By: C. Michelle Byant
Less than three miles off of Interstate 95, near Heckscher Drive, sits this lovely 2nd floor two bedroom, one bath bungalow on a quiet, dirt road. Whether for business, family vacation, small retreat or romantic get-away, this place has just the privacy, features and amenities you’re looking for. Located at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac, surrounded on three sides by woods and nature; you may be serenaded by resident hawks, osprey, egrets and even great blue herons doing their early morning fishing & hunting, even an occasional bald eagle or great horned owl. Wild turkey have been known to visit on occasion.
This unit comfortably sleeps eight but is ideal for six. The covered balcony overlooking the marsh is perfect for waking up with your morning coffee and perhaps sharing breakfast with a blue heron as he parades across the waters while catching his, or you may enjoy relaxing while appreciating the colorful sunsets and evening breezes.
When you enter the threshold, you see that the open living area is spacious and homey. The interior is casual, classic and comfortable. The separate bedrooms somehow manage to provide privacy yet closeness as well. The main living area has a flat screen TV with provided cable, free hi speed Internet with Wifi, full capacity washer and dryer and various family games, puzzles and books!
The outdoor seating area comes complete with fire pit, and two barbecue grills (gas & charcoal) picture-perfect for those open-air cook outs, s’mores and fireside story moments. A basketball goal is also on premises for some one-on-one or a challenging game of H.O.R.S.E. Neighbor interaction is available as much or as little as guests would like… for instance, if you need someone to shoot hoops with! If home cooking is your preference, then the fully-equipped kitchen offers spacious counter tops, a glass drop-in stove top with full-sized oven and a large side by side refrigerator with ice maker. The eat in kitchen has double patio doors that open onto the covered porch overlooking the marsh providing a serene view to enjoy your table time. As stated, bird watchers will absolutely love the morning from the deck, so bring your binoculars!
This “guest cottage” is above an unoccupied space (not included) and separate from but adjacent to the owner’s home. It is unattached to any other living space & is entirely on the second floor. A baby gate is available for use at the top of the stairs. RV parking is also available (with or without hook ups) if desired, at additional fee. Your furry friends are also welcomed pending approval and an additional fee.
Although you will feel close to nature, there is much to do nearby. Hop on the expressway in any direction or take a leisurely stroll along Heckscher Drive, up A1A or anywhere you want to go! This spot is convenient to town, beaches, airport, zoo, cruise line, NFL stadium, shopping areas, downtown, golf courses, etc. While you’re here you will want to explore all 840 square miles and get to know Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. Relax on shore after shore of stunning beaches, paddle through the nature-filled waterways, or experience the downtown multicultural settings. Families, couples, nature-lovers, whatever your style, there is something for you here to enjoy within the parks, museums, waterways, guided tours and more.
About five miles down the road you can experience The Jacksonville Zoological Gardens. This is not your typical zoo. It sits at the mouth of the Trout River and occupies approximately 117 acres, has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection.
Less than 20 minutes and I-95 and MLK Expressway take you straight to EverBank Field, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. It also hosts the annual Florida–Georgia game, a college football rivalry game between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, as well as the Tax Slayer Bowl (formerly the Gator Bowl), a post-season college bowl game. It is also one of the venues used by the United States men’s national soccer team. Located on the St. Johns River, it sits on 10 acres of land, including portions of the older stadium. The stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005 and has also held several college football games as well as concerts and other events.
Within 25 minutes you can easily get to the Jacksonville Landing, a 126,000-square foot river-front shopping complex in downtown Jacksonville, which includes specialty shops, great dining, clubs and a history museum, as well as occasional entertainment. With plenty of outside seating, you can enjoy a view of the center courtyard fountain, stage, and the serenity of the beautiful St. Johns river. The Landing stages a variety of special events including weekly live entertainment in the center courtyard every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and hosts more than 300 events each year including Florida/Georgia Weekend Celebrations, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, New Year’s Eve and Gator Bowl Celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and July 4th fireworks. The bands offer a variety of music including classic rock, oldies, contemporary, jazz, and top 40. The Landing also hosts national country concerts and classic rock concerts in the spring, summer and fall each year and hosts a Farmer’s Market from 10am to 2pm every Friday. The market averages over 40 vendors each week including a myriad of events for the community such as charity walks and runs and the Earth Day Ecology Fair.A mere 35 minutes takes you to beautiful Amelia Island in Nassau County, which is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, a chain of barrier islands stretching along the east coast of the United States from South Carolina to Florida. It is 13 miles long and approximately 4 miles wide at its widest point. The communities of Fernandina Beach and Amelia City are both located on the island. You will want to play a round of golf on one of the champion golf courses, take a tour of the historical sites on the island or visit the Artrageous Art walk. The galleries are opened from 5:30pm until 8:30pm the second Saturday of every month or simply enjoy the pottery, stained glass, local crafts shown alongside fine art, watercolors, and intriguing photography.
Less than an hour on A1A takes you to the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the contiguous United States, the historical St. Augustine. The city holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s most charming cities. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the area for the first time, it’s a vacation close enough to home but different enough to make you feel a world away. Experience old-world charm, flavorful dining, art and culture, and an abundance of entertainment after dark. There’s so much to do, you’re going to want to stay one more day in this unique little village. You certainly won’t want to miss The Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Head north a little over an hour and experience Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia. It is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia. They are all barrier islands. A popular tourist destination, the island has beaches frequented by vacationers from all over. Historic District guided tours are available. Bike trails, walks along the pristine beaches and sandbars, a water park, are among the active attractions as well. The island is full of mammals, reptiles, and birds living and breeding in the island’s inlet marshes.
About 2 hours on Highway 95 and you can relish in the history, beauty and charm of Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, which is an industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport. It is Georgia’s fifth-largest city and third-largest metropolitan area. Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors to its cobblestone streets, old town trolley rides, beautiful parks, and notable historic buildings. Plan to have lunch or dinner at the famous Paula Deen’s “The Lady & Son’s” restaurant for a delicious buffet where you’ll be lavished with the most amazing comfort food.
As one can clearly see this quaint, kid friendly, family friendly, Secluded marsh front get-away has everything anyone could want. With a five-star rating and a super host Airbnb status, it’s no wonder this is the place to be when traveling to or passing through the Jacksonville area.
For more information on this listing or to check availability, go to:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8560023