Description

Perched near the shimmering shoreline of Grayton Beach, Down By The Sea is a cheerfully updated four-bedroom, four-bath coastal retreat that comfortably accommodates up to 14 guests. From the columned front porch and breezy upper balcony, guests are treated to beautiful views of the Gulf and nearby Western Lake—one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes found in only a handful of places around the world. This vacation home sits along a pathway that leads toward the lake’s inlet and the sugar-white sand beyond, placing both natural beauty and beach adventures just moments away.

Inside, the first floor unfolds into a welcoming open great room where the living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together beneath rustic wood ceiling beams and warm hardwood flooring. The home has been thoughtfully refreshed with new furnishings, freshly painted interiors, upgraded lighting with dimmers, and wall-mounted Smart TVs in every bedroom, creating a bright and comfortable setting for gathering together. A spacious wraparound sofa and a queen sleeper sofa with soft seafoam slipcovers provide inviting seating oriented toward the large glass doors and the scenic views outside.

The gourmet kitchen has been recently fully renovated and now features an oversized quartz island, custom cabinetry, a Wolf gas range, and premium Sub-Zero appliances. Fully stocked for those who enjoy cooking, this beautifully designed space makes it easy to prepare everything from casual breakfasts to coastal feasts. The adjacent dining area includes a hardwood table with eight cross-backed chairs beneath a warm Edison-style chandelier, while a nearby custom-built cabinet serves as a convenient entertaining station complete with an undercounter Sub-Zero beer and wine refrigerator.

The main level also includes a guest bedroom with both a queen and a full bed, along with a nearby hall bath featuring a glass walk-in shower—an ideal setup for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms each feature king beds and private baths. The Primary Suite includes a twin daybed with a twin trundle and opens through French doors to the balcony, where Gulf breezes and scenic views create a peaceful place to begin or end the day. A conveniently located laundry room is also situated on the second floor.

Down By The Sea is part of the charming Grayton Beach Cottages community, where guests enjoy access to a neighborhood pool for a refreshing swim before or after time on the beach. Past guests consistently praise the home’s location, noting the easy walk to the beach and nearby restaurants and shops, as well as the clean, beautifully decorated interiors and comfortable furnishings. The home sits just steps from the laid-back heart of Grayton Beach, where colorful cottages, live music, and local character define one of 30A’s most beloved coastal villages. Spend an evening enjoying fresh seafood and live tunes at the legendary Red Bar, grab tacos and Gulf views at Chiringo, browse the eclectic art and gifts at Zoo Gallery, or pick up beach gear and coastal style at Tribe Kelley Surf Post.

Beyond Grayton Beach, Scenic 30A connects a string of beloved coastal communities, each with its own personality and charm. Nearby Seaside offers iconic pastel architecture, boutique shopping, and a lively town square filled with food trucks and events. WaterColor invites leisurely exploration with its beautiful parks, trails, and waterfront dining, while Blue Mountain Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, scenic dune landscapes, and local favorites like ice cream shops and casual cafés. Whether you're biking along the scenic path, exploring neighboring beach towns, or simply spending long days by the water, Down By The Sea places you right in the heart of one of South Walton’s most vibrant and memorable stretches of coastline.

First Floor: Living Room with Queen Sleeper Sofa, Dining, Kitchen, Bedroom with Queen and Full Bed, Hall Bath with Walk-In Shower.

Second Floor: King Primary Bedroom with Daybed + Twin Trundle and Walk-In Shower + Balcony Access, King Bedroom with Walk-in Shower Combo, King Bedroom with Tub/Shower Combo, Laundry.

The community pool is typically heated during fall, holiday weeks, and spring break, but is based on the daily temperature and HOA discretion.

Amenities
  • Amenity Icon Community Pool
  • Amenity Icon Grill/BBQ
  • Amenity Icon Gulf View
  • Amenity Icon Heated Community Pool
  • Amenity Icon Internet
  • Amenity Icon Laundry
  • Amenity Icon No Pets Allowed
  • Amenity Icon Parking Spaces: 5
  • Amenity Icon Walk to Beach: 0-1 Minute
Calendar
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Bedding
First Floor:
Queen
Queen
Full
Full
Queen Sleeper Sofa
Queen Sleeper Sofa
Second Floor:
King
King
Twin Daybed
Twin Daybed
Twin Trundle
Twin Trundle
King
King
King
King
Total: Queen, 3 King, Twin Trundle, Queen Sleeper Sofa, Full, Twin Daybed
Reviews
Rating 5
Perfect stay in Grayton!
Stayed here for a week with my family, three kids (aged 6-2) and we could not have been happier. Easy 100 yard walk to the beach along boardwalk, nice pool, functional house for everyone. We loved everything about our stay and have already started to plan a trip back!
Brad K from Whitefish, MT - Stayed April 2024
Thank you for the fantastic review! Ocean Reef Resorts is thrilled to know your family had a perfect stay at Down By The Sea and enjoyed the easy walk to the beach, the pool, and the comfortable layout of the home. We’d love to welcome you back to the beach again soon for another memorable getaway.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
Very clean and beautifully decorated home!
The home is in a great location which is easy walking distance to beach and local restaurants/shops in Grayton Beach! Loved the beautiful ocean view and being able to walk straight out to the flat boardwalk! The home was very clean, well stocked, and had nice comfortable furniture.
Melinda D from Cookeville TN - Stayed December 2022
Thank you for the lovely review! Ocean Reef Resorts is delighted to know you enjoyed your stay at Down By The Sea, from the clean, beautifully decorated home to the comfortable furnishings and well-stocked space. We’re glad the location made it easy to enjoy the beach and nearby shops and restaurants, and we’d love to welcome you back to the beach again soon.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
Rating 5
House was great, location was perfect, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Rental was seamless and communication was amazing.
Sister W from Atlanta, GA - Stayed July 2021
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Ocean Reef Resorts is happy to know you enjoyed your stay at Down By The Sea and found the house and location to be perfect. We’re glad communication was smooth throughout your visit and would love to welcome you back to the beach again soon.
Ocean Reef Resorts staff
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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!

Just wondering about towels and what is available in the kitchen. Any beach towels to use?
Karen D - Posted: 03/11/2022

Answer:

We provide linens and sheets for the beds, bath towels, and washcloths.  You will want to bring your own beach towels, as we do not provide them. Our kitchens feature the basic necessities, such as pots, pans, a coffee maker, toaster, blender, silverware, dishes, and glassware.

Here is a helpful video to ensure that you are fully equipped for the beach!

Is Western Lake accessible from the home if we bring our own SUP boards and kayaks?
Sara S - Posted: 02/17/2023

Answer:

Western Lake is easily accessible from the public beach access located beside Down By The Sea. Kayaks and paddleboards are a great way to explore these rare natural treasures!

How many homes share the community pool? What are the hours of the pool?
Marisa D - Posted: 03/20/2023

Answer:

Grayton Beach Cottages includes approximately 10 homes with access to the community pool. The pool is open from 9am to 10pm. Enjoy!

Are there bikes available or for rent nearby?
Nina D - Posted: 05/09/2023

Answer:

Down By The Sea does not include complimentary bikes, but you can most certainly rent them! As an Ocean Reef guest, you have exclusive access to discounted bike rentals through our Reef Rewards program. You can also take advantage of the complimentary tram when heading to the beach. Enjoy!

Can your place accommodate an RV?
Billie J - Posted: 07/12/2023

Answer:

Down by the Sea has sufficient parking for five vehicles only. Unfortunately, the Cottage Street community does not have adequate space to accommodate an RV. There are, however, storage locations nearby! Here are a few options to park your RV overnight.

Does Down By The Sea use a public or private beach?
Donna J - Posted: 02/09/2024

Answer:

Down By The Sea is located in historic Grayton Beach on 30A! Visitors may utilize the vast portion of public beach less than a one-minute walk from the home. Don't forget the sunscreen!

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STR Certificate: STR23-000911