Rosemary Tide

Covered porches at the front and back give this Seacrest Beach bungalow its easy rhythm – morning coffee with sea air, alfresco dinners as the sun drops, and very little reason to rush anywhere. The beach is a short walk away, and three bikes are on hand for a six-minute pedal to Rosemary Beach's boutiques and cafes, or a sixteen-minute ride to Alys Beach's striking Bermuda-style architecture. When you'd rather not leave the neighbourhood, a large community pool is just down the road.

Home truths:
* You'll need to complete a Guest Registration Form within two weeks of your arrival date to access the community pool and other amenities – your host can walk you through the process.
* You'll need to pack your own beach and pool towels – bath towels and linens can't leave the home.
* If you're planning to fish, bear in mind that Florida state law requires anyone over ten years old to hold a valid fishing licence unless you're joining a charter trip – licences are available through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
* The lead guest must be at least 25 years old.
* You’ll have access to the community’s 12,000-square-foot pool, along with a seasonal beach shuttle running from 2nd March to 31st October.