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Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown

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Property grounds
Welcome!
Room
Living room with porch to right (you can see the hammock)
Front of house

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Sarasota, FL
  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • St. Armands Circle
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Lido Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Living Room

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown

Welcome to Cosentino Homestead! Settle into this serene, natural paradise in the middle of a bustling city. Nowhere else will you find this level of tranquility hidden away in suburban Sarasota, just minutes from the city's beaches, attractions, restaurants and stores. The property is 10 minutes from Siesta Key beach and downtown, and just a few blocks from the nearest stores.

The newly remodeled guesthouse was built on Siesta Key in 1948 and moved by my father to its present location in the early 70s. Its permanent resting place is this beautiful homestead, nestled among age-old oaks, pine trees and lush Florida vegetation. This ecologically sound, nature-lover's paradise is also host to an organic garden and orchard, hens (farm-fresh eggs, anyone?), a lake and a small creek. The property, which is mostly wooded, is fenced in and gated for maximum privacy and security. Guests are free to roam, meditate and enjoy this unofficial natural reserve!

The house is cozy yet spacious and boasts a wonderful mix of antiques and all the modern conveniences. There is a sunroom, a fireplace (decorative only) and a huge screened-in porch with a comfy hammock. The bedroom and living room floors are the original hardwood. Behind the house, there is a deck and a small pond surrounded by lush vegetation. Guests fall in love with this warm, charming cottage and its magical setting and are pleased with the well stocked, modern kitchen and other amenities.

There is a queen-size bed in one bedroom, a full in the other and a futon in the living room. The bathroom is comfortable, adequate and newly updated, but not large. Washer and dryer are full size. There is a smart TV and a DVD player. There is a carport (one car).

IMPORTANT SALES TAX INFORMATION: You are required to pay the Hotel and Resort Tax, which is 12% (7% for Florida and 5% for Sarasota County). Florida law states that this must be clearly stated and not included in the rental price.

Guests are free to roam the property, but please respect the privacy of the main house. The property is fenced in, but the lake, creek and pond are NOT enclosed.

Unless I'm with clients at my studio, I am usually available for questions. You will often find me tending to my gardens and property and are welcome to come chat!

Property manager

Kat Cosentino

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
May not be suitable for children. Check w/owner.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests must agree to and sign House Rules provided by Owner.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sarasota

Located in Ridge Wood Heights, a neighbourhood in Sarasota, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. St. Armands Circle and Mall at University Town Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Siesta Key Beach and Crescent Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Coconuts Family Entertainment Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sarasota, FL

What's nearby

  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - 8 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Siesta Key Beach - 8 min drive - 7.5 km
  • St. Armands Circle - 16 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Lido Beach - 18 min drive - 16.0 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dive Wine & Spirits - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Seagrape Wine Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Stragglers - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Cottage on 6.2-Acre Homestead IN TOWN 10-15 min to Beach/Downtown located?

This family-friendly Sarasota holiday home is located on a lake, within 2 mi (3 km) of Bee Ridge Park and Coconuts Family Entertainment Center. The Landings and Gulf Gate Mall are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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. 43 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A hidded gem.

Very cool place to stay. The wife and I found it very relaxing and comfortable. The only issue was we did not get to stay longer because of our schedules but we will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Manju C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Nature Retreat

The Cosentino Homestead is the place to stay for a peaceful getaway surrounded by beauty. This is a fantastic all around experience for a Florida vacation. Excellent service in a beautiful home.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dennis J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate Vaca Experience

Secluded, one of a kind property, safe, clean and a ultimate host that makes it her top priority to accommodate our every need. Awesome experience!!
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brent F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property and location.

The property is gorgeous and secluded but still convenient to everything. The host was welcoming and very helpful throughout the visit. Location is maybe 10 -15 minutes from Siesta Key and downtown Sarasota shopping. We definitely plant to stay here again the next time we are in town.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A refuge in the city

Very charming and well- appointed cottage in a 6 acre nature park in South Sarasota.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Walter F.

Tropical paradise! We didn't want to leave!

Great guest house surrounded by lush vegetation & trees on several acres. Secluded & quite. Perfectly located close to everything - downtown, shopping, fishing, parks. We will be back!!!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful oasis in Sarasota

A gem of a cottage surrounded by natural beauty, peace, and quiet. Location wise it’s so convenient for accessing the main sites in Sarasota, but when you arrive back at the cottage you’d think you were way out in the wilderness. The cottage was well appointed for our brief stay, and had plenty of spaces to just relax inside and out. Kat the owner was a welcoming host, with good communication throughout our stay. We enjoyed the stay here so much, and look forward to staying here again when back in the Sarasota area.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property, wonderful host

We loved our stay at Kat’s homestead in Sarasota. Words cannot describe! The house is gracious and charming, homey and utterly comfortable. The feeling of being in the woods in a private verdant oasis was just wonderful. Kat is a warm and attentive host, always available to answer questions and delightful to talk to. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

VIRGINIA F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Wonderful!

Our stay in Kat's little cottage was simply perfect. The home is cozy, comfortable, and well equipped. We loved wandering the grounds, sipping coffee on the porch, and cuddling up for movies in the evenings. Kat was a wonderful host and made sure we had everything needed for an awesome stay. We will for sure be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary D.

Quiet and peaceful oasis

This is a lovely peaceful cottage set in woodland and seems miles from the bustle of the city yet is only a short distance from shops, the beach and all the attractions like the very interesting Ringling Museum. Kat was a wonderful hostess and so helpful when we had a flat tire and no cell-phone reception.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2015
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wayne K., Orlando, FL USA

A little slice of paradise hidden away in Sarasota

The property was described perfectly in the listing. Kat is a very gracious host, offering friendly advice and recommendations about the homestead and the local area. it is conveniently located a short distance from the beaches and downtown Sarasota. The cottage is very homey, with plenty of room for a family. All in all, a very relaxing atmosphere. The fresh eggs were an added bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Peter V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful escape for the busy city

Great location in a beautiful tropical setting. Spacious two bedroom cottage with a relaxing porch. Kitchen was great to cook in. Lots of hot water, good water pressure. Excellent heat and A/C - we used both due to the variation in the weather. Kat was a great host who gave us a lovely tour of her property, her hen house, gardens and even a tree-ripened papaya to enjoy. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A quiet peace filled getaway, away from crowds to be covid safe.

the cottage was a hidden gem in the middle of a city, tucked away in a wild life habitat it felt like camping but with luxuries like a full kitchen, a/c, clean bathroom and a comfortable bed. We enjoyed binge watching "The Crown" on netflix and sitting on the screened porch enjoying the nature and critters all around us, we strolled along pathways into the woods and overall felt relaxed. And yet we were close to a variety of local tourist and cultural activities that make up the beauty of Sarasota.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Beautiful Cottage!

We stayed at this lovely cottage the whole month of February. Wish I had another month there! The cottage and the grounds are truly lovely! There is plenty of room to chill out, and relax if that is what you want. Kat, made sure we had everything we needed and then some. The location is just perfect! We didn't have to drive far to get to any shops, restaurants, or the most beautiful beach in Siesta Key. You will not regret staying here! A beautiful garden, real chickens and fresh eggs await you. Rent this cottage; you definitely won't regret it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gail O.

Garden of Eden!

We just returned from an entire month in this wonderfully quiet, peaceful cottage and truly wish we could have stayed on longer. Everything was exactly as described and more. Our favorite activity (?) was sitting on the screened in porch simply enjoying the jungle-like environment. It is the best of Old Florida. Kat couldn't have possibly been more helpful with everything from restaurant recommendations to cable TV issues to sore shoulders and ham strings. The gardens and chickens added to our enjoyment. Kat even shared a corner of her garden with us so we could plant some lettuce. Would love to move right back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robin S., Pittsford, NY

A Slice of heaven in a 6 acre private reserve in the middle of Sarasota Florida

The guest cottage offered by Kat was exactly as described, and just as wonderful. It is very private, very safe and full of natural beauty with chickens to make friends with, turtles in a lake to watch and hiking trails. We were only able to stay 6 days, March 30 to April 4, 2015. Kat is a wonderful hostess, sharing her eggs and making sure we had everything we needed. It is close to all of the shops, Mote Aquarium, Bird Sanctuary, restaurants and beaches, but then you come home to a very quiet, private guest house. My husband (65) and I (58) traveled with our 8 year old granddaughter and she loved it as much as we did. She was often curled up in the hammock with a good book or her Nintendo. We didn't want to leave and will probably rent it again in the future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Raymond R.

A Tropical Haven

We were so lucky to find this haven in the middle of Sarasota. The property is like a park, really lovely and peaceful with a trail through it. It backs up to Red Bug Slough which is a great place to walk and see wildlife. Kat made our stay fantastic. She provided us with lemons and fresh eggs from her hens on our arrival which we really enjoyed. She supplied us with a cookie sheet when we decided to bake cookies. The cottage is obviously well-maintained with a great screened in porch and hammock. We loved that it was centrally located to all the sights - Marie Selby Gardens, Big Cat Habitat, the Ringling Museum, Siesta Key Beach, Mote Marine, Myaka State Park and more. Nothing seemed all that far away. We would definitely recommend for those that like a peaceful setting.

10/10 Excellent

Ethan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place for a getaway.

This was my family’s first official spring break trip. We wanted to hit all the local hot spots and must-visit beaches. But we also wanted some downtime away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds that come with visiting Florida in late March. This was the place to be. To unwind, relax, and reset after fun-filled, sun-drenched days at the beaches. Kat was an excellent host. Even though it’s a guesthouse on a shared property, you’ve basically got the place and property to yourself. She’s as hands-on or as hands-off as you want her to be. Super attentive—and warm and welcoming as can be. Fresh eggs upon arrival? Check. Fresh berries during your stay? Check. And wildlife aplenty.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M., Andover, MN

Perfect location

This home is truly a piece of paradise in Sarasota. Kat is a remarkable hostess and is available to answer any and all questions. There are 3 outdoor roms in this guesthouse. So whether is rains or is sunny you have a place to relax in the outdoors. Our favorite time was to eat breakfast in the screened in porch. The house is decorated beautifully with a mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings. The kitchen is fully stocked including a water cooler. Upon our arrival there were fresh eggs in a basket that we enjoyed eating all week. The grounds of the house are tropical with a water feature and in the guesthouse backyard that can be turned on and off to your liking. Siesta Key beach is less than 5 miles, but in the high season it may take 30 minutes or more to reach it. This is a great property to use as a "home base" for sightseeing in Sarasota/Venice area. It lifts your spirits as soon as you enter this sanctuary! I can't wait to return to Kat's paradise next year!

10/10 Excellent

Eileen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beyond expectation

It was our annual girls weekend, myself, my dtr and granddaughter. We had stayed at a nice hotel before and I was a little worried, needlessly. It was so peaceful and private. I loved the antique feel along with modern amenities. The a/c worked great and the new cabinets and frig were awesome. I did turn the dehumidifier off during the evening when we were there since it blew hot air. There was a large spring water dispenser and even a bag of ice in the freezer. Lots of condiments, towels, whatever you might need. Air conditioned sunroom, patio with hammock and all that beautiful property to view while having coffee. And chickens, who we got to meet. The owner left fresh eggs in the frig and they were delicious. And speaking of the owner, Kat, she was so friendly and interesting to talk to. Wish we could have spent more time with her. She lives on the property but was totally unobtrusive. If you are looking for a unique and peaceful getaway, book this now. If you want a cookie cutter hotel, well, what can I say? We will be back 💜
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Inez R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything and More

We were looking for a little R&R, we wanted to be around nature but close to nightlife for dinner and music. We got everything and more. Thanks, Kat for being such a great hostess. All the recommendations were great and we really enjoyed learning about your beautiful property.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roberta O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in the middle of town!

This place is truly "Old Florida". You feel like you are actually in a botanical garden! The house is charming with comfortable beds, an updated bathroom and kitchen that makes this a top of the list for outstanding places to stay. It also has a large screened in porch and sunroom; so many spaces to enjoy in the home alone! It is close to everything, yet away from the fray. Kat is a welcoming, cordial host that is readily available if you need her. You can't go wrong with this one - it's a winner!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful peaceful place with a great vibe!

Had a great times with my family. The owner made us feel like we were at home and loved the eggs from here chickens. Probably one of the best VRBO stays we've had. Glad we skipped the hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Melissa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Not the best, not the worst

It was alright

10/10 Excellent

Christine N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and quiet

Kat is a warm and friendly host who won’t intrude but is readily available. This was a wonderful getaway that allowed us to rest and relax in a beautiful naturescape. The proximity to everything the city offers while being tucked away in a little bit of natural paradise is fantastic. We hope to be back in the future!

About the host

Hosted by Kat Cosentino

Host profile image
I am passionate about nature, gardening, fitness, nutrition, traveling, languages, food, living off my land, mountains, hiking, writing, music...to name just a few of my “hobbies!”

My family has been in Sarasota since the 40s. I was born in Sarasota but lived over a decade of my adult life in Italy (Siena and the Alps). I own a private fitness studio where I offer one-on-one training sessions and nutritional coaching. I am certified in personal training, corrective exercise (including pain management), sports nutrition and peri- and post-menopausal fitness.

I moved from Italy to Sarasota a few years ago to take care of my parents. This magical property has been in my family since the 60s, when this area was mostly undeveloped. It is my oasis, my connection to my roots. I have an organic garden and orchard and 12 hens. I am an acknowledged “plant geek” and somewhat of an environmental, food and nutrition activist. I thrive on helping people make positive changes in their lives. I realize how lucky I am to live on this slice of paradise and am very excited about sharing it with others who appreciate it.

Why they chose this property

My father brought this property in 1968. My earliest memory is being on the guesthouse porch when I was a kid and my grandmother lived there. I have many memories here, from childhood to more recent. It is my connection to my roots and my passion!

What makes this property unique

My property is my oasis. I am in the middle of nature, in the middle of the city. Could it get any better? :)

Languages:

English, Italian, Spanish