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By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished

Beach
Sunset deck
Living room opens out onto expansive sea facing deck
pathway to the hammock
Volleyball net

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Winding Bay
  • Place, Ten Bay Beach
  • Place, Windermere Island Beach
  • Airport, Governor's Harbour (GHB)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished

Located directly on the Caribbean Sea, By The Sea Cottage is a tranquil oasis. The house was renovated from top to bottom in the summer and fall of 2018 for us to use as our own, and rent selectively. Having rented numerous houses on the island before buying, we know exactly what amenities visitors will appreciate. The house has all indoor and outdoor amenities, including fast WIFI, Smart TV, laundry and air conditioning in all rooms. This house is ideal for 2 couples or a family that is looking for a quiet getaway.

Main floor: Large open plan living, dining & kitchen, with panoramic views of the sea. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom are also on the main floor. Dining table seats up to 8. 2 sets living room french doors open onto the sea facing deck. With windows on all sides in the living, dining & kitchen area, enjoy the morning sun and the afternoon glow, and open the windows to enjoy the gentle cross breeze all day. Each bedroom has its own air conditioner

Kitchen: stainless steel fridge, stove, micro and dishwasher. Cabinets are handmade on the island, with granite countertops. Seating for 3 at the kitchen bar. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you'll need to make great dinners, cocktails, etc, just like home.

Bedroom #1: King bed, ensuite bathroom with large shower. The bathroom has a second door to the outside hall to main area, and is accessible by bedroom #2. Shelving and hanging storage in the closet.

Bedroom #2: Queen bed, french doors that open out to view of Caribbean Sea. Shelving and hanging storage in the closet.

Bedroom #3; a second floor open plan, loft style room with 4 beds and storage for each.
This is perfect for kids or teens, who want to hang out in their own space, with a WIFI enabled TV. There is a ensuite bathroom with a great shower. Separate air conditioner.

Outdoor living: A large sea facing deck surrounds 2 sides of the house, with walkway towards the beach. Outdoor dining table for 8, with sun canopy. Adirondack chairs, folding beach chairs and awesome hammock. There is also an outdoor shower, great for washing off salt and sand. We have built a 10X16ft deck at the edge of the beach, where you can enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon cocktail while watching the fish jump and the sun setting.

Beach: An excellent shelling beach, and the sand stretches out hundreds of feet, and extends uninterrupted all the way south to Tarpum Bay. The water is very accessible, and great for young children, snorkelers and those that like to swim or float around without too much wave action.

The Area: Tarpum Bay is a sleepy, historic Bahamian seaside settlement (town), about 1 mile south of the house. The local residents are exceptionally friendly, and are always offering you a greeting. There are 2 grocery stores, a very good hardware store with gas station, and several small restaurants/eating establishments facing the water. Try the Conch Salad or go to the pier and buy a fish or lobster for dinner! Rock Sound is a 10 minute drive to the South, where you ll find a large grocery store, several liquor stores and a few very good restaurants (Sammys, Frigates, Wild Orchids). The main settlement of Governors Harbour is 25 minutes north, with groceries, liquor and a number of great eating spots (1648, Tippys, Friday Night Fish Fry, Da Perk, Buccaneer Club and Pammys Takeaway). The Island has many world class beaches, snorkelling and things to explore, and you’ll never run out of things to do.

Car: You will require a car on Eleuthera, no matter where you stay. It is a long narrow Island, and a car is a necessary convenience. We have an arrangement with a very reputable rental firm, and we use them ourselves each time we visit. When you land on the Island, the car will be waiting for you at the airport, and simply leave it in the airport lot when you leave. We can put you in touch.

Caretaker: We have a full-time caretaker, who is a phone call away if there are any questions or issues with the house. He lives just just down the road, and was the contractor who completed the recent renovation.

Other:
Washer and Dryer
2 paddleboards
2 kayaks
New playpen and booster seat
Indoor and beach towels
Beach umbrella
Ninja Blender
Coffeemaker
Beach cooler
Toaster
Iron and ironing board
First aid kit
Fire extinguishers

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tarpum Bay

Located in Tarpum Bay, this holiday home is on the beach. Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve and Lucayan Archipelago reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Queens Bath and OceanView Farm.
View more Holiday homes in Tarpum BayOpens in a new window
Map
Tarpum Bay, South Eleuthera

What's nearby

  • Ten Bay Beach - 18 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Windermere Island Beach - 19 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Ocean Hole - 22 min drive - 22.6 km
  • Central Eleuthera Beach - 26 min drive - 23.6 km
  • Twin Coves Beach - 39 min drive - 39.7 km

Getting around

  • Rock Sound (RSD-Rock Sound Intl.) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anchor Bay Friday Night Fish Fry - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Captain Q - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Fish Bones - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Neek’s Eats & Treats - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dolphin's Blow Hole Restaurant & Bar - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is By The Sea - Beach paradise, newly renovated & furnished located?

This Tarpum Bay holiday home is on the beach, steps from Lucayan Archipelago and within 9 mi (15 km) of Windermere Island Beach and Ten Bay Beach. Central Eleuthera Beach and Winding Bay are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tessa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

Our stay was fantastic. It was the perfect getaway for our family.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anastazia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis on the island!

Great place to get away from it all! The host was easy to communicate with and addressed any questions right away!! The property was spacious and had lots of room for the whole family. Loved being right on the water and being able to kayak and explore right out the back door! So beautiful!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miriam R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Year’s getaway

Beautiful property, beautiful location. Could say a lot but will keep it short…if looking for a relaxing tropical vacation then stay here!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dustin I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

The deck near the beach is perfect for sunsets.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

The house was immaculate and beautiful. The location was perfect for adventure. Loved being able to go right into the water from the house. Perfect, relaxing vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

lawrence B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Eleuthera Caribbean

Owner/ manager was very assisting throughout our one week introduction to the island
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a Special Place!!!!

By the Sea is an amazing property!!! The location is simply stunning, right on the beach. The sun sets from the deck are incredible. The property has all the “Accessories” you could ever want (beach chairs/ umbrella/ snorkels/ paddle boards/ Kayaks, the list goes on!!) you simply just need to turn up with you clothes Ian was also great and his communication prior and during the stay was excellent. I couldn’t recommend this property enough! We will certainly be back!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Rental

My wife and I just spent 9 nights at By the Sea and and loved our stay. We found the house to be exactly as descibed and to be very clean and comfortable. The house sits maybe 100 feet from the water on the calm west side of the island. The view from the back deck was beautiful and we loved watching the sunsets every evening. We really enjoyed the complimentary kayaks provided with the property, and used them almost daily. We found the location of the house just north of Tarpum Bay to be excellent. Being based in the middle portion of Eleuthera makes it possible to do day trips to any part of the 100 mile long island. Ian the owner was great to work with and responded immediately to any concerns we had during our stay.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise By the Sea

Our family had an absolutely amazing trip to Eleuthera and it was due in no small part to having picked By the Sea as our VRBO. The deck down by the beach was the perfect place for sunsets and coffee in the morning. All of us had a blast snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking on our own little slice of beach. The hammock down by the water was great too! The layout of the property was brilliant. The kitchen was the perfect place to cook all the fresh fish we caught, and after, we could eat it out in the screened porch away from the bugs. Ian was a great help to us as well, helping us arrange a car rental and coordinating places for us to get groceries and Kalik on the way down the island during our Sunday arrival. Couldn’t have been happier with our experience!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

CAROLE P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house in south Eleuthera

We had an absolutely perfect stay at Ian's place. The house is magnificent, everything is new with a very neat decoration, the bedding is also new and very comfortable. Everything is perfectly clean, sheets, towels and beach towels which are also in quantity, it was perfect. The kitchen is very functional with also everything you need for cooking and impeccable crockery. As for the setting, it's just idyllic. The view of the sea is splendid and the sunsets unique, we loved these moments in the evening admiring them from the deck. We also loved the kayak and paddle rides. Only delicious moments that really make you want to come back to this house. The proximity of Tarpum Bay is also very pleasant, the village is charming. There are also many very accessible beaches, each more incredible than the next. Communication with Ian was easy, he gave us good addresses for boat tours and car rental. We highly recommend this house which is a little gem as much as Eleuthera which is truly an island to discover.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

David T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Needs a little TLC

Great location. Nice property, water access is awesome and for the most part secluded. The house overall is very nice, it just needs some TLC and updates. Deck is in rough shape, rotten boards and nails popping up that really are painful to find with your feet. Beach chairs were rusted through and one actually broke as we sat in them. Overall I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Some TLC and new chairs and cooler would be a good start. ( Cooler had no handles and lid was broken) Deck needs work and bathroom fixtures need updating. Did enjoy our stay, and had a little visitor nightly, who was looking for food. He found our nuts the fist night in a bag on the counter, that was the last time we allowed that, we put snacks in the microwave to prevent it after that. Need to mark all the switches not sure what some did. Thanks and we enjoyed our stay except as noted.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beauty By The Sea!

I must start with the wonderful host. Even though I never met him, Ian was one of the best hosts I’ve interacted with. It’s rare that someone takes the time to respond quickly & in detail. Furthermore—who is gracious/accommodating with your needs/requests. His is one of the most well-appointed homes I’ve ever stayed at. I appreciated the tasteful decor, without all of the cheesy knickknacks that you typically find. The home was stocked with all of the cooking supplies you could need. Even extra amenities, such as emergency lanterns & first aid kits are available! There was an abundance of beach towels, floats, chairs, etc. All the kayaks, paddle boards, & all beach equipment were in excellent condition, which is not always in the case on the island! It is obvious that everything is well cared for & well-maintained in this home. The outdoor space is a huge draw. The rocky shoreline makes for exquisite snorkeling & the full-face masks allow you to breathe freely & easily underwater for hours! The screened in porch is great to enjoy the outdoors without the risk of the no-see-ums. While having a washer & dryer is a luxury, it is the slightest inconvenience that they’re located outside/underneath the home—but I would rather have had to do my laundry outside than not at all. And it is NOT a reason to keep me from returning. I WILL BE BACK! I had so many more awesome things to say but the character count cut me off: STAY HERE...SLICE OF HEAVEN! GREAT LOCATION!
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Darci M.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Nice view and bedding - Poor Water/Power/Wi-Fi and Rocky Beach

Some pros and cons: 1. Stated in description kid friendly sandy beach: The beach is not a kid friendly swimming beach. It is very rocky. Make sure to have water shoes. While you can snorkel in the water, it does not have a lot in the direct area to offer for habitat or viewing. 2. The dishwasher didn’t drain making it unusable. Upon arriving it had standing putrid water and dishes in it. We ran it and it leaked so we washed by hand the trip. 3. The water pressure was minimal at best. Even rinsing dishes and showering was hard with no pressure - not uncommon to have such low pressure it dripped. 4. Upon arrival there was half a roll of toilet paper and a clogged toilet. With the poor water pressure this was a continuous obstacle. 5. The paddle board had a slow leak and the kyak had a hole. This became a safety concern as children were out in the ocean with sinking equipment. 6. Wi-Fi was sporadic. Regularly needing to reset the router. It worked as long as only one device was being used but not for streaming or large downloads. If needing Wi-Fi for work, I would recommend getting a backup. 7. The power went off intermittently 3-5 times per day. While this is a common issue on the island, there was no back up generator. If needing to use a CPAP or other critical devices, you will want to bring a secondary power source. 8. Upon leaving there were no instructions besides taking off linens. Which we gathered. We did not sweep thoroughly and they charged a significant fee with a picture of the few things that were swept up. We had left a recycle box because we looked for somewhere to recycle and couldn’t find one and charged over $200 for additional cleaning fees. Pros: - the view is fantastic - The washer and dryer work fine - Volleyball net is a plus (volleyball was flat without something to pump it up) - Local dogs are kind and friendly - Ac works well - Screened patio is great for dinners - While the beach is quite rocky, the beach deck provides a nice place to relax. - Beds were comfortable - Linens were comfortable and clean
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is EXACTLY as pictured, minus the updated screened in porch in the back. Which is such a smart addition. The fact that there is a beach and the Caribbean at your backdoor is AMAZING. We took full advantage. Also the deck that this family has built off the beach is amazing. Make sure you use bug spray at night! The house came equipped with everything you need in the kitchen, bedrooms and outside. There were 2 paddleboards that we used daily and several kayaks. All paddles accounted for. There were life jackets, snorkeling gear, beach chairs and even sand toys. The house is also equipped with a washer and dryer that came in very handy. We loved every minute of staying here. Only 2 small cons for us. 1 was the distance from the airport. We could only fly into North Eleuthera (1.5 hour drive), but there are 2 other airports that are closer that could work for you. Governor's Harbour is not a far drive at all where a lot of the main grocery store and the best restaurants are on the island. This was not an issue for us at all. You just need a car. Definitely an SUV. The 2nd con was the power issues on the island. This is a common occurrence for the island due to the power infrastructure. Although if lost usually only lasts a few hours. We lost power a good bit which we understand is not typical for this area. The hosts called the power company for us and they were apparently updating the grids. Which good for the island! We would go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

carrie g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tarpon bay

We had a great time. Thank you for everything!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Home on the beach near Tarpum Bay

This house is a gem—beautifully appointed, comfortable, clean and extremely convenient to everything southern Eleuthera has to offer. The house came with everything you need to have fun at the beach—chairs, umbrellas, floats, swim shoes, snorkels, kayaks and paddle boards. We had a hard time pulling ourselves away to go anywhere else on the island. The owner, Ian, was very responsive and helpful. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Angela S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bahama

Great holiday. Loved playing in the water and having coffee on the deck.
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karina K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful property at wonderful location

We spent one week at the house with our family of 5 adults. The house was very clean and is beautifully located with a wonderful view. Swimming is possible right in front of the property in wonderful turquoise water. The owner is very friendly and communication with him was easy. There are plenty of watertoys available which are pure fun to use. We would go there immediately again and would definitely recommend this rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream house!

This property is fantastic. The beach is wonderful. I appreciate the work done to clear some of the rocks down at the beach. The sandy backyard badminton was a hit. The house was great- clean, well laid out and beautiful. I LOVED the extras- I used the paddle board everyday! It’s a nice paddle board. We enjoyed the kayaks, the boogie-boards, beach chairs and more. I really liked having a house copy of The Beach Book there. All these amenities made the house an exceptional experience. I will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Beach Getaway with Responsive Host and Plenty of Great Amenities!

We had an amazing stay at this beach house! The host was incredibly responsive and made communication a breeze. The house was stocked with plenty of beach toys and amenities, which made our time on the beautiful beach even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this place for a relaxing getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peri K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay at By the Sea!

This was our third visit to Eleuthera and our first stay at “By the Sea.” The lovely home is located in a beautiful, safe area and has all of the amenities you need! We cooked most meals at home since the kitchen comes equipped and the view is incredible. It was great to have a washer/ dryer on site and chairs, kayaks, and a paddle board to use at our leisure. The screened-in eating area is convenient for enjoying dinner outside and the sunsets are breathtaking! “By the Sea” is well-maintained and clean. There are plenty of towels and linens. The best part is the outdoor shower! When we did contact the owner with a few questions, he was very responsive. He clearly takes pride in his home and wants his guests to be comfortable.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!!!!

The house had everything we needed! Snorkel gear, kayaks, grill, AC!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Stay

Nice and clean rental. Favorite spot was on the deck in the evening and morning next to the water. Beautiful sunsets!!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful views everywhere

This was a fantastic vacation spot for my family and I. We had beautiful sunsets almost every night from the deck. Highly suggest sitting out on the concrete dock late at night with all the house lights off and no moon. It was an experience. The house itself was very nice but could use some general maintenance. Bugs were annoying so bring bug spray and itch relief. Beach is also a great spot to look for shells.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely house on the beautiful Carribean - great for a family gathering!

My 2 adult kids and I, along with 1 of their partners, stayed 6 nights at By The Sea in Jan 2024, and had a wonderful visit. We rented a car which was essential for any outings including groceries or other errands. The open-plan ground floor was really conducive to cooking and hanging out. The second floor 'dorm-style' with en suite bath was great for my daughter, who enjoyed more privacy, and also would be perfect for a bunch of kids or young adults. I absolutely loved being able to take morning swims right out the door in the gorgeous Carribean, which was like glass! And the outdoor shower was MAGIC - great for getting rid of sand and salt before coming inside. Bug spray for evenings was needed for microscopic biting bugs. We used the grill for a couple of divine fresh-fish dinners. It's helpful to know that drinking water was not provided. There is a pump that can be used atop a 5-gallon jug of water that is easily purchased at most grocery stores and bodegas. We pre-ordered some grocery essentials, including a few gallons of water, as we arrived on a Sunday and Ian kindly informed me that many grocery stores would be closed. Eleuthera is a magical place and we were stunned at how empty the beautiful beaches were. We loved swimming in the rugged, rougher Atlantic side, though more often snorkeled - and one day rented a boat - on the Carribean side. We loved interacting with the locals - so friendly. We will return!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

About the host

Hosted by Ian Butler

Host profile image
We had our honeymoon on this island, and have been returning ever since, now with 3 young children. We always rented a house and loved the Island so much, finally decided to buy our own. As long returning visitors and renters, we know what a house should include, to make our guests stay the best imaginable.

Why they chose this property

This house feels like a true beach house, rather than a regular day-to-day house. We love the morning sun in the back of the house, the breeze that come across the island from the Atlantic side, and the incredible sunsets from the west.

Languages:

English, French
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