Summary:
Mermaid beach house is located on a bridgeless island in the Gulf of Mexico. Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is accessible only by water taxi! That means our beaches are uncrowded and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. If you are looking for a quiet tropical island to relax and unplug, Little Gasparilla is your dream vacation spot. This charming family beach house offers the perfect spot for beachfront relaxation.

The Space:
The front porch, living room, kitchen and dining area all have dramatic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Open the front doors to bring in the cooling Gulf breezes or sit on the shaded downstairs front porch, swing on the porch swing and watch dolphins and manatees roam up and down the sandbar.

Mermaid House is an older home, and as such, you might encounter more frequent maintenance issues. However, occasional inconveniences are compensated for by its spectacular views. If you are expecting pristine 5-star resort ambiance, this might not be the spot for you. But if you are coming to be on the beach, close to the beach, you want to hear the beach and truly experience the beach....this is the perfect spot.

This home is situated directly ON the beach for the best views ever of our Little Gasparilla sunsets. Yet it is just a short walk from the community dock. Dock 38 is shared by other owners on the lane, and this rental comes with access to a slip on the dock if you choose to rent a boat or kayak during your stay -- or bring your own.

The master bedroom has a king size bed and an en suite bathroom with shower. The guest bedroom has a queen and there is a third bedroom with a twin and trundle (can be converted in to one king as well). These two bedrooms share a second bathroom in the hallway. The home sleeps 6 guests comfortably. There is also a third small half bath downstairs on the deck level. The kitchen is fully equipped with both a drip coffee maker and an expresso machine, trash compactor, dish washer and all the appliances you need to cook a simple beach meal or a gourmet feast. The home is stocked with basic pantry items and all cookware, dishes, utensils and linens are available for your use, including beach towels.

The home has a covered upstairs porch in addition to an open porch for sunning. There is also a covered porch under the house which allows you to sit in the shade and still watch the kids on the beach.

WiFi - Available through satellite.

Pet Policy - NO PETS ALLOWED

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.

Boat Slip - included on dock number 38 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)

Complimentary Concierge- will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home

Satellite TV - yes

Grill Type - gas and charcoal

Coffee- Drip (filters provided) and espresso

Parking - $6/night ($8/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi

Complimentary Wi-fi via satellite is provided, but please understand that wi-fi is not for entertainment...you should download movies and books to your i-pad or tablet before arriving. (There is no wired internet on the island.)

Other Things to Note:
Your rental rate includes all linens (including beach towels)a grill, and the services of the island concierge who can meet you at the dock with a golf cart upon arrival to assist with transporting your groceries and luggage to the home.

FAQ

Parking- You can NOT DRIVE TO THE ISLAND. You park your car at the marina for $6 per day ($8 with a boat trailer).

Water taxi- The water taxi runs by appointment only and it is $15 per person (each way) during regular daytime hours. The water taxi will drop you off at the dock for Beachview Bungalow.

WiFi - . Speeds adequate for web-browsing, emails, social media, but not games or streaming.

Pet Policy - NO PETS PERMITTED

Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay on Little Gasparilla Island. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, Little Gasparilla is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitos, rust, power outages and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.

Interaction with Guests:
We have a home on the island, and another home on the mainland 10 minutes away. We value your privacy so we will not bother you or be intrusive, but we can get to the home quickly if you have issues. Our guest services manager lives on the island 10 minutes away and we have a local handyman that we can send out if there are maintenance issues. Please note, however, that the handyman is subject to the same problems getting to the island that you were. If something breaks after 4 PM chances are almost 100% that it will not be repaired until the following day. This is a remote barrier island and our mantra is "go with the flow".