Lou Lou's Hideaway: 1918 Historic Cottage in Cortez - Walk/Bike to AMI Beaches

Wake up in a piece of Florida history — this cozy 1918 cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stroll to nearby dockside seafood restaurants on Sarasota Bay, bike to AMI's sugar-sand beaches, or kayak through the mangroves in the peaceful nature preserve right across the street - kayaks, beach gear and bikes included.

Authentic Old Florida charm — your one-of-a-kind Gulf Coast escape awaits. One of Florida's last working fishing villages — a truly rare find.

MAIN DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to Lou Lou's Hideaway located in historic Cortez Village, one of Florida's last authentic fishing villages! This charming one bedroom, one bath cottage is perfectly located just steps away from Sarasota Bay, 1.2 miles from Anna Maria Island's pristine beaches, 13 minutes from IMG Academy and 20 minutes from Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

This century-old fishing cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cottage has an authentic, weathered Old Florida exterior while the interior is beautifully appointed with all modern amenities. The outside may look a bit salty and seasoned—that's genuine history—but inside you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay.

THE SPACE
• Onsite boat and RV parking (partial hookups: electricity and water, no black or gray water disposal) for an extra fee
• Wifi
• One queen sleeper sofa (living room)
• One king sized bed (private bedroom)
• Full bathroom
• Open concept living room/kitchen area
• Comfy seating in living room
• Full stocked kitchen with appliances
• Dinette area with open concept
• Ice cold air-conditioning
• Beach gear included: chairs, beach unbrella beach towels, cooler, kayak, surfboard, snorkel, yoga mat mask and fins, Frisbees.
• Three beach cruiser bikes
• 42 inch smart TV in living room
• Free parking
• Walk to FISH Nature Preserve and Sarasota Bay where you can kayak through through mangroves
• Walk to bayside dining
• 10 minute walk, 5 minute bike ride, 1 minute drive to Anna Maria Island and beaches

LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
• 1.2 miles to Bradenton Beach
•Walk to FISH Nature Preserve and waterfront restaurants
•One minute to Anna Maria Island
•Across the street from the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Historical Society
•Historic 1880’s fishing village setting

BEACHES NEARBY
Multiple stunning Gulf beaches within minutes: Cortez Beach, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Anna Maria Beach

DINING & ACTIVITIES
• Star Fish Company - famous cash-only seafood spot - walking distance
•The Fox Mercantile - excellent coffee shop and mercantile with indoor & outdoor seating - walking distance
•Cortez Kitchen, Swordfish Grill, Tide Tables - walking distance
•20+ restaurants on Anna Maria Island
•Fishing charters, kayaking, paddleboarding
•Dolphin tours, parasailing, pirate ship adventures, sunset cruises
•FREE island trolley
•Florida Maritime Museum (free admission and just across the street)

SPORTS VENUES NEARBY
IMG Academy — 7 miles / ~13 min: World-renowned campus hosting year-round tournaments in tennis, soccer, football, lacrosse, golf, and more
Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch — 25 miles / ~49 min: One of the Southeast's largest multi-sport complexes, hosting the Bradenton Cup and dozens of youth tournaments annually
Nathan Benderson Park — 21 miles / ~41 min: Olympic-caliber venue for rowing, dragon boat, and paddling championships

WHY CORTEZ
Experience Old Florida authenticity without the tourist crowds. Working waterfront, 1920s bungalows, and genuine maritime heritage just steps from world-class beaches. Perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a real coastal experience.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Historic Cortez (founded 1880s) is a rare gem - an authentic fishing village where commercial fishing still thrives. Walk to incredible fresh seafood restaurants, explore the working waterfront, then cross the bridge to Anna Maria Island's 7 miles of pristine beaches, shops, and restaurants. Best of both worlds!

HOUSE RULES:
• Check-in 4 PM / Check-out 10 AM
• No smoking indoors
• No pets
• Max occupancy: 4 guests. All adult guests must be 25+. This property accommodates up to 3 adults or families with 2 adults and 2 children (4 guest maximum).
• Quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM
• No candles or open flame
• No fireworks

OTHER DETAILS:
Guest Access: Full private access to entire home
Getting Around: FREE Anna Maria trolley, electric bike and golf cart rentals available close by, car recommended
We Provide: Comprehensive welcome binder with area guide, restaurant recommendations, emergency contacts, WiFi info, and local insider tips. Also included: 3 bikes, 3 kayaks, beach chairs, beach umbrella, coolers, fin and snorkel, surf board, yoga mat, Frisbee.

Contact: Available 24/7 via VRBO or phone.