The Hidden Sanctuary

A heated and cooled saltwater pool, nearly an acre beneath moss-draped live oaks, and privacy from the surrounding homes. The Hidden Sanctuary is Old Florida privacy with mid-century bones, 25 minutes from historic St. Augustine and a few blocks from the St. Johns River.

Coffee on the screened porch. Afternoons in a pool that's swimmable in August. Nightcaps by the fire pit. An outdoor rainfall shower tucked into bamboo cut from the property.

The Space
The backyard is the point.

The saltwater pool is heated through the winter and chilled through the summer, which means it works in August when most Florida pools are bathwater. Around it: a screened porch for coffee and dinner without mosquitoes, an outdoor rainfall shower tucked into bamboo we harvested on the property, a koi pond, a fire pit, a propane grill, and enough tropical planting that you’d be hard-pressed to see a neighbor.

The house

Three bedrooms, two baths, mid-century lines, sleeps 6 comfortably.

The primary suite has a king and the bathroom guests photograph: dual rainfall showers, a deep soaking tub, heated floors (nobody expects those in Florida, everybody loves them in January), and an electric fireplace.

The second bedroom has a king.

The third has two twins plus a small sofa bed for 1-2 additional littles.

Comfort matters here, too. All beds are dressed in crisp, 100% cotton linens, with plush towels provided throughout the home. After a day at the pool, on the river, or exploring St. Augustine, you’ll have a comfortable place to settle in and sleep well.

Kitchen

Curated with care by a host who loves to cook, the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need for a quiet breakfast, a casual lunch by the pool, or dinner at home. Cookware, dishes, utensils, and everyday essentials are provided, with comfortable spaces for gathering and dining inside and out.

The St. Johns River
Neighborhood river access is a few blocks away, an easy walk to the water and a convenient spot for launching a kayak. A public fishing pier is half a mile away. Trout Creek Marina is five minutes from the house and has a boat ramp, live bait, fuel, docks, and a store for those bringing their own boat.

There's a kayak rack for guest use. Bring yours or rent locally.

• Historic St. Augustine, St. George Street, Flagler College & Castillo de San Marcos: 25–30 min
• University of North Florida: 25–30 min
• Six golf courses: within 10 miles
• World Golf Village: 20 min
• St. Augustine Amphitheatre: 30–35 min
• St. Augustine Beach: 35 min
• TPC Sawgrass & Ponte Vedra Beach: 40–45 min
• EverBank Stadium & VyStar Arena: 45–50 min
• Jacksonville International Airport: 50–55 min
• Outback Crab Shack: 10 min
• Spring Park, Green Cove Springs: 10–15 min
• Walt Disney World: about 2 hours

Nights of Lights runs 25–30 minutes away and is worth planning a November through January stay around.

Guest Access
The entire house, yard, and pool are yours, along with the driveway and laundry. Two hallway closets are locked for owner storage.

Smart-lock entry with your own code, so there's no key handoff and no set arrival window.

Other Things to Note
High-speed Wi-Fi and starter supplies are provided for your stay.

About the frogs. Seasonally, especially after rain, our neighborhood tree frogs get enthusiastic. We think it's charming. We also know not everyone sleeps through it, so there are earplugs and sound machines in the house for anyone who would rather have quiet.

The house is on professional pest control year-round, which is simply part of having an acre of live oaks and bamboo in Florida.

Damage waiver. Every stay includes coverage for up to $1,500 in accidental damage. Break a glass, scratch a table, just tell us and we'll handle it. We would rather you relax than tiptoe.

Left something behind? Tell us and we'll ship it at standard carrier rates based on size, weight, and destination.

We're Jess + Mike, a local husband-and-wife team. We're reachable through the app the whole time you're here, and we work hard at being responsive without hovering.