Location: Little Gasparilla Island, Florida South West, Florida, USA (Little Gasparilla Island) View Map
Accommodations: Beach House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Coconut Hideaway is one of the most charming and unique beach homes on the island. This is our private home -- not a rental unit -- and we have decorated it with antiques, oriental carpets, original artwork and many collections from our travels abroad. Unlike the "condo/townhome" complexes to the south, our beach is rarely crowded.
Our Caribbean-inspired home is built in the "Old Florida" style and boasts soaring high ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, warm cedar siding, Tiffany-style lamps, a dramatic open staircase and unobstructed views of the beach from every room. We offer two screened porches, front and back, plus open decks surround the house for sunning.
Two comfortable hammocks offer the perfect spot for reading. Al fresco dining is available on the front porch for warm evenings or indoors for breezy evenings. We have a breezy outdoor seating area on the front porch and a cozy conversation area, decorated with antique wicker, on the back porch. Unlike many homes which are merely "gulf view" or require a long walk across the island on hot sand, our home is directly on the beach. We even have a tropical tiki hut nestled among the dunes, perfect for watching sunset with a tropical drink.
Each bedroom offers both a king-size bed and a small daybed perfect for children. We feature 100% cotton linens which are included with your rental as are all kitchen utensils, beach towels, chairs, umbrella and a dock for your boat. Our laptop (MAC) is provided for free wireless Internet access upon request. The kitchen features new granite counter tops, bread maker, blender, microwave, toaster oven, coffee grinder, crock pot and a fully stocked pantry. Two refrigerators offer plenty of space for extra ice, sodas and snacks.
As part of the barrier island chain that includes Sanibel and Captiva Island, Little Gasparilla Island offers the peace and serenity that those overcrowded islands cannot. As a bridge-less barrier island, accessible only by water taxi, Little Gasparilla has fewer tourists, no high rises and no crowds on the beach. You vacation with dolphins and egrets, gopher tortoises and sea turtles.
The fishing is superb from the beach or the dock, and children and adults alike will also enjoy shelling, snorkeling, riding skim boards or simply floating on a raft. Noisy nightlife is non-existent, though you may encounter ghost crabs or giant sea turtles on the beach. There is daily water taxi service to the island, so mainland visits are always possible, though not necessary desirable!
Golf cart rentals are available on the island for exploring, but many choose to walk the sandy pathways that meander up and down the island. There are several golf courses within 10 minutes of the marina, and an excellent fish market (Miss Cindy's) just across Placida Bay. There are charming gift and souvenir shops in the village of Placida and Boca Grande.
Please note that most all houses on Little Gasparilla island are on stilts. Unfortunately, we are not handicap-accessible. We provide baby gates for stairs inside the home but small children will require supervision on the stairs.
Please note there is no smoking in the beach house. Our personal website has many additional photos and more information about the house and the island. (See the link for more information below the calendar.) Please note that for your protection and ours, we do not use the availability calendar but you may e-mail us for availability.
We think you will find your vacation on Little Gasparilla to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable holidays ever! Just bring your groceries, a bathing suit and a tropical attitude!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Central heat and air conditioning
- Washer: Large Capacity Washer in residence
- Dryer: Dryer in residence
- Linens Provided: 100% cotton sheets, variety of foam and down pillows
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer: Free use of dock slip for your boat
- Beds
- King Bed: Each bedroom offers a king size bed.
- Twin/Single Bed: Sleeping porch offers two twins (daybed and a trundle) with a private entrance perfect for teenagers.
- Child Bed: Each bedroom also offers a daybed perfect for ages 2 to 8.
- Convertible Bed: Sofa-bed in the living room is queen-size.
- Crib: A portable crib is also available for your use.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Satellite TV is available in both main bedrooms.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library: Numerous VHS tapes and DVDs are available for your enjoyment
- CD Player
- Music Library: A selection of CD's is also available.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Utensils include large shrimp pot, crock pot, blender, bread maker, coffee grinder, toaster oven -- even a coconut shredder!
- Refrigerator: We offer an extra full-size refrigerator for spare ice, sodas and snacks.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: We offer a small stainless steel grill and a large Weber grill. A charcoal smoker is also available.
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Gazebo: A tiki-hut downstairs offers a shady spot for a tropical drink.
- View/Location
- Oceanfront: Coconut Hideaway sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico, a stone's throw from the water.
- Communications
- Telephone: Telephone is available for local calls only
- Computer: We have a MAC laptop available for guests.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Our MAC laptop with wireless service will be provided UPON REQUEST. If you wish to use our wireless modem with your OWN computer, you will need to download software PRIOR to your arrival. Please call or e-mail us for instructions.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed: This is a non-smoking home.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$2000/week .. $7500/month (plus Florida state tax of 12%.)
Holidays are $500/week extra
Sorry, our minimum rental period is one week; no weekend rentals
$300 reservation/security deposit to hold your date
Deposit is refunded in full following your departure, assuming no damage
We also accept PayPal for deposits and payments
Additional cleaning fee may be charged for groups over 6.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:



Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1980
Why the Owner Chose Little Gasparilla Island
As a native Floridian, I found Little Gasparilla Island to most closely resemble the Florida I grew up in 60 years ago.....no high-rises on the beach, no traffic-clogged roads and few tourists. Many days you can walk on the beach without seeing another soul....we also love the natural environment and the lack of unsightly seawalls.
The Unique Benefits at this Beach House
Our home is comfortable and unique, fully stocked with virtually everything you need for a fun family vacation. Our shady tiki hut offers a protected spot when winter's breezes are a bit chilly and a cool respite from midday sun. Our hammocks allow you to fully enjoy the tropical breezes and -- best of all, we have views of the Gulf from nearly every room in the house!
This is where the water taxi drops you off; we keep a wheeled cart there to transport bags and groceries to the house.
Owner's Map of Little Gasparilla Island
Buddy was a motion picture director and Laurie was a marketing executive in Chicago. We moved back to Florida in 1985. When we retired, we became antique dealers and traveled the world collecting unique mementos for our beachhouse. Now we enjoy sharing our very special island with our friends, family and guests.
Property Photos
- View of Coconut Hideaway Beach house from the sandbar. - Placida, Florida Beach House on the Gulf of Mexico - Pet Friendly
- View of the house and the beach from the Gulf of Mexico. - Placida, Florida Beach House on the Gulf of Mexico - Pet Friendly
- A shady tiki hut offers the perfect spot for a tropical drink a sunset! - Placida, Florida Beach House on the Gulf of Mexico - Pet Friendly
- View of the beach from the front porch.
- Country kitchen and dining area with Gulf views.
- The living room features a leather sofa, high ceilings and open staircase.
- Upstairs bedroom offers 360 degree views of the island.
- Master bedroom with ocean views and its own private entrance.
- The porch offers two hammocks, al fresco dining and dramatic Gulf views!
- The waves are gentle for even the smallest swimmers. (view from front porch)
- Dining area features antiques, artwork and Gulf views.
- The beach is a nature lover's paradise!
- Country kitchen with granite countertops.
Guest Comments (7)
First (7) of (7). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #180128
There have been 11121 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009


Positive Rating
Miami , Franklin, New Hampshire
Positive Rating
, phoenix, az
Positive Rating
Sarah Ford , Valencia, CA
Positive Rating
melissa finifrock , cherry valley illinois
Positive Rating
Emily & Ty , Orem, Utah
Positive Rating
Laura & Robert , Red Rock,New York
Positive Rating
Kim , quebec, canada