Location: Seabird Key, Marathon Area, Florida Keys, Florida, USA (Marathon, Florida (middle Florida Keys) is 5 minutes away)
Accommodations: Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 3 Baths (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: Private 10 Acre Island
You can't imagine this is for real...Your own private, ten-acre island located just 5 minutes offshore Marathon in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys...a true island paradise where you can be the captain of your own dream. And it's not only accessible, but affordable.
An island all to yourself, with a beautiful cottage (the only house on the Island), a boat and a private, sandy beach with towering palms, lazy hammocks, and chickee huts has all the ingredients of a perfect tropical getaway. To complete this perfect setting, you can also wander along sandy jungle trails and discover exotic tropical plants and flowers or watch the antics of the pelicans, herons, ibis, ospreys and other avian residents of the bird sanctuary which co-exist with you on the Island. A kayak trip around the island is a favorite activity of some while others can't wait to take a late afternoon sunset cruise. You can toast the sunset from the 35' Widow's Walk high above the treetops.
A weathered boardwalk takes you from the dock to the house. Beautifully crafted like a ship of tropical hardwoods, the house is built in the traditional "Old Florida" style. The expansive decks and porches are separated from the cathedral ceilings, spiral staircase and interesting nooks and crannies by screened cypress louvers that capture cool sea breezes.
Seabird is stocked with all the toys you need for a week on the water, including a 19 foot/90 h.p. runabout, HobieCat sailboat, kayacks, masks, fins, fishing gear, and towing tube. Bring your camera and swimsuit (or leave it at home) everything else is provided for you; from beach towels to board games. No amenity has been overlooked including a remarkable collection of island literature, an extensive library of Caribbean and classical music, and a music loft complete with piano. An indoor/outdoor cassette/CD stereo as well as a TV/DVD and extensive movie collection are provided. The Island is equipped with wi/fi as well, so if you must, bring your laptop. Telephone service is free of charge on Seabird.
The maximum number of occupants is eight. There is one master bedroom located on the main level with a queen bed, private balcony and private bath. The second bedroom has a private bath & balcony and is also on the main level. These two bedrooms share a conveniently located outdoor shower. The winding staircase leads to four bunk beds in an upstairs sleeping loft, which has its own bath. The two ends of the loft are separated by a wooden catwalk that joins the two spaces. It is a scene straight out of "Swiss Family Robinson." Balconies on each end of the loft bring the outside-in. Access to the 35' widow's walk is from the upstairs balcony.
Secure parking is available on Seabird's mainland property. A five minute boat ride takes you out to the Island. You'll be greeted by the manager upon arrival and escorted by boat over to the Island. Once your party is settled, you're given exclusive use of the 19' Boston Whaler. You can motor into Marathon for fine dining, shopping or nightlife. Key West is an hour's drive. Seabird's Manager doesn't live on the Island but is on call 24/7 and is just 15 minutes away.
A sophisticated solar energy system provides power for all electrical needs, including such amenities as ceiling fans, telephone, a microwave, and coffee bean grinder, but there is no air conditioning to distract from the appreciation of a coexistence with nature. The 20,000 gallon cistern collects fresh water and is decorated with shells, broken glass and coral rock imbedded in its sides... a work of art in itself! Recycling utilizes the bountiful resources... seaweed is harvested and composed, gray waste water irrigate plants and fruit trees which provide tropical delights to Island guests. Feeding the table scraps to the fish under the docks, which are a delight to snorkelers, can save a trip to the fish market for a succulent snapper on the dinner table!
Marathon is a pleasant two hour drive from Miami on the scenic overseas highway. Alternatively, Seabird Key is less than a mile from the Marathon airport which hosts many private jets. Upon arrival Seabird's manager will greet you at the mainland dock, excort you out to Seabird Key and your adventure begins.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Exclusively yours
- Dryer : Exclusively yours
- Linens Provided : Seabird provides beach towels as well
- Off Street Parking : Secure parking is located on Seabird's1/2 acre mainland launch property. Our 19' Boston Whaler is docked in the canal ready for your trip out to the island and for your return into shore when you're shopping, or going to restaurants, or visiting other area locations.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : The above mentioned property has more than enough room for your RV/Boat/or Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed : The master bedroom has a queen bed, vaulted ceilings, private bath, and french doors leading out to a private balcony.
- Double Bed : The second bedroom on the main level of the home has a double bed with vaulted ceilings, private bath, but shares the outdoor shower with the master bedroom.
- Bunk Bed (2) : Seabird's loft is a neat place for kids. The two ends of the loft are connected by a wooden catwalk that gives you the feeling of being in a Swiss Family Robinson adventure. There are balconies on both ends of the loft and access to the 45' widow's walk. A private bath with shower completes this sleeping space for 4.
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Satellite TV with a LCD flat screen located in the main level living space.
- DVD
- Video Library : Seabird has an extensive library of classic movies, both for children and adults. Many of the movies have island themes or were filmed on islands. You will love the collection.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Seabird's music library is extensive with many Jimmy Buffet recordings represented. There is a great mix of classic rock, classical, "music of the islands," and many recordings our guests leave for the next group.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen is fully equipped for gourmet cooking with the exception of a dishwasher. No one will complain, since the view from the kitchen overlooks Seabird's fabulous tropical gardens. There is a commercial ice maker located on the mainland lot for your exclusive use.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : There are several options: Since Seabird Key provides the most beautiful and exotic setting in all the Florida Keys, you'll want to experience a first class meal served right on your own private island. The chef is not a member of Seabird's staff, but is available to come over and provide you with great service. Arrangements should be made well in advance of your arrival.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Seabird's ground level deck (Outdoor kitchen) becomes the key spot as you grill down by the chickee hut on the water.
- Deck/Patio : There are multi-level decks, porches and patios. Some covered, some open. You have the option to sun bathe on the widow's walk towering 35' where there are lounge chairs. The front porch has old fashioned rocking chairs where you're likely to sit and visit. The other decks have a variety of lay-outs that always provides guests with a private place to go, or to be in the middle of the action.
- Balcony : Balconies are off each bedroom.
- Lanai
- Gazebo : Chickee huts are scattered over the Island. They provide great shade as well as that Gilligan's island look that we love. We have a couple combined with the hammocks sung between the coconut palms, and your vision of tropical paradise becomes complete.
- View/Location
- Beachfront : Seabird's beach is exclusively yours.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- 19' Boston Whaler provided for your exclusive use to reach Seabird and for fishing, diving, tubing, etc."," Hobie Cat"," Kayaks"," Snorkeling equipment"," Swimming from private sandy beach or dock,", Towing Tube for great water fun,", Widow's walk with 360 degree ocean views,', Cooler with drinks provided upon arrival,", Homemade Key Lime Pie,",
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Only small, well trained dogs that are non-hunting breeds.
- Kid Friendly : Kids love the "Swiss Family Robinson" adventure of being on their own island. Parents love the freedom of letting the children run, play and explore on ten acres that it completely safe. The kids also love the kayaks.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Horseshoes
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- Seabird Key provides ultimate privacy and tranquility for your vacation, since you have "Your own private Island". Ten acres, a sandy beach, exclusive use of your own boat, and no one else around but your invited guests. Dream on!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Weekly Rates for up to four guests (plus local taxes):
High Season .. Dec 17,2011-June 30,2012 .. $6995/week.
Off-Season ... June 30-Dec 15, 2012 .. $5595/week.
Beyond the first four guests, additional guests $375 each, up to eight maximum.
Christmas and New Year's weeks, add additional 10%
State and Local Taxes Apply (Local, 5% State, 7.5%) Total 12.5%
A refundable deposit in the amount of $500 is required to secure a reservation
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1983
My husband, Jim's childhood dream was to own an island. I wanted to be a piano teacher. Jim & I currently live in Miami where Jim works in the financial industry and I work on Seabird Key marketing/reservations/accounting, etc. We have 2 college age kids and an older daughter + family. I still play the piano for fun and accompany a couple of local groups. We both stay busy with work, but also find time to volunteer in our local school, church, opera and community homeless assistance center. Jim and I were both working in New York City when we purchased the Island. We share a passion for creative projects. Jim worked more than full time on Wall Street, but co-owned a Southern Style restaurant as a hobby. The fun for him was in designing and building the restaurant. When that was sold, he purchased the Island and our new adventure began.
Why the Owner Chose Seabird Key
We lived in NYC and came down to the Keys for a quick vacation and fell in love with the Florida Keys. The weather, the gorgeous water, the coral reefs, the fabulous fishing and the "laid-back" feeling of the area captured our hearts and provided the perfect get away from New York's fast pace. While visiting the Keys, Jim saw an ad that read "Island for Sale." The Island posted for sale was fabulous with white sandy beaches, but it was a risky purchase because it could literally get blown away in a hurricane. We returned to NY with a seed planted in Jim's mind. Months later we got a call from a broker who said an island was for sale that might meet our needs. Located on the bay side and made of solid coral with good water access, it didn't matter that the island looked pretty rough. Jim realized that a thorough clean-up and some heavy duty palm tree planting could transform the Island into the paradise we feel it was meant to be. 26 years later, we're all enjoying Jim's vision.
The Unique Benefits of this Villa
We feel so blessed to own Seabird Key and we love to share the Island with others. Over 27 years of renting Seabird, we have volumes of guest book entries filled with the most heart warming testimonies of families who return year after year to Seabird for their vacation. We all share the "secret" of island living...there is not a more tranquil setting to be found. The "privacy" of being the only guests on your own ten acre island cannot be duplicated at a resort. The dock, the boat, the private beach, the widow's walk on top of the house, the front porch with classic rocking chairs, the outdoor kitchen, the kayaks, hammocks, sail boat, etc. etc. provide countless hours of unique fun for those lucky enough to travel to this beautiful place.
Property Photos
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- Seabird Key - "Your own private Island" - Marathon Vacation Rental
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- Your Island cottage is comfortably furnished and is architecturally stunning - Marathon Vacation Rental
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- You think you're in the jungle...but the wooden path leads back to the house. - Marathon Vacation Rental
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- The gardens explode with colorful, exotic, tropical flowering trees & plants
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- It might have been designed for Ernest Hemingway, but we really had you in mind.
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- Dream away on your own private island. Seabird's master bedroom.
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- Wake up to another fun-filled day on Seabird. Of course you won't feel spoiled!
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- Every yacht has a galley designed for efficency, and this one has everything!
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- Seabird's style is Key's casual: you'll enjoy the outdoor dining by the water
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- A 5-minute boat ride takes you to Seabird's main dock where you're the Captain
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- They're ready for a great day of fishing. Your 19' Whaler is on the right.
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- Return with the "catch of the day" and prepare it in your Island kitchen
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- Sombrero Reef is 20 minutes by boat from Seabird for great snorkeling & diving!
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- If you're in a quiet mood, private yoga instruction can be arranged
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- or kayak around the Island for a great view of the Seabirds
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- Just toss your cares away and enjoy the tropical breeze....it's your Island!
Traveler Reviews (7)
a perfect retreat
Guest: Cast5
(wilton,ct)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09
Review Submitted: 11/08/10
An absolutely remarkable retreat, Seabird Key’s private ten acre island may just be the best kept secret of the Florida Keys. A full on emersion into paradise awaits prospective visitors with an added bonus; an all inclusive boat rental for the stay. Exuding authentic charm and undeniable character while at the same time tastefully including a great deal of modern conveniences, Seabird Key is perfect
Owner response:We very much appreciate the review from Cast5 and assume that their comments are sincere given they have visited Seabird on an annual basis for years. We welcome their return to Seabird Thanksgiving 2010.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Castaldi Family, Wilton Ct
Guest: Cast5
(wilton,ct)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09
Review Submitted: 11/08/10
An absolutely remarkable retreat, Seabird Key’s private ten acre island may just be the best kept secret of the Florida Keys. A full on emersion into paradise awaits prospective visitors with an added bonus; an all inclusive boat rental for the stay. Exuding authentic charm and undeniable character while at the same time tastefully including a great deal of modern conveniences, Seabird Key is perfect
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Christine & Joshua Baker
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/23/08
Review Submitted: 08/23/08
After 14 months in the Iraqi desert, Seabird Key was the paradise that we needed. What an amazing job you all have done to ensure that we wanted for nothing. We loved the wildlife and the kayaking. Even though the Keys were brushed by hurricane Fay during our visit, it was handled beautifully and everything was perfect. We look forward to visiting next year. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Recommended for:
Guest: Marlin Ebbert
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/02/04
Review Submitted: 12/02/04
Just had to thank you for allowing us to celebrate our Thanksgiving Holiday on Seabird Key. We all had a wonderful time! It was interesting for me to watch my adult/children as they marveled at the effort, time and love that has gone into the creation of Seabird Key. It truly is a tropical paradise! Our Thanksgivings in the future will always pale when compared to Thanksgiving 2004!
Recommended for:
Guest: Mary & Mark Mills
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/28/04
Review Submitted: 05/28/04
On behalf of the Mills family, we thank you for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of your island. You have the finest piece of real estate on God's earth. It is georgous and so exotic and the house is one to treasure.
Recommended for:
Guest: Missy Morgan
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/23/04
Review Submitted: 05/23/04
How wonderful there is a place on earth that is Seabird Key. How even more wonderful that it is in the hands of the Davidsons, with their love of beauty and their respect for nature and their love of having fun. How lucky for the Morgans that we got to spend a week in paradise.
Recommended for:
Guest: Sam Noble
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/12/04
Review Submitted: 05/12/04
Thank you for a wonderful vacation on your island. It was more than I ever expected. Jeff was of great help as well as Katie. I fully intend to come back next year. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
Recommended for:
First (7) of (7). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #114854
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