BLUE WHALE on St. George Island, Florida

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 deck needs to be repainted. 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: It's 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 range & 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 & 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).

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 per 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 BRING A PET YOU MUST 'CHECK THE BOX' WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION.

If a pet is discovered on the property without prior disclosure, you will be asked to leave.

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 90% 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/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 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