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Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!

Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!

Photo gallery for Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!

Heated Pool /hot tub for your late-night enjoyment.
Truly  a Captiva Island beauty. 3,211 square feet of family fun. In the Village.
Lockers on ground floor area for all your beach things (and nasty winter coats).
View of Great Room with opening to Lanai.  Fun family times playing games here.
Our family party room starring Shelly the Turtle.  Kids young and old love her!

Overview of Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 10298 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Captiva, FL
  • Popular LocationJensen’s Marina4 min walk
  • Popular LocationCaptiva Beach5 min walk
  • Popular LocationTurner Beach9 min drive
  • AirportFort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)63 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Den

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Powder Room on 1st floor

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!

Welcome to our luxury vacation home, Absentminded. Our beautiful well-appointed home is located in the center of the Village of Captiva with the beach or the bay just a short block away! You will appreciate staying in the Village in that we are walking distance to everything...beach, restaurants, marinas, shopping etc.

IAN status.... our house had very minimal damage and the house is now perfect with only the Pool Cage/Lanai scheduled for replacement May 2024. The Village is slowly returning. The Bailey's General Store, Mucky Duck, Green Flash, Sunshine Seafood, Starbucks, RC Otters, The Bubble Room (coffee/ice cream shop only), The Cantina, Pizza Shop and the three Tween Water's restaurants are NOW open in Captiva. Key Lime is scheduled for this fall. Sanibel also has over 20 restaurants open so there are options while on the island. We recently upgraded our outside kitchen so grill away!

This spacious 3,211 square feet home four bedroom/4.5 bath private home comfortably sleeps 10 (easily handles multiple couples or your extended crew) and is designer finished in island style. The house features four private suites (each with a private bathroom) .... our guests' love our large, heated pool with spa and many great amenities including a built-in gas grill (new upgrade in 2023) on the pool level, a new Ian ping pong table, Jenga, plus many toys and games for children young and old!

We are truly in the middle of the island and just steps to...
the beach for shelling, sunbathing and swimming... the Bay for watching the sunrise, fishing, boating, and manatee watching... fun restaurants like the famous Bubble Room (in one direction), or to the fabulous Mucky Duck (at the beach) for romantic sunsets. And, if you can't wait for that first cup of coffee ...Starbucks is a short one block walk away. Captiva Island is only about 600 yards (two blocks) at its widest point, so you are literally steps away from the beach/bay no matter where you are. Once you arrive and park your car, you might not leave the island for the rest of your vacation.

Welcome to the Sunshine!!! Welcome to the Islands!

Our ground floor entrance is inviting and functional to store all your beach supplies (or those nasty winter coats) while you enjoy the Captiva sunshine. The beach towels are here so quickly grab one and head to the beach which is just a short stroll across the street and down sandy Laika Lane for our amazing world-famous beach, playful dolphins and truly wonderful sunsets. The two-car garage has plenty of beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach toys and beach carts for your short walk to the beach, shopping or our many restaurants. The garage features elevator access (for our guests requiring accessibility), and an extra refrigerator. The ground floor lower level has a half-bath powder room convenient to the entertainment/pool area with a built-in BBQ grill, outdoor dinner table, teak bar, and multiple lounge chairs for lazing around the pool and spa. The large pool deck is a great area to keep the little ones busy or to have and having fun playing in the pool or with board games while adults will find a relaxing peaceful spot to take a mid-afternoon nap before heading to the Mucky Duck for another beautiful sunset. And if the weather turns inclement (reminder we are in the islands!), don't worry there is plenty of the pool deck under cover to entertain your guests! The pool deck also features an outdoor shower and a changing room. This pool deck is an amazing outdoor room...you may never want to leave the house! Our repeat guests have reported the pool area was a key difference maker...good weather or bad.
Walking onto the main floor of the house, you're greeted by the Florida sunshine as it streams through plantation shutters into a very open floor plan AND Shelly the Turtle prominently displayed on the main wall of the cozy Great Room. There is plenty of seating for all of our guests, a 65-inch flat screen LCD TV, DVD player (with plenty of DVDs), XBOX One (so bring your favorite games), cathedral ceilings with a ceiling fan, and a wall of windows with French doors leading out to the pool area with a spiral staircase to the pool deck below. The well-equipped and large kitchen with breakfast nook is inviting for the cook and the take-out crowd alike---did we mention that there are seven restaurants within roughly a block or two? The adjacent dining room has seating for ten guests and double French doors out to yet another screened deck overlooking the pool. The main floor king-size bedroom suite has a full bathroom with step-in shower. The office/den includes a desk (for those extended guests that must conduct some work), a printer, bookcases and extra sleeping space for two with a daybed and trundle. The main level is also equipped with a washer and dryer in its own laundry so pack light!! And yes, the house has Wi-Fi.

We know you value your privacy, so we have THREE upper-level bedroom suites!! Walk up a few stairs to this third level and find the first suite, the Black and White Room, with a king-sized bed with a large full bathroom with step-in shower. The second suite features king-sized bed with an attached bathroom with a full-size tub for bathing the little ones. The master suite has a king-size bed, En-suite large bathroom with double vanity sinks, Jacuzzi tub to pamper yourself, a separate shower, and a dressing table with a dressing chair. The master suite guests will lounge on the private deck in their "cuddle chairs" overlooking the pool area below. Look to your left to glimpse a view and the beauty of Pine Island Sound!!


Sanibel and Captiva were named by Frommer in 2016 as the Number One Destination in the world (yes, even over Paris, Tahiti etc.). In 2019, our Captiva sunset was ranked Number One Sunset. Our beaches are consistently voted as one of the top Florida beaches and is Number One for shelling. WOW! It's likely you won't want to leave the Village, but if you do jump in your car, please enjoy the world famous 7,000-acre Ding Darling Nature Preserve or the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, terrific shopping areas and dozens of other fabulous restaurants on Sanibel. Sanibel has over 20 miles of walking/cycling paths. I know I have mentioned our fabulous sunsets and beaches, but our favorite Captiva memories are heading to the bay early in the morning with our daughters to view the sunrise and enjoy the manatees!

This is an amazing house, built in 2002, professionally designed and completely updated in 2016...with new floors in 2020, new kitchen in 2023 and an updated pool area in 2024. It is the perfect spot for a large family or several couples looking to enjoy everything Captiva Island has to offer. Don't believe us; please see the independent 5* reviews below! Our busy seasons fill quickly so please have alternate dates available to experience Absentminded and Captiva. Your family and friends will make memories at Absentminded that will last a lifetime and, like so many of our regulars, peaceful romantic Captiva and Absentminded will draw you back year after year!

Bottom line please review our previous guests' "reviews" .... they will tell you an unbiased story...very few homes in Captiva Village have 40-50 reviews at the 5* level (in fact our home is ranked #1 in Captiva with VRBO for 5* ratings!!) .... our location is perfect, the house is immaculate, and we work hard to give you the perfect island experience!

Our house is located in the Village (a must since the Village has very limited outside visitor parking) and easy to find. Watch out during your trip over from the mainland for the speed limit is strictly enforced for the three-mile ride to Sanibel Island but you won’t hurry. Your first view of the ocean will slow you down!

One last thing to put a smile on your face .... please go the following URL that showcases Captiva Island. This short video will sell you that Captiva Island is truly a unique vacation spot that you won't find on the mainland. Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-GXv0mvmRQ

http://www.purewow.com/travel/beach-vacation-bucket-list?utm_medium=email&utm...

Restaurant Choices:
All of the restaurants in the Captiva village area are within walking distance of the house. Parking around the island is pretty limited so that is a big plus.

Just a few doors from us to the south is Captiva Cantina. If you keep heading toward Andy Rosse on Captiva Drive (so back towards Sanibel), at the corner of Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse is the famous Bubble Room. The food is good, and the desserts are even better. We often grab a piece of cake for an evening snack even if we have had dinner at another spot. On Andy Rosse (turning toward the ocean), you will see Key Lime Bistro and RC Otter. They are great restaurants with outdoor seating and have live entertainment in the afternoons and evenings. Next door to RC Otter's is Sunshine Seafood. The Mucky Duck is at the end of Andy Rosse on the beach (Captiva's only beach front restaurant). They have a nice outdoor patio, and you can have lunch outside with food service from the bar. They also have more formal dining inside and it is THE location to watch the sunset which is a MUST event in Captiva. Another option is the Green Flash which is a little past Andy Rosse on Captiva Drive. Starbucks is north of us...just down the street. If you want to get in the car, three other options are at Tween Waters, including probably the "nicest" restaurant on Captiva/Santiva (The Old Captiva House). And yes, we have pizza in the Village. And in November /April visit the Farmer's Market which is located in the South Seas parking lot. It is worth the visit.

Property manager

Carol Barnett
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We have plenty of beach and pool toys.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Please call. We allow small adult dogs.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
House Rules are strictly enforced.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Captiva

Located in Captiva, this holiday home is near the beach. McCarthy's Marina and Jensen’s Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Sanibel Island Southern Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Travelling with kids? Consider Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and Bailey - Matthews Shell Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Captiva, FL

What's nearby

  • McCarthy's Marina - 3 min walk
  • Jensen’s Marina - 4 min walk
  • Captiva Beach - 5 min walk
  • Captiva Chapel By the Sea - 8 min walk
  • Turner Beach - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Mucky Duck - 7 min walk
  • Old Captiva House - 3 min drive
  • Mango's
  • Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grille - Captiva Island - 5 min walk
  • Starbucks - 4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Absentminded...in Captiva Island Village...Short Stroll to Beach and Shopping! located?

This family-friendly Captiva holiday home is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of Jungle Drums, Captiva Beach and McCarthy's Marina. Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Captiva Chapel By the Sea are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Family Holiday
We could not have been happier with our stay! The property and the "supplies" were more than we knew we needed. The house was immaculate and all the comforts of home. Close to the beach and in our minds, the best spot for miles. Carol was always quick to respond and extremely helpful. Our family agrees it was our best trip ever. We hope to be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michela T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Life long friends' annual vacation
Absentminded welcomes its guests with a warm and homey atmosphere. It meets all comforts beautifully from the spacious and great mattresses in the five-bedroom suites to the well-equipped kitchen The living room space is perfect for gathering. The pool area and half bath by the entrance is a fantastic feature, as is the one car garage space. It allows four vehicles to be parked. We loved the replete turtle theme and the signs in each bathroom ;). Lots of good times were had by all guests. All best to the hosts for their future Captiva life. Sincerely, Michela Tobin and Friends
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alfred F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Back to South Captiva
Great location had everything we needed and wanted. The maintenance crew was very attentive at trying to fix the hot tub! Worked for awhile but needs more attention
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grant T., Mexico, Missouri

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location and House
Enjoyed the stay as the house was equipped with everything you will need for the beach and lots of stuff for the pool as well. The two wagons made the short five minute walk a lot easier in the heat and the kids loved the shovels and beach gear that was left in the garage. Will stay again if we come back to Captiva!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect family home
Perfect house for our family. Short one block walk to the beach. Just a few steps to the store. Patio with a roof for those quick Florida showers. Restaurants if you want within easy walking distance. Plenty of space to spread out in the house. Owners thought of everything to make our beach days Perfect. We did not lack for beach toys, coolers, or chairs at the beach. Perfect!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Carol Barnett

Host profile image
We are from St. Louis and know how captivating Island living is for us Northerners and have looked for years for that perfect home and place. Absentminded in Captiva Island is truly a beautiful home in a perfect island spot.

Why they chose this property

We love the charm of Captiva Island. We vacationed here for years with our girls, later with our friends and it was an easy decision to make this paradise our go-to spot. It's a little bit of heaven right off the Florida coast! Truly one of the very few places in the USA where you have that island feel and look!! One of those places that is free from the fast pace of the city (and many tourist locales). No buildings are allowed higher than the island's palm trees. Your family will feel safe and is a perfect place to relax and just have island fun. And our guest's reviews validate that our beautiful house is in perfect shape and located central to everything in the Village/Beach area.....bottom line that Absentminded will help deliver those wonderful family memories. Captiva homes traditionally rent from Saturday to Saturday. During the off season we are somewhat flexible so please contact us on how we can make your vacation plans more accommodating.

TOP SEVEN THINGS TO DO IN CAPTIVA FOR OUR FAMILY 1) Rent kayak (with or without guide) at J.N. Ding Darling Preserve via Tarpon Bay Explorers 239-472-8900
or take their pontoon cruise around Tarpon Bay OR
Rent kayak (with or without guide) at Tween Waters 800-223-5865 (both of these kayak trips are equally fun and educational 2) Rent boat for pure fishing or rent boat and travel to North Captiva bars/restaurants or Cabbage Key (piloted or bare-boat options) Jenson's Marina 239-472-5800 3) Take a Captiva Cruise 239-472-5111 out of McCarthy's Marina or South Seas Island Resort to Cabbage Key or Useppa Island (and almost guaranteed to see dolphins close up on the way) 4) Crab Races on Monday/Thursday at Tween Waters with family shows at 6 and adult shows at 9 5) Explore the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge 239-472-1100 or just visit their Education Center 6) Shelling at Captiva Beaches or renting a boat for uninhabited islands 7) bike riding

What makes this property unique

Our house is truly amazing and will pamper you in every room. And when your beach day is done, our amazing three story screened in enclosed pool is a perfect spot for an afternoon nap or just to play games or swim in our large pool with your family and friends. Florida is truly in the tropics so a screened-in pool area is a must have! And, 50% of the pool area is under cover and did I mention that we live on an Island (AKA rain a is not a stranger ). Absentminded is conveniently located to all Captiva has to offer. The beach is just a short stroll across the street and down the sandy path of Laika Lane and yet only a block or so away from such amazing restaurants and bars like the Bubble Room and the Mucky Duck.

All of the restaurants in the Captiva village area are within walking distance of the house. Parking around the island is very limited so that is a big plus.

A couple more hints about our island living....... in the little strip center across the road from Doc Fords there is a Starbucks at one end and a small shop with a few grocery items as well as sandwiches at the other end. At the corner of Andy Rosse and Captiva Drive there is another small market, The Island Store, that has a little bit of everything including groceries and a liquor store. Around the back of The Island Store you will find Molly Malone's which is the local seafood shop. It is not open everyday or all day but it is very good and very convenient! Check the sign for hours or just ask inside the store. Finally, next to RC Otter there is Latte DA also serving coffee as well as ice cream.

We typically do a little grocery shopping in Fort Myers before coming over to the island. Prices are better and there are several stores (i.e. Publix) on the way . Once you are on the islands, there are two nice grocery stores in Sanibel.....Bailey's and Jerry's. The selection is nice though prices are a little higher than in Fort Myers.

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