Entire home

Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi

Family fun on the beach

Photo gallery for Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi

Exterior
Backyard on the bay. Grill, fish cleaning table, outdoor shower and firepit.
Sunset May 2018
Beautiful Bay Views from the Back Porch
Two Person Kayak with Paddles

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6143.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Panacea, FL
  • Place, Public Beach Access
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Bald Point State Park
  • Place, Alligator Point Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

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

About this property

Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi

'Happy Shack' is the ultimate old Florida getaway. This unique home sits on a large BAY FRONT lot with a sandy shore and private, deeded BEACH ACCESS across the street. A large tiki structure provides shade at the beach. Lots of love and attention have been given to this 1940s military barrack. It has been transformed into an amazing beach bungalow with lots of art, quirky touches, and thoughtful amenities.

The exterior of this unique property includes parking for 4 cars and just 4 steps to enter the home. The front sun deck offers 2 tall Adirondack chairs. The front screened porch provides a relaxing hammock, a patio table for 4, and 2 additional chairs. The back screened porch offers a wonderful conversation area for 4, a dining table for 4, and fantastic views of the large yard and beautiful bay. A private, enclosed outdoor shower with hot and cold water is perfect after a day in the sun. A fish cleaning station and park-style grill are provided for your fisherman's catch! Additional Adirondack chairs are provided at the grill area. The large backyard boasts a stone fire pit with wrap-around seating, an oyster roaster, a horseshoe court, 2 person kayak, two paddle boards with life vests, and a two-person swing by the the bay. The bay enjoys a sandy beach for fishermen and swimmers. Cross the street to our private, deeded beach access.

The interior of this gem enjoys an open living/dining room with gorgeous views of the Bay. Comfy seating in the living rooom and extra seating area ensure a place for everyone. Exit double French doors to both the front and back screened porches. The interior dining table seats 6 for a fantastic meal or high-stakes card games. The well-appointed kitchen offers beautiful wood counters and an abundance of small appliances, chef knives, cooking gadgets, and pots and pans. A breakfast table, seating 2, is the perfect location for your morning coffee. Another exit from the kitchen puts you on the covered, screened porch with Edison lights and a fun beach vibe. It's the perfect location for hours of evening chats and delicious meals with beautiful bay views.

The king bedroom enjoys a smart TV and a convenient sink in the bedroom. The twin bedroom is perfect for the littles or young at heart. A full bathroom with a shower is just down the hall and connects to a laundry area with washer/dryer. Exit the laundry to the outdoor deck and the detached & enclosed private gazebo house that sleeps two in a queen bed. This unique hideaway enjoys beautiful beamed ceilings, amazing bay views, a flat-screen TV, and a convenient sink. (AC & heat provided)

The living room enjoys a smart TV, DVD player, Bose stereo speaker with Alexa (turn her off if you don't like her), and a boom box. Board games, puzzles, DVDs, beach coolers, and kites are also provided.

A beach box with an umbrella, two beach chairs, 3 boogie boards, and sand toys are on the back deck. Life vests of all sizes are provided for water activities. Use kayaks and paddle boards at your own risk, please. Do not leave paddle boards or the kayak on the shore...tides will carry them away! Bocce ball and horseshoes are provided for fun lawn games.

Beds: 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Twins

A boat ramp is less than a mile from the Happy Shack, and there is plenty of room on the property for a boat and trailer with additional cars. Some guests have enjoyed anchoring their boat in the bay behind the house and wade or shuttle to the house (we have a boat buoy; we do not have a dock). The beach tiki is shared with four properties, and the wood flooring is messy from a hurricane, but it provides shade with bench seating. Happy Shack is not recommended for toddlers and children 5 & under, as there is a lot for little hands to get into! Additional videos and photos can be seen on our Facebook page @HappyShackBeach

We have removed decorative bedding & pillows and use commercial-grade disinfectant between guests.

HURRICANES & TROPICAL STORMS: If there is a storm or hurricane, refunds will be provided for the following reasons:
1) The state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning area" and/or
2) The day that the authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning" area, we will refund:
- Any unused portion of rent from a guest currently registered;
- Any unused portion of rent from a guest who is scheduled to arrive and wants to shorten the stay, to arrive after the Mandatory Warning is lifted; and
- Any advance rent collected or deposited for a reservation scheduled to arrive during the Mandatory Warning period.
Refunds are not provided for an issued Watch.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Not particularly suitable for children under 5.
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Events

No events allowed
No events/parties, rental guests only.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking permitted on the patios.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Return recreational items to their place. Empty grill coals into the bay water.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No smoking in the house, please.
Travelers must provide photo ID and guest list with names and ages after booking.
Do not leave paddleboards or the kayak on the beach, as they will float away with the tides.

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
Note from host: No events/parties, rental guests only.
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 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Panacea

Located in Alligator Point, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Bayside Marina and St. James Bay Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bald Point State Park and Public Beach Access. Snorkelling, waterskiing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
Map
Panacea, FL

What's nearby

  • Public Beach Access - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Alligator Point Beach - 3 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Wilson Beach - 16 min drive - 21.8 km
  • Mashes Sand Beach - 18 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Shell Point Beach - 43 min drive - 54.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Tropical Traders Shrimp Co. - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Angelo & Son's Seafood - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Aligator Point Tiki Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Krispy Krunchy Chicken - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪tropical trader - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Happy Shack BEACH & BAY! Kayak, paddle boards, tiki hut, firepit, grille, wifi located?

Nestled on the beach, this Alligator Point holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Public Beach Access and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Alligator Point Beach. Wilson Beach and Mashes Sand Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 224 out of 229 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 229 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 229 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 229 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 229 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is such a unique home with added touches to the decor that just made us feel like we were at a beach cottage with lots of history. Communication with Allison was and has always been top-notch. She gets back to us usually within a few hours with any questions, sometimes sooner. Also, love having access to both the bay and the Gulf of America!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miranda E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our first trip to Alligator Point! The Happy Shack was just that..... happy! Everything we needed plus things we didnt even think about was there and available. The outside and inside games were perfect for family time. The quirkiness of the layout and decor fit the entire vibe of the property perfectly. Every nook and cranny are thoughtfully and beautifully decorated and placed about! Alison was prompt in answering questions and made us feel right at home! We WILL be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

T.M.

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
After touring the campus of FSU with my daughter it was nice to have a place to relax. We really enjoyed our stay and would stay again in the near future!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sybille F., Knoxville, Tennessee

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

Happiest Place on Earth

Our third visit was wonderful as the previous two. Always a delight at the Happy Shack, great accommodations, location and memories made.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paula C.

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

Perfectly Perfect!

Lovely home where the owners love shows in every attention to detail. Comfy beds, well-stocked kitchen, beach and bay and all on Alligator Point. Our new favorite place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela E., SALT ROCK USA

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

Relaxing and Quiet

Loved staying here! It was very nice and cozy. Very clean and was decorated so nice! Loved having the private beach and everything we needed was there
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn G.

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

Friend Get-Away

The perfect property for kids and adults!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Derrick B.

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

Beautiful

The view and accommodations are nearly perfect.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leigh P.

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

The PERFECT beach trip

This area is magical and Happy Shack is the perfect place to stay. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

KELLIE G.

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

Wonderful!

Beautiful beach and house. We had a wonderful stay at the Happy Shack.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dana B.

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

Relaxing

This property was perfect for quiet time to relax. It had all of the things you would need and more. We will definitely book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris E.

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

Happy Shack

We enjoyed our stay at the happy shack. Great place to relax and lots of beautiful places to explore close by. We will be back some day!
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn M.

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

Relaxing Getaway

We loved our short visit at Happy Shack! Great location with beautiful views of the bay. Very relaxing and easy beach access right across the street. The cottage itself was very comfortable and we enjoyed the artwork and decorations. We liked it so much we are coming back in May.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Samantha s.

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

Dreamy place

One of the best beach houses I’ve ever stayed in. Super cozy and the owners have thought of everything, you can just bring your toothbrush and bathing suit. We absolutely loved it.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Penny M., Duluth

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

Relaxed

Great property, so many things to do . Definitely will rebook this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie F., Tallahassee

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

New year’s holiday

Such a lovely property and rental. The bayside was beautiful and easy beach access. Felt like home and hope to return soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ali T.

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

Happy Shack

Great last minute stay at Alligator Point. Happy Shack had everything we needed for a relaxed weekend at the beach. Perfect location with bay and gulf access! The owner was very helpful and easy to communicate with and the house was even better than the pictures. We can’t wait to go again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Happy stay at the Happy Shack

We visited Alligator Point for a wedding, and the Happy Shack was perfect. My kids didn't want to leave and ask when we can go back. Home was clean - instructions were easy - setup was ideal
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

lucas k.

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

Family retreat

Our family had a wonderful time at Happy Shack. We where able to dis-connect from the hussle of normal life and enjoy ourselves. Loved the front and back porches for morning and evening. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dante B.

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

Return to alligator point

Haven’t been to ap in 20+ years and wanted to see if our uncles beach house was still there. Found the property unfortunately uncle martins ace has been replaced but still worth the trip. Happy shack was a perfect getaway for us we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Valerie A.

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

Peaceful and Natural

We loved the peaceful beach and the quiet bay. There was so much natural habitat to explore and enjoy. The house was the perfect amount of space for our family where we wanted 3 rooms. It provided all we needed so we could enjoy meals, games, and outdoor time. We would recommend it for anybody that wants a private and quiet trip surrounded by all a beach has to offer.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H.

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

Very comfortable

My family really enjoyed our stay at the Happy shack. It was nice to be in between the bay in the ocean. The home was as described, clean, comfortable and very cute. Fully equipped kitchen! We did a lot of cooking! Owners are great to work with, very responsive. We are already planning our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh T.

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

New Years Eve Trip

We had a great time here over New Years!! Can’t beat having both the beach and bay to enjoy! House was clean, comfy, fun and very well equipped. Kitchen had everything and more! Cooking oysters on the pit was super fun. Loved the yard so cute and the porches were the best!! The sunsets were beautiful. Thank you for sharing your happy place with us!!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

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

Happy Shack Review

Beautiful house and property. Nice peaceful area to stay. Only complaint would've been solved if I would have did a little more research on the area. Most anything to eat is a 30+ minute drive and no breakfast places we could find other than fast food (still 30 minute drive). Would absolutely stay at Happy Shack again, I would just come prepared to cook at the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sylva R.

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

Happy Shack still one of the best places on the Point

This was our third year spending time at Alligator Point in Happy Shack. It just gets better every year. Allison and Robert add more details every year without taking away the charm of the beach bungalow. We ate our way around Panacea and brought home loads of seafood and oysters to grill at the Shack. One really does live in the now there!
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2020

About the host

Hosted by Allison Ager

Host profile image
We are Allison and Robert from Tallahassee, FL. We have three grown sons. We live and work in Tallahassee. Allison grew up visiting Alligator Point as a kid and Robert came to love it while attending Florida State University. The Happy Shack is a breezy reflection of who we are. We have poured our hearts and souls into transforming this property into the ultimate beach getaway!

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the old Florida charm that we saw in the Happy Shack. We stumbled on this property in the spring of 2016 and recognized that with a lot (a whole lot) of elbow grease, we could have a little slice of heaven at the coast. Originally built in 1941, the Happy Shack served as officer quarters at Camp Gordon Johnson also know as "Hell by the Sea" located in Carrabelle, FL. It's beautifully weathered and awesome! The eclectic details are all around you, be sure to take them in. We are pretty sure you will feel that you 'fell into' the most amazing cottage on Alligator Point! Don't let the the 'old gal' fool you....she's a gem! The backyard is private and sprawling. Perfect for a game of Boccee Ball, oyster roasts, bonfires, horseshoes or simply watching the sunrise and sunsets. We've added bird, bat and squirrel houses for our critter friends.

What makes this property unique

Besides the breezy vibe that Happy Shack offers, there's a bit of 'famous' here as well. Best selling author (9 books) Connie May Fowler owned this home for 17 years and the gazebo house where she wrote, is now named the 'Fowler House' in her honor. You will find her books in the home...read them, they are wonderful! Connie adapted "Before Women had Wings" for Oprah Winfrey. The result was an Emmy-winning film starring Oprah and Ellen Barkin. Her latest writing (April 2017) "A Million Fragile Bones" is all about her life at the Happy Shack and the BP oil spill that broke her heart.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests