House in Galveston Island, TX
Reasons to book
About this house rental
▶ Welcome to Realt na Mara (“Star of the Sea” in Gaelic) - a unique 2-home coastal retreat! Watch the property video walk-through for a full tour (click 2nd image in photos). You can also save this property to your Wishlist by clicking the heart in the top right corner of the listing.
▶ Bringing a Dog?
All pets must be listed in your Vrbo reservation at the time of booking to ensure the correct pet fee is included in your reservation total.
▶ Vrbo Fee Transparency:
The reservation total includes the nightly rate, all host-charged fees, and Vrbo's Guest Service Fee. Taxes are shown separately. Vrbo charges hosts a 12% Host Fee on the nightly rate and all host-charged fees. This fee is withheld from the host's payout and paid directly to Vrbo, not the property owner. The separate Guest Service Fee is charged to guests by Vrbo on the nightly rate and applicable fees and is also paid directly to Vrbo, not the property owner.
▶ Homes are located right next to each other on the same fenced property. Both units have private entrances, full kitchens, and bathrooms for comfort and privacy. Cottage guests have their own cowboy pool and deck, but can also enjoy access to the main home’s backyard amenities — including the cowboy pool and fire pit — through a connecting gate.
▶ Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps up to 14 total - 2 homes):
Main Home -
• Primary Bedroom: King bed
• Second Bedroom: King bed
• Third Bedroom (Bunk Room): Twin-over-full bunks (top: 100lb limit, bottom: 300lb limit)
• Living Room: Twin trundle sofa bed
• Living Room: Full air mattress
Cottage - Can sleep (4)
- Most comfortable for 2 adults + 1 child
1 King Bed
1 Couch (not a sleeper sofa)
1 Twin Air Mattress
Please review the floor plan in photos to ensure the layout works well for your group.
▶ Cruise Travelers:
Guests choose this home to avoid day-of-cruise travel stress, enjoy a night in Galveston, and start/end their cruise rested and refreshed.
▶ Why you’ll love it!:
Only ½ block walk to the beach and Seawall, this beautifully restored bungalow and guest cottage offers the perfect walkable beach location getaway in the historic East End.
▶ Beach Backyard Retreat!
Fenced, private backyard designed for relaxing and gathering. It features a temperature-controlled, large cowboy pool (chilled in summer, heated in cooler months), fire pit, BBQ, and comfortable lounge seating—perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.
Cottage: has it's own 4-person cowboy pool (chilled/heated), deck and BBQ, fully fenced. There is no grass area at the Cottage.
▶ Key Amenities:
• 2 Cowboy pools (year-round
– chilled summer/heated winter
• 3 King bed (s)
• Fun kids bunk room
• 2 Kitchens
• Fast WiFi (700 Mbps)
• Washer/Dryer - Main Home
• Dedicated workspace(s)
• Roku Smart TVs
• Beach Essentials
• Bicycles (2 for each property)
• Pack n Play & high chair
• Pet Friendly
• Easy self check-in - flexible arrival time
▶ Cowboy Plunge Pools:
Perfect for soaking and lounging. While not traditional hot tubs (no jets), they are chilled in summer/heated in cooler months for year-round use. The cottage 4-person pool can be heated to 104℉ (similar to traditional hot tubs).
▶ Location Highlights:
• Beaches & Seawall: 2 min walk
• Murdoch's: 4 min walk (0.7 miles)
• Bishop's Palace: 2 mins (0.5 miles)
• Cruise Ship Terminal: 8 mins (2.2 miles)
• Univ Texas Medical Branch (UTMB): 4 mins (1.6 miles)
• The Strand shopping, restaurants: 4 mins (1.4 miles)
• Pleasure Pier Amusement Park: 3 mins (0.9 miles)
• Texas Seaport Museum: 7 mins (1.4 miles)
• Moody Gardens Theme Park: 18 mins (6.5 miles)
• Schlitterbahn Water Park: 16 mins (6.1 miles)
▶ Local Recommendations:
We’re happy to share all our favorite local spots—just ask! A few of our favorites are listed below:
• Saltgrass Steakhouse – 4 min walk (0.1 miles)
• Mod Coffeehouse – 4 mins (1.3 miles)
• Shykatz Deli – 2 mins (0.4 miles)
• The SPOT! – 5 mins (1.5 miles)
• Galveston Bagel – 4 mins (1.1 miles)
• Sunflower Bakery & Café – 4 mins (1.3 miles)
▶ Parking
Main home: 2 free street parking passes - must be displayed in vehicle at all times.
Cottage: 1 free, off-street parallel parking space on pad next to the home via alley access Parking is tight and suitable for 1 standard-size passenger vehicle only.
▶ Guest Access:
You'll have the entire bungalow and separate studio cottage to yourself. Each have separate entrances. The cottage has its own dedicated parking spot (1 vehicle). Main home has free street parking with 2 passes that must be displayed in vehicle at all times. Lost or un-returned passes will result in a $1,000 replacement fee by the city.
▶ Children, Pets & Pool Safety:
Cowboy pools not fenced and and don't have pool alarms. Children and non-swimmers must be closely supervised by an adult during the entire stay. Pets not permitted in the pool and must be supervised around the pool to prevent accidental entry. Cabinets and drawers do not have child locks.
▶ Parking:
• Main Home: City permits 2 vehicles to park on the street (free parking with permit). Parking passes available at check in and must be displayed in vehicles at all times. Please remember to return the passes at checkout. Lost or unreturned passes will result in a $1,000 replacement fee charged by the city.
▶ Parking Cottage
(1) free, off-street parking space next to home via narrow alley access (common in Galveston’s Historic District where free parking is limited). PLEASE NOTE: Parking is tight and suitable for 1 standard-size passenger vehicle only. Oversized SUVs, large trucks, RVs, and trailers are not permitted and will not fit in the parking spot. Please park parallel to the home; parking on the concrete curb area is permitted. Do not block the alley at any time.
▶ Other Details:
• Minimum Age to Book 25yrs old:
We require the booking guest to be at least 25 yrs old and actually be staying at the property for entire reservation.
• Noise Monitoring Devices:
We have outdoor noise monitoring devices to help us comply with Galveston’s Quiet Time Ordinance (10 PM–8 AM). Devices do not record conversations — they only measure noise levels.
• Location:
The beach is just steps away from both homes. Please note the homes are not beachfront and do not offer direct ocean views.
• Main Home:
Fenced backyard features cowboy pool, BBQ, fire pit, and paver patio (no grass). A designated pet relief area is also provided.
• Studio Cottage:
Fully separate, home with private entrance, deck, cowboy plunge pool. Studio with bed in a common area. Fully fenced for added privacy and security and is accessed via the alley between 14th & 15th Streets. Stay cool with our new, quiet mini split AC.
• Historic Homes:
Main home restored circa 1911 property—expect a blend of old-world charm and modern updates. Original floors main home have a slight “wiggle” and reflect the home’s character.
• Beach Access:
Homes are only ½ block to the Seawall and Galveston’s beaches.
• Heating/Cooling:
Main home central air conditioning/heating and ceiling fans. Cottage has mini split AC & heat.
• Coastal Environment
As with any coastal location, mosquitoes and other insects may be present outdoors, especially during warmer weather and around dusk. If you plan to enjoy the outdoor spaces, you may wish to bring your preferred insect repellent. Insects may also occasionally find their way indoors, particularly after heavy rain or weather changes. We perform regular inspections and pest control, but you may occasionally spot an insect during your stay.
• Pets:
We’re happy to welcome well-behaved dogs! We allow 2 adult dogs. Pet fee is included in the nightly rate when you add pets to the reservation. See our House Rules/Pet Policies and belows:
• Dogs only; max 2 main home/1 Cottage
• 1+ year old; no puppies
• Fully housebroken; please clean up after your dog
• No pets on beds or furniture
• In crate if left alone at property
• not left alone in backyard or outside due to pool & heat hazard
• Safety Features:
Homes equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
▶ Pool Safety:
Pools not surrounded by fences and don't have pool alarms. Children/non-swimmers must be closely supervised by an adult whenever in/around the pools. Pets not permitted in pools. Pets must be supervised at all times around the pools to prevent accidental entry.
• Security Devices:
Exterior security cameras (no cameras inside). Tampering with, disabling, or obscuring cameras is prohibited and against Vrbo Policies.
• No EV Charging:
Use of extension cords to charge vehicles/devices prohibited due to safety and insurance requirements including e-bikes, scooters.
• Damage & Maintenance:
- If something isn’t working properly or an accident occurs, please let us know promptly—things happen, and early notice helps us prepare for the next guests.
- Pool maintenance, landscaping and trash removal may occur during your stay.
• Starter Supplies:
We provide starter supplies of coffee, tea, laundry detergent and dishwasher pods. For longer stays, guests may need to purchase additional items.
• Late Checkout:
Late checkout not permitted without prior approval. Unauthorized late checkout subject to $75 fee per 30-min period, or portion thereof. Payment of fee does not extend your scheduled checkout time.
• Food and beverages staged in some photos for inspiration only – not provided during your stay.
Amenities
Map of Galveston Island, TX








