Welcome to my personal review space where I share honest, heartfelt takes on the places I’ve stayed—whether I was moving one of my kids to college, working remotely, or simply needing a change of scenery. As a graphic designer, single mom, and wildlife photographer, I look for places that feel safe, clean, cozy, and work-from-anywhere friendly. These reviews reflect what I care about: comfort, kindness, local gems, and being able to breathe a little easier while away from home.
Whether you're planning a beach getaway in Florida, searching for the best remote work Airbnbs, or needing a place that welcomes creativity and calm—I hope these honest reviews help you feel more confident in your next stay. All opinions are my own, and every place listed here was personally experienced by me.
- Steven’s Place – Fort Walton Beach, FL
- Gwen’s Place – St. Petersburg, FL
- Roberts Place – Niceville, Florida
- Next Review Coming Soon
🏕️ Steven’s Place – Fort Walton Beach, FL (Property turned off currently)
⭐ 4.8/5 Stars
🏠 Type: Camper (Airbnb)
🧑💻 Remote Work Notes
- Wi-Fi: Spotty at first but fixed quickly.
- Workspace: Kitchen table – not plush, but functional.
- Environment: Quiet, peaceful neighborhood.
- Nature: Parks and beaches nearby. Took some amazing bird shots just 5 minutes away.
🛏️ Living Experience
- Cleanliness: Very clean and well-maintained.
- Comfort: Great layout for a camper. Comfy bed, enough space.
- Decor: Minimal, cozy, and clean.
- Host: Kind and helpful – emptied the tanks for me!
🌟 Highlights
- Close to my hometown and the beach—my happy place.
- Captured tons of seabird photos nearby.
- Favorites: Sushi-Soi Bistro (pricey but worth it). The Shack – amazing tuna dip and fried green tomatoes. Went back 3 times!
💭 Final Thoughts
Would I stay again? Without a doubt. It felt like home, the hosts were thoughtful, and being that close to the beach helped me recharge mentally and spiritually. Sometimes your body just needs to rest, and this was the perfect place for it. My dad always said, “Go to the beach when you need to think”—this was the next best thing to going home to Niceville.
🏡 Gwen’s Place – St. Petersburg, FL
⭐ 4.9/5 Stars
📅 Stayed: August 7–10, 2024
🏠 Type: Cozy Cottage
🧑💻 Remote Work Notes
- Wi-Fi: Excellent – no issues at all.
- Workspace: No dedicated desk, but I used the bed and couch with my laptop. Also worked at a nearby Starbucks.
- Environment: Quiet, peaceful, and private – great lighting and calm energy.
- Nature: A wildlife park and the beach were just 20 minutes away. So refreshing!
🛏️ Living Experience
- Cleanliness: Spotless and well cared for. Themed for the season – super cute!
- Comfort: Bed, shower, and temperature were all perfect.
- Decor: Extremely cozy, it felt like staying in a real beach cottage.
- Host: Wonderful and accommodating – answered questions about the area and gave food tips.
🌟 Highlights
- Exploring a different side of Florida’s beaches compared to my Panhandle roots.
- Being able to wash beach clothes with the on-site washer/dryer – huge plus!
- Wildlife: I captured shots of black skimmers – they were beautiful.
- Food Faves:
- Hooks Sushi on 9th – fresh, delicious sushi and appetizers.
- Oak & Stone downtown had incredible pizza and atmosphere.
💭 Final Thoughts
This place made me feel safe, grounded, and surrounded by coastal charm. Though I was there to help my daughter move to college, I wish I had stayed the whole week – just to help her adjust and find her favorite local spots. If you’re planning a college move or just need a short reset near the Gulf, this cottage is perfect.
Roberts Place — Niceville, Florida
⭐ 4.6/5 Stars
📅 Stayed: August 12–16, 2024
🏠 Type: Cozy Cottage
🌐 Remote Work Rating:
Wi-Fi was perfect. I had two solid workspaces: a small table the size of a patio set and a bar in the kitchen. Lighting and noise levels were ideal, and I loved having a pond view right out the back door — the perfect mental break between tasks.
🏡 Living Experience:
The decor was absolutely beautiful — tastefully done and very cozy. The condo was overall clean, though I noticed some dirt under the furniture and in the dishwasher. Beds, shower, kitchen, and temperature were all comfortable. No standout host experience, but everything I needed was ready when I arrived.
💖 What Made It Special:
Working with the view of the pond was peaceful and grounding. I visited Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park for wildlife photography — a must for bird lovers. It’s close to Destin too. There’s a quiet beach spot just 10 minutes away across the Mid-Bay Bridge — only 4 parking spaces, but totally worth it if you get there early.
🍴 Local Favorites:
- First Watch (Niceville): Great breakfast, busy but worth it.
- Danny’s Fried Chicken: My hometown go-to. Best fried chicken, dumplings, and onion rings around.
- Doc’s Oyster Bar (Valparaiso): Local seafood gem with bayou views, live music, and great grilled fish.
📸 Photos & Vibes:
I’ve got photos of the area and video footage of the Airbnb. The view, the wildlife nearby, and that peaceful pond really set the tone. Felt safe, grounded, and recharged — especially after the emotional college drop-off and the long journey back to Colorado.
🌊 Final Thoughts:
This was more than just a stay — it was my hometown refuge. Since my family has passed, I rely on Airbnbs when I visit. I use my work breaks to reconnect with friends, visit the beach, and breathe it all in. The beach really does heal your soul. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
🏡 Next Review Coming Soon
Stay tuned for more honest, heartfelt reviews of places I’ve visited while working remotely, healing, and finding peace in nature.
📷 Follow my journey:
@robersondesigns (Wildlife) |
@salt_pines (Graphics)
💌 Contact: 42jenniferroberson@gmail.com
© 2025 Jennifer Roberson. All rights reserved.