"OLD FLORIDA" unique seaside villa in FD Jackson's 1925 island carriage house

Its a simple place, care worn from hosting many happy beach goers.

In the 1960’s my grandparents fell in love with The Narrows, where the sand is only wide enough for a single row of homes. Its the most coveted spot on the 17 mile long barrier island known as Sand Key. The Gulf and of the Bay surround you, like no where else.

My sister, brother and I would visit our grandparents. We had the best of both; grandparents that loved us and their wonderful beach house. Our dad was a fighter pilot in the Air Force. We moved around a lot during his career, mostly out west where you could break the sound barrier and rattle the dishes on the wall and nobody cared. My parents always wanted to settle down sometime. In 1966 they partnered with my grandparents to buy this home and carriage house for the low low price of $28,000 with a $120/month house payment. My dad was called to serve in Viet Nam so for the next 3 years we lived here in unit 6 and my grandparents lived upstairs in unit 4. People ask where I am from. Somehow where you attend high school seems like " where you are from". My mother bought a place a quarter mile up the beach and we moved. But this always seems like home. It was too nice to sell. So in 1996 I bought it off my grandparents for $350,000. ($100,000 cash and $2,500/month for 15 years so they could retire and travel to visit all the friends they made hosting 3 generations of families from up north.

We live in Denver and self manage from Colorado to keep expenses down. My 2 sons and now my 4 grandsons get to experience the joy of being with family on the beach. Thank you for staying with us. As property values have soared ( 3.2 million) along with property taxes ($43,000) and hurricane insurance has doubled ( $20,000) it's getting harder to hold on. There are very few of theses old places left. Know that you are a part of keeping Old Florida alive for future generations to enjoy.

Florida Gulf Coast beachfront rentals at Grandma’s island beach house from the summer of 1925. The large home and carriage house are now converted into 6 Gulf front villas featuring full kitchens, pillow top beds, and fantastic views. Awarded one of the highest scores on the beach by Superior Small Lodging. Kids love an old place surrounded by water. We are small and personable. Gulf of Mexico and private white sand beach are right out your door. Wade out to the shallow sandbar to explore for shells and sand dollars. Or walk across the street to watch the yachts go by and fish in the bay. Old Timers call this part of the island "The Narrows" where the sand is just wide enough for a single row of homes.

Historically, the most beautiful spot on the tropical barrier islands of Tampa Bay between Clearwater and St Pete.