Summary:
This quaint beach cottage is an island original! Sitting directly on the sandy beach, this home offers beachfront living at its best. The Round House suffered minimal damage from the hurricane and all repairs have been completed. Little Gasparilla Island is a bridge-less barrier island off Florida's West Coast. Access is by private boat or water taxi only, which means our beaches are uncrowded, our fishing is great, our island is unspoiled and your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be. Please note that The Round House has starlink WiFi.

The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology.

The home has been lovingly remodeled to retain the charm of the original cottage while creating a chic and serene beach vibe. Round House sits directly on the beach. It is as close as you can get without being in the water! Warm tropical waters and soft, sandy beaches are right outside your front door. The home was recently renovated with new steps and new impact resistant windows. Also all new interior trim! Decorated with fresh new furnishings, new floors, new doors, new appliances, new full-size washer-dryer and a beachy new paint job! The owners recently also updated the kitchen with new cabinets, all new stainless appliances and new countertops.

Outdoors, a fire pit offers an after-dark gathering spot for relaxing after a day at the beach.

Wifi: Starlink WiFi is available.

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee (per pet). Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.

Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Boat Slip - included on dock number 21 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)

Complimentary Concierge- will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home

Satellite TV - yes

Grill Type - charcoal

Parking - $8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi

INTERNET: Starlink wifi is available. Cell service is also excellent.

Guest Access:
The entire cottage is yours to enjoy, as well as 7 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beach. There is also access to a dock slip if you choose to rent a boat.

The Neighborhood:
Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is accessible only by water taxi! That means our beaches are uncrowded and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. If you are looking for a quiet tropical island to relax and unplug, Little Gasparilla is your dream vacation spot. Our "nightlife" consists of giant sea turtles laying their eggs -- our only bar is the sand bar where you can find sand dollars and shells! You must bring a boat or use the water taxi. The water taxi runs by appointment only and is $10 per person each way during regular daytime hours.

Getting Around:
The water taxi runs daily on demand, so getting back to the mainland is relatively easy, but most people choose to stay on the island and enjoy the peace and privacy. The water taxi runs daily during daylight hours, roughly 8 to 5, and the fare averages $30 minimum for 2 people with an additional $15 per person. The taxi will run after dark but there is a surcharge for runs after dark. Please note that we do have 911 service on the island as well as paramedics on the island if you are concerned about emergency medical treatment.

Other Things to Note:
Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay on Little Gasparilla Island. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, Little Gasparilla is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitos, rust, power outages and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.

HOLIDAY RATES: Please note that all there will be holiday rates applied to quotes for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Please note this is the tropics and there will be noseeums. (Also known as midges or sand gnats.) Bring bug spray! For noseeums, the best product is Avon Skin-So-Soft which you can purchase on amazon.

PLEASE NOTE: We do require that two members of each group must be over 25 years of age. We apologize, but we can NOT rent to college groups as a courtesy to the homeowners and our island neighbors. Guests will be evicted if found not to meet age requirements upon check in. Additionally, we can not exceed capacity in island homes due to the fragile septic systems.

Interaction with Guests:
We have a home on the island and also nearby on the mainland. We value your privacy highly and will not intrude. There is a guest services manager living on the island as well.