Serene Island Cottage with Screened Porch near Little Gasparilla Beach, Florida

Description

Come enjoy the serenity! Leave your car and your cares at the marina because it is accessible only by water taxi! 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 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.

It is a lovingly cared-for home that has been in the same family since it was built in the 70s. Enjoy the home that features 2 bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with two twins. One of the nicest features is a comfortable screened porch that extends the full width of the home, allowing you to dine on the porch, watch the neighbors go by on their golf carts, and enjoy the nightly sunset procession to the beach!

The home is a one-minute walk from the dock (Dock 26) and about a two-minute walk from the beach, so you are close to your boat (if you choose to bring one) and the beautiful, pristine beaches.

The kitchen is well-stocked with all appliances, pots and pans, and everything you need for your stay, be it a long weekend or a full month. The home also has a flatscreen TV, and is stocked with beach chairs, beach towels, an umbrella, a washer and dryer, and a brand new grill.

Wifi- not available. You must hotspot from your cellular provider (cell reception is good)

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee (per pet). Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Boat Slip - included on dock 26 (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 - yes

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

INTERNET: Most people just opt to use the mobile hotspots on their smartphones, especially if they have unlimited data or a large data plan. Cell service is excellent, and that is the most convenient option. We usually suggest that people download books and movies to their tablets or e-readers BEFORE coming to the island.

You have the entire house to yourselves, PLUS access to Florida's most beautiful beach! You also have access to a dock slip if you wish to rent a kayak or a boat.

Please note that it is a barrier island with no bridge. You cannot drive to the island. All access is via water taxi. There are no stores or restaurants on the island. This remoteness is part of what makes the island so unique, but keep in mind that access is not a simple matter of driving to the island and parking your car...you drive to a marina on the mainland, park your car, catch the water taxi with all your luggage and groceries, and the taxi drops you at our dock, where our concierge can meet you with his golf cart. It requires a bit of an adventurous spirit!

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.

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.

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.

- - Check-in is anytime after 4 PM

-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. 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.

-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 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.

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

Serene Island Cottage with Screened Porch near Little Gasparilla Beach, Florida