25 Reviews of Property 232898 in Manasota Key, Florida

Seeking to revive smoldering embers within...we sailed south to thaw frigid, weary bones. Golden days found us strolling Stump Pass Beach daily, biking ten miles toward the opposite end of Manasota Key, hiking dreamy trails at Myakka River State Park and exploring this salty sea scenery.
~~ Harnessing the daylight, we cast the kayaks in therapeutic Lemon Bay. Paddling around the island of Whidden Key, we witnessed a plethora of shore birds before dropping anchor on the eastern tip. Ahoy, we owned this island for a fraction of a day! ~~ Weirdly enough, we survived a wicked thunderstorm on 12/12/12 around 12:12 in the morning. We awoke to The Highview shaking and rattling as frightening gale winds blew the sunkist roof chairs across the sturdy planks to the north end of the deck. The thundershower reassured us we were safe and secure at the resilient Highview. Later in the day, we celebrated 12/12/12 scavenging for beach jewels and hunting for elusive sharks teeth...we collected 96 fossilised specimen! An innocuous addiction, we later amassed over 200. ~~ Glorious sunrises were cherished and molten setting sundowns were embraced from the 360* panoramic perch. Illuminating stars punctuated the darkness. Cocooned in a toasty blanket on our final evening, we were extremely fortunate to catch lightening streaks of the Geminid meteor shower. Throughout the week, we cooked all our meals in the well-equipped kitchen, relaxing in the comfiness of our Highview "home". ~ Spontaneous explorers, we spotted gopher tortoises, grey blue heron, black skimmers, anhinga, sanderlings, osprey, herring gull, snowy egret, deer, alligators, pheasants, yellow-crowned night heron, vultures, roseate spoonbills, great horned owl, armadillo, lizards, American bald eagle, red-bellied woodpecker, spotted sea cucumber, and sea urchin. ~~ With spirits quenched and hearts revived, the return to Cincinnati is imminent and accepted. We remain most grateful for this serene sanctuary for our bodies, minds and souls. ~~ Merci beaucoup to Pete and MaryJo for generously sharing the blessing of this prized property. Pete was the consummate host: helpful, available, gracious and quick to respond. Normally I look for rentals on the beach...The Highview is BETTER than being on the beach! Unsurpassed: 360* views, amenities, accommodations, workmanship, decor, furnishings, landscaping, handy conveniences, personal communication, privacy, and cleanliness. BOOK IT TODAY while it's available :)

Great place, nicely furnished, more amenities than you will need, a convenient location, and breathtaking sunsets. The place is just far enough from local restaurants so you aren't bothered by noise, or foot traffic, but it's close enough so you can easily get a bite to eat, or a drink or two without going out of your way. The temperature of the gulf was perfect, warm enough to float in all day, but cool enough to be refreshing. Southwest Florida is an awesome place to vacation.

On our vacation to do list was Rest, Relaxation and Fun this year. We have never been to Florida before and knew we did not want to stay in a regular hotel. With 1000's of condos to choose from, we accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a house and location. Every detail of the this property is well thought out from the inside decor, outside decor, beach toys, BBQ pit, outdoor shower, Shell Washing Station, Bikes, WIFI, Roof top deck that overlooks 360* of the neighborhood, beach and bay. You will not want for anything. Close to shopping and local restaurants, The property allowed us to take endless walks on the beach. We spent our last day snorkeling for sand dollars and finding the famous "Sharks Teeth" on the Beach. For those who want to play with the beach lifestyle and truly "Get Away", this is the property to stay at on your next vacation.

Great place, nicely furnished, more amenities than you will need, a convenient location, and breathtaking sunsets. The place is just far enough from local restaurants so you aren't bothered by noise, or foot traffic, but it's close enough so you can easily get a bite to eat, or a drink or two without going out of your way. The temperature of the gulf was perfect, warm enough to float in all day, but cool enough to be refreshing. Southwest Florida is an awesome place to vacation.

Keith

Boca Raton Fl

On our vacation to do list was Rest, Relaxation and Fun this year. We have never been to Florida before and knew we did not want to stay in a regular hotel. With 1000's of condos to choose from, we accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a house and location. Every detail of the this property is well thought out from the inside decor, outside decor, beach toys, BBQ pit, outdoor shower, Shell Washing Station, Bikes, WIFI, Roof top deck that overlooks 360* of the neighborhood, beach and bay. You will not want for anything. Close to shopping and local restaurants, The property allowed us to take endless walks on the beach. We spent our last day snorkeling for sand dollars and finding the famous "Sharks Teeth" on the Beach. For those who want to play with the beach lifestyle and truly "Get Away", this is the property to stay at on your next vacation.

We were drawn to this property because of the amenities offered. My whole family, which includes 2 teenagers, all commended my choice upon entering our rental. As our 3 kids explored and my husband and I looked around we recognized and appreciated all the attention to detail from small to large. The binoculars were quickly found and taken to the 3rd floor observatory deck to get the full panoramic view. Each of our kids frequented there. Watching the sunrise every morning was a treat. We took advantage of the bikes to explore the area. We took the kayak on a great adventure on the gulf and the bay. We found it was easier to transport it to Stump Pass and their was a kayak loading area there. Once we realized most shark teeth were black we found them all over the beaches. Collecting sea shells was also a fun pastime. We made use of the shell cleaning area almost daily. I admired how organized the storage for all the beach accessories was. We made use of the outdoor shower often after being at the beach and just to cool down after laying in the sun. We found your home very relaxing. The area was quiet with friendly neighbors. We literaly took hundreds of pictures of our excursions there, particularly the breath-taking sunsets on the gulf. The teens were constantly bragging about their activities with the use of the wi-fi offered. If you had a Facebook page we all would have definitely pushed the "Like" button, only because there is no "Love" button.

We recently stayed at The Highview, basing our decision on other reviews and conversations with the owners. And we were not disappointed. A beautiful apartment with a gulf view and amazing 360 degree views from the rooftop deck! We had a family of Ospreys living in the tree next door and used the Kayaks (part of the rental) to venture out into the gulf and bay, many times surrounded by dolphins. Pete and Mary Jo were great and quickly responded to any we asked or needed. We would recommend this property to anyone who wants to spend time on this great little island. Already booked again for next year and cannot wait!

Five out of Five Stars
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.

The Highview was exactly as presented. The owner, Pete was excellent address any questions in a very timely manner related to the initial decision of selecting the property to then the specifics of arrival and departure. It is beautiful appointed and well maintained. The location is perfect and a easy walk to the beach and Stump Pass. Our family enjoyed it tremendously. Highly recommend Manasota Key and this property to anyone looking for a quiet getaway with family and/or friends.

Five out of Five Stars
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.