Artist Retreat

Kick back in historic Summer Haven in our vintage cottage, Artist Retreat. Just three houses from the beach, our lovely bungalow has the feel of an artist's retreat. Offering a big patio, yard and full of sunshine and laid-back Old Florida charm!

Light, airy and thoroughly comfortable, our cottage sleeps seven in two bedrooms and on a sleeper sofa. It's a family home, made for long lazy mornings with the newspaper, endless summer afternoons on the patio with a cold drink and velvety warm evenings watching the stars come out. Take a deep breath and feel the stress melt away: you're in cozy Summer Haven now, a tiny community nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, with nothing to do but enjoy the beach, the waves, the wildlife and the perfect weather.

Walk into the sun-soaked living room of Artist Retreat and you'll find an HDTV, relaxed seating and a table and chairs. This is the place for the whole group to gather, whether it's to watch your favorite movies, play the Settlers of Catan or simply enjoy one another's company. Interesting art fills the walls, while there's plenty of floor space available for your own projects!

The kitchen may call up nostalgic memories of grandma's place, with its polished shelf above the sink (to display treasures and watch the outside world while washing dishes!), modest but spotlessly clean appliances and freestanding pantry. Painted in cheerful shades of green and white, it hearkens back to simpler times . . . Yet still includes a microwave and coffeemaker for your convenience! Fully stocked with pots and pans, dishes and utensils, it has everything you need to prepare and serve a big meal, should you feel so inclined.

The primary bedroom is a special treat at Artist Retreat. Boasting a firm, cozy queen-size bed, you'll look forward to using this room as your personal paradise. After long days of fun in the sun, lay back and relax to prepare for the fun ahead!

The second bedroom has plenty of sunshine too, carefully controlled with shades in case you need little ones to go to sleep before the sun sets in high summer! This room may remind you of the summer cabins of your childhood when all the cousins were piled together in a big space. Here it's just a set of bunk beds -- a single on top, a double on the bottom -- but the excitement of camping in is here. Maybe it's the cheerful red curtains separating the bedroom from the main living area or the sight of palm trees just outside the windows! Young and old alike will love this room!

All of your sheets, blankets, pillows and towels are provided here at the house -- don't worry about packing a thing. If you're looking to get away from it all, just toss your swimsuit and a couple of changes of clothes into your suitcase, bring the binoculars and the beach toys and come on over!

Note: Due to Summer Haven beach erosion concerns, there is now an area of large boulders blocking the beach access points closest to the property. This is a matter of much press (and legal battles) as a private homeowner did to protect his beach home which in turn blocked the public access point. Although you can walk in between these boulders to access the beach like the locals that live nearby, the nearest easy beach access is approximately one mile north of Fort Matanzas National Park. It has (free) paved parking and provides beach access via a meandering boardwalk through the park. It takes approximately five minutes to walk this boardwalk.