Summary:
The perfect beach getaway!
* Wake up to coffee and a stunning sunrise.
* Spend all day lounging on the beach and cooling off in the ocean.
* Wind down with a gourmet dinner overlooking the water.
Embrace the essence of coastal living in this modern 4 br home. Directly on the beach, this home features spectacular views and plenty of space to make lasting memories.
The Space:
Every great beach vacation begins with “Once Upon a Tide”! Nestled on a dune looking over the Atlantic Ocean, Once Upon a Tide is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath oceanfront home that was completely remodeled in early 2024. The house can sleep up to 12 guests (ideally only 8 adults). The main living area is on the 2nd floor, which offers beautiful views of the beach. The spacious kitchen is open to the living and dining areas, making it easy for everyone to gather. The fully stocked kitchen features stainless appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space. There is bar stool seating for four at the breakfast island. The dining table seats ten. The living room has a large leather sectional sofa which wraps around the fireplace and TV. The views of the blue horizon are amazing from the house.
There are two bedrooms on the main level of the house, one on each end of the home. The primary bedroom has a comfy king bed and views of the ocean. There is a wall-mounted TV, plenty of dressers, and a walk-in closet. The primary bathroom has a large walk-in shower. The 2nd bedroom also has a king bed, TV, and ample storage space for your clothes. This bedroom also has a private, full bathroom with a walk-in shower. Just outside the 2nd bedroom is an office with a desk for those who must do a little computer work during their stay. There is also a queen size murphy bed in the office. The third bathroom is off of the living room on the 2nd floor and has a walk-in shower. This bathroom would serve the guests staying in either of the bedrooms on the 3rd floor. Upstairs are two more bedrooms. One has a queen bed and the other has a large queen-over-queen bunk bed with a trundle underneath. Both bedrooms have dressers and TVs. Please note, there is not a bathroom on the third floor.
The 2nd floor balcony spans the width of the house and provides an amazing outdoor gathering space. There is plenty of furniture on the balcony, including a dining table with seating for eight. On the ground level is a huge deck with comfy chairs around a fire pit, several lounge chairs for tanning, and your own private hot tub! There is a grilling area on the deck with a gas grill (we provide the propane). Just before you walk down the stairs to the beach, you’ll find two built-in benches on the deck. This is a great place to enjoy the sunrise in the morning with a cup of coffee. The beach is just steps away from the deck.
Experience the beauty of sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and fish. Take leisurely walks along the beach to discover treasures like shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.
Explore Anastasia State Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a stunning coastal setting.
Discover the rich history of Historic St. Augustine by visiting landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian only thoroughfare in the heart of the historic district, lined with charming shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites.
Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age at the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel, showcasing a diverse collection of art, antiques, and artifacts.
Experience the thrill of getting up close to alligators, crocodiles, and exotic animals at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which also offers educational shows, zip lines, and exhibits of native Florida wildlife.
Take a scenic short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a historic Spanish fort located on Rattlesnake Island. Learn about its role in protecting St. Augustine during the colonial period while enjoying views of the surrounding marshlands.
Indulge in delicious cuisine at the many restaurants in St. Augustine, cafes, and eateries. From fresh seafood to international fare, there is something to satisfy every palate, including popular spots like 180 Vilano Grill and Pizza, Briskys BBQ, and Beaches at Vilano.
*Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced. Per County regulation, this house can accommodate 10 "occupants," excluding children 12 years of age or under. However, the house sleeps a total of 12.
Please note, that all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and provide a valid form of ID. The primary reservation holder must provide a Government-Issued ID that matches the name on the rental agreement. This is a requirement from St. Johns County. All guest's names (first and last) must be provided. The ages of any minors are required to be listed. This is for emergency and insurance purposes.
Guest Access:
We offer convenient keyless door codes for self-check-in. Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro uses smart locks with check-in details provided 48 hours prior to arrival by email and text message.
• Early check-ins or late check-outs: If the property happens to be ready earlier than the standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, in most cases an early arrival option may be available when confirmed with the main office. Late check-outs must be confirmed with main office staff prior to the date of departure.
Getting Around:
Immerse yourself in the blend of adventure and activity by renting a bicycle. Lose yourself in enchanting streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take in a leisurely pace with beachfront strolls, explore shops, and savor local cuisine on foot.
Enhance your experience with a sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot playful dolphins. For the adventurous, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore our beautiful estuaries and waterways.
Local favorites include Brewer Beach Rentals, St. Augustine City Tours, and Adventure Boat Tours.
Please note that beach driving is not permitted. Beach access points can be found on Coastal Hwy at even-numbered properties and on the 3000 block on S. Ponte Vedra, specifically odd-numbered properties.
Other Things to Note:
Please pay close attention to following the house rules. Non compliance could result in sizable fines.
- All guests staying at one of our Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro homes are required to sign (esignature) a rental agreement and complete identity registration.
- Age restrictions apply. Reservation holder must be 25 years of age.
- All guests must be included on the guest list and not exceed the maximum number stated on the listing.
- Upon arrival, we aim to ensure your safety, proper access to the home, and guest features. ALL guests are required to read the house manual upon arrival. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro.
- Known damages incurred during your stay must be reported to the property manager immediately.
- Before check in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival.
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
- We cannot guarantee early check ins or late checkouts. When it is possible to check in early or check out late, there will be a fee for anything outside of a one hour window within our standard times. If your need for an early check in or late check out is great, your best option is to book an additional night.
- Some homes offer pools/hot tubs. There is no guard around the water features when available. Use at your own risk.
- Some homes have cameras for external monitoring only.
- Stays over 29 days – please inquire separately for terms and conditions.
- HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both St. Johns County and the State of Florida require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6.5% and the county requires 5%.
- LONG-TERM STAYS: (Snowbird, long-term rental). Contact Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro to discuss if a long-term stay discount applies to this listing. Stays over six months are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping. In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect an additional cleaning fee for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed.
- This is a No Smoking property. Penalty fees for violations will apply and you may be asked to vacate the premises with no refund at the discretion of the Host.
- For the safety of guests and the home, there are noise monitoring devices. These devices only measure the decibel level and do NOT record any audio.
