Bala Sands | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro

Summary:
The perfect beach getaway!
Wake up to coffee and a stunning sunrise. Spend all day lounging on the beach and cooling off in the ocean.
Wind down with a gourmet dinner overlooking the water.
Embrace the essence of coastal living in this modern 5 br home. Directly on the beach, this home features spectacular views and plenty of space to make lasting memories.

The Space:
This 2-story home offers wonderful ocean views from most of the rooms on the 2nd floor. Here you will find a large living room, dining area, and open kitchen; all providing excellent spaces for friends and family to gather for meals, drinks, and fun! The living room has a large sectional sofa situated around a wall-mounted flat screen TV. The dining area overlooks the living room and features a dining table with seating for 8. There is seating for 3 more at the breakfast bar. The kitchen is quite roomy, allowing the chef to have several helpers if needed! The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and a double sink that looks out over the ocean. From the living room, you can access a large oceanfront deck that spans the entire width of the house, with access to two of the upstairs bedrooms.

The primary bedroom is very spacious and features a four-post king bed, TV, and balcony access. The large en-suite bathroom has a big soaking tub (sorry, the jets don’t work), separate walk-in shower with dual shower heads, his-and-her separate sinks, and a massive walk-in closet. At the south end of the house, you’ll find the 2nd bedroom which also has a king bed, TV, and balcony access. This bedroom also has a sitting area with a small sofa. The 2nd bathroom can be accessed from the 2nd bedroom or from the hallway that leads off the living room. This bathroom has another large tub. Please note that there is not a shower and the jets do not work. The 3rd bedroom is on the west side of the house and features a king bed, and a large built-in desk, perfect for the traveler who needs a workstation while on the road. This bedroom has a private full bathroom with a walk-in shower.

The lower level has another living area with a sectional sofa, TV, and bar area. This is a great space for the kids to hang out when they want to watch movies or just get some time away from the parents! There are two more bedrooms on this level as well. The 4th bedroom has a king bed while the 5th bedroom has a queen bed. These two bedrooms share a full bathroom with a walk-in shower. There is also another full bathroom with shower on the north end of the lower level. There is a very large laundry room for our guests to use, and they have access to the roomy 2-car garage.

Enjoy the very expansive outdoor space. Unlike most beach front homes in the area, the houses in this stretch of the beach are on deep lots allowing them to have big back yards. The backyard is fenced in and has a private bath right down to the beach. The 2nd floor balcony spans the width of the house and provides plenty of space for gathering outside. Underneath the balcony is a patio that is shaded most of the day. When you come up from the beach, be sure to rinse off at the outdoor shower located at the bottom of the balcony stairs.

Interested in exploring St. Augustine? There you will find countless shops, restaurants, sightseeing, and more. Fishing, trolley, and walking excursions are available in St. Augustine. Day trips to Disney, Daytona, and Jacksonville are easy from our area. Whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the beach or a fun, excursion-filled experience in the nation’s oldest city, you’re sure to find what you are looking for here. Don’t delay. Call today to book Bala Sands for your next vacation!

Experience the beauty of sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and fish. Take leisurely walks along the beach to discover treasures like shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.

Explore Anastasia State Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a stunning coastal setting.

Discover the rich history of Historic St. Augustine by visiting landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian only thoroughfare in the heart of the historic district, lined with charming shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites.

Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age at the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel, showcasing a diverse collection of art, antiques, and artifacts.

Experience the thrill of getting up close to alligators, crocodiles, and exotic animals at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which also offers educational shows, zip lines, and exhibits of native Florida wildlife.

Take a scenic short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a historic Spanish fort located on Rattlesnake Island. Learn about its role in protecting St. Augustine during the colonial period while enjoying views of the surrounding marshlands.

Indulge in delicious cuisine at the many restaurants in St. Augustine, cafes, and eateries. From fresh seafood to international fare, there is something to satisfy every palate, including popular spots like 180 Vilano Grill and Pizza, Briskys BBQ, and Beaches at Vilano.

Please note, that all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and provide a valid form of ID. The primary reservation holder must provide a Government-Issued ID that matches the name on the rental agreement. This is a requirement from St. Johns County. All guest's names (first and last) must be provided. The ages of any minors are required to be listed. This is for emergency and insurance purposes.

Guest Access:
We offer self-check-in. Portoro uses smart locks.

• We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts in advance. If the house happens to be ready earlier than our standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, we, in most cases will allow an early check-in. For a reliable alternative with guaranteed check-in or check-out timing, it's recommended to book the night before or after your scheduled arrival or departure.

Getting Around:
Immerse yourself in the blend of adventure and activity by renting a bicycle. Lose yourself in enchanting streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take in a leisurely pace with beachfront strolls, explore shops, and savor local cuisine on foot.

Enhance your experience with a sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot playful dolphins. For the adventurous, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore our beautiful estuaries and waterways.

Local favorites include Brewer Beach Rentals, St. Augustine City Tours, and Adventure Boat Tours.

Please note that beach driving is not permitted. Beach access points can be found on Coastal Hwy at even-numbered properties and on the 3000 block on S. Ponte Vedra, specifically odd-numbered properties.

Other Things to Note:
Please pay close attention to following the house rules. Non-compliance could result in sizable fines.
- All guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and complete identity registration.
- Age restrictions apply. Please inquire for more information.
- All guests must be included on the guest list and not exceed the maximum number stated on the listing.
- To ensure your safety, proper access to the home, and guest features, ALL guests are required to read the house manual upon arrival and notify Portoro with any questions.
- Known damages incurred during your stay must be reported to the property manager immediately.
- Before check-in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival.
- Pets are not allowed at this home. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without Portoro’s approval, there will be a cleaning charge of $500.
- We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts. When it is possible to check in early or check out late, there will be a fee for anything outside of a one-hour window within our standard times. If your need for an early check-in or late check-out is great, your best option is to book an additional night.
- The home has cameras for external monitoring only.
- HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both St. Johns County and the State of Florida require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6.5% and the county requires 5%.
- LONG-TERM STAYS: (Snowbird, long-term rental). Contact Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro to discuss if a long-term stay discount applies to this listing. Stays over six months are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping. In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect an additional cleaning fee for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed.

Interaction with Guests:
We offer self-check-in. Portoro uses smart locks.

•We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts in advance. If the house happens to be ready earlier than our standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, we, in most cases will allow an early check-in. If your need for an early check-in or late check-out is great, your best option is to book the night before or after your arrival/departure.