Treasure Coast's Best Kept Secret: Two Fabulous Old-Florida Short Term Vacation Rentals Near Sebastian

Treasure Coast's Best Kept Secret: Two Fabulous Old-Florida Short Term Vacation Rentals Near Sebastian

By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong

When owners Scott and Glenn came upon this property while house hunting, they got chills. This was no cookie-cutter condo surrounded by hot, black asphalt. They had found a riverfront compound with just the Old-Florida feel they had hoped for. They took a historic structure and property and maintained the historic charisma but equipped it with all the modern conveniences. If you are looking for a short term vacation rental with an Old Florida feel where you can embrace peace and tranquility, Scott and Glenn have just the right places to make your vacation dreams come true.

The Perfectly Renovated Historic Poolside Riverfront Cabana

Located in the historic Roseland community of Sebastian, Florida, the Poolside Riverfront Cabana sits right on the Sebastian River, just a mile upstream from the Indian River Lagoon, and offers a scenic and private Old-Florida vibe. The Hacienda-style estate is where you will park your car on a sandy drive under the shade of ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. There's a mission-style bell tower atop this guest house and a Spanish-style courtyard tucked away behind wrought-iron gates. Do you love history? This was formerly the site of an early 20th-century railroad and streetcar tycoon's Florida getaway.

Pass through the entryway and you discover the restored 1920s Art Deco swimming pool that is a huge 26 feet x 52 feet complete with lion fountains, a tanning shelf, and an attached poolside cabana bar with a Weber grill. Look past the beautiful and massive swimming pool and your eyes will find the Sebastian River with a private boat dock equipped with electricity, potable water, cleats, and a ladder. Just across the river, you'll see a Nature Preserve. This is the ideal spot for sunsets and spotting local wildlife like manatees, dolphins, and egrets. The gentle giant manatees often Winter in the warmer waters here.

Enter the Historic Poolside Riverfront Cabana and immediately feel at peace in the bright, open living/dining space with glass doors on all four sides. The fully equipped kitchen features a blend of ultramodern amenities like a dishwasher, microwave hood, and water filtration system with awesome retro vibes including vintage pink enamel appliances! There is one Queen bed in the Master bedroom, plus one Queen sleeper sofa in the Living room so the Cabana can provide a comfortable place to sleep for up to four guests. There is also a brightly tiled indoor bathroom plus a private outdoor shower nestled under the trees for after your leisurely swim.

What about amenities? Imagine Free Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning, an In-unit washer and dryer, a fully fenced private patio/deck and...it is Pet-friendly! For your added sense of security, there is one camera near the entrance to the compound and one camera near the entrance to the cabana. For your privacy, there are ABSOLUTELY NO CAMERAS inside the home or poolside.

Hoping to add some sightseeing to your relaxing getaway? The Cabana is only a 15-minute walk to LaPorte Farms. And you'll be a short driving distance to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and unspoiled barrier island beaches. Sebastian Inlet State Park Beach where world-class surfers practice is about a 37-minute drive but bring your camera because what they do with a surfboard is amazing. Local pontoon tours pass right by the dock. You could also take a day trip about an hour north to visit Kennedy Space Center and even see an exciting rocket launch. If you are craving some theme park fun, Orlando is less that two hours away. Skydive Sebastian, which advertises itself as "Florida's most scenic dropzone," is only a mile away.

We have enjoyed a relaxing, peaceful getaway here twice. The history, the cool vibe inside the Cabana, the huge swimming pool perfect for floating on a raft or inflatable pink Flamingo, and the riverfront location was just what we wanted and needed.

For more information or to book your Historic Poolside Riverfront Cabana With Boat Dock getaway, visit https://www.vrbo.com/33100 . Prices include all fees. There are no hidden fees. Monthly discounts are available. Please note that the owners recommend traveler's insurance in case you have to cancel or postpone your trip for any reason.

Old-Florida Riverside Pool Cottage That Time Forgot

Just down the street, the owners also offer the separate Old-Florida Riverside Pool Cottage That Time Forgot with a nostalgic, mid-century vibe featuring original 1940s-era details blended with modern conveniences. There was a time when Florida was known as a semitropical paradise. This rental overlooking the beautiful St. Sebastian River features that lush, mature landscaping people used to think of when they thought of Florida. In the private backyard, you'll discover a solar-heated swimming pool featuring a tanning shelf, lounge chairs, and an outdoor dining area with a Weber gas grill.

Inside, the vibe is Mid-century modern with Italian-glass terrazzo floors, awning windows and carefully chosen vintage-style furniture. The kitchen retains its original pine cabinets while offering updated appliances, extensive retro tableware and is well-stocked with cookware, a blender, and both Keurig and Drip coffee makers.

This non-smoking home features “two comfortable bedrooms with crisp, all-cotton sheets.” There is one Queen bed in the main bedroom and two Twin beds in the guest bedroom allowing for up to six guests.

This Old-Florida Riverside Pool Cottage That Time Forgot features a bright, airy layout, a glassed-in Florida room, a separate utility room with a washer/dryer, and a covered rear porch. You can “catch a relaxing view of the river from the living room and glassed-in Florida room.” Air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a Smart Roku TV, and all-cotton linens provided. We are Pet-Friendly so your pets are permitted too.

Just across from the St. Sebastian River, guests have access to the Roseland Community Park which offers a public dock for fishing, wildlife viewing (including dolphins and manatees), and watching stunning sunsets.

We have enjoyed our stays at the Old-Florida Riverside Pool Cottage That Time Forgot. The retro interior design is both pleasing to the eye and perfectly comfortable with all the amenities we needed or wanted. The glassed-in Florida room provided extra space to unwind - we took our dinners out there. We love swimming pools and this private pool surrounded by lush greenery, flowering plants and palm trees is ideal for a private swim, day or night.

For more information or to book your Old-Florida Riverside Pool Cottage That Time Forgot getaway, visit https://www.vrbo.com/41391 . Prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

*Please note that the owners recommend traveler's insurance in case you have to cancel or postpone your trip for any reason.

©2026 Sunny Harbor Publishing

Steven Skelley & Tom Routzong

Sunny Harbor Publishing