As you drive up to this hacienda-style estate and park your car on the sandy drive under the ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, you'll know that you have arrived at a genuinely special place. The mission-style bell tower atop this "cabana" guest house and the Spanish-style courtyard tucked away behind wrought-iron gates offer the first clues that this was formerly the site of an early 20th-century auto tycoon's Florida get-away. Originally the carriage house for the estate, the guest house just underwent a top-to-bottom renovation making it a luxurious place to stay during the 21st century. Tucked between the Indian River Lagoon and the Sebastian River in the quaint and historic Roseland community, this is a magical spot. Perched close to the edge of the original art deco swimming pool, from certain angles the cabana appears to be floating on water. At 26 feet by 52 feet, the pool is much larger than typical private pools, and great for serious lap swimming as well as casual wading or floating. Lion fountains at each corner of the pool serve as a reminder of the unique history of this estate. Keep refreshments handy at the attached poolside cabana bar, and you’ll never want to leave the pool!
Inside, the large, open living/dining area features glass doors and windows on all four sides, lending the interior a bright and open feeling even when Florida's famous sunshine is temporarily hidden behind the clouds. Bamboo floors, colorful and casual furnishings, arched windows, and muted pastel-colored walls create a relaxing resort-style space. Two steps down from the living area, a separate, fully-equipped kitchen features ultramodern and vintage appliances, including a dishwasher, microwave hood, and water filtration system. Freshly refurbished with classic Florida materials such as turquoise glass tile, pink enamel appliances, terrazzo floor tiles, and casual white cabinetry, the kitchen boasts large windows overlooking the swimming pool, with a door for easy access to the poolside cabana bar.
A small passageway connects the living area with the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry area with washer and dryer. Built largely of glass block, turquoise tile, terrazzo, and sea glass tile accents, the bathroom glows like a jewel, shimmering and subtly changing color as the sun moves through the sky. The oversized shower is lined with turquoise glass tiles, with a frosted glass door leading to an outdoor shower under the trees.
The separate bedroom with queen-sized bed comfortably sleeps two. A pull-out sleeper sofa in the living room can accommodate two more. A unique arrangement of doors allows occupants of both the living and sleeping areas to retain their privacy while preserving access to the bathroom from either location.
This estate boasts a uniquely beautiful, natural old-Florida setting directly on the pristine and wildlife-friendly Sebastian River, just a mile upstream from the Indian River Lagoon. While lounging at the pool deck, enjoy a sweeping view of the expansive lawn, native and tropical landscaping, small private lagoon, and the river. In addition to the majestic live oaks, the mature landscaping features numerous palm trees and a wide variety of tropical plants.
The nature preserve on the opposite bank of the river ensures that you'll watch the sun set over the palms and flatlands of Florida herself, rather than over someone's condominium complex or a chain hotel. It won't be long before you see fish jumping, dolphins playing, and egrets grazing close to the riverbank.
We designed the interior of this guest house as our vacation home, and it is extraordinarily comfortable for two to four people. The attention to detail with a focus on stylishly casual comfort will set you at ease as soon as you arrive. If you should need more space than the pool house provides, for an additional fee we also offer the estate's original 1924 guest house, directly across a sandy courtyard. Combined, the houses offer plenty of room for family and friends.
With the Sebastian River and an inviting turquoise pool right outside your door, and with the Indian River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Atlantic Ocean only minutes away, you'll never run out of things to do here. The beaches on the barrier island, across the Indian River lagoon, are practically deserted. Take a ride on the "Sebastian River Queen Jungle tour," a pontoon boat tour of the Sebastian River that passes right by your boat dock, on a photo safari quest for dolphins, herons, and alligators. Like surfing? The Sebastian Inlet is one of the top spots on Florida's coast to surf. Feeling really daring? Skydive Sebastian, billing itself as "Florida's most scenic dropzone," is only a mile away.
If you tire of the peace and quiet, the attractions of Orlando are just an hour and a half away. Or tour the facilities of NASA's Cape Canaveral, an hour to the north. If you’re lucky enough to be here at the time of a space launch, watch the northeastern skies at launch time for a special treat.
The Poolside Cabana makes a one-of-a-kind getaway. We hope you’ll be able to stay a while and experience what a special place it is.
