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The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs

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Dining room is just a step away from kitchen and great room/living room
Welcome To The Turtle House!
Turtle House entrance/mailbox and dead end of Dogwood Road
Entrance gate welcomes you to the Turtle House
Located at the end of a deadend street, The Turtle House is private.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Ocean Springs, MS
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • East Beach
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Ocean Springs Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Biloxi, MS (BIX-Keesler Air Force Base)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs

Welcome to Turtle House, a unique Carroll B. Ishee designed home nestled in the woods near East Beach in Ocean Springs. With its angular roof lines, large expanses of glass, different floor levels and decks on three sides, the Turtle House invites guests to be attune to nature. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath house offers a peaceful retreat yet is close to East Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore, USM-Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and downtown Ocean Springs, a place that has received many national accolades for its livability and beauty. With the decks and back yard, the property is secure for children and pets. The house has room to sleep 6, but plenty of interior and exterior space for entertaining, including an outdoor grill and wet bar. Located on a paved dead-end street, there is enough parking for even the Cruisers. The home is very comfortable for couples and families, and we love pets.

Property manager

Dian

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 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
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only, please.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Ocean Springs

Located in Ocean Springs, this cottage is in the city centre and near the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ocean Springs Beach and Biloxi Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Biloxi Municipal Stadium or MGM Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Ocean Springs, MS

What's nearby

  • Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Ocean Springs City Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • East Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Walter Anderson Museum of Art - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Ocean Springs Beach - 6 min drive - 3.9 km

Getting around

  • Gulfport Amtrak Station - 34 min drive
  • Gulfport, MS (GPT-Gulfport - Biloxi Intl.) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dynasty Buffet - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Woody's Roadside Ocean Springs - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Turtle House: A Hidden Getaway In Old Ocean Springs located?

Located in the heart of Ocean Springs, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou, Gulf Islands National Seashore and Ocean Springs City Park. East Beach and J L Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 152 out of 196 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 196 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 196 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 196 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 196 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth T.

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

Mississippi Gem

A true coastal property that’s quirky, charming, and fun with its middle century architecture and décor. I love to get the feel of a place I visit, and this home doesn’t disappoint. It has just such a cool vibe. The large windows in the living area perfectly framed the outdoor landscape, we kept forgetting we were in a neighborhood because such care has been taken to give you the feeling of nature, seclusion, and privacy. I think we spent more time just sitting and talking on the decks outside enjoying the peace and quiet than sitting in the house. And at night, just beautiful. I even saw fireflies, something I haven’t witnessed in over 35 years. So, thank you for sharing this little Mississippi Gem with us. We are already looking forward to another visit and more time in Ocean Springs.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lora L.

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

Comforts of home

Beautiful architecture surprise in the middle of a neighborhood. This house had all the comforts of home. A peaceful setting for a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

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

Charming Relaxation

It was a perfect night to get out of town and spend a day in beautiful Ocean Springs. Will definitely visit again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

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

Stay at Turtle House

Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

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

Ocean Spring March 2025

The Turtle House was a great place for our family to stay while on the coast for a baseball tournament. The neighborhood is so quiet and peaceful. We enjoyed taking walks there and it isn’t too far from the beach. The house is so charming and comfortable. We stayed in a different Ishee house for an earlier trip and have become fans of his work. Dian is a great hostess. The deck is fabulous too—wish we had more time to spend out there. Turtle House is a great place to stay in Ocean Springs!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaffie B.

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

Great Place

We had a wonder stay. The Turtle House is exactly as advertised. It is such a relaxing house. My grand boys loved playing on the decks and in yard. The bunk room was great for them. They played board games. You sit inside and feel like you are in a forest with all the trees outside. This was my second stay at Turtle House.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mollie R.

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

Interesting house. Quiet

This is an interesting house. It’s in a very quiet area and easy to get around. Host is very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jackie and Andy E.

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

Lovely, pet friendly historic house

My husband, sister, brother-in-law, myself and out two dogs stayed three nights during the Peter Anderson festival. We appreciated that the historic Ishee House was very well stocked in the kitchen and both bathrooms. We called Dian when we had a problem with the tv and she was there in 10 minutes. Problem solved. Dian also gave us a wonderful oral history of the Turtle House, including how it got it’s name. We also appreciated the ample outdoor space - a wraparound deck with tables and chairs, an outdoor shower, bar area, and fenced yard for the dogs. Our only recommendations would be to make the indoor steps between the rooms more visible, as they are dark, different heights and different depths, which is a safety concern for those with balance and/or vision issues. Maybe safety tape or create a pattern with paint or tile? The other would be to make the outdoor area even more attractive with a good power washing. We did appreciate that there was a long hose that we used to wash the deck and had there been a leaf blower (we stayed in the fall) we would have happily used it to blow leaves off of the deck. The bunk room is small with no hanging space but there is a long hanging rod in the laundry area off of the larger bedroom. We appreciated that and the several hangers there. We had a lovely stay and noted that the house was only about two miles to the festival, making that an easy bike ride. I actually walked home one evening from the festival.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Kevin G.

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

Great stay with a pet

Indoor outdoor space is ideal for a trip with a dog.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

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

CTC 2024

OMG...I LOVED IT!!! The BEST people ever who own this place!!! I WILL BE GOING back!! Quite, Cozy, Clean & Just AMAZING!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caroline L.

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

Sweet Turtle House

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the turtle house. The house was warm and cozy, but also big enough for all of us to feel comfortable and not cramped. The house was also extremely close to the cute little ocean Springs Village and also Biloxi. We had a wonderful time. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

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

Great house

We had a wonderful time at the turtle house!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bert F.

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

The Turtle House is Awesome

This beautiful house is tucked back into the woods in such a way that you feel like you're in a forest when you look out the many windows. The Turtle house is actually one of the Ishee houses. These houses are almost the stuff of legend in Mississippi gulf coast lore and you shouldn't miss your chance to stay in one. We had a great time and will definitely be back to stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael L M.

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

Turtle House Stay

The location is fantastic. It's really convenient, close to the beach and to downtown. It feels really secluded but isn't. It's a super cool place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

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

Amazing

Very impressed with the place. It’s a great getaway location to unwind. We loved the cabin feel and the nature all around.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Kristin M.

Liked: Check-in, communication

Short stay

It is fine. It is very dated and needs new furnishing.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heath B.

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

Travel to OBA from TX stopover

Clean, nostalgic and somewhat remote for being “in town”.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

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

Turtle House

This is the 2nd time we have stayed at the turtle house and it doesnt get any better the privacy this house gives is uncomparable and always a warm home feeling
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

William R.

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

Family time at The Turtle House

This property was precious. We loved the privacy of it. Very short jaunt to the beautiful beach. Was a little disappointed that the listing had jetted tubs but they were not operational. Overall was very pleased with it. Will definitely book again as we have family in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly b.

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

JTC 2024

We enjoyed our stay at The Turtle House! It was further out than I realized, but wasnt bad since the drive was on the coastline! Definitely recommend for a nice quiet area to stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele B.

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

Loved the Turtle House

Great location if you want a comfy, relaxing quiet place to vacay. Clean and well stocked, close to beaches and restaurants. We will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Pam M.

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

April stay

Moist but, thats to be expected. Seems like there may have been mice. Wish recycling bins were offered and tub jets worked. Some surfaces could have been cleaner. Overall it was what we needed. Thanks.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick F.

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

Cool house, great setting

It's a really cool house nestled in a beautiful wooded space. It's not easily walkable to downtown, but would be easily bikeable. The outdoor space would a great place to have a party.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Good

Good
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Tanya C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked away lovely

Love the property. Bummed out that the whirlpool tub was not up and running. Was really looking forward to that and chose the property based on that.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Dian

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This is a Carroll B. Ishee house - designed by the noted Gulf Coast architect. It is a Japanese style cottage with decks on three sides. It is located in a cul de sac in a secluded part of Ocean Springs. It has an open floor plan, with large bay windows on the wooded side of the house.

What makes this property unique

Many people enjoy the wildlife that is visible from the house. Birds, rabbits, raccoon, and of course turtles make there appearance on a daily basis. There is a bald eagle nest within one thousand yards of the house. Numerous seabirds and coastal birds are in evidence on any normal day from the bayous, beach, and estuaries nearby. Dolphin sightings from the beach are reasonably common.

Languages:

English