At the Sandcastle in the Sun, even packing begins your dream vacation/holiday. Knowing that a relaxing, unforgettable escape is so close to becoming a reality, builds the excitement in those of all ages. As our guests have found out, we love to be able to provide just about everything we can to make your stay a blissful memory. As I receive that last call or email wondering if they need to pack shampoos, toiletries, towels, etc., I encourage our soon-arriving-guests to recheck our personal site, www.sandcastleinthesun.com, read the section at the bottom of the 'Why Us' section where guests' share what they discovered as they explored the cottage - finding full bottles of shampoo, body wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and even deodorant for all ages - young and older. Along the side of that same section, is a reminder of all the amenities we have, including 2 NEW kayaks with all the required safety equipment, about 10 beach chairs and loungers, beach umbrellas, about two dozen beach towels, hammocks, swings, three levels of decking, fitness center, bbq grills, and so much. You soon have a feeling that this is only the beginning of what it will be like to be staying at 'the closest place to heaven on earth' as one of our visitors wrote in our guest book before leaving.

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.

http://www.vrbo.com/451174

Weeki Wachee Springs - Home of the Mermaids and so much More... - 7 miles from Sandcastle in the Sun

 Welcome to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

The mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs have delighted visitors since 1947. Today, visitors can still witness the magic of the mermaids, take a river boat cruise and canoe or kayak on the Weeki Wachee River. The 538-acre park features a first magnitude spring and a 400-seat submerged theatre for watching the live mermaid show.

Buccaneer Bay offers a fun-filled flume ride for thrill seekers of all ages. Our white sandy beach area and covered picnic pavilions provide a relaxing day for your entire family. Weeki Wachee's animal shows provide audiences with an entertaining and educational look at domesticated birds and reptiles. Located on U.S. 19 at the intersection of State Road 50, just north of Spring Hill and south of Homosassa Springs.

Contact this Park

6131 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, Florida 34606

(352) 592-5656

 Activities at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

	BOAT TOURS The River Boat Cruise offers a tranquil tour on the Weeki Wachee River. Discover Florida's natural wildlife as our River Boat Captain points out various points of interest along the way. Included in the price of admission.
	CANOEING & KAYAKING Canoeing and kayaking are very popular on the Weeki Wachee River. Our prices are per boat and not per person. All day trips include paddles, PFDs, and transportation back. For more information, please call Paddling Adventures at (352) 597-8484, or visit our website at:  Paddling Adventures
	CONCESSION & RESTAURANT Several concession areas are located throughout the park at Weeki Wachee Springs and Buccaneer Bay.
	FAMILY REUNIONS Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been a popular destination for family reunions for many years. Family members and friends can enjoy all the park activities. Reserve a covered pavilion and, so that you and your family can enjoy the day without worry of set-up and clean-up, call ahead to hire our catering staff to host a buffet-style picnic for all to enjoy Call today for more information at (352) 596- 4949.
	MEETINGS & RETREATS The Enchanted Mermaid banquet hall is the perfect setting for your next meeting. Located in the center of the park, the banquet hall can be set up for any style meeting you desire. For more information, please contact our helpful staff at (352) 596-4949.
	PICNIC PAVILION Several large picnic pavilions are located at Buccaneer Bay.
	PICNICKING Picnic tables and covered pavilions are located at Buccaneer Bay.
	RESTROOM FACILITIES Restroom facilities are available.
	SCUBA DIVING Scuba diving is permitted at Weeki Wachee Springs. All divers must be accompanied by an instructor from a dive shop. No individual dives allowed and reservations are required.
	SHOWERS, DAY VISITORS Day use showers are available at Buccaneer Bay.
	SNORKELING Snorkelers can enjoy the 72-degree spring waters of Weeki Wachee Springs at Buccaneer Bay.
	SWIMMING Swim in the crystal-clear spring waters of Weeki Wachee Springs at Buccaneer Bay.
	WEDDINGS The natural beauty of Weeki Wachee Springs has been the backdrop for many weddings throughout the years. The staff can help coordinate your special day including wedding locations in the park, your use of a reception hall and catering needs. For more information, contact Cape Leisure Corp. at (352) 596-4949. Mermaid Tara performing underwater   Mermaid Stayce performing underwater   Mermaid Stayce posing on a rock near the water Mermaid Shannon performing underwater   Mermaids Marcy, Cyndi, Stayce, Shannon, and Ashley posing underwater with a boat anchor   Mermaid Marcy and Mermaid Sativa posing underwater with a boat anchor Mermaid Marcy and Mermaid Cyndi posing underwater with a boat anchor   Mermaid Marcy performing underwater   Mermaid Marcy posing at the water's edge http://www.floridastateparks.org/weekiwachee/default.cfm

When we walked into the cottage called Sandcastle in the Sun, we were delighted to see a bright, clean home prepared for us.  On the dining table, the owners had made up a welcome basket with snacks, cookies, pre-measured filter packs of coffee - Island Blend or Mountain Blend (enough coffee packs to last the entire stay), candy, popcorn, and even cereal.They had put sodas (diet and regular), water, juices for our little ones, milk for the cereal so we did not have to worry about breakfast for a couple of days, and, even, condiments like packets of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.In the pantry, Becky had put extra coffee packs for the automatic coffeemaker we could program to start brewing at whatever time we wanted in the morning, teas, sugar, creamer, extra boxes of cereal, spices, and misc. other items. We felt at home already.  On the table was a welcome letter and booklet with important information and where to find notebooks she had created with detailed information on everything from how to work the remotes and equipment to things to do in this area all the way to Orlando.There are 2 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms.  One of the bathrooms is downstairs in the Fitness Center.  All the bathrooms had showers with handheld massage shower heads and the main bathroom also has a tub.  In the master bedroom is a queen-size bed with a special cooling bead gel foam topper and the softest Egyptian cotton sheets. Extra sheets and blankets were available in one of the dressers. There is a bathroom attached to the bedroom.  It also had a cable flat screen HDTV and a view that was unbelievable.The second bedroom has a daybed with a trundle bed underneath it that pulled out and lifted up easily.  Once again, since I had little ones, a playard with soft mattress, changing pad, baby wipes, baby wash and shampoo, new teething rings and toys for my 1 year old as well as my 3 year old.  She had put up a special safety bed rail on the daybed so my toddler couldn't roll off; it folds down to get in and out easily. Safety gates had been installed at the top of both sides of the deck in case one of the little ones went exploring.  I almost forgot to mention that in the cabinets in the second bedroom were spare pillows, comforters, and lightweight jackets of varied sizes for us to use on cooler days or evenings.A high chair and booster chair were already in place by the dining table.  Toddler-size dishes, cups, and utensils were there.  Bibs for my littlest one were in ample supply and larger bibs for my toddler were there.  It is like the owners had read my mind.Oh, they had even purchased a stroller for us to be able to use.The living room had a large cable flat screen HDTV with DVD/VCR attached.  A library of DVDs for adults was there and in the cabinet by the queen sofa bed was a nice library of DVDs for children. In the cabinet were also games for young and old, books for all, card games for all, 3 sets of binoculars, flashlights, space heaters (a couple evenings got a little cooler), the notebooks of information, and the linens for the sofa bed.  Memo pads, pens, pencils, (color pencils for the little ones), scissors, tape, and those extra things you don't realize you are going to need until you get there.  There were also 2 of the most comfy overstuffed rocking recliners that swiveled. WHAT ELSE DO THEY HAVE READY FOR YOU?The kitchen was fully equipped with a ceramic top range  (cleaner for it was also supplied), a dishwasher, microwave, blender, toaster, electric can opener & manual opener, a 4-cup automatic coffeemaker,and so more. There were settings for 8 of dinnerware, glasses, cups, and utensils.As I started to look in the cabinets, I discovered a crepe maker, quesadilla maker, George Foreman grill, and a hand mixer.  Opening the next door, a full set of cookware, full set of bakeware, large serving trays above the microwave, even a dutch oven.  Hot pads, dishrags, dishtowels, utensils, and cooking utensils were in the drawers.Under the kitchen sink was more than enough dish soap, dishwasher tablets, cleaning supplies, and slider bags (quart and gallon size).All three bathrooms had hair dryers, soap, body wash, and shampoo in normal sizes to last your stay and more.   We even found full-size tubes of toothpaste, adult-size toothbrushes, children-size toothbrushes, first aid kits and other supplies one might need.  Bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, and children's bath linens were in great supply.There were several rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, boxes of tissues everywhere needed with extra packages in the closet of the main bathroom.  In the main bath, I found a full-size ironing board with a steamer iron. A toolkit and Devil Dirt vacuum for little spills were available. How do I even begin to describe the views from each of the rooms?  I won't soon forget them.The loungers, sand chairs, large folding table upstairs (in case you wanted to eat outside), foot rests, trays, child-size chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella, sand tent for the children, and coolers for enjoying your private beach.  There is an electric barbecue grill downstairs on a large porch that also has tables and chairs.  Once outside looking around, you see two hammocks large enough to hold two adults each over-looking the gulf. Another hammock is on a raised part of the side yard if you don't want to be seen. There is a wooden swing in the side yard with a palm garden separating us from the public beach next door.  It had a playground and cafe we made good use of.Then, there is still the complete home fitness center downstairs off the porch and in the back is a laundry center with a super size washer and dryer (of course, she had laundry  detergent cubes in ample supply there) and there was a large chest deep freeze.I could not have thought of anything else I could have wanted and know that I would never have had it provided by a hotel.*Added note by owner - We have now added two kayaks and all required safety equipment.

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At Sandcastle in the Sun, our dream is to provide a relaxing, unforgettable vacation or holiday – we will do everything we can to make your stay a blissful memory. With a vast array of amenities available for your use, we are sure you will soon love our gulf front Sandcastle in the Sun as much as we do. Take a minute to look around the various pages on our site and see just a few of the things we have to offer here and in the area. Nestled on a private, secluded island that is reachable by car, our 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 (our guests favorite rental spot to be able to see manatee) or 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. Do you want a chance to swim with the manatees? Homosassa Springs is only about 45 minutes away. Many times just kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River, you will see these gentle giants. Tampa, about an hour drive from the cottage, offers many choices: Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Adventure Island, the Florida Aquarium, or even a Broadway show. Want to sneak off a little further? You can be at Sea World, Disney World, or Universal Studios in about 2 hours. Watch in awe as Cirque du Soleil performs La Nouba at Disney World. Get caught up in the excitement of the Blue Man Group at Universal Studios. In just a couple of hours, you are back home snuggling up in your overstuffed rocking recliners. Take a day to go down to Tarpon Springs to watch how the Greek villagers live. If you are an art lover, drive a little further south to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. There is never a lack of things to do here in the county or close by. The difficult part is deciding which to do first. Being part of the protected Nature Coast, there is no telling what you may be able to witness. Be sure to get a close look at our families of dolphins swimming close by in the morning and back home in the evening. Look around, see how many of nature's creatures fly, scurry, crawl, or swim past you.

Sandcastle in the Sun - WOW!

The Sandcastle in the Sun, a stunning Pine Island Beach vacation rental cottage directly on the gulf front with 100 feet of private beach, has 2 bedrooms/3 baths and sleeps 6 comfortably. Being fully supplied with almost every amenity one could imagine, even packing starts your relaxing escape. A home fitness center, large covered patio, and laundry center are all downstairs. Hammocks overlooking the gulf whisper to you, “Climb in and let the gulf breezes lull you to sleep.” No matter where you are – on one of 3 levels of deck, including a swim deck, the large covered patio, the palm garden swing, or one of our 3 over-sized hammocks you will have a view that will be imprinted in your scrapbook of memories. Even from inside the cottage, you have an unforgettably amazing view from every room. One feels as if they are part of the canvas with the beauty of the sunsets painted across the sky; each night offering a fresh new painting just for you. Being part of a protected nature coast, you will be treated to a multitude of different wildlife. We have several pairs of binoculars to allow you the chance to bring them even closer to you. Fully supplied with almost every amenity one could imagine, even packing starts your relaxing escape. Guests’ comments left in our memory book best describe how a stay at our cottage leaves you feeling. Guests so quickly fall in love with our treasured Pine Island Beach vacation rental. They share their heartfelt sentiments about their stay at the Sandcastle as they prepare to return to reality. “We so needed this vacation away from everything. What a fabulous, well-appointed home! It was heaven getting to relax on the decks, fall asleep in the hammocks, and see the most incredible sunsets. It was so delightful; we did not want to go anywhere else. We were thrilled getting to see the dolphins swim by on our last morning as we were drinking our coffee on the deck. Thank you for sharing your lovely Sandcastle Pine Island vacation rental with us.” “This is the most beautiful place we have ever seen! The boys kayaked and fished every day and we had a blast. It is safe to say this the closest thing to Heaven on earth. Thank you for your hospitality and I, personally, loved the organization, and cleanliness.” “We look back to the most wonderful time at the Sandcastle Pine Island vacation rental! Our children, 4 and 1, like the beach the best. With all the toys provided there was so much to do for them that every day brought something new. We will always remember a series of stunning sunsets that we saw nearly every evening. What a pleasure to observe wildlife from the decks of the house – dolphins, a few pairing pelicans, herons, egrets, horseshoe crabs, and one evening we even discovered two sea turtle nests. On top of that, a short drive to Homosassa and we could see manatees very closely, even from under the water. Thank you for everything!” After enjoying the loungers, sand chairs, beach umbrella, coolers, and beach toys for your children to enjoy, you may decide to take a day trip away from the island. We are in the perfect location for day trips to Disney World, Sea World, Tarpon Springs Greek Village, Salvador Dali museum, Homosassa Springs and Crystal River to swim with the manatees. Just a few minutes away, you can kayak down the Weeki Wachee Springs River where you will soon have manatee gliding along with you, enjoy the Mermaids performing for you daily at Weeki Wachee Springs Park, go scuba diving, charter fishing, enjoy a day at the springs water park, or the beach park a few feet from your cottage. Returning to the cottage you know overstuffed rocking recliners in the living room, chairs with footrests and trays on the main deck, or over-sized hammocks are waiting for you to relax in after a busy day. Let me leave you with just a couple more guests’ comments; while I prepare for you to come and experience for yourselves everything the Sandcastle in the Sun has to offer. “Thank you so much for sharing your home! We have enjoyed the beach and all the wildlife. It has been like a field trip for the girls. They have loved it here and don’t want to leave. We even found a nest of seven turtle eggs that we quickly covered back up. It has been wonderful here. On a more personal note, as a mom of four girls, I really appreciated the organization, all the toiletries, cleaning supplies, and toys!! You thought of everything! The kitchen is very well appointed. I cook a lot and didn’t want for anything.” “This Pine Island Beach vacation rental is on an exceptional spot…very nice and beautiful! For us with two kids (4 & 5 years), it was perfect to relax. Everybody could find a quiet place somewhere to relax, do something, or just eat. My husband did cook breakfast, lunch and dinner!!! Nothing like grilled food from your barbecue grills. For the first time in our lives, we saw manatees while canoeing on the Weeki Wachee River from (The Kayak Shack – so helpful for us from Switzerland, to have the best time. We saw them again at Homosassa State Park, as you suggested on your website and in your books of things to do here at the cottage. To have a playground just around the corner in the park, as you mentioned, we felt safe letting the children go over by since they just had to walk a little ways on the beach. It was such a positive experience for everybody.” “We wanted something off the beaten path, private, and on the beach. This home was perfect for a romantic getaway. Sunsets are amazing. Even a rainy day is beautiful. We were able to experience sunsets, moonsets, and storms rolling across the gulf from the deck and from every room in the home. Living room, bedrooms, kitchen all have a great view. The cottage is very comfortable and clean. We felt right at home. Just a few highlights of our stay included walking our private beach, kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River at Weeki Wachee Springs, watching abundant wildlife, and, of course, the food at Bayport Inn and Willy’s The cards and flowers that greeted us as we walked in is a perfect example of the thoughtfulness of the owners, Becky and Gary. They even provided cereal, milk, snacks, water, and soda. Everything you could possibly need was there.” Click here for more...

Everyone STOPS to watch the sunsets

Thank You for a beautiful stay in your warm and welcoming home! Your kind attention to the details of our needs/likes, gave it all such a personal touch. I enjoyed every unique sunset, walking the beach, watching the countless crabs, swimming with the manatees, enjoying the starry nights, relaxing on the deck...and love how local, private, and tucked away this island is in a true retreat! My favorite take away - the way everyone STOPS (even to pull their cars off the road and get out) to watch the sunsets :); such a beautiful Life Lesson. Slow down, appreciate, and take in all the Blessings God provides all around us! Our children also want us to thank you for allowing them to stay in your lovely home. They thought the gulf was fantastic, loved eating at Willy's in the park, swimming with the manatees, watching the sea animals, and the sunset. They did not want to leave. They loved the toys you had available for them to use while relaxing inside, as well. Owners Response: Your comments left in our guest book by the children and you are the very reasoning we love to rent our cottage out. There are so many blessings everywhere you look; if you take the time to stop, look around, and take in all that the cottage and beach have to offer. It was so sweet of your children to each leave their own comments and feelings about the Sandcastle in the Sun. We have always been amazed how all of nature - human or animal seem to stop and watch in awe the beautiful creation the Painter will leave on the canvas of the sky to bring to close another day. We look forward to having all of you back again in the future.