On Dune Allen Beach, Idle Hours offers a cozy retreat with a private boardwalk to the beach and an awesome Palapa Hut. This pet-friendly cottage is perfect for small families or couples looking for classic 1950’s Florida architecture, complete with a DVD player and nostalgic charm.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach
- Gulf front - Pet friendly - Cozy beach cottage - Near shops and restaurants *7 night minimum (Saturday to Saturday)
Idle Hours is the quintessential gulf front getaway located in beautiful Dune Allen Beach. If walls could talk, I’m sure this classic, 1950’s old Florida beach cottage could write a novel . . .
This 2 bedroom, 1 bath super cozy home with an awesome Palapa Hut will make you smile the moment you arrive. Lovingly decorated and pet friendly, Idle Hours is perfect for a small family, a couple, or anyone who appreciates classic 1950’s Florida architecture, and with its own private boardwalk to the beach, you’ll feel as though you’re on your own private island.
After enjoying a long, luxurious day on the beach, and savoring one of our stunning sunsets, venture out to one of our locally owned restaurants for scrumptious, fresh seafood. When you return to your classic cottage on the beach, you might be reminded of “Gidge and her beloved Moondoggie". There’s even a DVD player, so why not pop a movie in?
Idle Hours is a true nostalgic gem, and loved by all. Some things truly do get better with age.
There is a $200 non-refundable pet fee.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Internet
Available in the house: Internet access
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
Entertainment
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the ocean
Things to do
Golf
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Dune Allen Beach, a neighbourhood in Santa Rosa Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. While the natural beauty of Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne, The Links.
Sirens at the Beach and Blast Arcade and Laser Maze are also worth visiting. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby. Visit our Santa Rosa Beach travel guide
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
50 min drive
Restaurants
Burger King
7 min drive
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
19 min walk
Palm Folly Hard Seltzer
7 min drive
Stinky's Fish Camp
6 min walk
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach located?
Nestled on the beach, this Dune Allen Beach holiday home is just steps away from South Walton Beaches and Santa Rosa Beach. Santa Rosa Beach Golf Club and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Idle Hours - Pet Friendly! Gulf Front in Dune Allen Beach Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This beautiful old Florida style home provides an excellent relaxing vacation. I've stayed many times and will continue.
We’ve always wanted to stay in a house on the beach and we like to travel with our two small dogs. We usually stay in Sea Side but thought this house would be worth changing locations. We will never go back as this will be our future rental. Already booking for next year. Location was great and we could easily ride our bikes to restaurants. We could walk straight out to the beach so brief sits or fishing was easy. The porch was perfect and right on the beach so you felt like you could sit there all day. We had all our meals on the porch looking at the water. The covers cabana was great reprieve from the sun at times. The inside is not an updated, luxury place but it is nice and clean and everything is in good shape. The kitchen is very well stocked and everything is in great condition and better than any place we have stayed. The dogs sleep with us so the small main bed didn’t work but the two small beds were perfect. We didn’t like sleeping apart but good quality sleep was worth it. Best stay we have had in 20 yrs of going.
2nd time back and will definitely rebook for next year!!! Great place, location was awesome, and nice to be able to bring our dog along!!!
Chad G.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa M.
13 Oct 2025
Family Trip
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This house was so cute and a short walk to the beach. We will book again!
Location, location, location. You could not beat being on the beach. House was charming and clean. Internet connection was an issue (if that’s critical to you), but other than that 5 out of 5 stars!
We rent this property every year and are never disappointed. It is tough to beat the location and convenience to everything. Already booked for next year and counting down the days.
John B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John B.
27 Sept 2018
We already booked for next year.....
We love Idle Hours for the location and the fact that it is pet friendly. I think our dogs enjoy laying out in the sun as much as we do.
John B.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Grazyna E.
2 Sept 2017
Perfect location... right on the beach!
Cottage is on the smaller size and very comfortable for 2-3 people. The outdoor living space is also very nice. The best part is the location, where you can just grab your chairs and go straight to the beach directly from your deck. This was our 4th stay ... we love it so much!
We love Idyl Hours, we’ve stayed there many times (like 12) over the years. It’s perfect to the beach, the outdoor space is great. However, the bed is so uncomfortable, we never rest well, the kitchen needs updating. Nothing has ever been updated, it would be nice if it were, just a little.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Chris D.
3 Aug 2018
nice little house on an awesome beach
The pictures of this little house don't do it justice. Granted the bedrooms are small but how much time do you really spend there. The covered tiki and patio area overlooking the beach is where your time at the house is spent. This one is hard to beat for the price.
Beach service from 30A Shade was set-up the week before we arrived and like clockwork every morning by 7:00 they had us ready to go.
Chris D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sherri G.
17 Jul 2018
Great Place
We truly enjoy this house. It is small, but has everything you will need for your stay. The only issue we have is that it is located between two public beach access points. Even though we set up early and are in front of this house, there are people that come and set up literally within arms distance. The great news is that the public beach access people often leave earlier and we enjoy the late afternoon and evening in peace. I would recommend this place even with this issue.
Sherri G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Verified
6/10 Okay
Gail P.
11 Mar 2019
Great location; home needs some love
I recently returned from this property. The property location is absolutely great and for a couple of people, the size is also good. I was very grateful to be able to have a dog on the property. But, the property could really use some love. Simple fixes and updates would really improve the experience, for example, replacing the horribly stained rugs, fixing the light fixture in the kitchen that was held on with black electric tape, and replacing the bathroom cabinet so that the doors could actually close--after many years and layers of paint, this cabinet's sticky doors have to remain wide open. For a home that sleeps four people, the single lamp in the living room for reading was problematic. The sheets in the master bedroom do not stay on the mattress because of the topper over the mattress--they just don't fit. Also, the kitchen cookware needs to be replaced--plan to eat out or grill out. Each of the issues that made this house less than comfortable, is fairly minor, but one did get the feeling that no one cares about taking care of this property anymore. The comfort level because of these issues was less than what I'd hoped for.
This little cottage on the beach was perfect for us. We had a great time and the location was awesome! Looking forward to renting it again one day in the future.
Loved the proximity of the State Park where we could walk from the property. Loved the view from the house and the deck.
quiet area with only one or 2 levels houses (not crowded at all)
Kids were free to go to the beach and use our kayak anytime that we just left at the bottom of the stairs. Loved it all!
Super relaxing stay at this 1940's property situated directly on the beach. loved the cabana and the deck looking at the Golf.
We took our kayak and could leave it at the bottom of the stairs so the kids were free to use it anytime. Property is very close to the State Park. Loved that.
Positive first:It was a great location especially since we are handicapped. Easy access to beach and if you can not walk you are “right” there.
Loved the Tiki type covered area.
Negative:
A full size regular bed and two twins....very uncomfortable.
Toilet not ADA height. Or even just standard height! Had to order portable for next day delivery and go to nearby gas station for relief until it arrived. Office was totally uncaring on this issue.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Laura D.
19 May 2019
Beautiful hidden gem!
One of my favorite beach cottages ever! Perfect patio that lets you sit and enjoy the beach from just outside the back door. So relaxing and really well maintained and stocked. Perfect location. We hope to be back soon!!
Laura D.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dianne S.
7 Oct 2018
Wonderful!
We love this little gem! Perfect location and has everything you need to enjoy the area!
Dianne S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kim K.
4 Jul 2018
Quaint bungalow in the middle of the dunes!
This is our second summer to rent Idle Hours. We love the location and find it very accommodating for our needs.