Located between beautiful Vilano Beach and the intracoastal waterway, The House of Shells offers a relaxing retreat with an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and beachy decor. Enjoy your private oasis in the backyard featuring a hot tub, outdoor dining area with grill station and covered pergola.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets
We help make the most of your vacation by providing Free Admission to some of the area's top attractions each and every day! Create exciting memories, have more fun, and truly experience your destination! See below for more details!
Take a relaxing vacation in this newly renovated and freshly furnished townhouse nestled between beautiful Vilano Beach and the intracoastal waterway! The House of Shells features an open and inviting floor plan with vaulted ceilings and modern, beachy decor. Best of all, enjoy a private oasis in the backyard equipped with private hot tub, outdoor dining, grilling station, covered pergola, fire pit, and tropical garden! You will find everything you need for your vacation including a fully stocked kitchen, clean and fresh linens, bathroom amenities, and beach supplies. Whether you are looking to fill your days on the beach, which is just a short walk away, or enjoy the sites and sounds of historic downtown, this home will provide you with a place to kick back and relax at the end of the day. This rental comes with a FREE FUN package which includes one free entry to several top attractions, such as The Alligator Farm and the Old Town Trolley Historic Tour, each day, all just minutes away.
Just down the road is Vilano Beach Town Center. There you can stroll down palm tree-lined Vilano Road (Vilano's "Main Street") along sea-colored sidewalk pavers to the Vilano Pier which offers beautiful sunset views across the river to Historic St. Augustine. You can also fish off the Pier. On your way back through the Art Deco/Florida Vernacular-styled Vilano Beach Town Center, stop in for a great meal at one of five local restaurants ranging from pizza to Chinese to Italian to seafood. Or pick up picnic/snack items at the Publix Grocery, which includes a deli, liquor store and a pharmacy. Back at the beach enjoy swimming, sunning, surfing, fishing and skimboarding. Be sure to check out the popular riverfront restaurant with dock and water views, Caps on the Water, located less than half a mile walking distance from the home.
**PET POLICY: Only dogs are permitted, and must be approved by management PRIOR to booking. You must inquire with the number, weight, and breed to get approval before you book as some breed and size restrictions apply. A pet fee will be required upon approval.
For safety and security purposes this property is equipped with a camera covering the front entryway.
- WIFI
- Flat screen TV
- Ceiling Fans
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dining table for six
- Laundry room
- Private Hot Tub
- Fire Pit
- Grill
- Pergola
- Back deck in fenced yard
- Free parking, 2 spots
- Coded entry
Let iTrip help you make the most of your vacation!
Ride Ripley’s Red Train around the area and take in the historic beauty of Downtown St. Augustine! Explore the oldest fort in the continental United States, the Castillo San Marcos, and stroll down colorful St. George Street filled with shops and restaurants of irresistible local flare. You might even spot a Pirate or Spanish Conquistador in period attire! Breathe in the warm, salty air as you enjoy a romantic walk along the waterfront as the sun sets, casting its final rays on the sparkling water, the drifting boats, and the picturesque Bridge of Lions. But don’t forget to make good use of the night by experiencing the Ghost train or Haunted House tour. Enjoy the endless variety of restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, art, book stores and more just a short drive away from your front door.
FREE FUN! Each booking will include one free entry per attraction each day of your stay! The following attractions are included:
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
- Old Town Trolley One Day Tour
- Royal St. Augustine Golf & Country Club Course
Additional attractions may be available, so feel free to reach out with any questions!
NOTE: $500 cancellation fee applies to all bookings 27 days or more.
Startup bathroom, kitchen, and laundry supplies are provided with each booking.
25 year age requirement to book and stay: Tenant must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age (an "adult") and will be an occupant of the unit during the entire reserved dates.
Noise Ordinance: The city of St. Augustine has a noise ordinance that prohibits noise between the hours of 10:00pm-6:00am Sunday-Thursday, and 11:00pm-7:00am Friday-Saturday. Violations can result in a $500 fee.
No smoking or vaping on the property. $500 fine for rule violation.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Dock
Fenced yard
Firepit
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping mall
Things to do
Golf
Motor boating
Optional golf privileges
Surfing/bodyboarding
Wildlife walks
Ecotours nearby
Golfing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Swimming nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Similar properties
Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District
Uptown
Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the neighborhood
Vilano Beach, a neighborhood in St. Augustine, is home to this vacation home. Shoppers can check out St. George Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Francis Field, or consider a night out at Castle Otttis. Kayaking and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby. Visit our St. Augustine travel guide
St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional)
15 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K
14 min drive
The Spot
13 min drive
V Pizza - Flask & Cannon
16 min drive
The Reef
18 min walk
Refuel Coffee
18 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets located?
Located in Vilano Beach, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Usina Beach and Vilano Beach. Castle Otttis and Tolomato River are also within 1 mi (2 km).
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Private Garden, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Walk to Beach, Minutes to Historic Downtown, $300 in Free Tickets Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The host was very responsive and easy to work with. The home was clean and everything in working order, including the hot tub. Location is great but the walk to the beach is about 20 minutes for those with little ones that need to bring a wagon. Easy drive to public beach parking as well. We appreciated the coupons for local sweet shops!
The house was extremely clean and well furnished. After spending the week at the Players Championship golf tournament, it was great to come home to the hot tub before grilling dinner and enjoying the fire pit after dinner.
This was a great place that was clean and had everything we needed. The neighborhood is very nice. We had a family of 6 and had enough room. The jacuzzi and back patio are really nice.
Ashley W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Feb 15, 2025
House of Shells
This is a very nice home. The neighborhood is quiet. This house is nicely decorated, and has attractive, decent furnishings. It is also well stocked. We would definitely stay here again. They even supplied dog bowls.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shannon L.
Apr 7, 2025
Beautiful!
We really enjoyed our girls trip to Vilano Beach, and the house of shells was lovely! We loved how clean it all was, and the outdoor area was perfect! We figured out the walk to the beach (although more specific directions would have been helpful). The beds were all quite comfy and we all had very good sleep. I’d definitely recommend this property!
Shannon L.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jason
Sep 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Enjoyed a great stay at this property. The two bedrooms were large and the unit was extremely well stocked with everything you could need while away from home. Location was great for access to the beach as well as downtown Vilano and St. Augustine. Communications from the property management made checkin and checkout a breeze. Definitely felt like a home away from home
Jason
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jason A.
Sep 6, 2024
Perfect beach getaway
Enjoyed a great stay at this property. The two bedrooms were large and the unit was extremely well stocked with everything you could need while away from home. Location was great for access to the beach as well as downtown Vilano and St. Augustine. Communications from the property management made checkin and checkout a breeze. Definitely felt like a home away from home
Perfect time in Vilano Beach at the House of Shells
My girls and I loved this home - had everything we needed. Beds were comfy, enjoyed the hot tub and fire pit, large kitchen table perfect for puzzles. Manager was super responsive and helpful.
Shelly M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jill I.
Oct 1, 2024
Great Place to Stay!!!
This condo is a great place to stay! It is close to the beach and St Augustine! The back courtyard is a delightful place to enjoy your coffee in the morning or libations in the evening!! We very much enjoyed the private hot tub that worked really well!! The condo itself is well stocked and very clean!! The mattresses were comfortable and there is plenty of comfy seating to watch TV or just read a book!
Jill I.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Maria
Jan 2, 2024
Family getaway
Great house for our family if 5. Clean, well stocked kitchen, with a short walk to the beach. Very responsive to questions.
My family and I had a great visit! Everything was clean and fully stocked with the necessities for a great trip. The space was open and the outdoor area with hot tub/fire place/tv was perfect. It was a little further from the access to the beach then we expected, but other than that, the location was close to downtown at Augustine and our family in ponte vedra.
Our stay here was absolutely fantastic. It was equipped with everything that we needed, and very very clean. We had our 7 year old & 3 year old and it was very accommodating to the kids. Also the hot tub and whole back yard set up was great. The kitchen has literally everything you would need to cook for your family. Over all amazing experience, short walk to the beach and quiet nice neighborhood. Would definitely stay here again!!!
Just as described,clean,well maintained and walking distance to the beach. There is a little backyard with a fire pit and hot tub. Highly recommend. Also very comfortable bed. We will be returning in 2024.
Thanks for sharing
Lisa & Family
lisa k.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jessica
Oct 11, 2023
Cute & relaxing getaway
I highly recommend the House of Shells. It was clean and perfect for 2 couples or a family to enjoy a weekend away. We were able to walk to the beach, only a half mile away, and we could easily Uber to downtown when we wanted to. They're are plenty of amazing local restaurants in the area and I loved that this location was close enough to downtown but fast enough away to be relaxing. We enjoyed the hot tub and porch area and everything on the property was beautifully decorated.
This place was ideal for our vacation. There is a small hike to the beach, but we were there to explore all of the area and not just the beach. For a pet friendly rental you couldn't tell and we were recently somewhere else that you could definitely tell. We were celebrating my husbands 50th birthday and he really enjoyed the hot tub. Don't pass on this!
Great place to stay for a beach trip. Check in and check out was smooth. We had to communicate with property manager for a question and he was able to get back to us very quickly. We brought our 6 week old baby and our dog. The property had a pack n play for our baby and even bowls and a kernel for our dog. The outdoor area was also a hit for our family. Would recommend to anyone
The unit was perfect in every way. The enclosed yard is lovely and I totally enjoyed my evenings sitting by the fire.
The unit is exactly how the pictures show it to be. Dealing with the rental company was an added pleasure. They could not have been nicer or more helpful.
maris S.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Bonnie V.
Feb 1, 2024
Winter escape
We enjoyed our stay at House of Shells. The kitchen was well equipped and the furniture super comfortable. The owners responded quickly to any questions we had. The location was great- near the beach and restaurants. The back porch was perfect for gatherings and coffee in the morning. My only suggestion would be to be more specific on “pet friendly” and state what your restrictions are - by weight or type or number. Thank you!
Bonnie V.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Leah L.
Apr 8, 2024
Family Time
We went for a short family vacay to celebrate birthday & anniversary. The house was beautiful, spacious & had everything we needed. We did however think we were “on the beach” as the ad said. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the beach. I wish we would have knows this earlier as we planned to be on the beach. But we did love the house. The hot tub, grill and whole backyard area was a hit.