Escape to The Shellhouse – Topside, a unique SECOND FLOOR breezy 2BR Apartment in Stuart, FL. Enjoy a GORGEOUS wrap-around porch, screened pool, fire pit, gas BBQ, kayaks, bikes & more! Minutes to water access for boat & kayak launch. Sleeps 6 w/ 2 king beds & queen air bed, 3 smart TVs, desk, full kitchen w/ gas stove, games, laundry & boat trailer parking. Residential neighborhood near downtown restaurants, marinas, boat clubs, tiki bars & live music restaurants. Peaceful, stylish & tropical coastal charm!
Welcome to The Shellhouse – Topside Retreat | 2BR Tropical Hideaway with Pool & Wrap Around Porch Paradise.
Escape to paradise in this gorgeous 2-bedroom, 1-bath wood home, perched on the second floor of a one-of-a-kind tropical oasis. Nicknamed “The Shellhouse” for the sea of shells embedded in its lower walls, this peaceful hideaway is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Port Salerno, Stuart, Florida—just minutes from the water.
The Space – Topside Unit (Upstairs Only)
Designed with intention and natural beauty in mind, this elevated retreat brings the outside in, with warm wood finishes, butcher block countertops, handmade coconut shell backsplash, and seagrass barstools that reflect the surrounding tropical landscape.
• 2 bedrooms: One king bed + one split king + a queen air bed.
• 1 full bathroom: Conveniently located in the hallway between the bedrooms
• Fully stocked kitchen with gas stove, custom tropical design details, and coastal flair
• Wraparound screened porch with lounge seating, outdoor dining, and sweeping garden and pool views
• Dining table for 4, plus 4 bar stools at a beautiful counter bar
• Smart TVs in the living room and both bedrooms
• Washer & dryer
• Desk + games for working or unwinding
• Beach towels, sun loungers, gas BBQ, firepit, and Adirondack chairs for outdoor enjoyment
• Two kayaks & bicycles to explore scenic Port Salerno (you will need a vehicle that can transport the kayaks, none of the access points are in walking distance)
• Private screened pool
• Boat ramp access at nearby Sandsprit Park + boat trailer parking on-site or plenty of public access nearby.
A Home with History and Heart
The shell-covered base of the home tells a beautiful story. During its construction, neighbors, friends, and family were invited to gather as the stucco was applied to the lower level. As the masonry went on, each person pressed beach-gathered seashells into the wet stucco—creating a shared memory and a lasting tribute to community spirit.
The lush tropical garden is filled with over 30 towering coconut palms, originally sprouted from coconuts collected along the nearby shoreline. At one point, over 250 young palms sprouted around the property. While most had to be thinned, their legacy lives on in the thriving canopy and natural privacy they now provide.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a two-unit property. The downstairs is occupied by a respectful long-term tenant with a separate driveway. The Topside unit & all amenities are soley yours during your stay.
Please note:
We cherish our tranquil neighborhood and friendly neighbors— please keep in mind that while they get to live in paradise, they also work here year-round. Please:
• No parties or events
• No loud music after 9 PM
• Respect our community & peaceful setting
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Live Like a Local – Explore Stuart
Crowned “America’s Happiest Seaside Town,” Stuart is a hidden gem on Florida’s Southeast Coast. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating, and beach days, or stroll through the award-winning historic downtown with boutique shopping, art galleries, local cafes, and waterfront restaurants.
Conveniently located to launch your boat or water toys from nearby marinas or join a guided fishing charter to reel in the catch of the day. Whether it's the prized snook, redfish, snapper, snook or tarpon, we are known as "the Sailfish Capital of the World" for great reasons! We’re minutes from Jet Ride Boat club & Freedom Boat Club.
BEACHES: Relax in the sun or splash in the surf!
Stuart Beach
• Distance: ~7 miles (~15 minutes by car)
• Location: 889 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL
• Lifeguard services
• Volleyball & basketball courts
• Enjoy fresh bites from Seaside Café
• Watch a stunning Atlantic Ocean sunrise
• Picnic areas with grills
• Restrooms & showers
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2. Bathtub Beach
• Distance: ~9 miles (~20 minutes by car)
• Location: 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL
• Lifeguards, Restrooms & showers
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3. Jensen Beach Park
• Distance: ~10 miles (~20 minutes by car)
• Lifeguards, pavilions, Restrooms & showers
Hobe Sound Beach ( one of the best-kept secrets on the Treasure Coast —especially if you’re looking for fewer crowds and natural beauty.)
• Distance: ~9 miles (15–18 minutes by car)
Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
• Less crowded than Stuart or Jensen Beach
• Free parking
• Known for its natural, quieter vibe and beautiful dune landscape.
• Very clean and family-friendly.
• Access to Blowing Rocks Preserve and nearby nature trails.
Top Parks with Grills, Water Access & Boating
1. Shepard Park
2. Sandsprit Park
3. Phipps Park
Public Boat Ramps Nearby
• Broward Street Boat Ramp: Located on SE Dixie Hwy, suitable for small boats and offers quick access to the St. Lucie River.
• Stuart Causeway Boat Ramp: Features multiple launching lanes, courtesy docks, and is close to the Atlantic Ocean via the Indian River.
• Leighton Park Boat Ramp: Situated in Palm City, offers multiple launching lanes, courtesy docks, and picnic areas.
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Must-See Attractions in Stuart
1. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
2. Downtown Stuart & Riverwalk
3. Sailfish Splash Waterpark
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HOUSE RULES Your aware that there are steps up to the apartment & there is a tenant downstairs who will not use any of the amenities.
This is a wood home. NO CANDLES. NO SMOKING: This is a non-smoking property, inside & out.
ALL GUESTS MUST BE ON RESERVATION- see below
Our outside property has HOME SECURITY CAMERAS that record at entrance. If it is moved or blocked by guests your booking will be canceled without refund. There are no cameras inside the house.
CHILDREN:
The house is not childproof AT ALL - please see photos and ask any questions prior to booking. By booking with us caregiver accepts 100% liability for safety.
NOISE:
Please be respectful that while those around you do get to live in paradise, they have to work here too ;-)
This is a perfect location for a family vacation, not parties. If neighbors complain of loud or rowdy gatherings your booking with be canceled without refund.
CLEANING - see below
BUGS
You’re on the water so mosquitos will be present. The city sprays, we have pest control maintenance like most FL residents but bug spray will still be needed in FL. Keep the door & windows shut at ALL times (EVEN for a minute while loading things in or out) & food in containers. Close up the house as they will quickly come in. We will provide no refund or adjustments for any bugs. Feel free to open windows w/ screens in them if you prefer fresh air instead of AC but never open windows w/out screens. Landscape or property maintenance providers may show up on your visit and should be expected without notice. Pest control comes monthly & will need inside the house. We use a non-harmful to humans service.
DOGS - no cats or birds
The fee listed covers ONE dog for up to ONE week. More than that will be billed separately.
**** NOT ALLOWED IN POOL ****
Pet fee covers ONE dog for up to 7 nights- up to two small, non-excessive shedding, outdoor potty trained dogs are welcome w/ RESPONSIBLE owners who pick up after them. Do not let them use the pool patio or back yard as a potty, please leash up & go outside the fence. If you leave the dog unattended & any damage is done you agree to allow VRBO to charge your card for replacement/repair & labor time for damage done in addition to security deposit as well as any loss in bookings. (I’ve had a dog literally scratch & chew through a door when the owner left.) They are NOT permitted on furniture - $200 per piece that has to be “de-shedded by cleaners.” Please bring extra blankets if you can’t keep them off furniture. When bringing a service animal the same rules apply & they can never be left at the house alone.
Checkout is at 10am. Staying beyond this effects work schedules for turnovers & preparation time for next guests. Without prior approval for a late checkout, guests leaving 20 minutes to 2 hours late will pay the base rate for an additional day without keeping possession of the rental. Beyond 2 hours late 2 days will be due.
By booking with us you agree to these terms & agree that your booking cost will not be refunded by VRBO should any of these rules be broken & your stay is canceled.
Most of this is common sense but there is a reason we have to write these things here... I aim to give guests a clear description of what to expect so the only surprises you have are good ones! I am available if you have questions & usually just a text or minutes drive away if you need anything.
Use the number for Dee :-)
Please ask any questions you have or send a message that we are "ALL SET" to confirm you've read & agree to the house rules & would like to book with us. Please also confirm that you're not traveling with an animal, the number of guests, that all guests are non-smokers and that you understand this is on the second floor & pool & outside amenities are private, for your use only.
LOCALS:
Staycations are the best when we live in paradise! If you are local please state the purpose for your booking & confirm no extra guests will be 'stopping by.'
LONGER TERM STAYS:
We welcome longer stays with extra considerations. Must pay for cleaning service every two weeks.
We’re looking forward to hosting you and providing a great place to stay in our little slice of paradise!
