If you’re looking for a standardized, franchised, typical vacation setting, this is not for you. But if you’d like to rediscover the best of Old-Florida living, our cottage facing the beautiful St. Sebastian River is just the kind of place you’re looking for.
Remember when Florida was known as a semitropical paradise, a place to relish indoor-outdoor living, where your comfortable, casual vacation bungalow was designed to catch the breezes and stay cool? Remember when palm trees swaying in the breeze at the water's edge were more of an attraction than mini-golf and T-shirt huts? Remember when beaches were peaceful and secluded, and you didn’t have to spend time searching for a private spot to lay down your beach towels?
Just a mile upstream from the Indian River lagoon and a short drive from the unspoiled beaches of the barrier islands, follow the sandy lanes along the banks of the Saint Sebastian River into the heart of Sebastian’s historic Roseland community. This is one of those little Florida enclaves that haven’t changed very much over the decades-- because the residents have fought to maintain the character of the place that drew them there in the first place.
Our non-smoking home features two comfortable bedrooms and clear views of the river from the living room and glassed-in Florida room. Casual and colorful, our stylish midcentury furnishings lend a peaceful air to this quiet getaway. Newly installed Italian glass terrazzo floors reflect the Florida sunshine through the new awning windows. The charming nostalgic kitchen boasts the original custom-built Dade County pine cabinets and vintage Formica countertops, still in fine condition. We’ve also updated this fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances for the best of old and new. A separate utility room includes a washer and dryer, and there is even an enclosed rear porch where you can drop your things on returning from the beaches or the new Sebastian water park...
Or, step out onto the pool deck in the fenced backyard! The new pool is solar heated and features a swanky tanning shelf. Soak up Florida's famous rays in the lounge chairs or at the outdoor dining table.
In the front yard, relax and enjoy the comfortable, natural Florida setting. While lounging on the patio shaded by coconut trees and Sabal palms, enjoy an unobstructed view of the pristine and wildlife-friendly Sebastian River. Have your breakfast at the patio table while watching the seagulls and pelicans fish for theirs. There is a smaller covered patio outside the Florida room/sleeping porch, so you can decide just how “outdoorsy” you want to be.
Directly across the sandy drive is the Roseland Community Park. Here you can stroll along the banks of the St. Sebastian, or take advantage of the public dock to fish, read, or just catch the sunset. Sit quietly for a while, and you’re likely to spot dolphins and manatees as they play and forage. There’s no question that you’ll soon be visited by some of Sebastian’s famous pelicans.
If you’re not familiar with the Sebastian River area, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This is where manatees come to over-winter. Dolphins, birds, fish, and nature-loving humans love the Sebastian River. You will, too! Pelican Island, the country's first National Wildlife Refuge, was established here over a century ago. Ever since, Sebastian has remained a place that cherishes its natural beauty and makes a special effort to preserve it.
With the Sebastian River right across the way, and with the Indian River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Atlantic Ocean only minutes away, you'll never run out of things to do here.
The beaches on the barrier island, across the Indian River lagoon, are practically deserted. Take a ride on the "Sebastian River Queen Jungle tour," a pontoon boat tour of the Sebastian River that passes in front of your vacation cottage, on a photo safari quest for dolphins, herons, and alligators. Like surfing? The Sebastian Inlet is one of the top spots on Florida's coast to surf. Feeling really daring? Skydive Sebastian, billing itself as "Florida's most scenic drop zone," is only a mile away.
If you should tire of the peace and quiet, the attractions of Orlando are just an hour and a half away. Or tour the facilities of NASA's Cape Canaveral, an hour to the north. If you’re lucky enough to be here at the time of a space launch, watch the northeastern skies at launch time for a special treat.
Need more room than this cottage offers? Only a few doors away is our Sebastian Riverfront cabana guesthouse with pool and boat dock (see “All My Rental Listings,” below).
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, prepackaged predictability, or a gated resort that could be anywhere in the world… keep looking. But if you’re like us and love the Florida that has enchanted out-of-town visitors for decades, spend a little time here. You’ll be glad you did.
Keywords: Breezy Florida Bungalow
