The Gulf is close here. From the wide deck you see the sand, the water, and little else. Mornings are for coffee and the sound of waves. Evenings are for the fire, cards at the big table, and children worn out from the surf. The rooms are simple and built for ten to sleep well. Outside, a sand shower and games wait after the beach. The road is quiet, with few houses, and the walk to the water is short.
The house is simple and made for days by the water. There is a wide room where the kitchen, table, and chairs all run together, so the cooking and talk do not have to stop. Three bedrooms wait at the end of the day, and two baths with hot showers to take the salt and sand away. Under the house there is shade, chairs, a charcoal grill, horseshoes, and an outdoor shower so you can come up from the beach and never mind the sand.
You will have the run of the house. All bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, decks, and the space under the house are yours to use and enjoy. The only places to stay out of are the attic and any locked closets or cabinets in the laundry room. Those hold owner supplies and are not for guests. Everything else is open to you.
I won’t be there in person, but I’ll still be close. If you need anything, you can reach me through the app’s messenger, or by call or text. I keep my phone nearby and do my best to answer quickly, whether it’s a small question or a real problem.
Gilchrist sits on the quiet end of the Bolivar Peninsula, between the open Gulf and the bay. The beach here is wide and mostly empty, with trucks and carts moving slow along the sand and fishermen working the surf at first light. Houses stand high on pilings, spread out with plenty of sky between them. Nights are dark enough for stars. Small cafés, bait shops, and stores lie a short drive away, and the ferry to Galveston waits down the road when you want a day in town.
Out here, you move the same way the locals do: simple and on your own schedule.
The best way to get around is by car or truck. You’ll drive the main road for groceries, cafés, and the ferry to Galveston. For short trips, people often use golf carts or just walk down the quiet street to the sand. There’s no real public transit, so plan on driving for most errands and slow rides along the beach.
I want to make sure your stay is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, that's why I've put together a few general rules to make your time with us as smooth and seamless as can be.
Think of these rules as a friendly agreement between you and us, to make sure everyone has a great time and the beach house stays in top-notch condition. By reading over these guidelines and following them during your stay, you're helping us maintain a safe and clean environment for all our guests.
By following these rules, you can ensure that your vacation goes off without a hitch. So, grab a drink, kick back, and familiarize yourself with our expectations. We can't wait to make your beach house dream a reality!
Just a friendly reminder - your reservation implies that you agree to these terms. Failure to follow them may result in additional charges or a canceled reservation with no refund. So, let's make sure everyone has an unforgettable beach vacation!
• Maximum occupancy is 10 people. Any additional people must be pre-approved prior to final reservation.
• Grill downstairs on the patio area only. Grilling on the deck is prohibited and against Galveston County ordinance.
- if a key is lost, the code is forgotten, or you can’t enter after we’ve tried all access options, the guest is responsible for any locksmith/re-key costs (call-out, labor, parts, and after-hours surcharges) and we’ll request reimbursement with the receipt. If the issue is due to a lock/smart-lock failure or our error, we cover it.
BRING BUG SPRAY Mosquitos are notoriously bad at Crystal Beach.
• If you go to the beach, please rinse sand off in the sand shower under the house or on any of the available water hoses. Leave your sandy shoes on the deck by the front door.
• Do not flush feminine hygiene products, or anything other than what is expected to be flushed down the toilet, it will damage the septic system.
• Do not pour grease down the drains.
• Park only on the concrete driveway. Be very careful that you do not hit the pilings with your vehicle.
• If something is accidentally broken, let me know ASAP. (We understand that accidents occur and things can be broken. If this happens, please contact us so we can replace or repair damaged items. However, if damage occurs due to malicious or careless behavior, responsibility for replacement or repairs may be at renters’ expense.)
• Please lock doors and windows upon departure.
• If guests are asked to leave due to irresponsible and bad behavior, no refund will be given for lost days.
• Please keep in mind that this is our home and we ask that you respect it as we would respect yours.
• If renter must cancel due to tropical storm/hurricane evacuation requirements, full refund will be given. If renter must evacuate during their stay due to tropical storm/hurricane, they will be credited for all days lost.
• We are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illnesses that occur while on the premises, nor are the owners responsible for loss or damage of personal property of renters.
• By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that all renters are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises or others whom they invite to use the premises.
• The beaches at Crystal Beach have no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is at visitor’s own risk.