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Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!

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Down By The Sea Exterior
Down By The Sea Exterior Alt
Down By The Sea Living Room
Down By The Sea Porch
Down By The Sea Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 14205.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Grayton Beach, FL
  • Place, Grayton Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, South Walton Beaches
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Seagrove Beach West
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪61 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

First Floor - Guest Bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

First Floor - Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Second Floor - Guest Bedroom

1 King Bed

Second Floor - Guest Bedroom

1 King Bed

Second Floor - Master Bedroom

2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

First Floor - Guest Bathroom

Second Floor - Guest Bathroom

Second Floor - Guest Bathroom

Second Floor - Master Bathroom

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!

What You Will Love About Down By The Sea

Perched near the shimmering shoreline of Grayton Beach, Down By The Sea is a cheerfully refreshed four-bedroom, four-bath coastal retreat designed for relaxed gatherings and memorable beach vacations. Welcoming up to fourteen guests, the home captures the charm of classic 30A living with beautiful Gulf views from the columned front porch and breezy upper balcony. From these inviting outdoor spaces, you can take in the rare sight of Western Lake meeting the Gulf—one of the world’s few coastal dune lakes—while enjoying gentle sea breezes and peaceful coastal scenery.

Inside, the first floor opens into a bright and inviting great room where the living, dining, and kitchen spaces blend seamlessly beneath rustic wood ceiling beams and warm hardwood floors. Recently updated furnishings, freshly painted interiors, upgraded lighting with dimmers, and wall-mounted Smart TVs in every bedroom create a fresh, comfortable setting for relaxation. A spacious wraparound sofa and a queen sleeper sofa dressed in soft seafoam slipcovers offer plenty of seating while large glass doors frame scenic outdoor views and fill the room with natural light.

The fully renovated gourmet kitchen is a highlight of the home, beautifully designed with an oversized quartz island, custom cabinetry, a Wolf gas range, and premium Sub-Zero appliances. Whether preparing a casual breakfast before heading to the beach or hosting a coastal dinner with friends and family, this well-equipped space makes cooking a pleasure. The adjacent dining area features a handsome hardwood table with eight cross-backed chairs illuminated by a warm Edison-style chandelier, while a custom-built cabinet with an undercounter Sub-Zero beer and wine refrigerator provides a stylish entertaining station.

A guest bedroom on the main level includes both a queen and a full bed and is conveniently located near a hall bath with a glass walk-in shower, offering comfortable accommodations for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms each feature king beds and private baths for added privacy. The spacious primary suite includes a twin daybed with a twin trundle and opens through French doors onto the balcony, where you can enjoy Gulf breezes and scenic views morning or evening. A conveniently located laundry room on the second floor adds ease for longer stays.

What You Will Love About Grayton Beach Cottages

Down By The Sea is part of the charming Grayton Beach Cottages community, a peaceful neighborhood that perfectly complements the relaxed spirit of this beloved coastal village. Guests enjoy access to a refreshing community pool, ideal for cooling off after a sunny day on the beach or enjoying a leisurely swim before heading out for dinner along 30A.

The home’s location within the neighborhood places you just moments from a scenic pathway leading toward the rare coastal dune lake and the sugar-white sand beyond. The easy walk to the beach is one of the features guests appreciate most, allowing spontaneous beach days, sunset strolls, and quick trips back home for lunch or a break from the sun. The surrounding cottages and quiet streets create a welcoming coastal atmosphere that feels both charming and peaceful.

What You Will Love About Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is one of the most beloved and colorful communities along Scenic 30A, known for its laid-back personality, artistic spirit, and historic charm. Just steps away, the village offers a collection of vibrant cottages, local restaurants, live music venues, and eclectic shops that capture the authentic character of the Gulf Coast.

Spend an evening enjoying fresh seafood and lively entertainment at the legendary Red Bar, savor coastal flavors and stunning Gulf views at Chiringo, or browse the unique artwork and coastal gifts at Zoo Gallery. Beach lovers can easily explore the nearby shoreline, while outdoor enthusiasts can venture into Grayton Beach State Park to discover scenic trails, wildlife, and the rare beauty of Western Lake.

Scenic Highway 30A also connects a series of charming coastal communities nearby. Seaside offers iconic pastel architecture and a lively town square filled with food trucks and boutique shopping. WaterColor invites leisurely bike rides through beautiful parks and trails, along with waterfront dining experiences. Just down the road, Blue Mountain Beach is loved for its relaxed atmosphere, rolling dune landscapes, and local favorites like ice cream shops and casual cafés. Each nearby town adds its own flavor to the unforgettable 30A experience.

What You Will Love About Ocean Reef

Your stay at Down By The Sea is professionally managed by Ocean Reef Resorts, a trusted name along the Emerald Coast for more than four decades. Ocean Reef is dedicated to creating seamless and memorable vacations, offering attentive service, expert local knowledge, and reliable 24/7 guest support throughout your stay.

Guests also enjoy exclusive perks through Ocean Reef Resorts, including discounts on golf, tennis, bike rentals, beach gear, and a variety of local activities and experiences. With thoughtful service and a commitment to exceptional hospitality, Ocean Reef helps ensure your time at Down By The Sea is effortless, relaxing, and filled with lasting coastal memories.

FIRST LEVEL
- Spacious great room with queen sleeper sofa, large flat screen smart TV, and new 60% faster internet modem
- Well stocked kitchen with new appliances and free standing ice maker
- Dining area
- Queen and Full bedroom with smart TV, full hall bathroom with walk-in shower

SECOND LEVEL
- King bedroom with daybed/trundle, smart TV and private bathroom with walk-in shower, deck access
- King bedroom with smart TV, private bathroom with walk-in shower
- King bedroom with smart TV, private bathroom with tub-shower combo
- Laundry room

*The community pool is typically heated during fall, holiday weeks, and spring break, but is based on the daily temperature and HOA discretion.

*Note – This property may have date restrictions that apply. All reservations submitted online are a request until receiving an email confirmation from Ocean Reef Resorts. For more details, please review our Minimum Night Stay under Rental Policies. An e-signed rental agreement is required prior to arrival.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Frequently asked questions

Does Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!?

As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach! on 23 May 2026 start from NZ$2,148, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Down By The Sea - Gulf and Lake Views, Heated Community Pool, Grayton Beach! located?

Located in Grayton Beach, this holiday home is steps from Grayton Beach and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Seaside Beach. South Walton Beaches and Seagrove Beach West are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea H.

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

Awesome place

Awesome place!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
We are very excited that you enjoyed your time at the beach. We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Camille M.

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

Best location

The house had everything you needed and the perfect location. We immensely enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 November 2020
Fantastic! We are happy knowing you enjoyed your time here on our beautiful shores. Let us know when you are ready to start planning another trip! Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts.
Archival

8/10 Good

Debbie W.

Very nice accommodation.

Good location with kids. House was perfect for a large family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad K.

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

Perfect stay in Grayton!

Stayed here for a week with my family, three kids (aged 6-2) and we could not have been happier. Easy 100 yard walk to the beach along boardwalk, nice pool, functional house for everyone. We loved everything about our stay and have already started to plan a trip back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2024
We appreciate your kind words about the property! We hope that you are able to make your way back to the beach very soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regan W.

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

Great property.

Easy to reserve.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your vacation at the beach! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Merry New Year!

While staying at Down By the Sea, we thoroughly enjoyed our time. Easy access to the property, plenty of space for everyone, and CLEAN! We will definitely be back ASAP!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 16 January 2021
Happy to hear! We would love to host you and your family again soon on your next trip to the Emerald Coast. Thank you for being our guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Lovely stay

Great property. Convenient to beach and stocked with all you need (although bikes and beach chairs would be awesome.!) Property manager responded quickly to requests. Western lake is so fun for little ones. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

6/10 Okay

Chuck P.

Nice place but needs a little maintenance

We like the place but had a few issues while there. Rivard (the property manager) was very responsive to our problems, but the owner probably needs to invest in a little maintenance on this place. It's a hassle having to spend 2-3 days of my vacation dealing with maintenance issues. Good: Location is excellent, easy access to beach. Two-story with entry into living room is very convenient. Less stairs to deal with. The WiFi worked fine. Bad: Dishes in cupboard were dirty when we arrived. It was as if someone had unloaded the dishwasher before it was run. The unit has a separate ice-maker that never worked (part on order, we were told). The ice-maker in the refrigerator didn't work initially, Rivard got it running, but then it quit again. On day 2, the downstairs A/C quit working. Took about a half day to get it running again, but the repairman said it would need a new coil very soon. Also, don't plan on having any kitchen basics, like coffee filters or plastic wrap. It was totally empty when we arrived (although we left a few items for the next person).
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2020
We are very sorry that you ran into these problems during your stay. I can assure you that all items mentioned have been added into work orders and will be taken care of promptly. Please do not let this deter you from using our services in the future as we strive to make each guests stay as comfortable and problem free as possible. We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sister W.

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

House was great, location was perfect, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!

Rental was seamless and communication was amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 August 2021
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, and hope that your travels bring you back to our beautiful shores soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cory S.

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

Beach Getaway

The property was great.. Very convenieint to the beach. It had everything you could need in the kitchen, grill, etc... AND could easily walk to the Red Bar in less than 5 minutes. I was concerend about being on a public beach, but it was great.. I would definately stay here again.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2021
We appreciate your kind words about the property! We hope that you are able to make your way back to the beach very soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

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

Perfect Location

A well designed home for a family or a large group. Well stocked & maintained. Perfect location-easy beach access & quick walk to restaurants & shops. Nice deck & porch. Highly recommend
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2020
Thank you for staying with us! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the property and your time at the beach. We hope to see you again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

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

Family Vacation

Great location in Grayton Beach the house accommodated seven adults and one baby comfortably.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2020
We are ecstatic knowing you and your family enjoyed the home. We hope that your travels bring you back to the beach soon! Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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

Sand delight at Grayton

Would like a vacuum available
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2020
We are ecstatic knowing you and your family enjoyed the home. We hope that your travels bring you back to the beach soon! Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrycja G.

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

Peaceful, well equipped retreat

Steps away from the beach, with outdoor shower, two lovely patios this home provides plenty of vacation space. For the rainy day there is a nice selection of board games, puzzles, books and videos. Decor is very soothing. Kitchen is so well equipped, clearly well thought through beach house. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! The owner provided
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

Another great stay

Great house, great beach
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Justin, We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay! Let us know when you want to plan another great trip to the beach.
Verified

8/10 Good

Trey G.

Great house and amenities

Overall great experience
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Great location for multiple families!

House is very nice and well equipped for a fantastic beach holiday! Just steps to the tea lake and the beach boardwalk. Clean and plenty of space with 3 master bedrooms upstairs!
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
So wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back to the beach soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kristi H.

Great vacation home!

Everything in this house very well thought out! Great layout, the rooms are a good size (and bigger than what they look like online). Plenty of towels in each bathroom...I have stayed in other houses where they alott only one towel per person! The under the counter ice maker is such a nice perk when taking coolers to the beach, and the air conditioning is top notch in this house. Other small things that just makes the whole stay better...great water pressure for showers, clothes dryer works quicker and better than the one we have at home for beach towel turnover, great location and direct access to the walkway to the beach, reserved full size parking for four cars and even more spaces in front of the house. We will definitely stay in this house again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
Awesome news to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back to our shores very soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

Perfect house in a perfect location!

I love this house! It is clean and modern without the anxiety of being "breakable". Its a house that you and your guests will feel right at home in with a great layout and comfy furniture. I slept in the downstairs room the first two nights and an upstairs room the rest of the nights, and lets just say I slept GREAT the whole trip! The location is great to please everyone there. You can walk to multiple bars, the beach is visible from the front porch, and if you're into the shopping scene it's a short drive to two great shopping locations! The top deck is perfect for looking out at the ocean and soaking up the sun, oh and the pool is only one house away!! We had a great stay and can't wait to come back soon!
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
We are very happy that you enjoyed this rental We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rivard R.

Best House in Grayton

My family and I have been coming to Grayton for 10 years now and this is the first time we stayed at Down By The Sea. It was the PERFECT beach house. It was spacious and had everything we needed. Our group of 4 kids from age 7 to 15 agree that this is the house we need to come to next year. The heated community pool was right next door and the beach was just steps away. Each bedroom had a TV which was nice for the kids at night. We cannot say enough great things about this home.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
We are very excited to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back to Grayton soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sharon J.

Such a fun girls trip!

We had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect and the house had everything we needed. We would like to stay here again. The house and the stay both rated very high with us. Loved how each girl got their own bathroom and walking to the Red Bar and Chiringos at night was fun.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2020
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation! We hope that your travels bring you back soon. Thank you for choosing Ocean Reef Resorts
Archival

10/10 Excellent

THE PERFECT BEACH HOUSE

A friend referred us to this home and our family could not have been more satisfied with Down By The Sea. We loved sitting on the front porch and chatting with others walking by and the balcony porch was just as lovely with awesome views of the water. It was tastefully decorated, very clean and you can really tell that this property is well taken care of. We will definitely be back!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Taylor, thank you to you, and to your friend who referred you to this popular and lovely vacation rental! We are happy to know that Down By The Sea served as the perfect property for your vacation. We can't wait to have you again!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property!

Down By the Sea was the perfect vacation home for my family. The house was updated and immaculate. There was ample space and all the conveniences of home. It has a beautiful view. The location is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the beach but still maintains a quiet relaxing feel. The kids enjoyed the biking trails and kayaking. I didn't even need to use my car! It is perfect for a family getaway with children of any age, a couple's romantic getaway, or even a girls' getaway with plenty of room for entertaining. I will definitely be returning myself and recommending Down By the Sea to my friends. I wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else when I visit Grayton Beach!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for the wonderful feedback about the property! We are so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed your vacation. We look forward to seeing you again, hopefully soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 September 2025
Thank you for staying with Ocean Reef Resorts and providing this valuable feedback. Please let us know if we can assist in any future travel plans you may have.

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