Vacation Home Rentals By Owner In Merritt Island, FL

Exceptional(39)

$1031.82

/ Nightly

Private Vacation Home

Heated Pool, Sleeps 21, 2 Kitchens, Custom Firepit, Outdoor Oasis, Near Beach

Merritt Island, Florida, United States

A Hidden Gem on Merritt Island: A Prohibition-Era Hideout Reborn - Message us for the 3D Tour!brbrSo you’re on the hunt for a vacation for your group that’s more than just a place to crash. You want a getaway with a story, a soul—something that’ll make everybody`s jaw drop and give you memories to talk about for years. You’re tired of the same old hotels and predictable rentals. You need a spot that’s equal parts adventure, relaxation, and history. But where do you find a place like that brbrA Property with a Legendary PastbrbrCue your discovery of this incredible 8-bedroom estate on Merritt Island, Florida—a home that started as a raging dumpster fire when I snapped it up in 2020. Everyone told me to walk away or bulldoze it flat. It was a wreck, barely standing, a shadow of its former self. But during some light demo to see if it was worth saving, we hit the jackpot: old shoes, rum bottles, tobacco tins, and rusted pocketknives stashed inside the walls. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a house—it was a treasure trove of cool old antiques that nobody had seen for over 100 years. I had heard of homes in the area being used by bootleggers of the Prohibition era for rum-runners hauling illegal liquor up the coast. I am no archaeologist, so I didn`t know one way or another, but I did know we couldn’t tear it down. The legend was too cool, and inspired me to do some background research on the home. brbrBuilt in the 1920s and expanded over the decades into the sprawling estate you see today, this place has history baked into its bones. Back during Prohibition (1920-1933), when the U.S. banned alcohol, Florida became a smuggling hotspot. Merritt Island, tucked along the Indian River with its secluded shores and easy access to the Bahamas and Cuba, was prime real estate for rum-runners. These guys—like the legendary Bill McCoy, who smuggled top-shelf liquor up the East Coast—dodged the Feds in speedy boats, stashing their hauls in hidden spots like this one. The rum bottles we found Likely remnants of McCoy’s stock or something just as illicit. And those shoes Smugglers sometimes hollowed them out to hide small batches of booze. The tobacco tins and knives Personal effects of the rough-and-tumble crew who crashed here to unwind before the grueling trip north to cities like Jacksonville or Savannah for points northward.brbrA Luxurious Retreat with a Storied PastbrbrFast forward to today: we’ve transformed this bootlegger’s lair into a luxurious family retreat that honors its wild past while delivering modern comfort. Here’s what’s waiting for you:brbrA heated pool kept at a perfect 85°F year-round, shaded by ancient trees—ideal for a refreshing dip. Two fully-equipped kitchens, making it easy to cook up meals that bring everyone together.brAn outdoor living paradise with a fireplace, TV, and pergolas draped in sheer curtains that sway in the breeze. Plus, an outdoor kitchen and a custom firepit for unforgettable evenings.brA hidden hammock hut for quiet moments with a book or a nap.brEight bedrooms and five full bathrooms, including a first-floor master with private entry and a separate apartment above the garage, ensuring everyone has their own space.brPrime location on Merritt Island, just minutes from Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center, with front-row views of rocket launches and stunning sunsets over the Indian River.brbrStep Into the LegendbrbrThis isn’t just a rental—it’s a time machine, a hideaway, and a family bonding spot all in one. Book your stay and dive into a getaway where you’re not just a guest, but part of a century-old story. Whether you’re chasing history, craving relaxation, or eager to witness a rocket blast off, this retreat delivers it all. Pack your bags, leave the ordinary behind, and come live the legend.brbrMemories Forged in HistorybrbrOnce you arrive, the magic takes over. Days blur into poolside lounging, the rustle of leaves and the tang of saltwater filling the air. Nights come alive around the firepit, where firelight and fairy lights set the scene for marshmallow roasts and tales of rum-runners. You’ll sink into the outdoor living room, the fireplace crackling as sheer curtains sway like whispers from the past. Or you’ll escape to the hammock hut, letting the world fade away. Every creak of the floorboards feels like a nod to the bootleggers who once called this place home. By the time you leave, you’ll carry more than a vacation—you’ll have a piece of history and a story that’s now yours.brRental Agreement: Must sign electronic guest agreement (guest agreement reflects the same `house rules` & agreements provided below). Failure to sign will result in cancellation with applicable cancellation penalties.brbr1. Parties or Events are not allowed. Quiet Hours are from 10P-9A 7 days a week; sound level monitored by NoiseAware Automation to ensure you and the neighbors enjoy a safe, peaceful environment. PLEASE understand that this is a quiet neighborhood with very involved neighbors, and even outside quiet hours if they can hear loud music, shouting, etc across their property line, they will complain resulting in a breach of house rules and a potential cancellation of your reservation. br2. For insurance reasons, please ensure that only registered guests are invited to the property. Any undeclared guests on the property will be incur a $40 per person fee.br3. Please no smoking of anything inside the home. If there is smoking inside the home a $200 additional cleaning fee will be charged.br4. Please remove your shoes upon entering the house.br5. Accidents happen - but willful damages/destruction exceeding the coverage amount will be billed to the guest and unfortunately reported to the booking company. Upon issuing any complaints about any aspect of the property, the Guest authorizes the Host or his designee to enter the property in order to provide a resolution. br6. Must be at least 25 years old to book - Exceptions considered, please inquire before booking.br7. We warmly welcome pets, but please note that prior approval is required along with payment of a pet deposit and nightly fee. For the comfort and health of future guests, it`s important that pets are crated when left alone and are not allowed in sleeping areas. If any evidence of pet hair or waste is found in living areas, the $500 pet deposit will be retained to cover the deep cleaning and de-allergen fees.br8. Because many of the house safety and environmental systems rely on being connected to the internet, please do not unplug or disable the internet routers/modems as this will cause damage to the home.br9. Because this home is booked virtually 100% of the time, any guests who have not left the home within 30 minutes of the 10am checkout without authorization will be billed for an additional full night rate to pay for extra cleaners to come and make the home to be spotless for the next guests.br10. Please under no circumstances bring any food/drink other than water into the sleeping areas - if our cleaning staff finds leftover food items and/or drinks in the sleeping areas a $200 pest control fee will be charged. br11. Guests agree to read, understand, and adhere to the Liability Waiver at the end of the house rules.br12. Fully executed rental agreement is required to book.brbrBecause your safety and privacy matter, the property features security cameras that monitor the grounds around the home and inside the garage- there are ABSOLUTELY NO cameras inside the living areas of the home.brbrA few days before your visit begins, I will send you additional details with check-in and access instructions. If you have any questions in the meantime, let me know :-)brbrThanks,brTim (dad), Liz (mom), Allie, Olivia, Kate and Heidi (kids)brbrRental AgreementbrThanks for choosing Altus Resorts. We look forward to welcoming you! Use this Agreement to complete your reservation, and then we will send your arrival instructions. brPARTIES. This Agreement is between Altus Resorts and its agents (“VRM”) and (`Guest`)brGENERAL TERMS. Terms include those in this agreement (“Agreement”); any online agreement or terms, confirmation; directions, instructions (check-in, checkout…), house rules, house signs, & similar documents; any condominium or homeowners’ association rules & applications, including required approvals; and any options, optional agreements, and waivers. Should any conflicts arise, the terms of this agreement control.brPROPERTY (“PROPERTY”). As described in online agreement.brPAYMENTS & CHARGES. Payment & charges are in accordance with any online agreement and terms below.brPayment Method. Major debit/credit cards, e-checks, and Stripe.brPayment Terms. 50% of total amount is due upon reservation to hold but not guarantee the reservation. The Balance is due 30 days prior to Rental Period. brLimited Damage Waiver Fee. $99. Limited Damage Waiver Program Fee. See details below. brTravel Insurance. Travel insurance is recommended for any concerns about cancellations, illness, or personal injury.brGuest authorizes VRM to charge card for any additional charges & penalties based on this agreement. brChargebacks & Refunds. Guest waives any right to dispute a credit/debit card charge or request a refund from the brplatform, and agrees to the use of the alternative grievance, litigation, and arbitration policies in this agreement. brFlorida Innkeepers Statute and Fraud Disclosure. If the property is unhabitable or VRM materially breaches or misrepresents the condition of the property, Guest can opt to vacate the property in exchange for a prorated refund but otherwise agrees to waive any right to compensation without vacating. However, if Guest remains then disputes a credit card charge, Guest is guilty of a felony. Violators will be prosecuted. brCancellations & Changes. Cancellations must be in writing.

Bed

Bath

Sleeps

Exceptional(5)

$668.78

/ Nightly

Private Vacation Home

Heated Pool, Sleeps 12, Near Beach, Parkside Oasis

Merritt Island, Florida, United States

Message us for the 3D Tour! brbrWelcome to The Parkhouse: A 1920s Tropical Retreat RebornbrbrImagine stepping into a slice of 1920s Florida, where the soft glow of Edison bulbs casts a warm front porch welcome at The Parkhouse, a plantation home lovingly restored to its former glory. The air carries the sweet scent of tropical blooms, and the gentle splash of a heated pool out back mingles with laughter. Just beyond lies the 40-acre Rotary Park Nature Center, once the heartbeat of a bustling pineapple plantation. This is Old Florida charm melding with modern comfort—a retreat crafted by our family for your unforgettable escape.brbrWe’re the Street family—Tim, Liz, and our four daughters, Allie, Olivia, Kate, and Heidi, joined by our trusty pup, Maggie. Our hearts beat for gathering, for weaving memories that linger, and it’s this love that drove us to transform The Parkhouse into a haven for guests like you. Every corner of this home reflects our dedication, making your stay as cherished as our own family moments.brbrBack in the 1920s, as Merritt Island thrived amid sprawling pineapple plantations and Florida pulsed with the rhythms of the Jazz Age, The Parkhouse emerged as a practical symbol of its time. Strategically built along South Tropical Trail—the island’s only north-south road and a lifeline for shuttling fruit to the commercial docks at Hacienda Del Sol on the Indian River—it reflected the ingenuity of its visionary builder. Beyond crafting a home, he laid the foundation for a lasting legacy: the land he owned would one day become Rotary Park. For years, his horse-drawn buggies hauled golden pineapples to the river’s edge, and in the 1970s, he cemented his impact by donating 40 acres to the Brevard County School District, creating a cherished space for generations of children. So deeply woven into Merritt Island’s identity was The Parkhouse that it remained untaxed until the ‘70s, a quiet tribute to its enduring significance.brbrBut that was then. Fast forward a century to 2023, and we found her—a grand dame fallen on hard times. Formerly breathtaking in the 1920s, The Parkhouse was sinking, rotting, a neglected shell of her past. But where others saw ruin, we saw a story begging to be revived. We took on the mission to bring her back, despite the pitying glances from neighbors and the headshakes of contractors. Every wall we pried open unleashed budget-crushing surprises, and with four girls and Maggie in tow, I wrestled with doubt—was risking our future worth it to save this piece of history Yet the spirit of the 1920s—the whisper of pineapple breezes, the faint hum of speakeasy jazz, the echo of that original owner’s dreams—held us captive. We couldn’t let this gem be lost to the bulldozers that have claimed so much of Florida’s heritage.brbrSo, with grit and heart, we dove into a two-year restoration odyssey. The result A triumph we’re beyond thrilled to share. The Parkhouse lives again, and we’ve opened its doors to you, infusing it with touches to make you feel instantly at home. With a humble nod toward the past, Edison bulbs greet your entry, a screened porch catches the cool island air, and a fenced yard invites kids and pets to play free. We’ve woven in modern comforts—smart TVs, blazing fast WiFi, that sparkling heated pool—while guarding the home’s timeless soul. Steps away, Rotary Park Nature Center buzzes with guided walks, hands-on exhibits, and events showcasing Merritt Island’s wild beauty (peek at brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/ParksCalendar for the latest). Our promise To make your stay as magical as the memories we’ve built here.brbrToday, The Parkhouse at 1790 South Tropical Trail stands as your tropical sanctuary, ideal for families, teams, and friend groups. Dive into the heated pool, roam Rotary Park’s trails, or unwind with firepit s’mores and porch-swing tales—whatever your getaway vision, we’re here to bring it to life.brbrBefore we move forward, I just wanted to point out that the SEARCH option for this digital guide is at the bottom. Consider it your fast pass to answers - or you can get there by tapping here.brRental Agreement: Must sign electronic guest agreement (guest agreement reflects the same `house rules` & agreements provided below). Failure to sign will result in cancellation with applicable cancellation penalties.brbr1. Parties or Events are not allowed. Quiet Hours are from 10P-9A 7 days a week; sound level monitored by NoiseAware Automation to ensure you and the neighbors enjoy a safe, peaceful environment. PLEASE understand that this is a quiet neighborhood with very involved neighbors, and even outside quiet hours if they can hear loud music, shouting, etc across their property line, they will complain resulting in a breach of house rules and a potential cancellation of your reservation. br2. For insurance reasons, please ensure that only registered guests are invited to the property. Any undeclared guests on the property will be incur a $40 per person fee.br3. Please no smoking of anything inside the home. If there is smoking inside the home a $200 additional cleaning fee will be charged.br4. Please remove your shoes upon entering the house.br5. Accidents happen - but willful damages/destruction exceeding the coverage amount will be billed to the guest and unfortunately reported to the booking company. Upon issuing any complaints about any aspect of the property, the Guest authorizes the Host or his designee to enter the property in order to provide a resolution. br6. Must be at least 25 years old to book - Exceptions considered, please inquire before booking.br7. We warmly welcome pets, but please note that prior approval is required along with payment of a pet deposit and nightly fee. For the comfort and health of future guests, it`s important that pets are crated when left alone and are not allowed in sleeping areas. If any evidence of pet hair or waste is found in living areas, the $500 pet deposit will be retained to cover the deep cleaning and de-allergen fees.br8. Because many of the house safety and environmental systems rely on being connected to the internet, please do not unplug or disable the internet routers/modems as this will cause damage to the home.br9. Because this home is booked virtually 100% of the time, any guests who have not left the home within 30 minutes of the 10am checkout without authorization will be billed for an additional full night rate to pay for extra cleaners to come and make the home to be spotless for the next guests.br10. Please under no circumstances bring any food/drink other than water into the sleeping areas - if our cleaning staff finds leftover food items and/or drinks in the sleeping areas a $200 pest control fee will be charged. br11. Guests agree to read, understand, and adhere to the Liability Waiver at the end of the house rules.br12. Fully executed rental agreement is required to book.brbrBecause your safety and privacy matter, the property features security cameras that monitor the grounds around the home and inside the garage- there are ABSOLUTELY NO cameras inside the living areas of the home.brbrA few days before your visit begins, I will send you additional details with check-in and access instructions. If you have any questions in the meantime, let me know :-)brbrThanks,brTim (dad), Liz (mom), Allie, Olivia, Kate and Heidi (kids)brbrRental AgreementbrThanks for choosing Altus Resorts. We look forward to welcoming you! Use this Agreement to complete your reservation, and then we will send your arrival instructions. brPARTIES. This Agreement is between Altus Resorts and its agents (“VRM”) and (`Guest`)brGENERAL TERMS. Terms include those in this agreement (“Agreement”); any online agreement or terms, confirmation; directions, instructions (check-in, checkout…), house rules, house signs, & similar documents; any condominium or homeowners’ association rules & applications, including required approvals; and any options, optional agreements, and waivers. Should any conflicts arise, the terms of this agreement control.brPROPERTY (“PROPERTY”). As described in online agreement.brPAYMENTS & CHARGES. Payment & charges are in accordance with any online agreement and terms below.brPayment Method. Major debit/credit cards, e-checks, and Stripe.brPayment Terms. 50% of total amount is due upon reservation to hold but not guarantee the reservation. The Balance is due 30 days prior to Rental Period. brLimited Damage Waiver Fee. $99. Limited Damage Waiver Program Fee. See details below. brTravel Insurance. Travel insurance is recommended for any concerns about cancellations, illness, or personal injury.brGuest authorizes VRM to charge card for any additional charges & penalties based on this agreement. brChargebacks & Refunds. Guest waives any right to dispute a credit/debit card charge or request a refund from the brplatform, and agrees to the use of the alternative grievance, litigation, and arbitration policies in this agreement. brFlorida Innkeepers Statute and Fraud Disclosure. If the property is unhabitable or VRM materially breaches or misrepresents the condition of the property, Guest can opt to vacate the property in exchange for a prorated refund but otherwise agrees to waive any right to compensation without vacating. However, if Guest remains then disputes a credit card charge, Guest is guilty of a felony. Violators will be prosecuted. brCancellations & Changes. Cancellations must be in writing. A fee equal to all payments received applies to cancellations, missed or late payments, failing to complete the reservation process, & not occupying the Property, unless cancelled 60 days prior to scheduled check-in date, when a 10% cancellation fee applies. Changes, when available, are subject to a $250 fee, plus any rate & fee increases. Reservations are cancelled without refund if Guest provides false information when reserving or fails to provide a matching ID and credit card.

Bed

Bath

Sleeps