EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION AND FEATURES PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS - READ OUR REVIEWS!! Gulf views - luxurious and private Destin beach living at its finest! This magnificent 7-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom coastal contemporary home captures vistas or gulf views from its four balconies and accommodates 20 family members and friends. Situated in exclusive Destiny by the Sea, with gated security and 2,000 feet of private beach (the largest private beach in Destin). The beach access is a mere 15 steps from your large private pool (14' x 21') and spa. This professionally decorated home has over 4,500 square feet of living space and 1,000+ square feet of outdoor space, located on an oversized corner lot offering easy beach access and views of the emerald gulf waters.
Coastal contemporary comfort best describes this residence, named Family Beach Fun (formerly Nora's Rest), a perfect setting for spending quality time and creating memories with the ones who mean the most to you. The home was tastefully and timelessly designed and completed in 2017 and updated in 2022-23, and includes unique custom furniture. The home feels and looks new, a testament to its design, construction, and care; and has been updated with all new interior paint, new family room and outdoor furniture in 2022 and a new white wash pecky cypress ceiling feature in the foyer in 2023, with functional upgrades in 2024. This home is personally managed by an owner with a 25 year history of VRBO experience, with over 500 (prior) five star reviews. PLEASE READ OUR REVIEWS - we are hands on and take care of our guests!
Unlike all other Destin neighborhoods, you don't have to cross the busy "beach road" (Scenic/Old Highway 98, which has a daily traffic count of 12,000 cars!) to get to the beach. Sit on the balcony and listen to the waves/surf. 2,000 feet of private beach is dedicated to Destin's only gulf side community, to enjoy and from which you can walk the white sand beach to three nearby gulf front restaurants. Exercise on the 5 mile walk/run/bike path paralleling the beach, located immediately outside the community gates. Steps away is the lagoon-shaped community pool. This private enclave of homes is protected by a guarded gate with neighborhood courtesy patrol (for which the HOA expends nearly $200,000/year), a benefit and assurance for you and your family. The private paver streets are perfect for kids to be kids, to walk and ride bikes. Private, safe, and secure.
The house offers elevator access to a total of seven bedrooms + a bunk bed niche, 7.5 bathrooms. 5 king bedrooms (including two master suites) each with balcony access and en-suite bathrooms containing walk-in showers + one queen bedroom; 4 bunk sets (8 total beds), and a bunk bed niche - refer to the floor plans contained within the photos.
There are two of everything at this home to make your stay more enjoyable and less stressful - two refrigerators/freezers, two washer/dryer sets, two dishwashers, double oven, two large family rooms, two master suites, and two balconies on each the 2nd and 3rd floors (a total of four balconies). Plenty of parking (for 5-6 vehicles, including an EV charger) - a premium at most every beach home. Chef's kitchen with Wolf and Subzero appliances, custom cabinetry, and dedicated ice maker - perfect to prepare a meal to enjoy with your loved ones.
*7 bedrooms (two master suites) + bunk niche
*Sleeps 20
*Gulf views
*Directly across from the beach/beach access
*Four balconies with vistas or gulf views
*Large private pool (14' x 21') + spa - south facing (hence, you are not shaded)
*Chef's kitchen - 60" Wolf range and double oven, Subzero fridge/freezer, two dishwashers, dedicated ice maker
*Lots of parking β accommodates 5-6 vehicles
*Electric vehicle (EV) charger (50A)
*Elevator
*Walk the beach to three gulf front restaurants (The Crab Trap, Captain Dave's, Pompano Joe's)
*Free Hulu/Hulu Live TV streaming
The first level of the house features 10 foot high ceilings containing a family room and bunk suite (two bunk sets), both with access to the lanai, sun deck, and pool. The entry foyer features a white wash pecky cypress ceiling feature. The open living room has a leather sofa, a unique teak root bar, wall-mounted TV, and a wet bar with a wine fridge. Adjacent to the living area is a kid's bunk suite and includes two bunk sets (4 beds total) with direct access to a full bathroom. The elevator is off the coffered ceiling front entry, and accesses all three floors. The south-facing (no shadows!) pool is 14' x 21' and the spa 5' x 5'.
The focal point of the home is the second floor, which hosts an open concept kitchen, dining, and family gathering area, which flow to the gulf facing veranda. Soaring 11 foot pecky cypress wood ceilings and huge windows accentuate the openness. With top-of-the-line appliances (60" Wolf range and double ovens, 45" Subzero fridge/freezer, two dishwashers, standalone ice maker) and sleek custom cabinetry, this incredible Chef's kitchen has abundant counter space and island to prepare and serve a meal for your family. The dining table is a custom-made repurposed centuries-old French door, 12 foot long with eight chairs and two benches (which will seat six to eight). There is additional seating (four chairs) at the kitchen island, hence, there is seating for 18 to 20 at the dining table and adjacent island. The spacious family gathering area has a large leather sectional and two chairs for conversation, entertainment, or to watch the 65 inch TV. Bedrooms on the second floor consist of two king bedrooms (one with a bunk bed set) each with balcony access and en-suite bathrooms/walk in showers, in addition to a bunk bed niche (two twins) adjacent to a powder room. The gulf facing main balcony has a grill and outdoor dining table for al fresco dining and to take in the gulf breeze and views and the sound of the surf during your morning coffee or evening cocktails.
First Floor: Family Room with Wet Bar, Bunk Suite with Two Bunk sets (4 total beds) and Full Bathroom with Walk-In Shower. Entry Foyer. Laundry Room. Elevator.
Second Floor: Family Room, Kitchen, Dining, Gulf facing Balcony with Outdoor Dining and Grill. King Bedroom with Single Bunks and Walk-In Shower + Balcony Access, King Bedroom with Walk-In Shower + Balcony Access, Twin Bunk Niche (2 beds total), Powder Room. Elevator.
Third Floor: King Master Bedroom with Walk-In Shower and Soaking Tub + Private Balcony, Junior Master King Bedroom with Walk-In Shower + Balcony Access, King Bedroom with Walk-In Shower + Balcony Access, Queen Bedroom, Hall Bath with Tub/Shower Combo. Laundry Room. Elevator.
Weddings and college spring break are not allowed at this home.
HOA Rules
**Personal umbrellas (umbrellas can be rented through the onsite beach service), tents (including baby tents), tarps, and/or canopies are not allowed on the beach. Though the community has a private beach, gulf front homeowners own the land to the mean high water line. Personal umbrellas, tents, and canopies are not allowed on the beach.
**No jet skis, boats, trailers, motor homes or commercial vehicles are allowed, nor are rental golf carts or scooters/mopeds/motorcycles/ATVs
**No overnight street parking
Outdoor security cameras are utilized at this home for security purposes only. There are four cameras located beneath the roof line on the southeast, southwest, west, and northwest corners of the home with coverage of the west and south exterior sides of the home inclusive of the pool and spa. Access to surveillance data is limited and is deleted when no longer needed.
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UNBELIEVABLE GULF VIEWS ,STEPS TO THE SAND...PERFECT VACATION HOME !!
Destin
UNBELIEVABLE GULF VIEWS ,STEPS TO THE SAND...PERFECT VACATION HOME !!
Children must be supervised by an adult all times!
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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
$500 refundable damage deposit (refunded 14 days following check out date)
Guests are required to accept/sign the guest agreement
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2514742vb
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Destin
Located in Destin, this holiday home is near the beach. Destin Commons and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches. Ready for a night out? Consider Club LA and LuLu's Destin, FL..
Shore at Crystal Beach Park - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Destin Commons - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 35 min drive
Restaurants
βͺCircle K - β¬4 min drive
βͺPompano Joe's - β¬3 min drive
βͺCrab Trap Destin - β¬9 min walk
βͺKenny D's - β¬10 min walk
βͺCulver's - β¬5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20 have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20?
As of 22 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20 on 6 January 2027 start from NZ$2,291, 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 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20?
Checkout is at 9:00 AM.
Where is 7BR Gulf Views, Large Private Pool/Spa, Private Beach/Gated Community, Sleeps 20 located?
Situated near the beach, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of James Lee Park and Miramar Beach. James Lee Beach and Shore at Crystal Beach Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Do not look any further. This place is awesome. Super close to the beach literally 30 second walk. You are not out of breath after walking on the board walk lol β Place is nice and clean. I will definitely be coming back. Not to mention the owners were great and checked on us to make sure we had everything we needed. Book it now you will not regret it.
Amazing home, great location, great host. We loved the pool and proximity to the beach. Just steps away. Perfect βhome baseβ for a stay in the Florida panhandle.
The house is amazing and the owner is excellent. Weβve been renting for nine years and usually on 30A but this is our favorite house in all of the years we rented. Very close to the beach.
Great house. Super clean and spacious. Beautiful large bathrooms and bedrooms. Huge kitchen table for a large family. The beach access is about 10 steps from yard.
We had the best time ever. The house is exquisitely built, designed and maintained. We absolutely love the comfort and safety of the Destin By The Sea neighborhood. A beach vacation we will never forget. The kitchen was amazing. Extra large fridge, two ovens, lots of burners, stand mixer, two coffee pots (round deep basket filters), Keurig, you name it itβs all there. We used both dishwashers. TwoWasher dryer combos. Bar fridges and a spareFridge in the garage. Loved the storage space for parking and storing our roof top cargo carrier of the week. The beds and pillows were very comfortable. We all woke up refreshed each day and ready to soakup the Florida sun. I can not say enough good things about this house and its wonderful location to the beach. Direct walk to the beach access and hut to order beach chairs /umbrellas. The host was great at communicating and helped in every way possible. Amazing house and amazing host. We will be back.
My family and I really enjoyed our stay here. Plenty of space, very modern, and perfect accessibility to the beach. The host also went above and beyond leaving us wine, a charcuterie board, cookies, and set us up with a local photographer for a shoot on the beach. Recommend this place for any family looking to get together for a beach vacation.
I was really pleased with the overall experience of the vacation this year. The property was just as it was described, and the easy way that the owners handled everything made us feel right at home.Five stars across the board.πππΆ
Our stay was wonderful! The house had everything one would need for a wonderful vacation.
The pool and spa area was perfect.
The owner went above and beyond to make sure our trip was memorable.
Hope to return in 2024!!
This house is a MUST stay for a big family beach trip! Perfect distance to the beach (especially if you have little ones that take naps). The neighborhood was super safe and the house is very close to Destin Commons and grocery stores. Nick was so attentive whenever we needed anything! Highly recommend this house!
House was very clean and spacious perfect for a large family. Host very friendly and helpful!! Host gave us a gift card to an amazing Italian restaurant
Amazing vacation! Beautiful property and location.
This property was everything we had hoped it would be. Weβve been renting homes in this community for over 10 years and this one is the best so far. Perfect location right across from the beach. The pool was perfect for hanging out in the afternoon and evenings and the layout of the home was fantastic. Outstanding experience from top to bottom.
We took a family vacation, me, my wife, our four adult sons, daughter in law and our grandson. The house was amazing, beautifully decorated with all the amenities, pool and spa were perfect and the one minute walk to the sands of the Emerald Coast was perfect. Nick our host was amazing always available via phone or text and sent us updated text messages throughout the trip with reminders, anyone looking for the perfect place to create everlasting memories with the family, I would definitely recommend.
Wonderful Location with a great house, pool and community!
The property was amazing with plenty of room for the 14 of us. The description was spot on and the kitchen was even more impressive. Owners were very helpful and answered questions within minutes. Beautiful pool and hot tub within steps from the beach! Would definitely rent here again.
Arrived and the house was in immaculate condition. Photos of the property didn't do the home justice. Beautiful home. Location to the beach was PERFECT.
I highly recommend this property for any stay in Destin FL.
The house was amazing & extremely clean. It was perfect for our entire family to enjoy comfortably! We all appreciated the extra gifts! You made us feel so welcomed π. Thank you for a wonderful week in your home.
Best VRBO experience we have had so far, house was as described and perfect for our family. Loved the floor plan, kitchen was well stock and well laid out. Place was clean and Nick and his team let us check in a couple hours early which was much appreciated. Nick was super responsive and helpful with the couple questions we had during our stay. Great location with a quick walk to the beach on Gulf of America. 5 stars not a good enough rating for our experience, thank you Nick and team for your hospitality!!
The house is well laid out. The bedrooms are all good size and plenty of bathrooms. Overall is just a roomy beautiful home. Everything is new and updated. The pool and spa are an awesome added feature. The location to beach is right across the street. Definitely stay here again.
The owners, the house, the private pool and hot tub, the beach access, and overall property were first class. The kitchen, the bedrooms, and overall space were more than enough for our party of 15. We have been the Destiny by the Sea before but this was our best experience and we hope to stay at this property again next year.
Josh B.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
About the host
Hosted by Nick & Tina Athens
We are hands on owners, and have hosted thousands of families over the past 27 years, and earned well over 500 five star reviews. We keep our homes updated and are very attentive to detail, including a high cleanliness standard. We expend a great deal of energy, time, and funds every year on improvements to enhance your experience - we take care of our guests! We purchased this home in October 2021.
Why they chose this property
I have desired to own within this community for over 15 years because of its unique nature - Destin's only gulfside enclave, largest private beach in the county, gated entry with neighborhood courtesy patrol, and no busy road to cross (the traffic count is 12,000 cars/day outside of the neighborhood!) to access the beach. Destiny by the Sea has the neighborhood feel that many of us grew up with, an intimate feel with quiet private streets where kids can be kids, to walk and ride bikes. Private, safe, and secure.
What makes this property unique
Within Destiny by the Sea, this home has the largest private pool (and not shaded!), great gulf views and the closest to the beach (other than gulf front homes), is the most recently constructed home available to rent, situated on the largest lot, possesses the most parking (including an EV charger), has the most balconies, and has the best reviews (we take care of our guests!).
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests