Lighthouse Cottage--1.5 blocks from beach.

All surfaces are disinfected between guests.

Step back in time to an old-fashioned beach cottage. Lighthouse Cottage is in the shadow of the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which is just 1.5 blocks away. The beach also is just 1.5 blocks away. In the heart of the former Fort Screven, this 3-bedroom cottage was built in 1920 by the US Army to house non-commissioned officers. Just a block away is Battery Garland and the Fort Screven museum. This is the islands quiet, secluded north end preferred by celebrities.

The original clawfoot bathtub and the original enamel kitchen sink/cabinet have been restored. Most of the interior walls are original 5-inch wide tongue and groove planks laid horizontally. These were discovered and restored when 1/4-inch paneling was removed. The master bedroom has a queen bed and an en suite bath with double shower. No shower curtain or door needed. Also in the master bedroom, an alcove containing a trundle bed (2 twins). The two other bedrooms both have queen beds.

Tybee Island's North Beach: Great dolphin viewing --- virtually guaranteed on the north end of the island. Dolphin boat tours are always available, but sitting on the north beach is just as effective. We once watched a band of dolphins frolicking with a delighted kayaker. Tybee's beaches are equipped with porch swings that seem to be about 100 yards apart. From the north beach swings you can watch the sun set over Savannah and the mouth of the Savannah river --- incredible sunsets. Savannah, being 15 miles away, is too far away to actually see but you can see the fireworks on July 4th and New Year's Eve. Shrimp boats with their nets spread like wings are always in view.

The 2 Lighthouses: Two lighthouses less than 3 miles apart but so radically different in character. As you approach Tybee Island, you see the impressive Tybee Lighthouse in the distance. Tall, dark, and handsome with a white cumberbund. He was honored a few years ago when he got his own US postage stamp ( In lighthouse circles that is akin to an Oscar). But then as you cross the Lazaretto bridge onto Tybee Island, you look down to the left and blink. Is that a lighthouse in the water? Indeed it is. That's plucky little Cockspur Lighthouse. Weathered, plain white masonry. Not flashy at all, except ... At every high tide Cockspur stands in the ocean well off-shore. Only at low tide does the stony spur appear that supports the little lighthouse. A firm foundation after all.

Lost in the 40's/50's: So far the quaint shopping district near Tybee's pier has pretty much escaped the wrecking ball. As for shopping, no Sak's here. We're talking beach shopping: T-shirts, souvenirs, Sno-Cones, umbrella drinks, seafood. But remember, for culture and serious shopping, there is colorful, historic Savannah, just 20 minutes away. Recommended reading: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, an amusing look at Savannah's high- and low-life (about 2 years on the NY Times nonfiction best seller list).

As a guest of this cottage, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Tybee Island cottage is smoke free.