If you’re looking for a standardized, franchised, typical vacation setting, this is not for you. But if you’d like to rediscover the best of Old-Florida living, our cottage facing the beautiful St. Sebastian River is just the kind of place you’re looking for.Remember when Florida was known as a semitropical paradise, a place to relish indoor-outdoor living, where your comfortable, casual vacation bungalow was designed to catch the breezes and stay cool? Remember when palm trees swaying in the breeze at the water's edge were more of an attraction than mini-golf and T-shirt huts? Remember when beaches were peaceful and secluded, and you didn’t have to spend time searching for a private spot to lay down your beach towels?
Just a mile upstream from the Indian River lagoon and a short drive from the unspoiled beaches of the barrier islands, follow the sandy lanes along the banks of the Saint Sebastian River into the heart of Sebastian’s historic Roseland community. This is one of those little Florida enclaves that haven’t changed very much over the decades-- because the residents have fought to maintain the character of the place that drew them there in the first place.
Our non-smoking home features two comfortable bedrooms and clear views of the river from the living room and glassed-in Florida room. Casual and colorful, our stylish midcentury furnishings lend a peaceful air to this quiet getaway. Newly installed Italian glass terrazzo floors reflect the Florida sunshine through the new awning windows. The charming nostalgic kitchen boasts the original custom-built Dade County pine cabinets and vintage Formica countertops, still in fine condition. We’ve also updated this fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances for the best of old and new. A separate utility room includes a washer and dryer, and there is even an enclosed rear porch where you can drop your things on returning from the beaches or the new Sebastian water park...
Or, step out onto the pool deck in the fenced backyard! The new pool is solar heated and features a swanky tanning shelf. Soak up Florida's famous rays in the lounge chairs or at the outdoor dining table.
In the front yard, relax and enjoy the comfortable, natural Florida setting. While lounging on the patio shaded by coconut trees and Sabal palms, enjoy an unobstructed view of the pristine and wildlife-friendly Sebastian River. Have your breakfast at the patio table while watching the seagulls and pelicans fish for theirs. There is a smaller covered patio outside the Florida room/sleeping porch, so you can decide just how “outdoorsy” you want to be.
Directly across the sandy drive is the Roseland Community Park. Here you can stroll along the banks of the St. Sebastian, or take advantage of the public dock to fish, read, or just catch the sunset. Sit quietly for a while, and you’re likely to spot dolphins and manatees as they play and forage. There’s no question that you’ll soon be visited by some of Sebastian’s famous pelicans.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, prepackaged predictability, or a gated resort that could be anywhere in the world… keep looking. But if you’re like us and love the Florida that has enchanted out-of-town visitors for decades, spend a little time here. You’ll be glad you did.
