Paradise Cottage is an enchanting, GROUND LEVEL tropical paradise that delivers the epitome of private island living. Nestled within a serene, peaceful neighborhood on the island's only paved road; walking distance to sugar sand beaches that offers buckets of seashells, shark teeth & award winning sunsets! You will love returning home to your private heated swimming pool surrounded by mature, exotic tropical foliage that has the look & feel of a Caribbean resort. The property is dappled with tiny gardens of succulents, exotic palms, rare, flower bearing bushes, gigantic aloe and more. There is even a whimsical “Peace Pole” garden, mythical mermaid and other unique outdoor decorative items of interest. Rattan egg-style chairs provide the ultimate sanctuary to sip a cool drink, catch up on your favorite book all while suspended below a canopy of towering palms. A hammock built for two provides yet another, poolside relaxation option. Regulation corn hole on hand for spirited, competitive beach or backyard play. Follow the winding path that leads to the island's deepest, sail boat access, natural harbor with dock: perfect to toss a line, secure your boat, launch kayaks, SUPS or take in the abundance of nature including dolphin, herons, osprey, bald eagle, occasional manatee family & more! No bridges out to Gulf of Mexico or island hop to restaurants, tiki bars & neighboring barrier islands. Inside, you will find tons of Mediterranean charm, rare, old world Florida CHARACTER not found in modern stilt homes. Open concept, including all the modern conveniences of home. An over-sized granite peninsula has an abundance of space for casual dining, gathering, conversation and more. There is a separate dining area for a more formal meal if you wish to utilize the well appointed, graciously stocked kitchen. Enjoy the well stocked coffee counter including conventional drip maker, assortment of gourmet teas, creamers, sugar and biscotti to start your day. Sliders open to screened porch to enjoy cookouts, conversation or board games. Here you will find a 6 burner, gas grill (propane provided) to serve your BBQ, outdoor cooking needs. Two cruiser beach bicycles are included in your stay; ready to take you on or about your island adventures. Limited beach chairs, umbrella & beach towels are provided. Additional can be rented from various island sources in addition to SUP (paddle boards), surfboards, kayaks, beach chairs, beach tents/shade canopies & more. Boat & and jet ski rentals are readily available from one of many nearby marinas. Parasailing is less than 15 minutes away on near by Manasota Key for those of you thrill seeking a bird's eye view from above. Paradise Cottage is one of only a few, highly sought after single story homes meaning NO STAIRS TO CLIMB! Load up with a car full of groceries from one of the mainland grocery stores, grab your gear and walk right in to make yourself at home. Palm Island is a bridge-less, private barrier island, 7 miles long between Sarasota and Sanibel Island on Florida's Gulf Coast. Sugar sand beaches, beautiful harbors & lagoons and great fishing & shelling are accessed ONLY by a 3 minute car ferry ($55 round trip per car or $400 for book of 10 tickets) OR private boat ride. Complete list of ferry rates and schedules can be found at www.palmislandtransit.com. With unpaved sandy roads and a relaxed 'Old Florida' atmosphere, our beaches are some of the most pristine and quiet in all of coastal Florida. There are no high rises blocking your gulf views; no street lights and only one, paved road that leads to the island’s only business: our island restaurant, Rum Bay. Primary mode of transportation is golf cart and it is highly recommended that you reserve a cart at the time of booking. Because our house is located in an unusual destination type island, we have a STRICT cancellation policy. Most travelers need to plan ahead for this type of vacation so it is very difficult to rent the house again on short notice. Because of this we strongly advise you to obtain TRAVELER’S INSURANCE. Jay and Carrie are full time island residents; available to serve you as needed. Their hands on approach, assure you round the clock, top notch guest services worthy of their stellar testimonials. Paradise Cottage delivers a unique, island experience of relaxation only a remote private destination location can offer. So remarkable and “off the grid” it will be nearly impossible to leave. IMPORTANT: Please be sure to read all House Rules and terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement before booking this property as they are strictly enforced. NEW for 2024: Stainless steel smooth top oven/range. New, 8 quart air fryer. New stand alone kitchen pantry for guest dry goods storage. Pictures are representative of current status of the property with exception of new stove & pantry. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @paradise.cottage