Location: Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Upper Gulf Coast, Florida, USA (200 yards from White Sandy Beaches)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Rent a true island home in an unspoiled paradise. We've transformed this typical island bungalow into an exotic getaway decorated in British Colonial fashion with Oriental rugs, imported wicker and rattan furniture, dark hardwoods and artwork we have purchased on our trips around the world. Outside, you'll find a private "Tiki Garden" nestled in a butterfly garden under swaying palm trees where you can BBQ or just enjoy cocktails. If you click on our site's link, you'll get a full virtual tour with lots of photos and information. You can also read about our second proeprty, Twin Palms Cottage, a two-bedroom writer's retreat with a lush yard, gazebo and firepit.
This larger portion of the home has a unique two master suite layout. The two-room "Africa" suite can be split into two bedrooms, offering a third sleeping room. (These rooms have a queen-sized and full-sized beds.) This setup makes the house unusually well suited for two couples sharing, and a good option for families with children. That suite has a TV, DVD player and private patio. The other suite, the Bombay suite, has a new king-sized bed and a large bathroom with a massive walk-in bathroom attached.
One of the owners is a chef, so the kitchen is especially well equipped, with quality cookware, newer appliances and unusual bamboo countertops. At Twin Palms, you will be surrounded by other homes, not condominiums or hotels on a quiet street on lovely Anna Maria Island, a favorite Florida favorite getaway of private homes, pure white sugary-sandy beaches, sea turtles and slow island life.
This is not a typical rental with cheap furniture and aging appliances. There are two new 27-inch TVs, DVD and VHS players, cable with 90+ channels and a video library of more than 80 titles. We include 300+ thread count linens and brand new Sealy Posturpedic beds in two bedrooms. The den, known as the "Hemingway Office," has a hi-speed wireless/DSL internet connection and views of swaying palm trees outside. For more analog types, there are lots of new board games and interesting books.
We are fully set up to accommodate children, with a high chair, stroller, folding crib, toys for inside play as well as kid's beach gear and children's videos/DVDs. We'll even have a supply of kids sunblock and diapers when you arrive.
So why wait? A semi-private white sand beach and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are just a short walk (200 yards/meters) to the west while the watery playground of the inland waterway is just 100 yards/meters to the east. There is a private boat dock for your use a short distance away if you want to rent a boat or bring your own. Major attractions, including Disney World and Orlando theme parks, are within a two-hour drive. There is a stop for the island's free trolley just steps outside the door. The entire property is ground level for those with mobility concerns.
We have many repeat visitors to Twin Palms. Once people experience the home's tranquil charms, they often can't wait to return! As the house is difficult to rent at popular times, we now offer Twin Palms Cottage, a two-bedroom writer's retreat decorated in similar fashion with a lush, tropical yard and outdoor gazebo and fire pit. Please inquire if interested.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Beach toys, Beach chairs, Fishing gear, stroller, high chair, children's pool and well set up for families.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Shuffleboard
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Beaches within easy walking distance, Golf (a dozen courses nearby), Fishing (two poles and tackle provided), Deep Sea Fishing, Busch Gardens (1 hour drive), Disney World/Orlando (2 hour drive)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
RATES: All rental rates INCLUDE local sales tax of 10.5%
SUMMER 2007. May-Aug ........ $2,675/month; $1,770/14 days
AUTUMN 2007. Sept-Dec........ $2,350/month; $1,670/14 days
WINTER 2008. Jan-Apr ........ $3,250/month; $1,970/14 days
SUMMER 2008. May-Aug ........ $2,675/month; $1,770/14 days
Deposit plus Additional $80 Cleaning Charge per stay
** 14-day minimum ** Shorter stays considered in summer, fall or late bookings
Friendly on-island manager * Set up great for kids
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- Walk the beach every night at sunset - Holmes Beach Rental
- The house is decorated with tasteful, comfortable rattan and wicker - Holmes Beach Rental
- Private "tiki garden" with BBQ grill under palm trees - Holmes Beach Rental
- The "Africa" bedroom (queen size bed) - part of a large two-room suite
- The open kitchen has just been updated with unique bamboo countertops
- The master bedroom leads to a beautiful updated bathroom with a walk-in shower
- Both bathrooms, including the "Paris" room, were updated in 2006
- The main room for our second unit, the writer's retreat known as "the cottage"
- The exterior of the "the cottage" unit attached to the main home
Guest Comments (6)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #73422
There have been 11296 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - November 01, 2008

Positive Rating
, Hanover, Germany
Positive Rating
Sandy Klim , Michigan
Positive Rating
From the Twin Palms Guest book: "We have had a wonderful time at Twin Palms! This house is very nice and has certainly fulfilled all of our needs (especially the kitchen). The island has shown her best side to us, warm enjoyable weather, lovely beaches, nice people and most important a warm Gulf of Mexico. Our three-year-old daughter has spent at least two hours every day in the water. She loves it!! We liked Coquina Beach the best. We went to Mote Marine and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa - they are very worth visting, especially if you have small children. We will certainly return to Anna Maria and Twin Palms one day!