Private beach winter escape on the bay with fishing and kayaks

In winter, this stretch of Ochlockonee Bay goes quiet, the days stay mild, and redfish and speckled trout are popular targets right off the dock. This single-level, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sleeps 7 and sits on the water in Panacea, a small fishing town on Florida's Forgotten Coast. Fish from the dock, paddle the bay in the two included kayaks, and clean your catch at the fish cleaning station before dinner on the patio.

It is a natural fit for snowbirds, fishing groups, families and couples looking for a quiet base for a long weekend or a full winter month. Over the holidays, the dining table seats the whole group and the full kitchen is ready for a big family meal.

AT A GLANCE

Private sandy beach and a fishing dock shared with one neighbor who rarely uses it. Two kayaks with paddles and life vests. Fish cleaning station, open patio with Adirondack chairs, outdoor dining, propane grill and hammock. Single-level living with two steps at the entry. King, queen, and a twin-over-twin bunk with a twin trundle. Full kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, central heat and air, desk nook, Wi-Fi, and keypad self check-in. Parking for 3 vehicles. Weekly and monthly stays welcome.

THE HOME

A classic Old Florida-style bay house that is bright, casual, and built around the view. The living room, dining area, and kitchen flow together and look toward the water, with the patio, lawn, beach, and dock just outside.

Living room: comfortable seating, a TV with streaming apps (log in with your own accounts), and lots of natural light. A second sitting area is a good spot for reading or morning coffee.

Dining area: a table that seats the whole group, with bay views and direct access to the patio.

Kitchen: full-size range and oven, refrigerator with freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, blender, rice maker, and a drip coffee maker that uses ground coffee. Pots, pans, baking sheets, dishes, wine glasses, children's dinnerware, and a stocked spice cabinet are ready for fish fries and longer stays.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

Bedroom 1: king bed with generous storage and natural light.

Bedroom 2: twin-over-twin bunk bed plus a twin trundle. Sleeps 3 and works great for kids.

Bedroom 3: queen bed.

Bathrooms: two full bathrooms. One has a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower, and the other has a tub and shower combo. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hair dryer are provided. A travel crib is available.

Laundry and workspace: a laundry room with washer and dryer, plus a built-in desk nook off the kitchen for laptop work.

OUTDOORS AND WATERFRONT

The patio faces the bay and is the go-to spot for morning coffee, meals, and sunsets. It is open, with no covered seating. A large lawn runs between the house and the water with room for kids to play. Below it are the private sandy beach and the fishing dock. The dock is shared with the neighbor to the left, whose side has been unfinished for years, so it sees little use beyond our guests. Two kayaks with paddles and life vests are included, and the fish cleaning station is right there when the bite is on.

FISHING AND BOATING

Fish from the dock or the beach, or launch your own boat at the Ochlockonee Bay Boat Ramp about a mile away. Redfish and speckled trout are popular targets in the cooler months, and the oyster bars at Bald Point offer good wade fishing. Bringing a boat? Message us before arrival so we can go over the dock with you. The water at the dock is shallow at low tide, so boats can be loaded and unloaded but not kept at the dock overnight. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for most anglers.

LONGER STAYS AND WINTER VISITS

The home is set up for weeks or months: single-level living, a full kitchen, laundry, a workspace, central heat, and self check-in. In winter, mornings on the water can be cool and breezy, so pack a warm layer for the dock and the kayaks. Stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 1.

THE AREA

The home is on a quiet residential waterfront street, with local seafood restaurants close by. About 1 mile to Bayside Marina and the boat ramp, 3 miles to Mashes Sands Beach and Bald Point State Park, 4 miles to Gulf Specimen Aquarium, and about 34 miles to Tallahassee International Airport. Wakulla Springs and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge make easy day trips. A car is recommended.

GOOD TO KNOW

This is an older coastal home with Old Florida character rather than new construction.

The dock is shared with one neighbor who rarely uses it. Sound and light carry across the water at night, so dock time ends at 9:30 PM on weeknights and 10:30 PM on weekends, and flashlights should point down at the water.

A covered boat lift is available as an optional extra for $75 per day. Message us before arrival if you'd like to use it.

Life vests are provided and required on the kayaks. Please supervise children near the water at all times.

The home is in a residential neighborhood and is not suited for parties or events. Neighborhood dogs can