Entire home

Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro

Photo gallery for Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro

Terrace/patio
Beach
Dining
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
  • Castle Otttis
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Vilano Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • St. George Street
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro

Summary:
The perfect beach getaway!
Wake up to coffee and a stunning sunrise.
Spend all day lounging on the beach and cooling off in the ocean.
Wind down with a gourmet dinner overlooking the water.
Embrace the essence of coastal living in this classic 3 br home. Directly on the beach, this home features spectacular views and plenty of space to make lasting memories.

The Space:
Part of the renovation to Almost Heaven included opening the living room, kitchen, and dining areas to each other. Now you can enjoy time with friends and family whether you are watching your favorite movie, cooking a delicious meal, or sitting down to eat together. From any spot in the open floor plan, you will enjoy serene views of the ocean. The living room comfortably seats six around a flat screen TV. The dining area has a dinner table with seating for six as well. There are also four bar stools at the breakfast bar.

Your comfort and relaxation aren’t limited to the indoors! Step out on the oceanfront deck and you will see and hear the waves lapping the shoreline. The deck has two closets for beach chairs and toys. You can work on your tan up on the elevated tanning deck, or stay cool in the sitting area underneath. And of course, you are just a few steps from getting your toes in the sand.

Almost Heaven has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary bedroom is on the ocean side of the house. It features a king bed, They’re bedside tables with 2 drawers, a large dresser with a flat screen TV on top, and a walk in closet. From the primary bedroom, there is a private exit to the deck. The ensuite bathroom has also been completely remodeled. It has beautiful granite counter tops with his and hers sinks, crisp lighting, and an elegant walk-in shower.

The second bedroom is cheerfully decorated. It has a comfy queen bed and a large dresser. Small bedside tables are found on either side of the bed, each with a drawer and reading lamp. There is a roomy closet to put your hanging clothes and suit cases.

The third bedrooms was designed with kids in mind. It has a twin-over-double bunk bed. There is also a twin pull-out trundle underneath with another mattress, allowing 4 kids to sleep in this room. A desk and bookshelf are also offered, as well as another good sized closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a full bathroom with a shower/tub combination.

Along with all of the bed linens, we also provide all of the beach and bath towels you will need for your stay.

Experience the beauty of sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and fish. Take leisurely walks along the beach to discover treasures like shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.

Explore Anastasia State Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a stunning coastal setting.

Discover the rich history of Historic St. Augustine by visiting landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian only thoroughfare in the heart of the historic district, lined with charming shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites.

Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age at the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel, showcasing a diverse collection of art, antiques, and artifacts.

Experience the thrill of getting up close to alligators, crocodiles, and exotic animals at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which also offers educational shows, zip lines, and exhibits of native Florida wildlife.

Take a scenic short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a historic Spanish fort located on Rattlesnake Island. Learn about its role in protecting St. Augustine during the colonial period while enjoying views of the surrounding marshlands.

Indulge in delicious cuisine at the many restaurants in St. Augustine, cafes, and eateries. From fresh seafood to international fare, there is something to satisfy every palate, including popular spots like 180 Vilano Grill and Pizza, Briskys BBQ, and Beaches at Vilano.

There are a multitude of places in St Augustine for wonderful dining nearby. Here’s a few of my favorite restaurants:
Capps on the water - closest to Almost Heaven and perfect for watching the sunset.
Beaches at Vilano town center by fishing pier - waterfront restaurant and bar.
River & Fort - downtown St. Augustine
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill - downtown St. Augustine
Casa Reina Taquiera and Teqilla - downtown St, Augustine
Georgie’s Diner - downtown St. Augustine and great spot for breakfast
PK’s Roosevelt Room - down town St Augustine and great spot for breakfast

Please note, that all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and provide a valid form of ID. The primary reservation holder must provide a Government-Issued ID that matches the name on the rental agreement. This is a requirement from St. Johns County. All guest's names (first and last) must be provided. The ages of any minors are required to be listed. This is for emergency and insurance purposes.

Guest Access:
We offer convenient keyless door codes for self-check-in. Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro uses smart locks with check-in details provided 48 hours prior to arrival by email and text message.

• Early check-ins or late check-outs: If the property happens to be ready earlier than the standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, in most cases an early arrival option may be available when confirmed with the main office. Late check-outs must be confirmed with main office staff prior to the date of departure.

Getting Around:
Immerse yourself in the blend of adventure and activity by renting a bicycle. Lose yourself in enchanting streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take in a leisurely pace with beachfront strolls, explore shops, and savor local cuisine on foot.

Enhance your experience with a sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot playful dolphins. For the adventurous, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore our beautiful estuaries and waterways.

Local favorites include Brewer Beach Rentals, St. Augustine City Tours, and Adventure Boat Tours.

Please note that beach driving is not permitted. Beach access points can be found on Coastal Hwy at even-numbered properties and on the 3000 block on S. Ponte Vedra, specifically odd-numbered properties.

Other Things to Note:
Please pay close attention to following the house rules. Non compliance could result in sizable fines.
- All guests staying at one of our Starkey Properties by Portoro homes are required to sign (esignature) a rental agreement and complete identity registration.
- Age restrictions apply. Reservation holder must be 25 years of age.
- All guests must be included on the guest list and not exceed the maximum number stated on the listing.
- Upon arrival, we aim to ensure your safety, proper access to the home, and guest features. ALL guests are required to read the house manual upon arrival. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Starkey Properties by Portoro.
- Known damages incurred during your stay must be reported to the property manager immediately.
- Before check in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival.
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
- We cannot guarantee early check ins or late checkouts. When it is possible to check in early or check out late, there will be a fee for anything outside of a one hour window within our standard times. If your need for an early check in or late check out is great, your best option is to book an additional night.
- Some homes offer pools/hot tubs. There is no guard around the water features when available. Use at your own risk.
- Some homes have cameras for external monitoring only.
- Stays over 29 days – please inquire separately for terms and conditions.
- HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both St. Johns County and the State of Florida require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6.5% and the county requires 5%.
- LONG-TERM STAYS: (Snowbird, long-term rental). Contact Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro to discuss if a long-term stay discount applies to this listing. Stays over six months are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping. In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect an additional cleaning fee for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed.
- This is a No Smoking property. Penalty fees for violations will apply and you may be asked to vacate the premises with no refund at the discretion of the Host.
- This home is pet-friendly. Please note, only dogs allowed and 50lb weight limit, up to 2 dogs per stay with the following guidelines. (This does not apply to service animals):
- $225 for the 1st pet, $125 for additional pet per stay. These fees are non-refundable.
- All breeds accepted
- Pets must be responsive to owner commands, stay off furniture, and not bark excessively.
- Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in the provided trash receptacles.
- Pets are not permitted anywhere on the premises unless prior approval is obtained.

Property manager

Wren Beach Rentals
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

Pets allowed
Charge may apply
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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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Ponte Vedra Beach

Located on the beach, this holiday home is in South Ponte Vedra Beach, a neighbourhood in Ponte Vedra Beach. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park. St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum and Bayfront Carpet Golf are also worth visiting.
Map
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

What's nearby

  • Castle Otttis - 3 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Vilano Beach - 4 min drive - 4.4 km
  • St. George Street - 13 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Flagler College - 14 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - 14 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kings Head British Pub - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Beaches at Vilano - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Aunt Kate's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Schooner's Seafood House - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Cap's On The Water - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Almost Heaven | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro located?

Nestled on the beach, this South Ponte Vedra Beach holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Usina Beach and Tolomato River. Vilano Beach and South Ponte Vedra Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 15 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 22 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Jaime C.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Could be a great place!

I want to start by saying on not a big fan of bad reviews.. sometimes things happen and there are some things that are hard to control. To begin with the Message with the checking in info was incorrect as the code for the door didn't work and we had to call a number and even send a picture of the lock for someone to give ua the right code to access the house. Once we entered we found a dead cockroach in the 2nd bathroom ( i sent picture to management), we pick it up and place it in the trash., as we placed some food items in the fridge we spill some water by the kitchen, we immediately used paper towels to dry the floor and what a surprise when the paper towels came out brown from the dirtiness of the floor. The pictures on the website look clean and fresh but the place needs some attention. Closet white metal shelvings look really dirty and stained, garage smelled like pee and the AC vent at the bedroom with the bunk beds was not blowing. The first night right before going to bed i went for some water to the kitchen and another roach came out from under the dishwasher, and quickly got it and another one to the trash. The place has all the potential to be a great house but a little love and better management is needed. I walked up and down the beach and the house is by far the less well kept.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dov W.

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

Perfect location

Cute beach cottage with a great kitchen and living area. Was perfect for our 4 night stay we only wish we could have stayed longer. Great sunrise walks and beach time with the kids. Thank you for such a wonderful stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly W.

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

Excellent vacation stay!

Almost Heaven was the perfect place for our family vacation. Our daughter, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter came down from Tennessee to spend the week with us and the house was perfect for us. The bunkbed bedroom worked out great. The absolute best feature was how close we were to the beach. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darrin Q.

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

Family Vacation

Wonderful location. Great decks, fire pit and usable garage. Fantastic kitchen. The traffic on the road is fast, so you definitely want to stay on the ocean side. March air was cool, but ocean was warm enough for swimming. Keep an eye out for rocket launches at Cape Canaveral!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caroline G.

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

Perfect Home!

We really enjoyed Almost Heaven!! Perfect for 2 families with kids! The home was well equipped and was in the perfect location.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

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

Family reunion

Perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew and Jamie T.

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

Fantastic Stay

The house is perfect for a quiet getaway with the family. We brought our dog and 2 year old and enjoyed the beach just steps away. We had family and friends stop by for visits and it was comfortable. The grocery store is a close drive and we were able to drive to St. Augustine a couple nights for a night out. Perfect balance between quiet beach getaway and close enough to enjoy an adorable city. Management company was extremely responsive. Only bummer was the hammock was broken, but everything else was wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

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

Amazing week at Almost Heaven

Our group of 4 adults and 4 children, between the ages of 18 months and 4, had a blast at this property. The house was clean, spacious and well-stocked. There was ample beach towels and sand toys waiting and ready for use. The main deck felt secure with sturdy gates at the exit points. The access to the beach and to Vilano and St Augustine was perfect for us. We hope to come back next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

DonnaJune W.

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

Best Vacation Home Ever!

Almost Heaven is a most accurate description! We've vacationed at various beaches our entire lives & raised our children to discover the beauty of loving the simplicity of the sand & surf. This year we were fortunate to take our 4 adult children on a week's vacation. First time in years we were all together on vaca! From the moment we walked through the front door we knew Almost Heaven was special. The owners did a spectacular job of designing & decorating. Our main goal when taking a beach vacation is to have easy, right out the door access to the sand. You couldn't get any closer than Almost Heaven. And the water is so close! We didn't feel like half our time was spent lugging chairs & coolers to the beach. Over the years we've sacrificed staying in a fancy place just to insure we were right on the beach. This year we sacrificed nothing! The home perfect. The "length-of-the-house" deck was perfect. The upper deck gave amazing 360 views. There's a fenced in side yard that's perfect if you have small children or pets. Never have we ever had such a well-stocked kitchen. Because we cook a lot, I'm always prepared with certain kitchen tools in my luggage. Never used one of them because it was all there! And well organized! We are also always prepared with extra linens, beach chairs, towels, etc. Not necessary at Almost Heaven! The owners had it all there. Plenty of everything! A few other amazing amenities: the beds were comfortable! That never happens when you're away from home! The home was spotless and clean. The wifi actually worked! There were flatscreen tvs, but with the view who needs them? Having a garage to park the cars was a bonus. St. Augustine is a short 10 minute drive to quaint restaurants, shops & more. The owners are immediately responsive when you have questions. They kept us informed of various info in the weeks & days leading up to the trip. (In fact, we left a tablet by accident. We were contacted immediately to inform us & promised it would be mailed to us.) At the end of our stay, we made a commitment to return. If you have any doubts about Almost Heaven, let me assure you, it does not disappoint! Our only complaint was the last day when we checked out & realized our perfect week had come to an end. Until next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Graham R.

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

Perfect Beach House

We’ve had mixed experiences with VRBO rentals. This was the best so far. House was beautiful, clean, open, flat (we’re old) and the back deck is 30 feet from water at low tide and less when tide comes in. Beach is clean, private. The house feels like we moved our home to the beach for a week. Property manager is local and accessible. Going back!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Amy N.

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

Loved the Location

Awesome experience!! Thank you
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Beautiful, well-equipped house!

We have rented Almost Heaven twice and love it! Between the updated and open kitchen/living area and the beautiful deck and yard with fire pit, it was a perfect place for our family. Property Manager David Lombana always provides excellent, responsive service. We will definitely return to Almost Heaven!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

leslie z.

Heavenly beach week of family togetherness-5 star

5 star We loved property!! Home was beautifully updated to bring tranquility of the beach into interiors. Large open kitchen,family room provided great gathering area for our family to cook, dine, and relax together. Property was clean,fully-equipped(towels, games, beach chairs, grill etc )and wonderful customer service . The beach location was awesome. Daily sunrises,bogey boarding,surfing,paddle boarding,shelling,grilling, and stargazing.We ventured into the area for great fishing, St Augustine shops, Jax beach bars, Caps restaurant,golfing!! Our dog Kona loved the beach and family time with our two sons 24 & 22yrs and their girlfriends! Have already recommended to three people this week!!Hope to visit next summer!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Shawna M.

loved the location of the house!

Loved the location of the house. ..especially loved the master bedroom. ..but many repairs and remodeling needed done to the home. My husband and I kay looked at the house again. .thinking of renting it again.. Just seen is bean remodeled and it looks fantastic! This really makes me want to rent this exact house again! Just beautiful looking!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Linda R.

It is a great location, but the house is dated.

The house is a bit dated, especially the kitchen. Had to clean substantial cobwebs from inside the window over the front door…made me feel as if house may not have been as clean as could be. The decks and boardwalks are worn, paint chipping, warping, etc. Garage was very cluttered, and driveway severely broken. With some updates this would be a much better vacation spot,
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary F.

A wonderful relaxing break from the winter!

We had a great time at Almost Heaven. It was very spacious and well furnished with everything we needed. Right on the beach with lots of sand.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

A great week at Almost Heaven.

We have been in a number of Wren Houses and found this one to be as satisfactory as the others. We were particularly fond of the multi-level decking and spent most of our time there. The Wrens did a great job of renovating this property and the price for beachfront is great. Margot Nappo
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Nicholas S.

Comfortable

We have stayed in Almost Heaven before and enjoyed it. When compared to Sandpiper's Nest it is not quite as nice nor updated but less expensive. Would anticipate the need for some repairs and updating in the coming few years.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Edna B.

Great Spring Break

My daughter and I enjoyed staying at this house and it is the 5th we have rented in this area. Just a few steps and you are on the beach. The "crow's nest" upper deck is great. There were plenty of beach towels, toys, and chairs, and convenient outside shower. The inside is clean and comfortable, large t.v., wireless internet worked great, and the appliances were fine. The Master bedroom and bath have plenty of room. My niece and nephew spent several nights and the bunk beds were a big hit. It's only 5 minutes from restaurants (we are big fans of Cap's), 10 minutes to Publix, and about 20 minutes to downtown St. Augustine. The realtor was very nice and easy to deal with. Would recommend and hope to get back. The only minor complaints are the curtains in the master bedroom are thin (so 4 year old was up with the sun) and the house is close to a public beach access area, so there were a lot of folks fishing right in front. Most were nice enough to move down when we went out to the beach. The driveway is a little tricky if there are cars at the house next door, but I have an SUV. Also, nothing to do with the house, but my Verizon cell service was almost non-existent.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ashley F.

"Almost Heaven" is a GREAT beach vacation home!

My husband and I and our 2 year old son stayed at "Almost Heaven" for a week long family vacation. I have rented many vacation homes in Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano beach and I have to say this is one of the best homes yet. This home was decorately very nicely and was very clean! This listing was accurate and the property has been well maintained. Also the AC worked great which is very important in the hot summer months. I would definitely stay in this home again and recommend it to family or friends. The deck was nice and BIG and the gazebo was a plus to help us enjoy the ocean out of the sun. The beach is very private which is nice, and also means that there are many beautiful things to find. We found sharks teeth, conch shells, starfish, and much more. We even caught a few fish. The local restaurants are also a must visit! Thank you for providing great service and making this an easy way to vacation! We will be contacting you again next time we vacation in the Ponte Vedra Beach area. Thanks again, The Fries Family Saint Augustine, FL

About the host

Hosted by Wren Beach Rentals

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests