Canalfront Retreat with Saltwater Pool and Private Dock

The photos posted on line are true and accurate. When you first pull up in front of the house, you are not sure it is the same house. But once inside the photos are spot on. The house was clean and cared for, it was an ideal get a way for my wife and I. We spent a lot of time in the pool, and everything we wanted to do was walkable. The only thing I can say on a slight negative side is, the house is older, and it could use some minor updates. But it was worth the value in my opinion.

We are long time visitors to AMI. My husband and I were celebrating an anniversary and found this house. It was perfect- a beautiful and clean home that is 3 blocks from the beach and close to the Pine Ave shopping and restaurants. We would highly recommend this property.

We sat by the canal every day and saw many manatee. Fish jumping all the time too. This was our first stay at this home and loved it. Rod n Reel pier is a short walk away also. House was well equipped with anything we needed. We hope to stay here next AMI visit.

The cottage was excellent in every way, the pool, the deck, the porch and the inside space. We have rented on AMI before and always happy. This time we were thrilled with everything and the daily visit by the manatees was just icing on the cake!

Although there may have been a few things that needed to be refreshed in this house, the overall experience and time there was fabulous. The canal view and peacefulness every morning was glorious from the back deck and we even saw a manatee and lots of fish jumping every day. The house layout was great with the master bedroom tucked away from the main space and a fabulous view of the canal. The house felt roomy and very comfortable. The couch had seen better days but was comfy. There were beach chairs provided and the location was ideal. We rented bikes for the fun and ease of getting around but the house is close to everything!! The management company was very helpful and easy to reach. Beach towels were provided as well. We had the most relaxing and wonderful time on Anna Maria Island and this house was a great home base. Two things I will mention though is that there is a required alarm on the doors and windows of this home for safety reasons because of the canal and front pool. It can be a bit shocking and upsetting at first but once you remember to hit the pause button before coming in and out it is fine. You cannot leave the door open ever. Also, being a canal property, guests should know that the canal, no matter where you are, can be a bit stinky at low tide. But we always just made sure we were at the beach or in the front pool at these times. It worked out great! There was also a double kayak on the property that was perfect for morning paddles.

Here are things that were surprising to me. 1. Picture shows kayak. 2. Coffee maker was filled with old beans and last renters coffee. 3. Bathroom floors were dirty. 4. Second bathroom - in laundry room with cement floor and shower didnt work well. Total disappointment. 5. Pool was cold. We finally had to ask for heat. That is why we rented this place. Not happy at all.

Our original vacation plans changed thanks to the hurricanes that came through. We have never been to Ana Maria, but this house checked a lot of boxes for our family of three. Pros: - House is on a quiet canal, and there are MANATEES! Four days in a row we either ate breakfast or dinner with manatees splashing around the dock. - The pool has tiered steps. This was great for our three year old. He could sit and splash while we hung out in the deeper end. - The house is within a 5 minute walk in most directions to some amazing beaches. - Comfortable spaces. We were two adults and a three year old. There was enough space for an active three year old. We enjoyed sitting on the dock for quiet time and dinner. The bedrooms were spacious. The “kids” bedroom was also quite dark, which is great when you want kids to sleep as long as possible. I would say you could have a family of five here comfortably. Cons: - Almost every single door and window has an alarm on it. It’s required because of the open water (canal and pool), but super annoying. They have these big beautiful doors that open to the canal. Can’t leave them open without the alarms going off. Almost all the windows also have the alarms. -Kitchen is outdated and difficult to use with wonky electric burners. There were virtually no staples. Not that we expect a VRBO to have everything, but usually they have olive oil and and a few other staples beyond salt and pepper. - Bit far from most restaurants

The perfect location . The pool was very private even though it’s in the front of the house . Perfect after a hot day on the beach , which was just a short bike ride away. Sitting by the lagoon every morning to have my tea was so beautiful, private, and surrounded by lush foliage . It was so quiet. What a charming little house to unwind , enjoy nature . And yet definitely a place I would bring my kids to at another time . Everything was so close. I chose this property Mostly for the great location but there were so many other bonuses. I would definitely come back to this property again the next time I’m in Anna Maria.

The house is wonderful nice pool and good location. Beware if you are bringing a boat, there are two low bridges that will only be passable for those without a tower during higher tides. Check those out, we ended up renting dock space at keys. Another issues for a boater is there is not water in the front of the house. Some things that would have been good to know.

It was good staying experience. Nice house, good view.