We’re back in Arkansas with lots to share from our trip to Florida last week. Last Saturday when we arrived at our rental home, I instantly knew you all would probably love to get a little tour of the place. Let me tell you, it was gorgeous! Way bigger than anything Stephen and I could have rented on our own, but since we had 14 people on this trip it was perfect! If you ever have a chance to get away with a big group of friends or family members, I’d highly recommend going in on a rent house versus staying in separate hotel rooms or condos.
If lots of tile and columns and palatial living spaces are your thing, you’ll probably find lots of inspiration on this tour – so take a look!
I totally surprised when we arrived at how enormous this house looked from the street. Three stories tall, a three car garage with living space above, and a courtyard big enough for all of our rental cars.
The view from the beach was just as stunning. That’s the first floor screened-in porch, second floor balcony off the master suite, and third floor balcony. The steps we used to get to the beach were on the left and the steps on the right led to the guest house and other condos across the street. On the right of the first floor porch was the little pool.
The first thing you saw when you walked in the front door was lots of travertine tile on the floors, columns and arches, and a gorgeous staircase leading up on the right. Walking towards the back of the house, you’d see the kitchen (that bar was perfect for kids’ lunches and hanging out after dinner).
At the back of the first floor was the living room on the left…
.. and the dining room on the right.
But we were so distracted by this view that we all headed straight out to the patio to get a better look!
These two photos give you a better idea of the size of that patio and the pool beyond. I think I got in that pool once, but all the kids loved it.
Also on the first floor was a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub.
And a cozy den, perfect for watching movies or entertaining kids on rainy days (we only had one).
Also not pictured was a small bedroom with bunkbeds and an attached bath. Nobody stayed in that room while we were there, but the kids sure did have fun climbing up and down those bunkbeds!
Heading upstairs, this was the first bedroom.
And this was the second – our room!
Our bath was perfectly functional for a week-long stay.
The last room on the second floor was the master suite. This room was enormous and spanned the entire back of the house.
There were beautiful built-ins and views from every room.
More closet space than I’d know what to do with!
I don’t know how Stephen’s mom ever left her little oasis of a master suite.
The third floor was equipped with a pool table and kitchenette.
A small living area led out to the 3rd floor deck.
Talk about being on top of the world!
This place was so big that there was an entire living area I never even visited. Stephen’s aunt, her daughter, and her two grandkids all stayed in the guest quarters above the garage. It was perfect for them to be able to get away at night but join the rest of the family for meals and fun during the day.
We had an amazing time at this house. It was wonderful to get to spend so much time with family at night and just as great to be able to head out on our own and explore the area during the day.
So what do you think of our rental “palace”? Could you see yourself living in a home like this? Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more Florida adventures!
(Large photos: mine, small photos: via Ocean Reef Resorts)
