Description

This captivating cabin-like cottage provides an enchanting trip back in time and can even become your own "little house on the prairie." However, in this case, you're not on the prairie, but right down the street from the shimmering white shoreline beside the dazzling emerald green waters of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. This beguiling abode was one of the first early cabins to be built in Old Grayton Beach back in the 1880s. It has been updated with a new kitchen, central heat and air, comfortable furnishings and a new queen-sized bed - all while preserving its original character. The rental cottage is nestled among towering pines, clusters of palmetto palms and natural indigenous plants.

A gracious front porch spans across the width of Shepherd Cottage and includes a couple of rocking chairs and a hanging bench swing decorated with hand-carved hearts overlooking the lovely setting. Wide double glass French doors lead indoors to an open living area with original hardwood flooring brightened by lots of windows on three sides and canned lighting above. One side of the room has a cozy seating ensemble that includes a comfortable pale blue couch, tables for drinks or snacks, and an antique dresser with a mirror. A large flatscreen TV is provided for entertainment that is perched above an old cargo trunk in the corner. The dining area is centered with a round maple table beneath a candled chandelier accented by four dark elegantly carved stylish antique chairs for a charming dining experience.

The ample country kitchen has cream-colored cottage cabinetry as well as an electric stove with an oven on one side of the open area and a refrigerator along with a microwave on the other side. Deep double farm sinks sit beside a double window for natural light. There is an enchanting bedroom that resembles a small sunroom with a queen-sized bed that features a decorative metal headboard. The bathroom has a classic white pedestal sink and a convenient walk-in glass shower. An additional twin bed is tucked away off the living area. A raised deck in the back has a table with chairs for drinks or dining al fresco and an outdoor shower to rinse sand off after the beach. This intimate comfy cottage is ideal as a time forgotten getaway for a loving couple to create romantic, magical memories in the here and now. 

Besides the beautiful beach you can also enjoy a nice stroll down to the historic coastal village center of Grayton for some delightful diversions that include the amazing Zoo Gallery, which represents talented artists from all over the nation, Spanish style Tapas at Chiringo along with drinks, dining and live music at the famed soon to be reopened Red Bar. You may try your luck fishing on the small village dock or go kayaking on Western Lake. This precious coastal dune lake is a rare treasure since they are found hardly anywhere else in the world and support abundant wildlife with lots of fish.  A wide assortment of restaurants, friendly beach bars, galleries, boutiques, concerts, and seasonal festivals are also minutes away in nearby villages like Seaside and WaterColor.

First Floor: Living Room, Kitchen, Dining, Queen Bedroom, Hall Bath with Walk-In Shower, Nook with Twin Bed, Exterior Laundry.

Amenities
  • Amenity Icon Internet
  • Amenity Icon Laundry
  • Amenity Icon Nightly
  • Amenity Icon No Pets Allowed
  • Amenity Icon Parking Spaces: 3
  • Amenity Icon Security Cameras
  • Amenity Icon Walk to Beach: 9-10 Minutes
Calendar
April 2026
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June 2026
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July 2026
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August 2026
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September 2026
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October 2026
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November 2026
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February 2027
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March 2027
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Bedding
First Floor:
Queen
Queen
Twin
Twin
Total: Queen, Twin
Reviews
Rating 5
Absolutely Adorable
Our stay at the Cottage was fantastic. The location is near impossible to beat. The house felt private, and cozy. The spaces inside were very clean and well kept. I couldn’t find a less than positive thing to say about any single part of our experience. Our only regret is that we weren’t able to stay longer! Hope to be back one day.
Madison C from Atlanta, GA - Stayed January 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! Ocean Reef Resorts is thrilled to know you enjoyed your stay at Shepherd Cottage, from its cozy privacy and spotless interiors to its unbeatable location. We’re so glad everything exceeded expectations, and we’d love to welcome you back to the beach for a longer visit next time.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
We enjoyed every minute!
The cottage was like something from a storybook and we enjoyed every minute! It is walking distance to Crackings (best breakfast on 30A), Red Bar, and our favorite beach access. We are already trying to decide when we can come back!
Elizabeth A from Macon, GA - Stayed December 2025
Thank you for the kind words! Ocean Reef Resorts is delighted to know you loved your stay at Shepherd Cottage and enjoyed its storybook charm, walkable location, and easy access to your favorite beach spots. We’re so glad it made for such a memorable getaway, and we’d love to welcome you back to the beach again soon.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
Loved it! Would stay again!
We love the place. I had a wonderful mother daughter trip. The location is great. We love the outdoor shower in the backyard.
Melinda C from New Orleans, LA - Stayed May 2025
What a joy to hear! We at Ocean Reef Resorts are so happy you loved Shepherd Cottage and had such a wonderful mother-daughter trip. It's fantastic to know you appreciated the great location and especially enjoyed the unique outdoor shower – it's definitely a guest favorite! We'd love to welcome you both back again soon for more cherished memories.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
Clean, Cozy, and Close to the Beach
Cute little place we rented! Clean and tidy. Not too far from the beach. Excellent customer relations with Ocean Reef. Highly recommend. Looking forward to renting again from them very soon! Thank you.
Georgianna K from Balsam Grove, NC - Stayed January 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We're thrilled you enjoyed Shepherd Cottage and appreciated its cleanliness and proximity to the beach. It's wonderful to know our team provided excellent customer service—we truly strive to make every stay as enjoyable as possible. We also want to thank you for sharing a photo of the home; it's always great to see our guests enjoying their time. We look forward to welcoming you back here on 30A again soon!
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
Amazing birthday weekend
We had the best time. Communication was perfect in all needs. Perfect for 2 people.
Ali D from Madison TN - Stayed October 2023
Rating 5
Ideal location for anniversary celebration!
Being in this super cute cottage and walking to the beach and local restaurants for quick food or live music was easy and ideal. The additional outdoor shower was a bonus for in-between beach trips. The locals and visitors were all very friendly. I highly recommend this experience.
Shawna C from Fort Collins CO - Stayed September 2023
Rating 5
Shepherd Cottage Grayton Beach
The cottage was everything we were looking for. Simple, cozy, laid back, close to the beach and restaurants. We will definitely be back, more likely in the fall of the year rather than blistering heat of August.
Felicia C from Crawfordville FL - Stayed August 2023
Rating 5
Wonderful
My wife and I stayed here for a couple of nights before family arrived for vacation. This property was perfect! Great location, cute decor, very comfortable, quite, very clean and in a great location. We had several people pass by and say cute house!
Tom S from Jenks OK - Stayed August 2023
Rating 5
Perfect
Cool place, unbeatable location.
K.C. H from Ocean Springs MS - Stayed July 2023
Rating 5
This is the sweetest little cottage.
Perfect for a getaway. 2nd time staying here and it will not be our last. Half a mile walk to the beach. Love this town and working with the Ocean Reef team was a breeze.
Zarah F from Southaven, MS - Stayed April 2023
Rating 5
Exceeded our expectations
If you’re looking for convenience and a change of pace from a traditional, conventional resort stay- Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals is the way to go!! Our rental and entire experience at The Sheppard Cottage in Grayton Beach exceeded our expectations. It was a cozy, homey cottage while still feeling like a tropical getaway. All the living essentials were provided (be forewarned no beach towels or chairs are provided!). It was the perfect backdrop to a romantic proposal, as well! The backyard and landscape felt like a tropical jungle oasis while being just minutes away (about an 8 minute walk!) from the sugary sand of Grayton beach. It’s walking distance from the Grayton convenience store, coffee shops, plenty of food, the beach…AKA absolute perfection. The check in/check out process is a BREEZE and perfect for young couples who are very tech-orientated. Everything takes place right on your phone. Check in/check out is a literal press of a button. The rental company also provided text updates regarding trash pick up and your upcoming arrivals/departures. There’s a detailed info sheet provided in the rental listing out all the important info you may need, like maintenance, address, housekeeping needs, etc. SUPER effortless experience all around, and plenty of great discounts and coupons offered in the guest portal—which is great for self-sufficient couples who are used to everything being digital/mobile-based! We’ll absolutely be back at the Sheppard Cottage!!
Vanessa P from Elgin IL - Stayed April 2023
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FAQs

We welcome all of your questions! Most property-specific details can be answered in the AMENITIES tab, for example, "Is beach service included?", "Is there a community pool?" and "How far is the beach?". Additional answers may be found in our Rental Policies.

Still have unanswered questions? We invite you to ask below. Our vacation specialists look forward to providing you with a detailed response to help you find the best place by the beach!

What is the cancellation policy?
Dana R - Posted: 01/31/2022

Answer:

You can view details about cancellations and all of our rental policies here.

Does this home allow a small dog?
Janet G - Posted: 02/11/2022

Answer:

We love our dogs here at Ocean Reef, however - Shepherd Cottage is a non-pet-friendly property.  If you are unable to board your pup, you may want to consider one of these Pet Friendly Rentals.

What beach chair rental service can you recommend for this property?
Lauren R - Posted: 05/17/2022

Answer:

Beach chairs and umbrellas are most certainly available at this location. Once you have secured your reservation, we will provide you with the beach services contact information. You can reserve chairs and umbrellas over the phone, or directly on the sand. See you soon!

Average walk time to the beach please?
Kellie W - Posted: 07/24/2022

Answer:

The Grayton Beach public access is a leisurely 6-7 minute stroll away from Shepherd Cottage. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Does this property have air conditioning?
Vanessa P - Posted: 09/06/2022

Answer:

All Ocean Reef properties include air conditioning and heating. We want to ensure your stay is as cool as possible while vacationing at the beach!

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STR Certificate: STR23-001456