Entire home

Artist’s unique, eclectic waterfront home featured in Coast magazine.

Photo gallery for Artist’s unique, eclectic waterfront home featured in Coast magazine.

Front row seat to watch the sunrise over Galveston Bay.
Welcome to paradise!
Hand made doors with Stainglass windows provide main entrance to rental.
2nd/Main level bedroom suite, French doors to private deck, queen bed, loft, tv.
Second/main level bedroom suite with overstuffed chair, ottoman, loft and TV.
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4158 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
San Leon, TX
  • Popular LocationKemah Boardwalk17 min drive
  • Popular LocationTexas City Dike23 min drive
  • Popular LocationNASA Johnson Space Center25 min drive
  • AirportHouston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)68 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

2nd floor/ main level bedroom suite

1 Queen Bed

3rd level en suite master

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

2nd/main level bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

3rd level en suite bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Artist’s unique, eclectic waterfront home featured in Coast magazine.

Sunny San Leon is a peninsula that juts out into Galveston Bay located 14 miles North of Galveston Island, 10 miles South of Kemal Waterfront and 33 miles South of Houston. This small bayside community is home to several stellar restaurants; Top water Grill – known for its fresh fish, lively bar and indoor/outdoor waterfront seating, Gilhooley’s Restaurant – repeatedly voted “best smoked oysters in the Bay Area,“ and Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, a chef – driven waterfront seafood and oyster bar located directly on Galveston Bay.
Other neighborhood points of interest within close proximity to this waterfront home include; Railean’s-a locally owned and operated distillery which hosts a colorful bar and tasting tours complete with a souvenir shot glass, Eagle point fishing camp for fishing supplies and fresh and frozen bait, Sunset lounge fishing pier, and an oyster shelled sandy cove known as Mariners Beach.
This vintage bay house rental built in 1962 has survived every hurricane since being built. Featuring original hard wood floors, stained glass windows, and 20ft long wooden ceiling beams, this one of a kind rental includes the second and third levels of the home. Located smack dab on Galveston Bay on a dead-end corner spot, it affords spectacular uninterrupted waterfront views from every window, porch and deck.
The 2nd/main level features a large bedroom suite with French doors that open onto a covered deck that includes a water view barstool seating area and the view of the below outside electric fireplace and sectional. It features a four poster queen size bed, flatscreen TV, overstuffed comfortable chair with ottoman and a unique cozy loft area accessible via a custom built ladder. Also included on the second level is a bathroom with a tiled shower featuring custom made doors, a copper sink and plenty of fluffy towels.

A dining room table and original Mexican school art desk/table with six chairs offers ample gathering space in front of a large window overlooking the water. A well-stocked kitchen includes a gas stove, microwave, Keurig coffee pot and stainless-steel refrigerator with ice/water in the door. Utensils, vintage casserole dishes, glasses, mugs and pots and pans are included for meal preparation. A utility room with washer and dryer and office supplies is located right off the kitchen. The living room featuring another large flatscreen TV, comfy sectional sofa and hammered copper coffee table completes the 2nd/main level. Double doors open onto a covered waterfront deck that wraps its way around this level, providing two chaise lounges, additional bar-stool seating and includes unbeatable views of Galveston Bay from every vantage point.
A tiled, reclaimed wooden staircase in the living room area ascends past multiple stained glass windows to the third level master bedroom with an en suite bathroom with double copper sinks and a tiled shower with a bench. It includes a comfy foam top king size mattress, two unique armoires, a chest coffee table and a twin-size daybed. A covered third level deck off the bedroom offers unparalleled views of the water, the ship channel, the water front fire pit below and the soaring brown pelicans, blue herons and coastal birds. Barstool seating and two cushioned lounge chairs with a side table provides comfortable seating on the sky high deck.
The entire home and grounds are filled with collectibles, architectural salvage pieces, folk art and hand-crafted art pieces. There are two central AC/heat units located on each level. All the exterior doors were designed and made by the owners as are the stained glass windows.

The ground level of this home is a separate studio rental and is capped at two adults. This studio is self-sufficient, has its own ground level entrance and contains a fully equipped kitchen, vintage formica dining room table, bathroom/shower, AC/heat unit, TV, queen bed and sectional sofa. This space is private and not included in the bay home rental. It is often empty but can be rented separately if your party requires additional space. Please book on https://www.vrbo.com/1353187?arrival=2022-01-12&departure=2022-01-15&unitId=1911539

The grounds include a waterfront wood burning fire pit, gas grill, many seating areas, tables, and chaise lounges. The street side of the property includes a deck with a sectional sofa under a gazebo that houses several wall mounted fountains and an electric fireplace. The grounds would be the only shared space if the ground level studio is occupied. There is parking available both under the house and in the driveway.

Please note that the ground level has a separately leased 500 square-foot studio. To check availability: https://www.vrbo.com/1353187?arrival=2022-01-12&departure=2022-01-15&unitId=1911539

Property manager

Cathy Brown
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only
Waterfront property with many high level decks.

Events

No events allowed
No parties gatherings events or guests allowed.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed in any of the outdoor areas only
Please keep all exterior doors latched, locked and properly secured. High winds can blow open unsecured doors.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Dickinson

Located on the waterfront, this vacation home is in San Leon, a neighborhood in Dickinson. Space Center Houston is a cultural highlight and some of the area's popular attractions include Kemah Boardwalk and NASA Johnson Space Center. Bay Area Raceway and Dickinson Historic Railroad Center are also worth visiting. With motor boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
San Leon, TX

What's nearby

  • Kemah Boardwalk - 17 min drive
  • Texas City Dike - 23 min drive
  • NASA Johnson Space Center - 25 min drive
  • Space Center Houston - 26 min drive
  • Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal - 35 min drive

Getting around

  • Houston, TX (EFD-Ellington Field) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 11 min drive
  • Gilhooley's Restaurant - 3 min drive
  • Subway - 17 min drive
  • Jack In The Box - 11 min drive
  • Noah's Ark Bar & Grill - 9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Artist’s unique, eclectic waterfront home featured in Coast magazine. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls trip on Galveston Bay
My friends and I stayed here for 3 nights and absolutely loved this house and its location. Our host was very responsive and is very creative. We loved exploring the nooks and crannies of every room and floor both inside and out. The view of the bay is amazing. The pelicans fly by so close you can almost touch them. We experienced a pretty impressive thunderstorm and windstorm. We were amazed that all of the outside furniture, fixtures, artifacts and even the pillows stayed in place. The house is very well stocked. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and I know you will too.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous, and extraordinary!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful home with us, Cathy! In fact, this is a unique place! We spent six days there and discovered new surprises every day - this house has a soul and is talking to you! But besides all this beautiful and cozy decor, we enjoyed the porches, the constant sea breeze, the fresh fish and seafood. A perfect place to relax. We'll come back, that's for shure!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

matt b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spot, great house
The house was on a quiet point in the bay. Very cute, eclectic, artsy style. Great spot for a nice vacation.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dustin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommend.
Beautiful place to stay. Can’t beat the view!! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F., Sugar Land

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extraordinary Getaway
Total oasis for the senses. Spacious. Fabulous views. Peaceful and relaxing. It’s obvious this home was built and decorated with love. So much to see inside and out. I spent 3 nights her relaxing and decompressing…I didn’t want to leave. Watching and listening to the waves and birds. Catching the sunrise. So much charm!! Thank you for opening up your home. ♥️
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Cathy Brown

Host profile image
Honestly, we are pretty much old hippies who enjoyed making this home our slice of heaven from 30 years of living on the property and refining every detail. Both of us have art pieces installed throughout Galveston County, from mosaic murals to stained glass lamps, from wind-driven sculpture pieces of rotating fish tales to the aluminum fish outside of Fisherman's Wharf restaurant.
We raised our son and daughter here, fixed things up in the wake of Hurricane Ike, added on the 2nd and 3rd level, grew old, survived cancer, lost body parts and sprouted gray hair. We watched the landscape of San Leon change over the last three decades, becoming a haven for Houstonians with enough disposable income to purchase second homes on the waterfront, install pools and piers and in some cases, change the landscape with their attitudes and feelings of entitlement.
Our home was built in 1962 and has survived every tropical storm, hurricane, and near-miss since then. The original ceilings feature 20' long wooden beams and was about 500' feet in total when we purchased it in 1992, moments prior to the birth of our daughter. A few 15 months later her brother joined her. Our daughter is an accomplished artist that attended MICA on a full scholarship and majored in Sculpture, following in her father's footsteps. Look around the house - her works adorn the walls and shelves. Our son is an accomplished musician who makes a living with his UT Engineering degree. Both adults, they left this home in their rear view mirrors long ago.
We decided to rent for several reasons....for practical reason, to pay for the ever-increasing property taxes, the rising flood, homeowners and windstorm insurance premiums, and to hopefully retire one day. But really, mostly to share this little spot on the bay with others. To show-case our Creator's works of arts, not ours. The water, the sun, the birds, the dolphins, the moon when its full, sparkling on the waters of Galveston Bay. Enjoy......

Why they chose this property

This property may not be for you. There are other choices close by that cost less, that have piers and pools, that are newer, and bigger. Honestly, we all work hard for our money, and our time-off is valuable, precious, and short-lived. You have to chose wisely when spending your valuable resources in exchange for a weekend away.
What this property does offer are sweeping views of the water, from every nook and cranny of the property. It has to do with how the home is situated, a decision that was made in 1962 by the wife of the couple who built it, someone I never met. It has to do with the lot, plopped on the dead end of the street that affords views to the right and the left and straight ahead. You can see the ship channel traffic and the cruise ships on their journey, the pleasure boats heading to TopWater Grill for fresh seafood and cocktails, and the fishing boats anchored and fishing. You can see the working shrimp boats and oyster boats. You can hear the distinct squawk of the majestic blue herons, and the screech of the green parrots who build their nests alongside the transformers. At times, you can see dolphins and fish jumping. You can relax on private porches, balconies and decks that are as close to the water as you can get. You can gaze out from the 3rd level balcony where you are eye level with the passing brown pelicans. You can build a fire in the firepit while you hear the lapping of the tide, set your alarm to see the sun rise over the water without ever having to get dressed or put your shoes on. Even neighboring homeowners remark upon the unique placement of this property and the views....killer views. One of a kind, views. That's what this property provides. If that's what you're looking for, that's what we have to offer.

What makes this property unique

Quiet, private, scenic, relaxing - a real opportunity to get away from it all. If you like looking around at stuff, this is your place. Because we both express ourselves thru making things with our hands, and enjoy repurposing things and saving items from the landfill, our home and property offers endless discovery. Its all in the details, from the somewhat troubled award winning art pieces left behind by our daughter, to the hand-made doors fashioned from abandoned pier planks, you can walk around and potentially not see everything. My dad's level adorns a windowsill, his hand saw decorates a wall, and the singletree from his childhood Pennsylvania farm hangs over the kitchen window. It's homage to a wonderful man, husband and provider whose life should be showcased. Hand sculpted clay people form a tribe on the kitchen shelves. A larger than life puppet head and hands from an art performance frames the tv, and stained glass windows with sea glass and rondels are framed with tile from an old barn. If this sounds like your kind of place, we can promise you will leave inspired, or at the very least, entertained. This is not just a gem on the bay, its more like an immersive experience...cobbled together over 30 years of life. An "I Spy" environment of sorts. Can you find "Envy" a clay sculpture whose expression speaks volumes, or "Skin Deep" a piece made of hand torn tar paper, in response to a skin cancer diagnosis, or the 6 pack of Billy Beer, or the Medusa fountain that cries. And when its time to turn your gaze to the skies, the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets....you can see that too.

Languages:

English

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