Bokeelia, Florida
Comfy home w pretty garden on historic Pine Island. Nearby fishing, kayaking, birding, good eats, tennis. Visit pristine Cayo Costa (catch ferry from PI) & Ft. Myers Beach/Sanibel (45 min). Renovated 1970s mobile home. A/C + ceiling fans. LOW CEILINGS. Sleeps 6, but 1 or 2 is just fine. Full kitch, living, lanai, 2.5 bdrm, 1 bath. Wi-fi. My home in winter, yours off-season. Generous week/month discounts. $10/pers charge for + 4 guests. Need more space Susie's Old Florida Cottage is also on the property.
Space
Seagrape Escape began life in 1970 as a 12' x 46' 2 bedroom 1 bath single-wide mobile home. Over the years (in traditional Florida fashion) it gained a spacious living room, a third bedroom. and a large lanai. I've had fun doing seat-of-the-pants remodeling since I bought it, but at its heart it is an older home. It is comfortable and sweet, but it is not child-proof. I'm still in the process of adding art and upgrading the trim.
Guest access
My street is a short, unpaved road off Stringfellow Rd. ("the" road on Pine Island, which runs 18 miles from north to south. Guests have sole occupancy of the house, the yard, and a parking space. My goal is to make you feel that Seagrape Escape is your home during your stay.
Guest interaction
I am in my Summer Headquarters in New York during the off-season, but I am always available by text or phone. My wonderful manager, Mel Meo, lives next and will answer all your questions and assist you out if you need help. The gardener comes every couple of weeks to weed and mulch.
Neighborhood overview
Phillips Park, a mile away at Pine Island Center, has a heated pool and tennis courts. The highly recommended Island Lilly's Deli is right aross the street from the park. There is also a library and a small but fascinating museum. Just south of Pine Island Center is a Winn-Dixie and a CVS. There is a cluster of amazing restaurants, many of which feature live music, at each end of the island and in Matlacha (the artsy-touristy hamlet you pass through on your way to Pine Island. Though it has no beaches, there are several public marinas on the island, and a bike trail that stretches from one tip of the island to the other. You can rent bikes on Pine Island Road just east of the Center, and kayaks at any marina. The Randall Research Center is around the corner. For birders, there are the Myakka and Crew Nature Preserves, the Rookery, and, of course, the Everglades (about a two hour drive). Check out the Alden Pines Country Club for golf, right on the island. And of course, enjoy the dozens of restaurants and cafes in Bokeelia, St. James City, and Matlacha.
Getting around
There is no public transport on Pine Island, so you'll need a car. The cottage is about 45 minutes from RSW, which is the Fort Myers International Airport, and about twenty minutes from the Charlotte County Airport in Punta Gorda.
Other things to note
Seagrape Escape is an older home, and it is most definitely not a motel. We are not hoteliers. This is my winter home, and it has both the charms and the annoyances of a home. You make your own bed and sweep/vacuum the floor yourself. For longer stays you can arrange with Tammy to change sheets/towels and tidy up. Otherwise, you're on your own! If such things bother you, skip it. If the idea of having osprey for neighbors sounds appealing, this is the place for you!
Was nice
Nice quite clean place on the island conveniently located.
The house was great and Pine Island is great as well. Would recommend thevhousevto others.
This is a nice little get away on Pine Island. Very good location. Nice landscaping in the yard area. Comfortable living inside the house.
Very quaint, clean, peaceful place. Would stay here again.
This is a cute property if you are looking for something that is comfortable but not too fancy. If you are staying with a truck and boat/trailer there is parking but its a tight fit to get into it. All amenities are there, cold water in the fridge, ice in the freezer, coffee, tea, soap and shampoo, everything you need for a weekend get away. It is a typical older Florida home, cute but not fancy.
Beautiful tropical yard Roomy and dated but cute and well equipped Needs a little extra cleaning also needs a rope light run along the small step into the dinning room/kitchen area. Overall I love the cute place thanks for sharing your home with us I hope to come back
Property was very convenient if you want to stay on Pine Island. It was easy to check in with keypad. Water in Fridge and lots of info for check in process available. We didn't cook but everything available if needed. Truly a Floridian Cottage with all the decor. Nice patio. we felt safe and secure in this location.
The house reminded me of the cabins I would vacation at as a kid; warm and inviting with character. It really fits the environment. We stayed for a month while we were buying a house in the area and Ellen was happy to accommodate the few requests I made. Her property manager was always available and helpful. This is not a sterile and polished resort level property, but I found it very cozy and inviting and for the month I was there it really felt like a home and not just a place to stay. Also, I really liked the bed. Normally I am impartial to that sort of thing but I enjoyed sleeping there. Thanks Ellen!
Colorful, clean, cozy and full of character. Great kitchen.....cabin amenities, not perfect , but workable and comfortable. Yard is fun...screened porch. Good location.