Charming Beachfront Cottage with Private Dock on Little Gasparilla Island, Florida

Description

It is a beautiful beachfront AND bayfront property. The island is only accessible by boat or the water taxi, so you don't have the typical Florida crowds.

Please note that the Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland, where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars, or restaurants on Little Gasparilla, which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years, it was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach, and enjoy the privacy, peace, and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic, and technology.

It is a charming two-bedroom beachfront cottage that has been in the same family for generations. It is a well-loved family home that has been enjoyed by the owners for years. Enjoy a white sandy beach in back by the dock and the beautiful gulf beach in front. The yard is lush with frangipani, papaya trees, key lime trees, and large seagrapes that form a bower as you approach the cottage. There is a wonderful sense of privacy and isolation in this cottage.

This home would be a perfect winter retreat for artists, writers, or educators on sabbatical. It is also perfect for a small family or couple that wants a private and relaxing getaway close to the beach and the bay. For fishing enthusiasts, its location at the south end means that fishing is great right off the dock, and the pass is easily accessible from the dock.

The home is cozy and comfortable with dramatic views of the Gulf from the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

The master bedroom offers a king-size bed with a brand new mattress and bedding, and it has sliding doors that lead to a quiet and private balcony overlooking the back yard and the bay. It is a perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee in complete privacy, as you watch the sun come up and peek through the sea grapes.

The second bedroom offers two twin beds. There is also a sleeping loft which guests may use, but it is accessed by a very steep ladder and is not appropriate for small children or those with limited mobility. There is also a sofa bed in the living room, so the home sleeps up to 6. Rates are based on 4 guests; however, any extra guests will require an additional guest fee.

The living room and dining room both have shutters for privacy and sliding doors that open to the covered porch. The shutters allow you to easily shield lights from the beach during turtle nesting season, and they can be easily opened to reveal the views of the Gulf. The windows are across the entire front of the home, so you have great beach views and great sunset views.

The kitchen is quite basic and does not have a dishwasher, but it is well stocked with pots and pans, and all the dishes you need.

There is a storage shed downstairs with a washer-dryer dryer, and there is also a downstairs outdoor shower for rinsing off after coming back from the beach, an afternoon of fishing off the dock, or a day of boating. The owners allow you to use their kayaks and their canoe; a waiver is required, and lifejackets are provided.

The current is strong near the south end, so small children will require supervision at the small private beach by the dock. Fishing is great right off the end of the dock; you can often head down to the dock at 6 and catch enough snook for dinner! (Or, we can help arrange fishing trips, day trips to Cabbage Key, or shelling trips to Cayo Costa). There is a spacious shaded fish cleaning station and water at the dock, plus lights for nighttime fishing or netting shrimp. There are two benches at the end of the dock for fishing or simply relaxing and watching the boats and dolphins pass by. You might even spot a fat manatee lounging beneath the dock!

The beach in front of the house requires a short walk down a sandy pathway, through the dunes. Beach chairs and an umbrella are provided for your enjoyment of the beach.

It is an iconic cottage, filled with sepia photos of early island scenes. You will enjoy the shell collections, artwork, and the memories of the family who has enjoyed it for so many years. It is not modern or "updated", but a simple, comfortable home where you can kick off your flip flops at the door, sit on the porch, and enjoy the dramatic sunsets and make your own family memories!

Wifi- included with no data limitations.

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet; some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions

Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.

Cleaning Fee - minimum $325 cleaning fee

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Dock - private dock with water and fish cleaning station

Satellite TV - yes

Grill Type - charcoal

Coffee - drip (filters provided)

Parking - $8/ 8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina on the mainland, where you meet the boat taxi

Holiday surcharges- applied for reservations for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's timeframes

The entire cottage is yours to enjoy, as well as 7 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beach. The home includes a private dock if you choose to rent a boat. There are no stores or restaurants on the island. There is a fabulous wood-fired pizza delivery option and a grocery delivery service. We also have an on-island guest services manager if you need anything during your stay.

The water taxi runs daily on demand, so getting back to the mainland is relatively easy, but most people choose to stay on the island and enjoy the peace and privacy. The water taxi runs daily during daylight hours, roughly 8 to 5, and the fare averages $25 minimum for 2 people, with an additional $15 per person. The taxi will run after dark, but there is a surcharge for runs after dark. Please note that we do have 911 service on the island, as well as paramedics on the island if you are concerned about emergency medical treatment.

Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, it is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock, and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitoes, rust, power outages, and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.

There is a $100 pet fee (per pet). You must let us know in advance if you will be bringing a pet. The following breeds are NOT permitted: Akita, American Bulldog, Beaucerons, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Danes, Keeshounds, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios, or Rottweilers.

Guests are not allowed to exceed stated occupancy limits of the home, and ALL GUESTS (including children under 2) must be included in the total count of guests.

Each booking guest agrees to provide a list of all occupants and other contact info, and agrees not to exceed the number of occupants listed on the booking request submitted.

Prior to departure, you are required to wash your dishes and launder any beach towels you have used. Laundry facilities are provided.

No smoking anywhere on the property.

No parties allowed; only the people in the reservation may be at the house without prior permission. You will be required to sign our rental contract listing these terms.

At least two members of your group must be age 25 or older.

Neither the property owner nor the rental manager is responsible for any inability to occupy the premises due to acts of God, including but not limited to hurricanes, windstorms, floods, or red tides. No refunds are issued for early departure or unused days. Any request to reschedule reservation dates is subject to approval of the property owner and, if approved, requires the tenant to pay a $200 non-refundable rescheduling fee. The rescheduling credit has no cash value, and no refunds will be issued if the tenant decides to cancel their rescheduled dates.

Please don't take these rules to mean you are not welcome. To the contrary, they are how we help ensure that the beach house stays lovely and clean so all our guests can have the best vacation of their lives!

Please note that cleaning fees will be increased for stays of 14 nights or longer.

You must adhere to ordinances regarding turtle lighting restrictions. If you are staying in a beachfront home, outside lights must be turned off, and inside lights must be shielded by closing curtains or blinds. If you are in violation of this, don’t be surprised or offended if someone knocks on your door and reminds you to turn off your lights. Islanders take turtle preservation very seriously, and violations will definitely affect your deposit.

All your trash must be removed from the island when you leave. Do not leave trash on the beach, in the roadways, under the house, or in the bins UNLESS you have been notified that there is trash pickup. Trash should only be put out on the day it is picked up. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. This includes our environment and our wildlife, as well as other visitors, workers, and island residents. If you throw trash on the island, leave trash on the beach, disturb turtle nests, relocate gopher tortoises, or otherwise harm animals on the island, are rude or verbally abusive to the concierge or water taxi drivers, chances are your deposit will be impacted or your stay will be shortened. Abuse of drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated, and large or loud parties are not allowed at any rental property. If a resident, owner, or even another guest asks you to tone down your music, watch your language, avoid loud behavior, or be more respectful, please try to respond politely.

It is a small, family-friendly island. This is not a resort, and the entire island is basically private property, with the exception of some of the major roadways. Even established roadways often cross private property. Owners in the past have been willing to overlook people using these roads, but if trespassing turns into malicious mischief, entire sections of the island may become inaccessible to guests.

Charming Beachfront Cottage with Private Dock on Little Gasparilla Island, Florida