The windswept sands of St Augustine Beach are indeed visible from the balconies of Windswept Sands, a four-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom retreat mere steps from the beach. The sparkling Atlantic Ocean is visible too—not only from the balconies but from inside the home as well. Wake up to the sight of seabirds soaring above the water, and fall asleep to the murmur of the waves rolling onto the sands. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

And that’s only the beginning of the joys awaiting you at Windswept Sands. When you don’t want to walk the minute, or so it takes to get to the ocean, you can swim in the private in-ground pool, then laze on a poolside chaise afterward. The two rear balconies, which stretch the width of the house, are furnished with additional seating and tables—some out in the sunshine, others cool in the shade. You can spend pretty much your entire day outdoors, dining, reading, napping, and reveling in the salt-kissed breezes.

Indoors is just as luxurious. Decorated with equal emphasis on comfort and style, the living room features two curved sofas so that there’s room for everyone to hang out together. There's even a flat-screen TV. Just beyond the sofas are a wet bar and a dining table for four. You can serve the kids dinner here while the grown-ups enjoy a more leisurely meal in the formal dining room. Then again, everyone can sit down together in the formal dining room: The table seats 10, and there are stools for three more at the adjacent breakfast bar.

The breakfast bar doubles as additional kitchen counter space, though there’s already plenty of that. Bright, open, and decorated in chic black and white, Windswept Sands’ kitchen is equipped with a full array of stainless-steel appliances, cookware, and tableware. You may find yourself preferring to cook in rather than eating out!

Each of the four bedrooms has its own bathroom, and a 5th bathroom as well as a powder room. You’ll be able to indulge in a lengthy shower or pampering session without a line forming on the other side of the door. When you arrive you’ll find plenty of clean towels, the beds already made up, and extra bedding at hand, so you can leave your linens at home. In fact, because Windswept Sands has a washer and dryer, you can pack even lighter than usual.

As for the bedrooms, the primary has a king-size bed, and two other rooms have queen-size beds. These three bedrooms open onto a balcony, so you can savor a final glass of wine while admiring the moon’s reflection in the waves, then start your day watching the sunrise over the Atlantic (definitely a sight you’ll want to catch at least once during your stay). Furnished with bunk beds, the fourth bedroom is perfect for the kids. All four bedrooms have a flat-screen TV with cable, as does the downstairs den.

What’s more, the den’s sofa opens into yet another bed, enabling Windswept Sands to sleep ten people in all.

Among Windswept Sands’ other amenities is plenty of parking in the garage and on the driveway, plus free WiFi. Chances are good, though, that you’ll be too busy surfing in the ocean—or paddleboarding, parasailing, canoeing, or kayaking—to surf the web. Because the beach is practically your backyard, you can stroll back and forth multiple times throughout the day. It’s the ultimate in convenience.

Windswept Sands is also conveniently close to numerous other attractions. In 20 minutes or less you can drive to Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Marineland, and the Lightner Museum, to name just a few.

Once you make yourself at home in Windswept Sands, though, you might never want to leave; it really is that special. Book your stay today, and experience it for yourself