Charming Old Florida Cottage with Private Dock & Sunset Views near Little Gasparilla Island, FL

Description

This charming "old Florida" cottage offers a glimpse of what a vacation at the beach used to mean before theme parks, high rises, and bars took over Florida's beaches. Access is by private boat or water taxi only, which means our beaches are uncrowded, our fishing is great, and our island is unspoiled. Stroll the sandy pathways to the beach, enjoy evening meals watching the sunset over the Gulf, and head down to the private dock for some evening fishing.

Please note that it 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, 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.

This family-friendly cottage is cozy and rustic with knotty pine paneling that is both warm and welcoming. It has been newly renovated to update the amenities while retaining the charm of the original paneling and hardwood floors. The kitchen has been updated with new cabinets and countertops, an island work space/indoor dining area, and all new appliances, including a dishwasher. There are two comfortable bedrooms upstairs, one with a king bed and a second with two twin beds, so the home sleeps four on the main floor comfortably. There is also a very private bedroom downstairs with a king bed and another TV. It is also pet-friendly, so all family members can enjoy a beach getaway! There is one newly renovated bath upstairs with a walk-in shower and a newly renovated half-bath downstairs adjacent to the downstairs bedroom. There is also a downstairs outdoor shower perfect for rinsing off after boating or an afternoon at the beach. The porch has a locking gate to secure small children.

The living room has a comfortable seating area and a flat screen TV, and there is free wi-fi available if you need to stay connected or watch your favorite Netflix movie. But the real living area is the front porch with its new decking and railings, outdoor dining, comfortable seating area, and outstanding view of the Gulf of Mexico. You will want to spend all your time on the front porch just drinking in the view. You have a front-row seat for the nightly sunset!

The owners have provided three kayaks -- two singles and one tandem -- so you can explore the bay or the sand bar up close.

There is also an open-air porch on the south side of the house, perfect for grilling and relaxing in the sunshine during cooler winter months.

You will find it a simple and unpretentious cottage for an absolutely perfect beach vacation!

WiFi - available via Starlink with no data limitations

Kayaks- two single kayaks and one tandem kayak available (waiver signature required)

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Private dock - dock number 130 included in your rental (this is also where the water taxi drops you off)

Complimentary Concierge - will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home

Satellite TV - not available, but there is excellent wi-fi.

Grill Type - charcoal

Coffee- Drip (filters provided)

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

Leave your car and your cares at the marina because it is accessible only by water taxi! That means our beaches are uncrowded, and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. If you are looking for a quiet tropical island to relax and unplug, it is your dream vacation spot. Our "nightlife" consists of giant sea turtles laying their eggs -- our only bar is the sand bar, where you can find sand dollars and shells!

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.

INTERNET: There is no wired internet service on the island, but it offers cellular wi-fi. Just keep in mind that it is NOT the internet you are used to on the mainland. (It is especially helpful to remind kids and teenagers who are used to higher speeds!) We usually suggest that people download books and movies to their tablets or e-readers BEFORE coming to the island.

PLEASE NOTE: We do require that two members of each group must be over 25 years of age. We apologize, but we can NOT rent to college groups as a courtesy to the homeowners and our island neighbors. Guests will be evicted if found not to meet age requirements upon check-in. Additionally, we can not exceed capacity in island homes due to the fragile septic systems.

HOLIDAY RATES: Please note that all there will be holiday rates applied to quotes for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

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.

Pets are welcome with the payment of a $100 pet fee per pet; pets must be current on their vaccinations and must be on preventative flea and tick control. Pets are not allowed on the beds or furniture. Please rinse sand from your pet before allowing him/her back into the house, and police the yard and beach of pet waste. You must notify us upon booking if you plan to bring 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.

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 inside the house.

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.

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

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

Charming Old Florida Cottage with Private Dock & Sunset Views near Little Gasparilla Island, FL