One of the things I look for when renting a vacation property is "Will this house make me feel like I am in ____?" I don't want to feel like I am in a hotel or back home in Nebraska. This house fit that bill beautifully from its mermaid-themed front door to the merman handing over the kitchen sink. Gorgeous shells met us at the front door, and graced spots throughout the house. The pictures show the house perfectly, but can't truly convey the comfort & "Florida" feel of the house.
This house has one of the best equipped kitchens we have ever encountered! Comfortable for our group of 7 to mix & move when preparing meals. The living area was roomy so our 2 grandsons could "run about" without bumping into furniture, while 2 couches comfortably held 5 adults.
The screened-in deck drew us for our morning coffee, a candle-lit glass of wine or an afternoon reading session...we were in a special place.
The beach was a block away, but we had a parking pass that allowed us to park close to the beach. A flower-filled path lead us to the beach and gorgeous sunsets. Shells galore filled the shore, and we all collected a wide variety of shells. We enjoyed watching the Willets, Sanderlings, and Ruddy Turnstones run along the surf, while brown pelicans and Forester's Terns dove in the waves right next to the shore. The beach was composed of fine sand...wonderful to walk on. Colored piles of shells drew our eyes down & slowed our progress as our fingers searched among the shapes of the calicoes, whelks, conchs to find the perfect souvenir.
One of the reasons we wanted to visit Sanibel was "Ding" Darling Bird Refugee. We could not have asked for a better spot. We were only minutes away from the entrance and exit of the Wildlife Drive...we took the drive 2 times everyday. The refuge boundary is on the other side of Sanibel-Captiva Road, so we were able to see Ibis, Collared Doves, Pileated Woodpeckers, & Spoonbills from the screened deck.
Ami was a prompt & caring hostess...one of the highlights of our trip was her suggestion we take cruise with one of her friends...Capt Emily. We hired her for a 5 hour cruise to visit some of the other islands. We saw ospreys, manatees & dolphins. Capt Emily made the cruise personal with her stories & knowledge of the islands. I would highly recommend working this into your stay.
Any review has limitations...but when I say we hated to leave...that should tell you this home may be your perfect spot.