We stayed in the Bay House Retreat for one and a half week and had a wonderful time. We were a family of 9, including our young daughters of 3 and 5. Age range from 3 to 82 in fact. All of us were impressed with the home and fell in love with the gardens, the pool and the ocean views. It was perfectly clean when we arrived, beds were made, towels were available and some basic food necessities (salt, pepper, oil, coffee, sugar etc) were there. The instructions for the renters are on a digital screen in the dining room. Apart from instructions, tips and maps are provided digitally for restaurants, sights etc. The pool was cleaned twice when we were there and the gardens were maintained twice as well. Canoes were available for free and the house has two docks in case you own or rent a boat. We rented a pontoon boat, but were not aware that it is possbible to simply rent to pontoon boat that is docked at the property. That might be something to communicate better to future renters, because it a great option if you like being on the water. But all in all, we would love to come back and give this place 5 stars out of 5. Would give a 6 star review if it were possible!

Second stay at this house. The plusses are that the property is stunning, the house is large and good for groups, the pool is great, the kitchen is well-stocked with dishes, pots and pans and the management company is responsive. We called on a Saturday evening when the air conditioning stopped working and they sent someone out right away. The house is dated, but the photos online show it exactly as it is so no disappointment there. But there are negatives. After we stayed here last year, rather than give a negative review, I sent a private message to the management company, telling them that for a house that costs thousands to rent for a week, I would expect them to offer more than one roll of one-ply toilet paper per bathroom per stay, and some soap, shampoo and conditioner in the showers. The answer was that they would pass along the message. Unfortunately, this year, the house offered even less. There was still only one roll of toilet paper per bathroom and they through in packs in each bathroom with soap, and a small bottles of shampoo, etc., the kind you would find in a Days Inn for one night (I get that this is in the fine print, but again, for the amount they charge, would it kill them to leave enough toilet paper and personal products for the week?), there was no dishwashing liquid, sponges or paper towels in the kitchen, a lot of the pots and pans in the cupboard were dirty, there were dirty throw pillows on the beds, and several of the lamps in the bedrooms didn't work. There were only three beach towels in the basket by the pool for a house that advertises it sleeps 12. This house could be so much more with a tiny spend and a little effort by the management company. Date of arrival - April 5, 2023 Reservation ID #14409

We absolutely loved this property and will definitely come back. It was perfectly clean and perfectly private. The pool was warm for spring break, as promised. We’ve been promised these things at all our previous rentals, but this one actually delivered, and that’s why we will be back!

Our stay was for a staff retreat. The house was perfect for our needs. The amenities were beyond compare, and the location on the bay could not be beat. Everyone had a fantastic stay at the Bayfront Retreat. The location is in the middle of everything in Bradenton and a short trip to Sarasota and the beaches. The kayaks afforded everyone an opportunity to get into the bay and enjoy the serenity of the waters.

Good space and view, but uncomfortable bed rooms and baths

The location is amazing. Water views, pool, outdoor experience is great. But the house itself was frustrating. Lightbulbs were missing from lamps, lights didn’t work in many of the rooms and outdoor spaces. Trash was left in trash cans inside the house with no trash bags. The house sleeps 12 but there was not enough soap/shampoo/conditioner/toilet paper to accommodate that many. The bugs were out of control but it’s completely fair that it is to be expected at the location due to the water but it felt as if they could have done citronella or had the property sprayed. The hot tub didn’t really get hot and we were there in December. There was trash in the cupboards that had been left by prior guests. An empty box where trash bags used to be. I’m writing this so the owner sees this review and can work with the property management team directly. We bought a lot of things to furnish the house that should have already been there for us. The house has a lot of promise but needs to be managed better.

We loved it! We are planning next year already. The grounds are amazing. We loved the wildlife! No one wanted to go out! Such a unique beautiful property. Plenty of room for 9 adults. We also found mirnas cuban food. Very close and delicious. Great location. Kala responded very promptly to all my crazy texts. Thank you bay house!

We had to book a new property within two weeks of our trip due to our original booking in Port Charlotte was sadly blown away by Ian. I did not have much time for due diligence, and had a panic attack hitting "book this property". WOW this property was everything and MORE. The grounds and home were meticulously cared for. They had every amenity and supply we could ever need. Towels, both beach and regular, kitchen appliances and utensils, games, kayaks, beach and pool toys, beach chairs, on and on. They did not miss anything. We watched every single sunset from every deck, dock or balcony, and every single one was amazing. There was plenty of room to spread out and more than enough beds, bathrooms and living space for our whole family. The beaches were beautiful and close. We got home and immediately began looking to rent again next year. We could not have been more pleased!

This was an excellent place to stay. Right on Sarasota Bay. Easy drive to Lido Beach and Bradenton Beach. Awesome house and fabulous pool. We will stay here again

This was a great property for our family vacation. It should be noted that I called the management / rental company to check on a few things and they were ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT to deal with. Extremely prompt and clear. Can't recommend this enough!

Friends and family together was a great time

Beautiful and well stocked. You will not want to leave.

Beautiful and well stocked. You will not want to leave.

Friends and family together was a great time

Location is wonderful. Property sits on a corner and has a panoramic view of the water. Pool is fantastic, outdoor seating is plentiful, full kitchen and cookware, large spacious home with plenty of room for everyone. Lots of wildlife, two docks, kayaking was fun, fishing off the dock, and did we mention the views? Very close to the airport, stores and everything you would need. World class beaches nearby and along with shopping at places like St. Armands circle, or head downtown Sarasota for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Will absolutely rent from Beach Retreats again. Thank you

Private and amazing setup. We enjoyed throwing a paddleboard or kayak in the water right off the two docks. The views (especially sunsets) are amazing! Would definitely stay at this property again.

Private and amazing setup. We enjoyed throwing a paddleboard or kayak in the water right off the two docks. The views (especially sunsets) are amazing! Would definitely stay at this property again.

Bay House Retreat was a wonderful place to escape with our family. The online description should include, “A perfect spot to just chill with your family”! Everything we needed was provided. Could not have asked for a better vacation. Thank you so much for sharing your home!

Beautiful property, lots of wildlife to see, comfortable house, beautiful amenities. Would stay again in a heartbeat!

Beautiful property, lots of wildlife to see, comfortable house, beautiful amenities. Would stay again in a heartbeat!

Renting this property was extremely easy and it was more than we thought it would be with kayaks gorgeous pool everything was absolutely wonderful

Renting this property was extremely easy and it was more than we thought it would be with kayaks gorgeous pool everything was absolutely wonderful

This was a beautiful property with spectacular views!

This was a beautiful property with spectacular views!

We had a wonderful time. The views are magnificent, everywhere you are you have a great view. Very well appointed with plentiful high quality utensils, dishware, appliances, towels, toys, etc. Comfortable beds. Everything was super clean. The pool delicious and warm. Great SPA and jacuzzis. Nothing negative to say.

Our family enjoyed this lovely, lovely Florida winter get-away so much! The house is very spacious and comfortable, and the outside areas are just beautiful. The kitchen is very-well stocked, the balconies are amazing for the views, and there are enough comfortable couches for everyone to relax watching tv. My favorite thing was having coffee outside watching the birds on the bay. Our favorite beach was the tip of Lido beach only a 20 minute drive away. My only reason for 4/5 stars for location is that you can't walk to a store/coffee shop -- but that's Florida! :). Host was incredibly responsive and gracious - when our beach umbrella broke, someone came to follow up within the hour (even though it wasn't necessary at all :).

Our family enjoyed this lovely, lovely Florida winter get-away so much! The house is very spacious and comfortable, and the outside areas are just beautiful. The kitchen is very-well stocked, the balconies are amazing for the views, and there are enough comfortable couches for everyone to relax watching tv. My favorite thing was having coffee outside watching the birds on the bay. Our favorite beach was the tip of Lido beach only a 20 minute drive away. My only reason for 4/5 stars for location is that you can't walk to a store/coffee shop -- but that's Florida! :). Host was incredibly responsive and gracious - when our beach umbrella broke, someone came to follow up within the hour (even though it wasn't necessary at all :).

This property is really beautiful. We enjoyed the balconies, with the amazing views, and the pool was wonderful. Our stay was in November so the pool did get cold. Just wish it was a little more on the warmer side. The kitchen wasn’t really stocked with much, and a little disorganized, but it’s a nice size kitchen. There are great size TV’s in every room which was fantastic, but we only got one TV to have cable options. Looking to watch regular/local TV was a challenge. All the rooms were great. Definitely great for bigger families or larger groups. Only issue is that the master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with no door. Very challenging when it comes to wanting or needing privacy. It also only has one pedestal sink which leads to having no counter space. Getting ready in that bathroom as a female was nearly impossible. Again the property is absolutely beautiful. The house has great bones, but the kitchen & bathrooms are in desperate need of some renovation.

This house is better than it looks in the pictures. An oasis for all who stay. We loved this house and plan on coming back in the near future.

This house is better than it looks in the pictures. An oasis for all who stay. We loved this house and plan on coming back in the near future.

This Property has just about everything visitors need from a rental home.

This Property has just about everything visitors need from a rental home.