Private beach winter escape on the bay with fishing and kayaks

In winter, this stretch of Ochlockonee Bay goes quiet, the days stay mild, and redfish and speckled trout are popular targets right off the dock. This single-level, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sleeps 7 and sits on the water in Panacea, a small fishing town on Florida's Forgotten Coast. Fish from the dock, paddle the bay in the two included kayaks, and clean your catch at the fish cleaning station before dinner on the patio.

It suits snowbirds, fishing groups, families and couples looking for a quiet base for a long weekend or a full winter month. Over the holidays, the dining table seats the whole group and the full kitchen is ready for a big family meal.

AT A GLANCE

Private sandy beach and a fishing dock shared with one neighbor who rarely uses it. Two kayaks with paddles and life vests. Fish cleaning station, open patio with Adirondack chairs, outdoor dining, propane grill and hammock. Single-level living with two steps at the entry. King, queen, and a twin-over-twin bunk with a twin trundle. Full kitchen, washer and dryer, central heat and air, desk nook, Wi-Fi, and keypad self check-in. Parking for 4 vehicles. Weekly and monthly stays welcome.

THE HOME

A classic Old Florida-style bay house, bright and casual and built around the view. The living room, dining area, and kitchen flow together and look toward the water.

Living room: comfortable seating, a TV with streaming apps (use your own logins), and a second sitting area.

Kitchen: full-size range and oven, refrigerator with freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, blender, rice maker, and a drip coffee maker that uses ground coffee. Pots, pans, dishes, and a stocked spice cabinet are ready for fish fries.

Dining area: a table that seats the whole group, with bay views and direct access to the patio.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

Bedroom 1: king bed. Bedroom 2: twin-over-twin bunk bed plus a twin trundle, sleeps 3. Bedroom 3: queen bed. A travel crib is available.

Two full bathrooms: one with a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower, one with a tub and shower combo. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hair dryer are provided.

Laundry room with washer and dryer, plus a built-in desk nook off the kitchen for laptop work.

OUTDOORS AND WATERFRONT

The open patio faces the bay and is the spot for coffee, meals, and sunsets. A large lawn runs down to the private sandy beach and the fishing dock. The dock is shared with the neighbor to the left, whose side has been unfinished for years, so it sees little use beyond our guests.

FISHING AND BOATING

Fish from the dock or the beach, or launch your own boat at the Ochlockonee Bay Boat Ramp about a mile away. The oyster bars at Bald Point offer good wade fishing. The water at the dock is shallow at low tide, so boats can be loaded and unloaded but not kept at the dock overnight. Message us before arrival if you're bringing a boat. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for most anglers.

LONGER STAYS AND WINTER VISITS

The home is set up for weeks or months, with laundry, a workspace, central heat, and self check-in. Winter mornings on the water can be cool and breezy, so pack a warm layer. Stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 1.

THE AREA

A quiet residential waterfront street with local seafood restaurants close by. About 1 mile to Bayside Marina and the boat ramp, 3 miles to Mashes Sands Beach and Bald Point State Park, 4 miles to Gulf Specimen Aquarium, and about 34 miles to Tallahassee International Airport. Wakulla Springs and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge make easy day trips. A car is recommended.

GOOD TO KNOW

This is an older coastal home with Old Florida character rather than new construction.

Sound and light carry across the water at night, so dock time ends at 9:30 PM on weeknights and 10:30 PM on weekends, and flashlights should point down at the water.

A covered boat lift is available as an optional extra for $75 per day. It is turned off with a key and can only be used with our approval and a short lift agreement signed before use. Message us before arrival to arrange it.

This is a quiet residential street, and neighborhood dogs can sometimes be heard.

There are two exterior security cameras: one at the front entrance and one facing the back patio and dock. Both are used for safety only and do not monitor any interior space.

HOUSE RULES

No smoking. No pets unless approved by us before booking. No parties or events. Maximum 7 guests. The primary renter must be at least 25 years old. Quiet hours are 9:30 PM to 7 AM on weeknights and 10:30 PM to 7 AM on weekends. Park up to 4 vehicles in the gravel driveway. Boats may not be kept at the dock overnight. The boat lift may only be used with our approval and a signed lift agreement; using it without approval ends lift and dock access and may end the stay. Please supervise children near the water and wear life vests on the kayaks.