Originally built in the 1950's, our simple beach house has just been completely renovated - new kitchen, bathrooms, furnishings - and everything to a very high standard. With three bedrooms, it can easily sleep 6, plus there is a queen-sized sofa bed, if needed, for a maximum of 8 guests. Its ideal for a single family, or for two/three couples vacationing together.

Two of the the three bedrooms - a queen, and two twins - are in the original single story house. Back in the 80’s, a third spacious en-suite bedroom - a queen - was added above the garage. Access to this bedroom is via external stairs.

We’ve added whisper quiet A/C units, and new fans. Needless to say, there is wireless internet, and two TV’s, a full laundry and new appliances.

From magnificent sunrise to awesome sunset, vacation days here will pass all too quickly.

Relax in our comfortable sun-room, overlooking the large waterfront lot, with palm trees and live oaks with spanish moss. Out in Lemon Bay there’s a regular stream of boat traffic on the Intra Coastal Waterway...

... or take a two minute stroll on our private path to the Gulf of Mexico, and miles of near-deserted sandy beaches - swim, walk, fish or collect shells to your hearts content.

Enjoy a private viewing of local wildlife - osprey and pelican patrolling the waterfront; dolphin and manatee, turtles, heron and sea-waders... or visit Manasota Key’s Stump Pass, a well preserved state park.

A short drive away, and you’re in Olde Englewood, with interesting local shops, good cafes and restaurants, a weekly Farmers Mart, and a varied program of activities throughout the year. Dearborn Street is also home to a good library, and the Lemon Bay Playhouse, Florida’s only community theatre.

We’re close to a wide array of activities - golf, deep-sea and game fishing, boat rental - including jet-skiing and sunset cruises. Plus, there’s a tennis and beach club just a few hundred yards from the house.

Further afield, the city of Sarasota is half an hour away, and well worth exploring. There is an excellent aquarium, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a 13 acre horticultural paradise, with a stunning conservatory. There’s a wide range of artistic and cultural activities - including the world-class Sarasota Opera House. And plenty of specialist shops - antiques, bookstores, galleries...

For a whole day excursion, we can recommend an Eco-tour at Babcock Ranch - a glimpse of primitive Florida, with Cypress swamps and alligators. Or a trip to the Ten Thousand Islands on the edge of the Everglades National Park.

Back at home - if you aren’t dining out at one of the many local restaurants - a cool drink under the spectacular banyan tree and supper on the grill ends a perfect day.

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOK

“The house is beautiful and accommodated us perfectly. This area of Florida is wonderfully calm and peaceful.”

“Love the Bay to Gulf location. The home is perfect, with the upper condo that gave our 22 year old daughter privacy.”

“We had a great stay here, I liked that we could walk to the beach. Best place ever. I never want to leave.”

“This house is a special place…and terrific for entertaining. Two operas, a play, a tour of the Ringling Museum. But mostly we loved staying here, reading, and walking the beach. Already looking forward to coming back.”