Entire home

Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach

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On the beach - Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach (Gulf Shores)
Terrace/patio - Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach (Gulf Shores)
LCD TV - Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach (Gulf Shores)
LCD TV - Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach (Gulf Shores)
Interior - Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach (Gulf Shores)
Howard Ranch is a tranquil beachfront home in Gulf Shores, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 11 guests. Relax on the screened porch or soak up the sun on the sun deck, then enjoy a meal prepared in the fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 11142 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach

  • Howard Ranch – Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach

    Welcome to Howard Ranch, a unique coastal getaway with a touch of Texas charm, managed by Harris Vacations in the peaceful West Beach area of Gulf Shores. This four bedroom, four bathroom beachfront home offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and comfortable accommodations for up to 11 guests, making it an ideal retreat for families and small groups seeking a relaxing escape by the water.

    With direct beach access, a spacious screened porch, and inviting indoor living spaces, Howard Ranch blends classic beach house comfort with laid back coastal living.

    Outdoor Living
    - Direct beachfront location with easy access to the sand and surf
    - Screened porch perfect for enjoying Gulf breezes without the elements
    - Sun deck for soaking up the sunshine and taking in the views
    - Outdoor shower for rinsing off after a day at the beach
    - Peaceful West Beach setting away from crowds

    Indoor Comforts
    Inside, Howard Ranch features a spacious ranch style layout with breathtaking Gulf views from the main living areas. The open concept living room is lined with wall to wall windows, filling the space with natural light and showcasing the beauty of the shoreline. Comfortable seating and a sleeper sofa provide plenty of room for relaxing or enjoying a movie night.

    The kitchen is fully equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with a built-in cooktop, making it easy to prepare meals for the group. The dining area offers seating for eight, with additional bar seating for casual dining or gathering. Each bedroom includes a television and water views, creating a comfortable and inviting retreat for every guest.

    Sleeping Arrangements
    - Primary Bedroom: King bed, private bathroom with walk in shower, lagoon views
    - Bedroom 2: Two twin beds, shared hallway bathroom with tub and shower combination, Gulf views
    - Bedroom 3: Queen bed plus twin, private bathroom with walk in shower
    - Bedroom 4: Two twin beds, shared hallway bathroom with tub and shower combination
    - Living Area: Sleeper sofa

    Whether you are enjoying coffee on the screened porch, casting a line into the Gulf, or gathering with family after a day in the sun, Howard Ranch offers a warm and welcoming beachfront experience.

    Book your stay with Harris Vacations and enjoy a peaceful coastal escape in Gulf Shores.

    Rental Age Policy
    We love people of all ages, and we want everyone to enjoy our homes. However, we do require that an adult 25 years or older reserve the home and be present at the home during your entire stay. We do not rent to anyone under the age of 25. We have no exception to this policy.

    RISK
    Guest acknowledges that beaches, bays, docks, piers, pools, and waterfront areas are inherently dangerous and assumes all related risks, known or unknown, when renting a vacation rental home. Guests agree to exercise extreme caution at all times; for more information, see the Terms and Conditions document.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 4 private bathrooms
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1,533 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Located in Gulf Shores, this holiday home is on the beach. The Wharf and Tanger Outlet Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park. Shrimpy's Grill and Golf and Waterville USA are also worth visiting. With sailing and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Gulf Shores travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Gulf Shores
Map
Gulf Shores, AL

What's nearby

  • West Beach
    West Beach
    10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
    Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
    13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Gulf Shores Beach
    Gulf Shores Beach
    6 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Girls relax on red bean bag chairs at beach music festival, enjoying drinks, toasting. Sunlit summer event with stage in background, youthful energy, leisure atmosphere. Women smiling, casual fashion.
    Hangout Music Fest
    12 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Aerial view of beach houses at Fort Morgan, Alabama
    Fort Morgan Beach
    28 min drive - 37.0 km

Getting around

  • Pensacola, FL (PNS-Pensacola Intl.)
    69 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Catch
    12 min drive
  • De Soto's Seafood Kitchen
    12 min drive
  • Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe
    11 min drive
  • The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
    9 min drive
  • Sassy Bass
    31 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach located?

Nestled on the beach, this Gulf Shores holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of West Beach and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Gulf Shores Beach and Lagoon Pass Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Les W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome family vacation!!

We loved our stay at Howard Ranch! The location was perfect…almost like a private beach! The rental was clean and organized…well stocked kitchen, and we loved the layout of bedrooms and bathrooms. We definitely will book this rental again next year. So thankful to have found the perfect place for our family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

October at the beach 🏖️

Even though it was for a short 4 days and the weather wasn’t perfect ~ we had the best time! Just the right place to relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of the beach with our family. Our best trip to the beach in a very long time ♥️
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Howard’s Ranch

Came with our three adult children and their spouses or significant others. Loved the location and the set up of the house. This was our third time visiting Gulf Shores and was our best vacation yet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Week! Love the House!

Perfect week at the beach! House was just as advertised. Clean and well stocked. Location is great, we had so much beach all to ourselves! Family wants to come back to this same house again next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love it!

Our family loves this property. It's quiet and private yet close enough to town if you want to venture out. The screened in porch is a plus. The only negatives are the twin mattresses are not very comfortable and we wish there was a board walk over to the beach. However, those things did not stop us from rebooking a 2nd time.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!

I loved the area. Far enough away from the crowds to have your own little quiet piece of beach. The house was very nice and the beds comfy. I got a very prompt reaponse when I had a question. The only thing I would change is adding a boardwalk to the beach. The dune is a little tough on old bones but we had a fabulous time. We'll be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ethan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for Family

What a great location! We felt very much like we had a private beach! The house had everything we needed to enjoy our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house. Perfect secluded location on the beach. Memories made.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Great Stay at Howard’s Ranch

We had a great stay at Howard’s Ranch! Plenty of room for our family. Place was so cute and had a great cottage feel! Well stocked with all of the basics you need!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First time at Gulf Shored

We had a great time and the property was amazing! Having a screened in porch and another for sunbathing was a nice addition! I’m so glad we chose Howard’s Ranch! Thank you for the ease of check in and the texts during the week to check in on us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

pamela c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Howard’s Ranch was a great choice for four friends traveling together because we each had our own bedroom and bath. It was very clean and we loved having the covered porch. The kitchen was well-furnished. It truly felt like we had a private beach! We left feedback on a few issues we hope will be corrected (only 4 rolls of toilet paper, problems with water pressure and hot water, ants in the kitchen.)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

This house was amazing. Had everything we needed and the things we did need was communicated to us. I do wish it had a dock that went out to the beach but that really wasn’t that big of a deal. It would have made the home an 11 out of 10 though! We would stay here again! Love love love the screened in porch for those rainy days too.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family space

Kitchen and dining table great for large family. Clean and homey! Loved having the four bathrooms for each bedroom! Would have loved a ramp/walkway from deck to at least get over the dune to the beach. But over all not that bad, we haves worse. Just a suggestion.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and beautiful home.

We stayed for a a week at Howard's Ranch and loved it! The location is a bit remote, but just minutes from restaurants and shopping which was perfect for us. The house is large and spacious and beautifully decorated. Having the screened in porch and a deck was perfect for the cooler days and just hanging out. The only thing I would say is that climbing the dune every day to get to the beach was difficult for my elderly mom. This isn't a good place to take someone that has limited mobility that wants to get on the beach. That said, we loved it and would definitely go there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

jason c.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great place , a few things could have been addressed to make it better but was really a nice place
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jay w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach House

Excellent place to stay. Perfect balcony any house. Nice private beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harri

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025