Location:Cape Coral, Florida
Bedrooms:2 Bathrooms:1 Property Type:Vacation Home Sleeps:4
Amenities:Air Conditioning, Backyard, Blender, Laundry, Restaurant, Swimming PoolActivities:Beach, Canoeing, Fishing, Golf, Kayaking, Museums, Restaurants, Shopping, Sightseeing, Water Parks
Description:$600 / per week (APRIL - SEPTEMBER) will rent this sweet cottage all to yourself. Thus, you will enjoy both a rural, island setting that can only be found on Pine Island (Florida's best-kept secret, often featured in Coastal Living magazine for its fresh seafood, laid back island lifestyle, local art galleries, and best tarpon fishing). Not only quiet for a relaxing vacation, but also exciting to visitors as there is much to do and discover on Pine Island. So drive to the end of one of the island's sandy roads and you will discover this quaint, fully equipped 2 bed/1 bath Key West cottage, 900 sq ft., all dressed in cool island white, and nestled amongst the native flora. It is only 3 years new and it has been embraced by the coastal mangroves, finding itself only 10 minutes to a golf course and to several marinas. THINGS TO DO: Ride 20 mins. to the outer islands in a water taxi and go for a swim in the Gulf, or dine in one of many restaurants on Upper Captiva or Gasparilla Island, or stay on Pine Island and visit the Calusa museum, and afterwards check out one of its many restaurants, or visit several art galleries, including those colorful shops on main street Matlacha--a picturesque fishing village located just 15 min. drive from the cottage. While on Matlacha, you can fish from their famous little bridge and meet local residents and visitors alike. Travel approx. 1 hour to famous Fort Myers Beach, and don't forget Sunsplash Water Park in Cape Coral, only 20-30 minutes where you are staying. However, if you get the urge to shop, there are plenty of outlet stores and malls throughout the area that will suit any budgets. Fort Myers and Cape Coral also have multiple and fantastic bargain thrift shops (ask us for details). But fret not because when you return to the cottage, you find yourself back on island time and at ease, right in the midst of nature, surrounded only by palm groves, and sitting on your own rocking chair, right on your very own back porch, up high on pilings, overlooking your natural surroundings. Then, your senses will relax with the soft, quiet sights and sounds of the old Florida that only artists can portray on canvas. And while you relax, you might want to taste the freshness of a family owned, locally-grown tropical fruit or taste a smoothie that you prepare quickly using our blender from fruit that you can purchase only 15 mins. away on Cubbles Street. There you find mangoes during Summer, and many others during Winter. You can also purchase organic eggs and fresh organic vegetables from the island's small farmers and co-op, just ask the locals. Later, but only if you are up to it, check out the Island's community pool, its ball park, nurseries, or find many places where you can rent a canoe, a kayak, or sail on a guided boat tour to the outer islands of Sanibel, Captiva, North or Upper Captiva, and Gasparilla Island, among others, and enjoy the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, island cuisine, sightseeing, and great shopping. Be sure to ride to the southern end of the island: St. James City, and check out its restaurants, art and antique shops, pottery studio, and an historic landmark restaurant, once a schoolhouse, where you will read about much of the island's history. There is even a pirate ship (great for families and children) and a same day fast boat that will take you to Key West. OCTOBER - MAY are perfect months to go for a bicycle ride along the island's path either north or south. When you pedal northward, you arrive at the end of the island: Bokeelia, and you end up at Charlotte Harbor, with its lovely white cottages, private piers (from which you can fish, for a fee) and feel the fresh salt water breezes in the cooler season or in the evenings, depending on the weather. You might want to sit by the water's edge and pause to enjoy a cool soda or an icy water bottle before heading back. On your ride back, notice the Lazy Flamingo and return later for a tasty grilled fish dinner, it is to your right, beyond the first marina. When you come back, you will dine as you watch the boats from the restaurant lazily awaiting for their owners. Perhaps you will discover why the Calusa Indians made this island their capital--the seat of their civilization, after visiting the Pineland museum and learn how they lived, and which famous man was mortally wounded by them while on his journey back to Cuba, just centuries ago. So be sure to look at the free amenities book to find out how many things you would like to do on or off the island, such as going to island festivals and musical events, or visiting Echo Farm, Shell Factory, or to our own Red Socks Spring training in Fort Myers. And if you prefer a dinner theater or a movie theater, find them in Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, but do not forget our area's very own Mistery Theater Train, for dinner and a splendid performance. However, you can always find plenty of outlet stores and malls right along U.S. 41 or Highway 75 going south such as Coconut Point, and many more, on your way south towards Naples (ck. out that city's 5th Avenue shops and restaurants). While you are on Pine Island, you will not believe it when you find out that such a small island has three post offices just on the north side, two located very close to you, so be sure to visit the historic little one in Pineland. Now...back to the cottage: it is an ideal spot for couples, newlyweds or not, to come and take time out for themselves--no rush here, you set your own pace and live on island time. This place also offers refuge to many real estate investors that would love to tour our area and need time to ponder before making a decision. Hidden by Florida vegetation and mangroves that back up to our backyard (bring your camera), you will wish you could admire the Joe's Bayou leading right into Smoke House Bay and sail north for a few minutes until you reach the Gulf of Mexico but instead, the peaceful mangroves cover the view of water, surrounding you with the satisfaction of knowing that water the little canals lead us to the bayou by just a few hundred feet away. So come and find out why this place is the ideal spot anyone who appreciates nature, and favored by historians, archeologists, anthropologists, botanists, zoologists, writers, artists, and all people who appreciate the inspiration and peace that is characteristic of this unspoiled island. RENTS ON WEEKENDS, WEEKLY, AND MONTHLY. SEE HOUSE RULES FOR DETAILS. Also, if you click on the picture under My Other Listings, there is another home available for rent, just 20-30 minutes away, in Cape Coral, 1600 sq. feet, a 3 bed/2 bath pool home in a private residential area (close to bridges to Fort Myers, Florida), just a 20-30 min. car ride to all beaches ( Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach), as well as to Matlacha (the cute fishing village island between northwest Cape Coral and Pine Island), and also to Pine Island. There are many malls and outlet stores within reach. This home is located in the heart of real estate investment paradise in south Cape Coral, BOTH HOUSES ARE ABOUT 2 1/2 hrs. to Miami, Tampa, 1 hr. to Naples, 3 1/2 hrs. to Orlando, and 5-7 hours to the Florida Keys and Key West. Our family has resided in this area for many years and we can offer you tips that will make your stay affordable and lovely. You will also enjoy bicycle paths close to either property. Free amenities book available for information and best places to visit. Pine Island public pool is available for a fee. Lovingly owned and operated by our family. So come and enjoy!!! Please click on House Rules for additional fees.
