing warm 'soak'.  You need to ALWAYS wash off all sand and sunscreen, using the outdoor shower on the right side of the deck, prior to 'tubbing'.

We are also on a septic tank... If you're not familiar with the very important guidelines/procedures, they are posted in the laundry room.

RENTAL OPTIONS: This cottage is available for WEEK LONG STAYS (5 day bookings are sometimes possible). Month long stays are available 'off season' (with a discount).  We personally use the house a lot, but do enjoy sharing our place.  The rates are also NOT NEGOTIABLE (please do not 'make us an offer'). Download & read the rental agreement; Guests will be obliged to all terms. If there is anything that you do not understand or if you have any questions, please contact us.  A week prior to your arrival VRBO will send you instructions on how to access the house plus additional details that you'll need during your stay (we will also reach out by phone).

Although we will immediately do everything possible to correct any problems/issues that could arise during your stay (including items not working or available) or if the island is evacuated due to adverse weather (after your arrival), no refunds, reductions in rent or rescheduling will be available or offered. This also includes cancellations by the guests (for any reason) after booking.
We strongly suggest you purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL BEFORE YOU BOOK: We're available by phone anytime. (our numbers are listed on the photo slides)... We're a unique property.  While 95% of our guests have enjoyed the cottage (with mostly repeat customers), some families have found it's 'not up to their standards'.  If you're unsure... Let's talk in advance to confirm we will be a good fit for you and everyone is on the same page (as opposed to you arriving and being unhappy or disappointed).  Also PLEASE GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY to address any 'situations' at the start of or during your stay, as opposed to us reading a bad review after you've left.  We are very proactive and available 24/7 to help in any way.  :-)

Please view the Video tour:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=L4zasM0OEBc 
 (copy & paste to browser)   

Video should also available in slide #3 of photos (just click).

THANKS for your consideration of the BWI for your next vacation!
We’d love to share our place with you! 🐳🏝️😎

Cheers,
John Summers Matthews

Amenities

Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Family friendly

Map of Saint George Island, FL

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Reviews

9.4
Outstanding(112 Reviews)
10.0
Aug 2024
Cute little beach cabin close to the water. Great views! In need of a little TLC. Porch door needs to be replaced. Would definitely stay again, and recommend to those looking for a centrally located place to stay on SGI.
10.0
Aug 2024
The location is incredible. The owner is very friendly and helpful. As long as you understand that it is an older property you’ll definitely enjoy your stay.
10.0
Aug 2024
Owner was very communicative and helpful. It’s an older house and he describes it accurately in the listing. Loved watching the movies - a varied selection. Lots of towels and so nice that we didn’t have to bring beach chairs. The proximity to beach is great!
10.0
Jul 2024
John was very easy to communicate with! We absolutely loved our time sitting on the deck with the sound system and hot tub! The Blue Whale is walkable to so many places to eat or buy groceries! We enjoyed the easy walk to the beach each day and the beautiful view! We cannot wait to stay here again!
10.0
Jul 2024
This was our second summer staying at the Blue Whale...and it's still great! My family absolutely loves the laid back feel of this adorable house. It's so close to the water, you can walk to the Blue Parrott, you can ride bikes, it's pet friendly and our dog LOVES it! The deck is perfect for watching the water and sunset after a long beach day. Mr. John is amazing and ensures you have everything you need down to a beach wagon and chairs. It's the best place to stay and we will be back next year! Hoping to be able to stay longer!
8.0
Jun 2024
Great location on the island. Close to all the things you want while staying there. House has some age and could use a little love. But everything works as it should and although you’re not stepping on the beach when you walk out, you’re an easy walk to the beach (less than 1 block). If you’re looking for luxury, this isn’t the place. If you’re looking for a great location with just enough room to sleep and eat in private with everything you need and nothing you don’t, this is a good option.
10.0
Jun 2024
We had an amazing time at the Blue whale. Host was extremely quick and helpful in responding to any questions. Location is perfect. This is an older house but they are very honest and upfront about everything. This an affordable house very close to the beach! My family loved it and will definitely be back! Absolutely 5 stars. Thank you for the great time and the memories we made at your house! Kevin
10.0
Jun 2024
Overall AMAZING. Perfect location, easy access to everything you would or could need. Host is fabulous and responds fast if you have any questions. The Blue Whale in was perfect for our family, affordable price, comfortable and has everything you could possible imagine. I give this property and host a thousand plus stars. I recommend anyone looking for an affordable house, pet friendly with all the amenities and perfect location to book The Blue Whale Inn. You will not regret it.

FAQs

How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Saint George Island?

The average price for a rental in Saint George Island is R 6,627 per night. This rental is R 2,697 less expensive than the average.

Is parking included with this cottage?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at BLUE WHALE on St. George Island, Florida. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this cottage?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is BLUE WHALE on St. George Island, Florida pet friendly?

Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at BLUE WHALE on St. George Island, Florida?

We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.

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