A Hidden Gem on Merritt Island: A Prohibition-Era Hideout Reborn - Message us for the 3D Tour!
So you’re on the hunt for a vacation for your group that’s more than just a place to crash. You want a getaway with a story, a soul—something that’ll make everybody's jaw drop and give you memories to talk about for years. You’re tired of the same old hotels and predictable rentals. You need a spot that’s equal parts adventure, relaxation, and history. But where do you find a place like that?
A Property with a Legendary Past
Cue your discovery of this incredible 8-bedroom estate on Merritt Island, Florida—a home that started as a raging dumpster fire when I snapped it up in 2020. Everyone told me to walk away or bulldoze it flat. It was a wreck, barely standing, a shadow of its former self. But during some light demo to see if it was worth saving, we hit the jackpot: old shoes, rum bottles, tobacco tins, and rusted pocketknives stashed inside the walls. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a house—it was a treasure trove of cool old antiques that nobody had seen for over 100 years. I had heard of homes in the area being used by bootleggers of the Prohibition era for rum-runners hauling illegal liquor up the coast. I am no archaeologist, so I didn't know one way or another, but I did know we couldn’t tear it down. The legend was too cool, and inspired me to do some background research on the home.
Built in the 1920s and expanded over the decades into the sprawling estate you see today, this place has history baked into its bones. Back during Prohibition (1920-1933), when the U.S. banned alcohol, Florida became a smuggling hotspot. Merritt Island, tucked along the Indian River with its secluded shores and easy access to the Bahamas and Cuba, was prime real estate for rum-runners. These guys—like the legendary Bill McCoy, who smuggled top-shelf liquor up the East Coast—dodged the Feds in speedy boats, stashing their hauls in hidden spots like this one. The rum bottles we found? Likely remnants of McCoy’s stock or something just as illicit. And those shoes? Smugglers sometimes hollowed them out to hide small batches of booze. The tobacco tins and knives? Personal effects of the rough-and-tumble crew who crashed here to unwind before the grueling trip north to cities like Jacksonville or Savannah for points northward.
A Luxurious Retreat with a Storied Past
Fast forward to today: we’ve transformed this bootlegger’s lair into a luxurious family retreat that honors its wild past while delivering modern comfort. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
A heated pool kept at a perfect 85°F year-round, shaded by ancient trees—ideal for a refreshing dip. Two fully-equipped kitchens, making it easy to cook up meals that bring everyone together.
An outdoor living paradise with a fireplace, TV, and pergolas draped in sheer curtains that sway in the breeze. Plus, an outdoor kitchen and a custom firepit for unforgettable evenings.
A hidden hammock hut for quiet moments with a book or a nap.
Eight bedrooms and five full bathrooms, including a first-floor master with private entry and a separate apartment above the garage, ensuring everyone has their own space.
Prime location on Merritt Island, just minutes from Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center, with front-row views of rocket launches and stunning sunsets over the Indian River.
Step Into the Legend
This isn’t just a rental—it’s a time machine, a hideaway, and a family bonding spot all in one. Book your stay and dive into a getaway where you’re not just a guest, but part of a century-old story. Whether you’re chasing history, craving relaxation, or eager to witness a rocket blast off, this retreat delivers it all. Pack your bags, leave the ordinary behind, and come live the legend.
Memories Forged in History
Once you arrive, the magic takes over. Days blur into poolside lounging, the rustle of leaves and the tang of saltwater filling the air. Nights come alive around the firepit, where firelight and fairy lights set the scene for marshmallow roasts and tales of rum-runners. You’ll sink into the outdoor living room, the fireplace crackling as sheer curtains sway like whispers from the past. Or you’ll escape to the hammock hut, letting the world fade away. Every creak of the floorboards feels like a nod to the bootleggers who once called this place home. By the time you leave, you’ll carry more than a vacation—you’ll have a piece of history and a story that’s now yours.
**Rental Agreement: Must sign electronic guest agreement (guest agreement reflects the same 'house rules' & agreements provided below) & provide ID within 48 hours of booking (or immediately if arrival is within 48 hours). Failure to sign will result in cancellation with applicable cancellation penalties
1. Parties or Events are not allowed. Quiet Hours are from 10P-9A 7 days a week; sound level monitored by NoiseAware Automation to ensure you and the neighbors enjoy a safe, peaceful environment. Pro tip: Quiet hours are not a challenge :-) PLEASE understand that this is a quiet neighborhood with very involved neighbors, and even outside quiet hours if they can hear loud music, shouting, etc across their property line, they will complain resulting in a breach of house rules and a potential cancellation of your reservation.
2. For insurance reasons, please ensure only registered guests are invited to the property. Any undeclared guests on the property will be incur a $40 per person fee.
3. Please no smoking of anything inside the home. If there is smoking inside the home a $200 additional cleaning fee will be charged.
4. Please remove your shoes upon entering the house.
5. Accidents happen - but willful damages/destruction exceeding the coverage amount will be billed to the guest and unfortunately reported to the booking company. Upon issuing any complaints about any aspect of the property, the Guest authorizes the Host or his designee to enter the property in order to provide resolution.
6. Must be at least 25 years old to book - Exceptions considered, please inquire before booking.
7. We warmly welcome pets, but please note that prior approval is required along with payment of a pet deposit and nightly fee. For the comfort and health of future guests, it's important that pets are crated when left alone and are not allowed in sleeping areas. If any evidence of pet hair or waste is found in living areas, the $500 pet deposit will be retained to cover the deep cleaning and deallergen fees.
8. Because many of the house safety and environmental systems rely on being connected to the internet, please do not unplug or disable the internet routers/modems as this will cause damage to the home.
9. Because this home is booked virtually 100% of the time, any guests who have not left the home within 30 minutes of the 10am checkout without authorization will be billed for an additional full night rate to pay for extra cleaners to come and make the home to be spotless for the next guests.
10. Please under no circumstances bring any food/drink other than water into the sleeping areas - if our cleaning staff finds leftover food items and/or drinks in the sleeping areas a $200 pest control fee will be charged.
11. Guests agree to read, understand, and adhere to the Liability Waiver at the end of the house rules.
Because your safety and privacy matter, the property features security cameras that monitor the grounds around the home and inside the garage- there are ABSOLUTELY NO cameras inside the living areas of the home.
12. Fully executed rental agreement is required to book.
A few days before your visit begins, I will send you additional details with check-in and access instructions. If you have any questions in the meantime, let me know :-)
Thanks,
Tim (dad), Allie and Olivia
Rental Agreement Terms:
Rental Agreement
Thanks for choosing Altus Resorts. We look forward to welcoming you! Use this Agreement to complete your reservation, and then we will send your arrival instructions.
PARTIES. This Agreement is between Altus Resorts and its agents (“VRM”) and {{guest_first_name}}{{guest_last_name}} ("Guest")
GENERAL TERMS. Terms include those in this agreement (“Agreement ”); any online agreement or terms, confirmation; directions, instructions (check-in, checkout…), house rules, house signs, & similar documents; any condominium or homeowners’ association rules & applications, including required approvals; and any options, optional agreements, and waivers. Should any conflicts arise, the terms of this agreement control.
PROPERTY (“PROPERTY”). As described in online agreement.
PAYMENTS & CHARGES. Payment & charges are in accordance with any online agreement and terms below.
Payment Method. Major debit/credit cards, e-checks, and Stripe.
Payment Terms. 50% of total amount is due upon reservation to hold but not guarantee the reservation. The Balance is due 30 days prior to Rental Period.
Limited Damage Waiver Fee. $99. Limited Damage Waiver Program Fee. See details below.
Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is recommended for any concerns about cancellations, illness, or personal injury.
Credit Card Documentation & Authorization. Copy of Guest’s credit card & driver’s license must be sent to
tim@altusresorts.com to complete the reservation. Guest authorizes VRM to charge card for any additional charges & penalties based on this agreement.
Chargebacks & Refunds. Guest waives any right to dispute a credit/debit card charge or request a refund from the
platform, and agrees to the use of the alternative grievance, litigation, and arbitration policies in this agreement.
Florida Innkeepers Statute and Fraud Disclosure. If the property is unhabitable or VRM materially breaches or misrepresents the condition of the property, Guest can opt to vacate the property in exchange for a prorated refund but otherwise agrees to waive any right to compensation without vacating.
