The Grinning Gecko has it all for the mid-size group whether you want to relax in the sun, dip your toes in the ocean or keep active with a new activity daily.
Our home features a spacious, fully equipped kitchen with oodles of vacation amenities including both indoor and outdoor dishware and glassware! Start your morning at the Coffee Bar with Keurig as well as drip coffee pot and starter supply of coffee. Two indoor living rooms are perfect for family gatherings or quiet nights in. Our house features all Smart TVs with access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Apple TV and we have both dining areas inside and outside within the Lanai.
Spend a day at any of the Anna Maria Island beaches located within 6 miles or Siesta Key Beach within 15 miles. In the garage we also have beach chairs, umbrella, a rolling cooler, sand toys, and a beach wagon to carry it all in. Then return and cool down in your private, heated, salt-water pool. If you are not familiar with salt-water pools they provide “softened” water, not salty ocean water. It is very gentle on the skin and eyes without chlorine smelling, dried out hair! Kids can play in the pool while the family cooks a meal in the full outdoor kitchen including BBQ, bonus refrigerator for cool beverages, sink and awesome pizza oven.
The expansive fenced in yard gives you lots of privacy and space to play badminton, cornhole, life sized jenga, pool basketball, tiki toss, a turf putting green as well as bocce court. Or if you want to stay inside the arcade room contains skeet ball, foosball, darts, board and card games and Ms. PacMan 1981 edition standing arcade game.
Need a break to answer some emails or run a zoom meeting you are 15 steps away from a private office in the she-shed which has high speed 2G wifi. Or use it for Yoga and meditation space for some time away from your group.
Our fabulous location has you within walking distance of G.T. Bray Park which includes a huge pickleball complex, dog park, indoor recreation center, and many ball fields. LECOM Park is the home of the Bradenton Marauders and hosts spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates. IMG Academy which is within 3 miles from this location and Lakewood Ranch is approximately 17 miles away.
When you tire out and need some rest you can find 4 Bedrooms with 9 beds*: • 1 Bedroom with King Bed, Ensuite Bathroom and Walk-in closet • 1 Bedroom with Queen Bed • 1 Bedroom with Two sets of Full Bed over Full Bed Bunks • Queen Sleeper in Sectional in one of the Living Rooms • Twin Sleeper in Sofa in second Living Room NEW in October 2025 1 Bedroom with Queen Bed in Poolhouse
*Freshly laundered linens, towels including beach towels, and starter supply of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion) are supplied.
Pack and Play sleeper and sheets includes Bassinet and changing table. high chair, Jeep Stroller, kids plates, cups, silverware and sippy cups are provided. We also have a full gate that surrounds the pool area while still allowing access to the expansive patio.
Starter supply of trash bags, dish soap, paper towels, sponges as well as full sized separate washer and dryer with starter detergent. In addition, we have added a mix for pizza dough in the welcome package to entice you to cook outside. Hint: Publix (within a mile) makes pizza dough and it can be found in the refrigerator next to the bakery.
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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
About the area
Bradenton
Located in Bradenton, this holiday home is near a water park. 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 Tampa Bay and Bradenton Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at LECOM Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
Wawa - 4 min drive
Chick-fil-A - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Golden Corral - 4 min drive
Villa Sorrento I Italian Cafe - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is HeatedPool/MainHouse+PoolHouse/Dog/OutdoorKitchen/In&Out Fireplaces/Golf/Arcade located?
This family-friendly Bradenton holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Blake Medical Center, LECOM Park and Palma Sola Bay. IMG Academy and IMG Soccer Academy are also within 3 miles (5 km).
About the host
Hosted by Bret and Kim Caywood
We are midwestern sports parents who are enjoying more flexibility in our schedules as our children have grown up and enjoy a little more travel.
Why they chose this property
We loved this neighborhood due the central location to IMG, AMI and Bradenton, Sarasota and the smaller towns along the coast. A few miles in any direction takes you to an all new adventure.
What makes this property unique
We live in our property and visit at least quarterly to ensure all the maintenance is being done by the owners. This is our home and it is treated as such by us and hopefully by our guests.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests