River Lookout - A Unique Vacation Rental THIS IS THE PARADISE VACATION HOME YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR! If you are looking for a peaceful, "getaway from it all" vacation or a vacation where you stay in a secluded area, but are just minutes away from awesome dining, great shopping, casinos, golf courses, Gulf of Mexico Beaches, and entertainment, this is the place for you and your group. Close to the fun, yet feeling like you've gotten away from it all. HOUSE NAME:  "The River Lookout" Is an amazing Mini-Resort, offering: OPTIONAL HOT TUB: This amenity can be added to your stay for $125 For this $125, the Hot Tub will be drained, cleaned, rinsed, drained again, filled, heated & treated. This rate is based on 7 or less nights. Guests must use care during their stay, entering clean, feet rinsed, oil free, not spilling drinks, or other items into the Hot Tub. During your stay, The water quality is entirely up to you & your group. Time released spa tablets will treat the Hot Tub during your stay - but how clear & clean that water stays, is up to our guests. BILLIARDS TABLE Currently the Pool Table is located on the covered upper deck. It's March 2023, we expect by Summer 2023, to have a game room. RIVER LOOKOUT IS BUILT ON A HILL, This Hill offers some really cool, unique amenities/features. While all the neighboring, river front houses are 14 - 20 feet above the ground, the River Lookout is only 8 feet above the ground and built on an enclosed cinder block foundation, which we use as an above ground basement/storage area. The River Lookout's stairs are equal to what you would expect to ascend or descend in a house with a 2nd story and 8 foot ceilings. It's Spring 2023 and we've already started the process of converting part of the enclosed cinder block foundation into a game room for our guests. It's a project we only work in-between bookings, but we have high hopes to complete it before summer's end, 2023. When it's complete, photos will be posted. PRIVATE IN-GROUND FIBERGLASS SWIMMING: It's 28 feet long x 14 feet wide and 6 feet at the deep end, surrounded by a chain link fence.... and its PRIVATE for the sole use of those people booked to stay at the River Lookout. The swimming pool is generally available from mid March to mid October. Inquire if you'd like to use it prior to or after these dates. As of Spring 2023, the pool is not yet heated, but we are seriously considering getting a heat pump heater for the swimming pool, by October 2023 and offering to heat the pool for $75/day, with a 4 night minimum.  Although I have seen some vacation rentals charge as much a $200 a day, I believe my cost to operate it will lower. OFF STREET PARKING: We plan for 1 vehicle per 3 - 4 people booked.   A group of 8 having between 2 - 3 vehicles, a group of 12, having between 3 - 4 vehicles and a group of 16, having between 4 - 6 vehicles. Park available next to the house (South side) and closer to the street (North side/East of the property). No parking within 30 feet of the East Side (street side) of the house, as there is underground plumbing in this area; and please don't block the above ground basement garage overhead door. RIVER BEACH (at low tide) / SANDBAR (at high tide): This is very rare, I think maybe 2 other houses (and to be honest I can only think of one) on the Biloxi River have a beach/sandbar right in their backyard. We've got a set of stairs, making it easy to get from the Pavilion / Ground level to the water's edge. Most of our guests will enjoy the man made water features (Swimming Pool and / or Optional Hot Tub), but some are like us "River Folk" and will enjoy sitting in the river on the sandbar, sipping on a cold drink, visiting with their friends, maybe on a floatation device, while perhaps their toddlers enjoy playing in the sand.  A private river beach area without the risk of jellyfish stings on the Gulf of Mexico beaches.... watching an occasional boat pass by. PRIVATE RIVER PAVILION: Right at the river's edge is a covered pavilion on a concrete platform, with seating tables so you can enjoy hanging out by the river and even having a bite to eat while there. CONCRETE PATH: The property is long... and to make getting from the house on the hill to the Biloxi River, we've added stairs to get you and your family off the hill and a concrete sideway to take you right to the pavilion at the river's edge. FIRE PIT: On that concrete path, right before you get to the pavilion, is a huge steel fire pit. Now for, in 2023, $2 a 1/4 cut log, $10 minimum, we'll have firewood waiting for you under the house's covered deck, so it doesn't get wet before you use it... you will have to get it to the fire pit... Its also OK for you to bring in your own firewood. 2+ CHARCOAL GRILLS: There are 2 main charcoal Grills on the property. Near the swimming pool, cut into a large stainless steel table, sits a Weber Charcoal Grill, lots of room to spread out and cook with that Stainless Steel table surrounding the grill (that's near to the house in the pool area). Across the pool, is a steel welded charcoal grill, if you need additional grilling area. In addition to these 2 Grills, The huge fire pit also offers an area to grill and under the pavilion, years and years ago, a friend made a grill for us out of one of those 18 Wheeler tire rims. The big things to remember when grillin': 1.   Only use charcoal (don't be putting firewood, twigs, etc. into the grills) yeah, that's happened (more than once) before. 2. If you use a grill, clean the grill. Cleaning the grills is not included in the cleaning fee. FISHING ON THE BILOXI RIVER... I hear it's GREAT! Once booked (Air won't let me post it here) I can send a link to a great video showing a bass caught within moments of a cast on the Biloxi River... or you can go to that popular video site where everyone posts videos and search:  "Fishing on the Biloxi River, in Gulfport, MS''   WANT TO BRING YOUR BOAT? We can tell you the ins and outs of the river, where to launch, where to grab a cold one, a meal on the water, where the locals hang out, and more. From the River Lookout, by boat, you can go all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. HOW FAR TO THE GULF OF MEXICO BEACHES? The Gulf of Mexico beaches are almost straight south, less than 8 miles away, on a 4 lane (2 headed north/2 headed south) lightly traveled road, with few lights. Except for a few minutes, around 5 PM when Gulfport experiences some rush hour, you will most likely be slowed down by the few traffic lights instead of other vehicles. I know if you are asking, this is an important factor to you and I want to point out that staying at a vacation house near the beach will still involve a walk across busy Highway 90; where if you drive, there is plenty of easy parking south of 90, so when you exit your car, you are right on the beach. By driving, you can also choose to park where it is best suited for you and your group, either close to public showers and restrooms, or perhaps near food, or even in a more secluded area. NO TRAIN TRACKS HERE! As you consider where to stay, you may be tempted to get a vacation home close to the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Something most travelers don't realize, is that the train tracks run parallel to the Gulf of Mexico beaches and for most of Southern Mississippi they run only 2 or 3 blocks from the beaches, the main tourist centers and 90% of all Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and Biloxi's vacation homes can be found within easy earshot of these train tracks. The Train Tracks were here 1st and the towns just grew up around them.... and those trains can run as often as every hour, blowing their whistles almost nonstop as they go.   For returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast travelers, those trains are often cited as the reason why they are not choosing to return to their last vacation rental. Travelers love the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it has so much to offer! Despite Airbnb's best efforts to find out everything to help their travelers pick the best destination, as a host, I've never seen a question asking about noise levels from traffic, trains, a local bar, etc. At my 2 river front vacation rentals, my guests can expect to hear the sounds of nature.     COVERED AREAS: Above I've mentioned the riverside Pavilion, but in addition there are 2 more covered areas: COVERED PORCH RIGHT OFF HOUSE: The River Lookout's roof extends out 18 feet offering an approximately 18' x 60' covered area right off the house. We've built a huge deck under this roof. Now the laundry room and 1 of the bathrooms does cuts into this area, so it's not a true 1000 square foot plus area... but it's still pretty large, offering lighting, fans, tables and seating.... and it's right off the kitchen making it a perfect place take that 1st cup of coffee off the deck, with great views of the Biloxi River, Pavilion, and swimming pool area. COVERED AREA UNDER THE HOUSE: The covered porch described above is above another huge area, approximately a 1000 square feet. We've got some seating set up here and the Optional Hot Tub is located in this area. ABOVE DESCRIBES THE OUTDOOR FEATURES You will be hard pressed to find another vacation rental in Gulfport that offers so much (unless you're looking at one of my other properties - I have 3 Vacation Rentals). Inside you'll find: FLOOR PLAN: I wish I could show you the house's floor plan and artist depiction of the grounds; but alas, Air doesn't allow that, so I'll do my best to describe the Bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping arrangements. The Airbnb form they have hosts fill out doesn't quite give all the details Traveler may want. 1st BEDROOM ~ THE MASTER BEDROOM: 1 King Bed 2 Folding Beds (located in its closets, that can be moved to whichever room works best for our guests) (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, night stand, TV, bench, 2 wall closets, private bathroom - see details below) 2nd BEDROOM ~ 1 King Bed (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, 2 night stands, TV, bench, closet - we count 2 for sleeping in this room) 3rd BEDROOM ~ 1 Queen Bed (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, night stand, TV, bench, closet - we count 2 for sleeping in this room) 4th BEDROOM ~ 4 Full Beds Configured as 2 full over full bunk beds (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, 2 bench, closet, we count 2 people in each of the bottom bunk full beds and 1 person in each of the top full bunk beds, for a total of 6 people in this room ) SOFA SLEEPER (In Living Room) (Bedding for the sofa sleeper can be found in one of the Master bedrooms closets. This room has darkening curtains on the North side, the south side window opens up to the covered porch, helping to keep light at a minimum. The largest TV in the house is in this room.) CONTINUOUS HOT WATER to its 4 full bathrooms: You and your group will not run out of Hot Water during your stay. No having to wonder if you're the 5th person to shower 30 minutes if there will be hot water. There will be! Even if you're the 16th person to shower as quickly as 15 people can shower in 4 full bathrooms, before it's your turn! We've got you covered. MASTER BATHROOM: Large double sink vanity, large mirrored medicine cabinet, toilet, 4' shower and separate tub/shower. QUEEN BEDROOM BATH: This bathroom can also be shared with those in the 4th bedroom (the bunk bedroom), it has a 5 foot shower / tub, toilet, vanity and medicine cabinet. KING BEDROOM BATH: This bathroom can also be shared with those in the 4th bedroom (the bunk bedroom), it has a 5 foot shower, toilet, vanity and super convenient to the pool and Optional Hot Tub, it's also got an entrance to the outside deck, so need to through the entire house with wet feet, when you can go straight from outside to inside this bathroom. SOFA BED/KITCHEN BATH & LAUNDRY ROOM: This 4th bathroom is pulling double time... and perfect for those who may be sleeping on the sofa bed or in a folding bed, or a few from the bunk room. Its got a 5 foot standup shower, toilet, sink and 2 Washer Machines and 2 Dryers. LAUNDRY ROOM: It is worth mentioning the 2 Washer & Dryers on the property are there for the Cleaning Crew to use and prepare the house between stays. When the crew finishes with their duties, they wash their soiled cleaning rags, then toss them in the dryer... then leave. Guests can use these appliances during their stay, but are not to wash our bedding, towels, linens, etc. With their personal items. Other things to note Direct TV with premium channels is on the main TV; Antenna TV's in the rest of the house. RATES: Listing sites rate structures don't always work well for unique or large vacation rental properties, like this one. Because of that, I want to clarify what rates are based on.   MARCH - OCTOBER RATES ARE GENERALLY BASED ON: ~ The stay starting or ending on a Sunday* ~ No check-in or out on a Friday or Saturday* ~ When the stay takes place over a weekend, 4 or more nights are booked* ~ Weekday stays are 3 or more nights* ~ People Count** ~ Any booking through Airbnb is a Lodging stay (not an Event stay)*** ~ Holidays such as July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Having a 4 night minimum ~ Cruisin The Coast (1st full week of October) Sunday - Sunday, 7 night minimum NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY RATES ARE GENERALLY BASED ON: ~ The stay starting or ending on a Sunday* ~ No check-in or out on a Friday or Saturday* ~ When the stay takes place over a weekend, 4 or more nights are booked* ~ Weekday stays are 3 or more nights* ~ People Count** ~ Any booking through Airbnb is a Lodging stay (not an Event stay)*** ~ Holidays such as Thanksgiving & New Years Having a 5 night minimum ~ Christmas having a 4 night minimum (no Christmas day check-outs)   * "WHY DOES AIRBNB ALLOW ME TO CHOOSE DATES OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE PERIMETERS?" 1). If we posted this listing, with the above restrictions, it would be seen by far less travelers. More often than you might imagine, when some travelers find the perfect lodging, they are either willing to pay more to secure it or change their dates to meet the Hosts criteria... However, if they never see the listing, they don't have that option. 2). To be Honest, any available dates can be booked, but not always at the posted rates (Subject to the terms listed above).... and there are exceptions... EXCEPTIONS: ~ As available dates approach, we want to get them booked and therefore will accept a shorter stay or a less desirable check-in / out day,  a few weeks in advance of those available dates. ~ 4 months and further out, the minimum required stay at these rates is a full week, Sunday to Sunday, 7 nights. ~ Holidays / Events have longer minimum stays for the posted rates.    4 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:      ~ July 4th, Christmas, Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends     5 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:       ~ Thanksgiving & New Year's Eve     7 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:       ~ Crusin' the Coast (1st full week in October MID AUGUST - MID MAY LOOKING FOR THE BEST RATES? When you look at the availability calendar, see a weekend is booked, with a few week days available before the next booked weekend. These stray weekdays will have the best rates... and those dates are generally marked down as soon as the 2nd weekend in the week books to get them booked.         ** PEOPLE COUNT: Posted Rates are based on people count.   *** LODGING STAY: Is defined as the specifically approved number of people booked to stay at the Vacation Rental. This count is specific, whether it is 8 overnighters and 4 visitors for a total count of 12 people (Airbnb rates would be based on 12 people) or 16 total overnighters with no outside visitors (rates based on 16 people), those 12 or 16 people are the only people allowed on the property during the entire tenancy.   Every Stay through Airbnb MUST be a LODGING STAY... before booking, put in your total people count. Airbnb bookings are restricted to no more than 16 individual people on the property during the rental. This is Airbnb's policy, as a host, I've agreed to their terms and enjoy a certain amount of protection through Airbnb as long as I abide by their policies and insist those booked with my property through Airbnb do the same. *** EVENT/STAY: Airbnb takes parties very seriously and does not allow their hosts nor their travelers to have a party booked through them.  I do book events, but not through Airbnb, NOT at these posted rates, and there is a per person fee, where I know what is planned, what time it's planned, how many vehicles will be on site, etc. often a noise permit is required, Gulfport has some strict noise ordinances, etc. Suffice to Say, under no circumstances, under the restrictions that Airbnb imposes with Host and Traveler direct contact, will we knowingly accept a booking through Airbnb for a Party... to be honest, there is no reason to. Almost every day books in the summer, almost every weekend books during the rest of the year. Unless there is a huge monetary gain, there is no reason for a vacation home owner to ever book an Event / Party. The possible risk to reward is completely out of balance. For my properties, with Airbnb limiting Travelers to 16 or less people, As long as every guest (overnighter or visitor) is declared and that count does not exceed 16 people, we count the stay as a Lodging stay. Will 16 or less people "Party?" Maybe, but as long as they don't disturb the neighbors, damage the house or its contents, and leave the property as directed upon departure, it's all good. FYI If you decide to book, you will be renting the entire house. There are 2 areas off limits to the guests.  1). the cinder block above ground basement and 2). one closet in the house.  The rental is confined to the property lines of this house's lot (approximately 250' (South) x 75' (East) x 300' (North) x 75' (West). Posted rates are based on 16 or less people (adults / children - visitors / overnighters), please give an accurate guest count, for an accurate quote. Rates are based on a smaller group size than the house can accommodate, to help keep it fully booked, with smaller size groups filling in the gap dates & paying a higher per person / per night booked cost and larger groups paying a little more but less per person / per night booked. NEED MORE ROOM? You're currently looking at my smallest house, The River Lookout, which came into service in 2012.  I also own another, even more spectacular vacation home, located on this very same street, called the Great Escape River House, it became a vacation rental in 2011.  It will sleep up to 27 people and is also listed on Airbnb.  Combined these 2 houses, within easy walking distance of each other will sleep a combined total of 43 people, 28 beds, with 8.25 bathrooms, 9 bedrooms & a huge sleeper loft.  Still need more options? HIDDEN ESCAPE: Is my 3rd vacation rental and it will be available to book by Memorial Day weekend 2023.  Hidden Escape is located in Gulfport, less than 5 miles from my other River Vacation rentals.  Hidden Escape is ½ acres, its on an absolutely lovely pond, ducks year round and a few Canadian geese in the fall/winter.   Hidden Escape has a huge inground swimming pool, 40 feet x 20 feet and a brand new Hot Tub.  It will sleep over 20 people in 5 bedrooms and is really pretty cool in that it offers 3 interior entertainment areas and 2 large covered areas for outside entertainment. My Name is Patricia Dalton, And I own The River Lookout (the property described above) and The Great Escape River House.  If you feel a phone conversation would help you decide to book, please call me.  My phone number is easy to get.  A quick search of "the Great Escape River House owner Patricia Dalton's phone number", should bring it on the 1st page every time. Thank you for considering a Stay! Patricia Dalton HOUSE NAME:  "The River Lookout" Is an amazing Mini-Resort, offering: OPTIONAL HOT TUB: This amenity can be added to your stay for $125 For this $125, the Hot Tub will be drained, cleaned, rinsed, drained again, filled, heated & treated. This rate is based on 7 or less nights. Guests must use care during their stay, entering clean, feet rinsed, oil free, not spilling drinks, or other items into the Hot Tub. During your stay, The water quality is entirely up to you & your group. Time released spa tablets will treat the Hot Tub during your stay - but how clear & clean that water stays, is up to our guests. BILLIARDS TABLE Currently the Pool Table is located on the covered upper deck. It's March 2023, we expect by Summer 2023, to have a game room. RIVER LOOKOUT IS BUILT ON A HILL, This Hill offers some really cool, unique amenities/features. While all the neighboring, river front houses are 14 - 20 feet above the ground, the River Lookout is only 8 feet above the ground and built on an enclosed cinder block foundation, which we use as an above ground basement/storage area. The River Lookout's stairs are equal to what you would expect to ascend or descend in a house with a 2nd story and 8 foot ceilings. It's Spring 2023 and we've already started the process of converting part of the enclosed cinder block foundation into a game room for our guests. It's a project we only work in-between bookings, but we have high hopes to complete it before summer's end, 2023. When it's complete, photos will be posted. PRIVATE IN-GROUND FIBERGLASS SWIMMING: It's 28 feet long x 14 feet wide and 6 feet at the deep end, surrounded by a chain link fence.... and its PRIVATE for the sole use of those people booked to stay at the River Lookout. The swimming pool is generally available from mid March to mid October. Inquire if you'd like to use it prior to or after these dates. As of Spring 2023, the pool is not yet heated, but we are seriously considering getting a heat pump heater for the swimming pool, by October 2023 and offering to heat the pool for $75/day, with a 4 night minimum.  Although I have seen some vacation rentals charge as much a $200 a day, I believe my cost to operate it will lower. OFF STREET PARKING: We plan for 1 vehicle per 3 - 4 people booked.   A group of 8 having between 2 - 3 vehicles, a group of 12, having between 3 - 4 vehicles and a group of 16, having between 4 - 6 vehicles. Park available next to the house (South side) and closer to the street (North side/East of the property). No parking within 30 feet of the East Side (street side) of the house, as there is underground plumbing in this area; and please don't block the above ground basement garage overhead door. RIVER BEACH (at low tide) / SANDBAR (at high tide): This is very rare, I think maybe 2 other houses (and to be honest I can only think of one) on the Biloxi River have a beach/sandbar right in their backyard. We've got a set of stairs, making it easy to get from the Pavilion / Ground level to the water's edge. Most of our guests will enjoy the man made water features (Swimming Pool and / or Optional Hot Tub), but some are like us "River Folk" and will enjoy sitting in the river on the sandbar, sipping on a cold drink, visiting with their friends, maybe on a floatation device, while perhaps their toddlers enjoy playing in the sand.  A private river beach area without the risk of jellyfish stings on the Gulf of Mexico beaches.... watching an occasional boat pass by. PRIVATE RIVER PAVILION: Right at the river's edge is a covered pavilion on a concrete platform, with seating tables so you can enjoy hanging out by the river and even having a bite to eat while there. CONCRETE PATH: The property is long... and to make getting from the house on the hill to the Biloxi River, we've added stairs to get you and your family off the hill and a concrete sideway to take you right to the pavilion at the river's edge. FIRE PIT: On that concrete path, right before you get to the pavilion, is a huge steel fire pit. Now for, in 2023, $2 a 1/4 cut log, $10 minimum, we'll have firewood waiting for you under the house's covered deck, so it doesn't get wet before you use it... you will have to get it to the fire pit... Its also OK for you to bring in your own firewood. 2+ CHARCOAL GRILLS: There are 2 main charcoal Grills on the property. Near the swimming pool, cut into a large stainless steel table, sits a Weber Charcoal Grill, lots of room to spread out and cook with that Stainless Steel table surrounding the grill (that's near to the house in the pool area). Across the pool, is a steel welded charcoal grill, if you need additional grilling area. In addition to these 2 Grills, The huge fire pit also offers an area to grill and under the pavilion, years and years ago, a friend made a grill for us out of one of those 18 Wheeler tire rims. The big things to remember when grillin': 1.   Only use charcoal (don't be putting firewood, twigs, etc. into the grills) yeah, that's happened (more than once) before. 2. If you use a grill, clean the grill. Cleaning the grills is not included in the cleaning fee. FISHING ON THE BILOXI RIVER... I hear it's GREAT! Once booked (Air won't let me post it here) I can send a link to a great video showing a bass caught within moments of a cast on the Biloxi River... or you can go to that popular video site where everyone posts videos and search:  "Fishing on the Biloxi River, in Gulfport, MS''   WANT TO BRING YOUR BOAT? We can tell you the ins and outs of the river, where to launch, where to grab a cold one, a meal on the water, where the locals hang out, and more. From the River Lookout, by boat, you can go all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. HOW FAR TO THE GULF OF MEXICO BEACHES? The Gulf of Mexico beaches are almost straight south, less than 8 miles away, on a 4 lane (2 headed north/2 headed south) lightly traveled road, with few lights. Except for a few minutes, around 5 PM when Gulfport experiences some rush hour, you will most likely be slowed down by the few traffic lights instead of other vehicles. I know if you are asking, this is an important factor to you and I want to point out that staying at a vacation house near the beach will still involve a walk across busy Highway 90; where if you drive, there is plenty of easy parking south of 90, so when you exit your car, you are right on the beach. By driving, you can also choose to park where it is best suited for you and your group, either close to public showers and restrooms, or perhaps near food, or even in a more secluded area. NO TRAIN TRACKS HERE! As you consider where to stay, you may be tempted to get a vacation home close to the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Something most travelers don't realize, is that the train tracks run parallel to the Gulf of Mexico beaches and for most of Southern Mississippi they run only 2 or 3 blocks from the beaches, the main tourist centers and 90% of all Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and Biloxi's vacation homes can be found within easy earshot of these train tracks. The Train Tracks were here 1st and the towns just grew up around them.... and those trains can run as often as every hour, blowing their whistles almost nonstop as they go.   For returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast travelers, those trains are often cited as the reason why they are not choosing to return to their last vacation rental. Travelers love the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it has so much to offer! Despite Airbnb's best efforts to find out everything to help their travelers pick the best destination, as a host, I've never seen a question asking about noise levels from traffic, trains, a local bar, etc. At my 2 river front vacation rentals, my guests can expect to hear the sounds of nature.     COVERED AREAS: Above I've mentioned the riverside Pavilion, but in addition there are 2 more covered areas: COVERED PORCH RIGHT OFF HOUSE: The River Lookout's roof extends out 18 feet offering an approximately 18' x 60' covered area right off the house. We've built a huge deck under this roof. Now the laundry room and 1 of the bathrooms does cuts into this area, so it's not a true 1000 square foot plus area... but it's still pretty large, offering lighting, fans, tables and seating.... and it's right off the kitchen making it a perfect place take that 1st cup of coffee off the deck, with great views of the Biloxi River, Pavilion, and swimming pool area. COVERED AREA UNDER THE HOUSE: The covered porch described above is above another huge area, approximately a 1000 square feet. We've got some seating set up here and the Optional Hot Tub is located in this area. ABOVE DESCRIBES THE OUTDOOR FEATURES You will be hard pressed to find another vacation rental in Gulfport that offers so much (unless you're looking at one of my other properties - I have 3 Vacation Rentals). Inside you'll find: FLOOR PLAN: I wish I could show you the house's floor plan and artist depiction of the grounds; but alas, Air doesn't allow that, so I'll do my best to describe the Bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping arrangements. The Airbnb form they have hosts fill out doesn't quite give all the details Traveler may want. 1st BEDROOM ~ THE MASTER BEDROOM: 1 King Bed 2 Folding Beds (located in its closets, that can be moved to whichever room works best for our guests) (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, night stand, TV, bench, 2 wall closets, private bathroom - see details below) 2nd BEDROOM ~ 1 King Bed (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, 2 night stands, TV, bench, closet - we count 2 for sleeping in this room) 3rd BEDROOM ~ 1 Queen Bed (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, night stand, TV, bench, closet - we count 2 for sleeping in this room) 4th BEDROOM ~ 4 Full Beds Configured as 2 full over full bunk beds (Also has room darkening curtains, dresser, 2 bench, closet, we count 2 people in each of the bottom bunk full beds and 1 person in each of the top full bunk beds, for a total of 6 people in this room ) SOFA SLEEPER (In Living Room) (Bedding for the sofa sleeper can be found in one of the Master bedrooms closets. This room has darkening curtains on the North side, the south side window opens up to the covered porch, helping to keep light at a minimum. The largest TV in the house is in this room.) CONTINUOUS HOT WATER to its 4 full bathrooms: You and your group will not run out of Hot Water during your stay. No having to wonder if you're the 5th person to shower 30 minutes if there will be hot water. There will be! Even if you're the 16th person to shower as quickly as 15 people can shower in 4 full bathrooms, before it's your turn! We've got you covered. MASTER BATHROOM: Large double sink vanity, large mirrored medicine cabinet, toilet, 4' shower and separate tub/shower. QUEEN BEDROOM BATH: This bathroom can also be shared with those in the 4th bedroom (the bunk bedroom), it has a 5 foot shower / tub, toilet, vanity and medicine cabinet. KING BEDROOM BATH: This bathroom can also be shared with those in the 4th bedroom (the bunk bedroom), it has a 5 foot shower, toilet, vanity and super convenient to the pool and Optional Hot Tub, it's also got an entrance to the outside deck, so need to through the entire house with wet feet, when you can go straight from outside to inside this bathroom. SOFA BED/KITCHEN BATH & LAUNDRY ROOM: This 4th bathroom is pulling double time... and perfect for those who may be sleeping on the sofa bed or in a folding bed, or a few from the bunk room. Its got a 5 foot standup shower, toilet, sink and 2 Washer Machines and 2 Dryers. LAUNDRY ROOM: It is worth mentioning the 2 Washer & Dryers on the property are there for the Cleaning Crew to use and prepare the house between stays. When the crew finishes with their duties, they wash their soiled cleaning rags, then toss them in the dryer... then leave. Guests can use these appliances during their stay, but are not to wash our bedding, towels, linens, etc. With their personal items. Other things to note Direct TV with premium channels is on the main TV; Antenna TV's in the rest of the house. RATES: Listing sites rate structures don't always work well for unique or large vacation rental properties, like this one. Because of that, I want to clarify what rates are based on.   MARCH - OCTOBER RATES ARE GENERALLY BASED ON: ~ The stay starting or ending on a Sunday* ~ No check-in or out on a Friday or Saturday* ~ When the stay takes place over a weekend, 4 or more nights are booked* ~ Weekday stays are 3 or more nights* ~ People Count** ~ Any booking through Airbnb is a Lodging stay (not an Event stay)*** ~ Holidays such as July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Having a 4 night minimum ~ Cruisin The Coast (1st full week of October) Sunday - Sunday, 7 night minimum NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY RATES ARE GENERALLY BASED ON: ~ The stay starting or ending on a Sunday* ~ No check-in or out on a Friday or Saturday* ~ When the stay takes place over a weekend, 4 or more nights are booked* ~ Weekday stays are 3 or more nights* ~ People Count** ~ Any booking through Airbnb is a Lodging stay (not an Event stay)*** ~ Holidays such as Thanksgiving & New Years Having a 5 night minimum ~ Christmas having a 4 night minimum (no Christmas day check-outs)   * "WHY DOES AIRBNB ALLOW ME TO CHOOSE DATES OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE PERIMETERS?" 1). If we posted this listing, with the above restrictions, it would be seen by far less travelers. More often than you might imagine, when some travelers find the perfect lodging, they are either willing to pay more to secure it or change their dates to meet the Hosts criteria... However, if they never see the listing, they don't have that option. 2). To be Honest, any available dates can be booked, but not always at the posted rates (Subject to the terms listed above).... and there are exceptions... EXCEPTIONS: ~ As available dates approach, we want to get them booked and therefore will accept a shorter stay or a less desirable check-in / out day,  a few weeks in advance of those available dates. ~ 4 months and further out, the minimum required stay at these rates is a full week, Sunday to Sunday, 7 nights. ~ Holidays / Events have longer minimum stays for the posted rates.    4 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:      ~ July 4th, Christmas, Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends     5 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:       ~ Thanksgiving & New Year's Eve     7 or MORE NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK:       ~ Crusin' the Coast (1st full week in October MID AUGUST - MID MAY LOOKING FOR THE BEST RATES? When you look at the availability calendar, see a weekend is booked, with a few week days available before the next booked weekend. These stray weekdays will have the best rates... and those dates are generally marked down as soon as the 2nd weekend in the week books to get them booked.         ** PEOPLE COUNT: Posted Rates are based on people count.   *** LODGING STAY: Is defined as the specifically approved number of people booked to stay at the Vacation Rental. This count is specific, whether it is 8 overnighters and 4 visitors for a total count of 12 people (Airbnb rates would be based on 12 people) or 16 total overnighters with no outside visitors (rates based on 16 people), those 12 or 16 people are the only people allowed on the property during the entire tenancy.   Every Stay through Airbnb MUST be a LODGING STAY... before booking, put in your total people count. Airbnb bookings are restricted to no more than 16 individual people on the property during the rental. This is Airbnb's policy, as a host, I've agreed to their terms and enjoy a certain amount of protection through Airbnb as long as I abide by their policies and insist those booked with my property through Airbnb do the same. *** EVENT/STAY: Airbnb takes parties very seriously and does not allow their hosts nor their travelers to have a party booked through them.  I do book events, but not through Airbnb, NOT at these posted rates, and there is a per person fee, where I know what is planned, what time it's planned, how many vehicles will be on site, etc. often a noise permit is required, Gulfport has some strict noise ordinances, etc. Suffice to Say, under no circumstances, under the restrictions that Airbnb imposes with Host and Traveler direct contact, will we knowingly accept a booking through Airbnb for a Party... to be honest, there is no reason to. Almost every day books in the summer, almost every weekend books during the rest of the year. Unless there is a huge monetary gain, there is no reason for a vacation home owner to ever book an Event / Party. The possible risk to reward is completely out of balance. For my properties, with Airbnb limiting Travelers to 16 or less people, As long as every guest (overnighter or visitor) is declared and that count does not exceed 16 people, we count the stay as a Lodging stay. Will 16 or less people "Party?" Maybe, but as long as they don't disturb the neighbors, damage the house or its contents, and leave the property as directed upon departure, it's all good. FYI If you decide to book, you will be renting the entire house. There are 2 areas off limits to the guests.  1). the cinder block above ground basement and 2). one closet in the house.  The rental is confined to the property lines of this house's lot (approximately 250' (South) x 75' (East) x 300' (North) x 75' (West). Posted rates are based on 16 or less people (adults / children - visitors / overnighters), please give an accurate guest count, for an accurate quote. Rates are based on a smaller group size than the house can accommodate, to help keep it fully booked, with smaller size groups filling in the gap dates & paying a higher per person / per night booked cost and larger groups paying a little more but less per person / per night booked. NEED MORE ROOM? You're currently looking at my smallest house, The River Lookout, which came into service in 2012.  I also own another, even more spectacular vacation home, located on this very same street, called the Great Escape River House, it became a vacation rental in 2011.  It will sleep up to 27 people and is also listed on Airbnb.  Combined these 2 houses, within easy walking distance of each other will sleep a combined total of 43 people, 28 beds, with 8.25 bathrooms, 9 bedrooms & a huge sleeper loft.  Still need more options? HIDDEN ESCAPE: Is my 3rd vacation rental and it will be available to book by Memorial Day weekend 2023.  Hidden Escape is located in Gulfport, less than 5 miles from my other River Vacation rentals.  Hidden Escape is ½ acres, its on an absolutely lovely pond, ducks year round and a few Canadian geese in the fall/winter.   Hidden Escape has a huge inground swimming pool, 40 feet x 20 feet and a brand new Hot Tub.  It will sleep over 20 people in 5 bedrooms and is really pretty cool in that it offers 3 interior entertainment areas and 2 large covered areas for outside entertainment. My Name is Patricia Dalton, And I own The River Lookout (the property described above) and The Great Escape River House.  If you feel a phone conversation would help you decide to book, please call me.  My phone number is easy to get.  A quick search of the Great Escape River House owner Patricia Dalton's phone number", should bring it on the 1st page every time. Thank you for considering a Stay! Patricia Dalton