Unique Treehouse-ish~Private Pool/Kayak/Bike/Grill

Escape to The Shellhouse – Topside, a unique breezy 2BR wood home 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!

The space
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 ready for your streaming apps
• Washer & dryer
• Desk + games for working or unwinding
• Beach towels, sun loungers, gas BBQ, firepit, and Adirondack chairs for outdoor enjoyment
• Two kayaks and 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
• Private Boat ramp access at nearby Cove Road Park (we will need to be with you for access) + 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 and 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 and peaceful setting

Book your stay at The Shellhouse – Topside and discover why Stuart is Florida’s best-kept secret!

⸻
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
• Highlights:
• Lifeguard services
• Volleyball and basketball courts
• Enjoy fresh bites from Seaside Café
• Watch a stunning Atlantic Ocean sunrise
• Picnic areas with grills
• Restrooms and showers
• Description: A family-friendly beach known for its wide sandy shores, clear waters, and ample amenities.   
⸻

2. Bathtub Beach (May not be opened)
• Distance: ~9 miles (~20 minutes by car)
• Location: 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart
• Lifeguard services
• Calm, shallow waters ideal for families
• Restrooms/showers
• Description: Known for its natural reef that creates a “bathtub-like” lagoon, making it perfect for snorkeling & safe swimming. 
⸻

3. Jensen Beach Park
• Distance: ~10 miles (~20 minutes by car)
• Location: 4191 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach
• Lifeguard services
• Picnic pavilions
• Restrooms and showers
• Description: A popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a spacious beach area with facilities suitable for a full day at the beach. 
⸻
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 (about 15–18 minutes by car) from 5695 SE Matousek St, Stuart, FL
• Location: 1 South Beach Rd, Hobe Sound
• Lifeguards on duty (seasonally)
• Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
• Less crowded than Stuart or Jensen Beach
• Free parking
• Why It’s Great:
• Known for its natural, quieter vibe & beautiful dune landscape.
• Very clean & family-friendly.
• Access to Blowing Rocks Preserve & nearby nature trails.

Top Parks with Grills, Water Access & Boating

1. Shepard Park
• Distance: ~7 miles (~15 minutes)
• Features: Boat ramp, fishing dock, playground, BBQ grills, picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, and a scenic boardwalk along the St. Lucie River.
• Highlights: Ideal for picnics, fishing, and launching small boats or kayaks.  

2. Sandsprit Park
• Distance: ~6 miles (~12 minutes)
• Features: Multiple boat ramps, fishing pier, pavilions with grills, playground, restrooms, and a waterfront boardwalk.
• Highlights: Provides easy access to the St. Lucie Inlet and is perfect for boating and fishing enthusiasts.   

3. Phipps Park
• Distance: ~5 miles (~10 minutes)
• Features: Boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic pavilions with grills, restrooms, and camping facilities.
• Highlights: Situated along the St. Lucie Canal, it’s great for fishing, boating, and overnight camping. 
⸻

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. 
⸻

Must-See Attractions in Stuart

1. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
• Distance: ~9 miles (~18 minutes)
• Features: 60-acre marine life nature center with touch tanks, stingray feeding, and educational exhibits.
• Highlights: Great for families and those interested in marine conservation.   

2. Downtown Stuart & Riverwalk
• Distance: ~7 miles (~15 minutes)
• Features: Charming downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a scenic riverwalk along the St. Lucie River.
• Highlights: Perfect for leisurely strolls, dining, and enjoying local events.  

3. Sailfish Splash Waterpark
• Distance: ~5 miles (~10 minutes)
• Features: Water slides, lazy river, splash playground, and lap pools.
• Highlights: Family-friendly waterpark offering fun for all ages. 
⸻

Nearby State Parks & Natural Areas

1. Jonathan Dickinson State Park
• Distance: ~14 miles (~20 minutes)
• Features: Hiking and biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
• Highlights: Offers a glimpse into Florida’s diverse ecosystems and is great for outdoor enthusiasts. 

2. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
• Distance: Accessible only by boat
• Features: Pristine beaches, snorkeling, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• Highlights: A secluded spot perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility. 

Guest access
Entire upper level of the home, “Top Side” private wrap around porch, bbq, laundry, two kayaks, bikes, fire-pit, patio & pool areas are private for the Top Side rental. The lower level tenant will not use any of these & has a private separate driveway on the side of the house.

Other things to note
When requesting to book, please include SIX things in your message:
1. The “confirmation words” found in the house rules
2. Whether you’re bringing an animal
3. The total number of guests
4. That all guests are non-smokers
5. That you accept 100% liability for all guests safety
6. That your aware this is up a flight of stairs, on the second floor with a tenant on the lower level who has a separate entry & driveway. The pool, patios & firepit are exclusive for your use only.

These details are required for each reservation.

Use of the kayaks will require that you have a vehicle that can transport them. There are a lot of public access spots nearby, but none of them are in walking distance.