A south-facing saltwater pool that's warm by 8am and still in full sun at 5pm. A private dock at the end of the yard with five kayaks and two paddleboards already there. Eight bikes in the garage. And yes, the dog is invited.

Pirates Cove Marco Island is a canal-front home built for the kind of trip where nobody has to rent anything, drive anywhere, or leave
the dog behind.

THE POOL AND THE PATIO
The heated saltwater pool sits on a 2,500 sq ft patio facing due south, which means sun on the water all day rather than a lanai that goes cold at two in the afternoon. Saltwater is gentler on eyes and skin than chlorine, which matters when the kids are in it for six hours. Half the patio is covered, so there's shade when you want it, a five-burner grill, and a table that seats eight under a ceiling fan.

THE DOCK
A paver walkway runs from the patio down to a private dock on a quiet canal. Kayaks and paddleboards go in from there. Fishing gear is in the garage and it's yours for the week. If you rent a boat locally, you can tie up at the dock for an additional nightly fee arranged before booking.

SLEEPING
Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,962 sq ft, and a split floor plan that puts the primary suite on the opposite side of the house from the guest rooms.
The primary has a king bed, a walk-in closet large enough to set up a crib, dual sinks, a jetted tub and a walk-in shower, with its own door to the lanai. Bedroom two has a king. Bedroom three has a king plus two twin XL beds in a bunk, which is the room kids fight over. A queen sleeper sofa in the living room brings the comfortable total to nine.

TRAVELING WITH SMALL CHILDREN
Two pack-and-play cribs, a high chair, a bed safety rail, and a cupboard of toys, books and games are already here. The house is not baby-proofed, but it is set up by people who have done this trip.

THE GARAGE IS THE AMENITY
Eight bikes. Five kayaks. Two paddleboards. A beach cart, eight chairs, umbrellas, a blanket, coolers and sand toys. Fishing gear. Pool floats and life vests. Nothing to rent, nothing to buy on arrival, nothing to haul on the plane.

WHERE YOU ARE
Mid-island, on a quiet cul-de-sac. Half a mile to the YMCA. Just over a mile to Mackle Park, with its splash pad, pirate-ship playground, courts and soccer field. A mile and a half to free public beach access, or about five minutes by car to South Beach and
Tigertail. Two minutes to Publix. Easy drive from Fort Myers (RSW).

WHO THIS HOUSE IS FOR
Families and multi-generation groups who want the pool, the water and the gear more than they want a resort. Dog owners who are tired of finding out that "pet friendly" meant a condo with a balcony. Anyone who would rather spend the week on a paddle board than in a car.

GOOD TO KNOW

DOGS. Up to two non-shedding dogs, 30 lbs or under, $100 per dog. The fee covers the deeper clean that keeps this house usable for allergy-sensitive guests, and it applies to service animals for the same reason.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. Every guest over 18 signs a short rental agreement and waiver and provides photo ID. The primary guest must be 30 or older. A $1,500 hold (not a charge) goes on the card two days before arrival and releases two days after checkout.


CLEANING. $350 per stay. Stays over seven nights include an additional in-stay clean for each further week, at a reduced rate.

BOATS. You may tie up at the dock for an additional nightly fee, arranged before booking. The boat lift is not available for guest use. Boat trailers may not be stored in the garage.

POOL HEAT. Held at a comfortable temperature whenever the pump is running. It cools slightly overnight and comes back up in the morning.

CAMERAS. Exterior only: a video doorbell and a dock-facing camera. Nothing inside, nothing on the pool deck.

TRAVEL INSURANCE. Strongly recommended August through November.

PARKING. Two cars in the driveway. Marco Island code prohibits trailers and boats in driveways. RVs require a free permit from the Marco Island police department.