Our stay in paradise from 01/08/12 - 01/15/12

Guest: Joyce Bruggeman (Cedar Rapids IA)
Date of Stay: 01/08/12 Review Submitted: 01/27/12

If only I could spend all of Iowa's winters on Captiva, living in the Island House. Our extended family stayed there recently and the house worked perfectly for our group. My husband and I stayed upstairs in the "private apartment". It is VERY spacious. Downstairs our daughter and our son-in-law had the master bedroom. Their toddler daughter had the bedroom next to their room. They turned the day bed around backwards to the wall and it worked great as a "crib". Our college age daughter took the remaining main floor room with a day bed. All the rooms were great for our needs. We did make several meals at our new "home away from home". The pots and pans and dishes were all we needed. Another of our children and her husband (newlyweds) chose to stay at an Inn located on our walk from the house to the beach. That worked well for all of us. We LOVED the location... so near to all we needed... restaurants, the beach, the management office, etc. The staff at the management office could not have been more helpful. My daughter had lost her driver's license while leaving her hometown airport. She received advice from one of the management staff (who as I understand was/is in law enforcement and knew just what my daughter needed to do). We were able to use their computer to obtain additional i.d. for dear daughter to get thru security for her trip home. They also loaned us an additional iron and blow dryer, etc. The island house had beach chairs, beach matts, beach towels, beach toys. There was a wonderful swing in the backyard. Our grand daughter loved swinging in it with us. We love the island. It is so relaxed. The people are friendly and interesting to chat with. The shelling is addictive. The beaches go on and on. Some of our group did night fishing right from the beach and from a dock nearby. They caught small sharks, a ray, and fish. It was quite interesting. There is a small "general store" very nearby. We arrived late at night so could not buy provisions in Ft. Myers where I will purchase most of our food/drink needs next time. Most of us did NOT go to Ding Darling Preserve this trip but have in the past. It is most interesting. We did do some shopping in Captiva/Sanibel. There were many interesting things I would have loved to purchase. Don't be afraid to phone the home's owner. He is very warm, receptive, and helpful... like advice of lesser known things to do during your time in paradise. Go and enjoy paradise!!

Owner response:We are excited to share our home with others. We do our best to make your vacation a time of fun, rest, and relaxation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.

Tropical Charm

Guest: Sharon (East Hampton, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

We recently returned from a stay at Island House in Captiva. I can't believe how fortunate we were to find this idyllic spot. The house was perfect for our family of 6. My two teenage children had a pretty sweet deal in their upstairs accommodations. The two younger children were perfectly encamped in their twin beds. It's so hard to select a vacation spot site unseen, but this house was even better than described in the listing. The property was very clean and well kept. The furnishings were very comfortable and the house was well equipped with all you need for a beach vacation. The location of the house was ideal. The white sand and seashell covered beach was just blocks from the house, while the marina was just yards away. The owners were wonderful. They are very caring and helpful and really wanted us to enjoy our vacation. And we did! Captiva itself was beautiful. We saw banana and coconut palms, wonderful sunsets, tons of shells, exotic birds, pipefish, and dolphin. Kayaking around Pine Island Sound was well worth it. Try Queenie's ice cream at the Marina - it's fantastic. The Island Cow on Sanibel was a fun kid-friendly place to eat.

Owner response:It is great to see how much people appreciate the unique house with the private and seperate upstairs. This can really enhance one's stay by giving some added privacy.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

3 Generation Getaway

Guest: VB 6 (Vero Beach, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

This home was perfect for us...2 grandparents, 2 parents, and 2 grandchildren. My husband and I had our own pad upstairs so that we could take a break from the gang and have some time to ourselves. The downstairs apt. was more than ample for our son, daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren...they too could have time as a family. The livingroom sofa I wanted to take home (I didn't) it was so comfortable, a wonderful place where we could get together play cards, games, or take a rest! We brought along an 18' boat which we could easily dock at the marina next door and take picinic lunches on the other islands or go shelling. The beach was just down the other end of the block...this home is in a great location to do most anything. For a family or group who want to be outdoors doing all the fun things Captiva has to offer and close to the local "watering holes" this is our choice! No doubt we'll be booking for at least a week next year...or sooner!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.

Best Vacation House Ever !

Guest: Lee (Chillicothe, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

I just stayed in the Island House last week and it is a great place to relax and enjoy paradise. The house was a great value and made you feel like you were at home. Captiva and the Ft. Myers area is a great place to visit and I hope to visit many more times, hopefully I will be staying in the Island House in the future as well. The house is equipped with everything you need to have a great stay, so just sit back relax.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Two Visits and Counting!

Guest: Mr and Mrs G (Hampton, VA)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

Island House was a serendipity for us in 2010. We recently returned home from our 2011 visit and have reserved the house for the same week next year. While Island House is located near the center of the Village of Captiva, it feels quiet and private. On the outside it's a historic cottage; inside it's complete with modern amenities. Decor gives the impression that the owners of this home are a family who love it and the Island. In the yard, you are surrounded by beautiful subtropical plantings while relaxing or grilling; inside, you have a choice of spaces to enjoy, from the bright sun porch to the comfy living room, sleeping spaces and the well-appointed kitchen. The owners are helpful, friendly and informative. Beach to Bay, everything a visitor to an island might want is within easy walking distance: good restaurants, shopping, wildlife, boat tours, kayaking and more, not to mention friendly neighbors. You'll feel like an Islander in a matter of days!

Owner response:Jenni and I are so glad when people like Island House as much as we do, and appreciate returning guests.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.