Blue Haven

With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two full kitchens, the sprawling Blue Haven is absolute heaven for large groups of friends and family. Available to rent as one complete home with two separate units (Blue Haven), or an individual downstairs home (Blue Haven 1) and an upstairs home (Blue Haven 2), these flexible, affordable, and simply styled spaces are exactly what you’ve been looking for. Located in Dune Allen Beach and perched on the shores of a rare coastal dune lake called Big Redfish Lake, you can bask in the gentle breezes from both the lake and the Gulf of Mexico.

The front facade of Blue Haven boasts a classic Southern charm, with deep front porches on both levels, inviting rocking chairs, and a porch swing on the first-floor porch. The first-floor front door opens into the main living area, where a comfy sofa and two armchairs sit on ceramic tile floors and face a large HDTV. Next to the open living area is a formal dining table with seating for six, illuminated by a striking modern chandelier.

The kitchen is efficient and fully stocked with everything you need to prepare a delicious breakfast for your group before you hit the beach or whip up some snacks to go with your happy hour cocktails. The U-shape design includes plenty of cabinets and ample countertop space. Appliances include an electric range, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

The first bedroom on the main level is the primary suite, complete with a queen-size bed, a large closet, and an ensuite full bathroom. The second bedroom houses a queen-size bed and a twin-over-full-size bunk bed. There’s also another full bathroom that can be accessed from the hallway and a laundry nook with a washer and dryer.

Upstairs on the second level, there’s another, similar space to the ground floor. The large, open living area has tons of natural light and includes two sofas, a large HDTV, and a dining table. The kitchen features glossy granite countertops and natural wood cabinets, and a peninsula bar offers extra seating. The appliances include a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and an electric range.

Also on this second level, you’ll find two private bedrooms. The first is a suite with a king-size bed, balcony access, and an ensuite full bathroom, while the second bedroom has a queen-size bed. There’s also another full bathroom on this floor and another washer and dryer.

The beauty of Blue Haven is that, when rented as the entire home, your large group will have plenty of space to spread out while still staying close together, too. Plus, the backyard of Blue Haven looks out onto serene Big Redfish Lake and you’ll have your own private staircase leading down to the sparkling blue water. You can use the two canoes provided to paddle out onto the lake, and the closeness of the Gulf of Mexico means you can even canoe to the beach! The world-famous Gulf Coast beaches are only a 10-minute walk or canoe ride away. All this, plus the Scenic 30A bike trail is just steps away, and entertaining Gulf Place is also within walking distance.