The Emerald Carriage

A queen bedroom carriage house tucked within an exclusive 30A coastal community, this retreat is made for anyone who wants the beach without the crowds. Private gated access opens onto roughly seven acres of shoreline with no public access, and when you're done with the water, two resort-style pools and a full set of tennis and pickleball courts are on hand. Grayton Beach State Park sits right on the doorstep, bringing open sands and dune scenery into easy reach – making this a well-rounded base for a slow, sun-drenched stay along one of Florida's most beautiful stretches of coast.

Home truths:
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay. You'll need to park on the street – either directly in front of the carriage house or across the road. The driveway is reserved for guests renting the main house, so don't pull in there on arrival.
* You're staying within a gated community that has bear-proof bins on-site – these need to be kept fully latched at all times. It's a small thing to get used to, but worth knowing before your first bin run.
* You'll have access to the on-site pools and tennis and pickleball courts here. They're shared with the building's other residents.