As the view of the gulf draws closer to you, your dream becomes a reality. Passing each home, on the private road, brings you closer to the reality that, when arriving at the Sandcastle in the Sun, should you drive any further you would be in the water. You know for sure that everything you read about, or heard about from others, regarding your Sandcastle in the Sun was true. Right then, your family and you begin to fall in love with the gulf front cottage. Even after over 20 years, we still love that feeling we get as we pull up to the cottage; knowing the comfort and views awaiting us from the inside, as well as, all the places outside in which to relax in the afternoon gulf breezes, the wildlife trying to hide from us, and the breathtaking sunsets which leave lasting imprints on our memories.
Our guests tell us when we check in on them the day after their arrival they plan to stay all summer.
Nestled on a private, secluded island, that is reachable by car, the Sandcastle in the Sun on Pine Island is your perfect spot to take off for a day of adventure. Activities of all kinds await you. Kayaks are for rent at the Kayak Shack or at Weeki Wachee Springs, where you may also want to spend the day with the mermaids. Charter a fishing tour or a scuba diving adventure for a day you will not forget. Cafes, local seafood/steak restaurants, or the well-known restaurants are only a short drive from the cottage. Grocery stores and shopping centers are also only a few minute's drive off the island.
Sandcastle in the Sun is part of the environmentally-protected Nature Coast. The variety of wildlife you may be able to see is limitless. They like to hide and will scurry, crawl, swim, or fly away if spooked. Use one of the several pairs of binoculars we have to find them. Hopefully, you will have the chance to get a close look at our families of dolphins swimming south in the morning and back north in the evening. Many times we have had dolphins only a few feet from our main deck looking for food. Search for yourself, get pictures of, and count how many of nature's creatures try their best to sneak past you.
What else makes the Sandcastle in the Sun so uniquely special?
Staying in a 2 Bedroom/ 3 Bath cottage directly on the gulf with its own 100 foot private beach. It is only a hundred feet from the Pine Island Public Beach, which has a playground, cafe, volleyball court, and lots of sandy beach.
To fully enjoy your private beach, we have two kayaks, coolers, lounge chairs, beach towels, sunscreen lotion, and a beach umbrella available to you; as well as, swimmies, children's beach chairs, and beach toys for the little ones with you.
The cottage sleeps six. The queen bed in the master bedroom has a new cooling bead gel foam topper; it is like sleeping on a cloud. There is an attached bathroom with shower off the master bedroom. A cable flatscreen HDTV is available in the bedroom.
The second bedroom has a daybed with a trundle bed underneath. When the trundle is pulled out and opened, it can be slid next to the daybed to create a king-size bed. Both beds have new cooling bead gel foam toppers. There is a sliding door leading from the second bedroom to the deck walkway.
Both bedrooms and, even the queen-size sofa bed has a new cooling bead gel foam topper and heavenly views of the gulf. Waking to the sounds of the tide coming in or going out, the gulf calling to you, or the birds chirping a good morning will have you ready to fill another day with moments to add to your scrapbook of memories.
The kitchen is fully equipped with:
Serving for 8 dishes, utensils, glasses, and cups
Complete set of cookware
Complete set of bakeware
Refrigerator/freezer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Ceramic top range/oven
Automatic coffeemaker
Toaster
Blender
Quesadilla maker
Crepe maker
Hand blender
George Foreman Grill
Panini maker
Electric Can Opener
Slice-o-matic
7 cu.ft. Deep Freezer Chest in laundry center
Electronics Available:
Cable TV
3 TVs - (2 flatscreen HDTVs - one large screen, one smaller screen in master bedroom)
DVD with an adult DVD library and a children's DVD library
Stereo CD and CD library
Fax machine/copier/scanner with ink replacement and paper provided.
Apple Laptop Computer
Phone System with answering machine Your own private line and unlimited long distance
High speed wi-fi Internet
Linens
Complete bedding, blankets, and comforters for all beds, including the queen sofa sleeper.
Full sets of towels for each bath
Hair dryer in all baths
Full-size shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, and paste are in the bathrooms for your use. (Less you have to pack)
Extra sets of towels and linens for guests
Beach towels
Central Air/Heat
Individual air conditioners in each room
Ceiling fans in each room
Full-size ironing board and steamer iron.
Bonus Amenities
Set of notebooks with complete instructions for the electronic equipment, kitchen appliances, things to do in the area, restaurants available, where things are located, fitness center
3 sets of binoculars
Flashlights
Casual reading material
Puzzle books
Board Games
Card Games
Two kayaks with all required safety equipment
Washer and dryer in the building
Home Fitness Center downstairs
3 deck levels including a swim deck
Large furnished, covered patio
Tabletop Electric BBQ grill and equipment
Indoor/Outdoor Free-standing BBQ grill and equipment
Barbecue conversation table set
Outside shower to rinse off
Three hammocks which hold 2 adults each
Beach furniture
Beach Umbrella
Amenities for the Children
Child-size deck chairs
Child-size sand chairs
Smaller beach towels
Beach toys
Playground in the park about 100 feet away
Children's DVD Library
Children's books
Toys
Amenities for your Little One
High Chair
Playard with mattress for naps and sleeping
Folding stroller
Changing Pad and Covers
Diaper Pail and bags
Bibs
3 Booster Chairs
Safety Gates
Swimmie boat for 6 month - 2 year
Arm Swimmies
Toddler Bedrail
Hooded Bath Towels
We have first aid kits and other necessities for unexpected accidents.
Boat dock for smaller boats (like fishing boats, etc) only a couple of blocks away. Owner will provide you with required parking tag to use the private island dock.
Boat dock at Bayport Park (within 5 minutes)
Discounts available for 1-month stays or longer. The longer the stay, the greater the discount.
Electricity and utilities are included in the rate.
No deposit required.
If any questions or concerns come up after arriving, we have a local assistant who is more than happy to answer questions or come out to help. You are also given the owner's private numbers should you want to ask anything.
We make every effort not to set up back to back bookings. We have found that leaving a minimum of 1-2 days between guests allows our cleaning service time enough to prepare the cottage to the high standards we expect regarding the outward appearance and inside cleanliness of the Sandcastle in the Sun. Each of our guests is special and deserves to arrive to well-groomed grounds and a freshly cleaned cottage with everything they may want or need available to them. We like to add little touches to make our guests feel at home upon arrival. These little touches leave our guests wanting to stay even longer.
