We arrived with our two-horses in their trailer late, in the dark, but Gayle, the owner, met us, helped us park, and showed our two quarter horses to their pasturage. With that settled, we decamped into the studio for a few well-deserved moments of rest after a day's drive.

The apartment itself is very pleasant, with elements of old Florida (it's attached to the barn, after all!) amidst more contemporary facilities. There is a very workable kitchenette with toaster oven, hotplates, microwave, coffee maker, many staples and condiments, and a full array of utensils and place settings. We especially enjoyed having a full refrigerator. Over the week we were there, we made several meals, and also enjoyed the local cuisine, which is varied and excellent, mostly concentrated in nearby Sarasota and Bradenton.

Armed with bird books and binoculars, we rode the 15 miles of trails in Myakka River State Park, which abuts this property and lends it that wild feeling. We had never seen so many species of wildlife, including no less than four endangered, extremely rare species of birds. A bald eagle swooped overhead one day, and landed in the pasture by the pond! We also saw several Crested Caracaras, large, beautiful birds that, we read, there are fewer than 100 left in the wild.

We unhitched the trailer, left the horses in pasture with the owner's two saddlebreds, and went to the beach on Siesta Key, a few years ago ranked America's Best Beach. We had no idea what a cultural mecca Sarasota is, with a world class art museum on the bay, ballet, and several theater groups, including Asolo Repertory, where Broadway shows are rehearsed in public before heading north to New York.

No matter how near or far we ranged, with or without our horses, the studio was a welcoming and comfortable oasis for rest and relaxation, and for planning the next day's adventure.

Even if it's not directly on your planned route, and whether you travel with your four-legged friends or not, we recommend this listing without reservation.

Andy and Donna