5 Reviews of Property 271523 in Little Gasparilla Island, Florida

We have rented this home twice and have loved it each time. It is in the perfect location, right between the dock and the beach, has great owners and friendly neighbors. It is just the right size for a couple or a small group. Everything in the home is as advertised on the website listing. The owners take great care of the property and everything was clean and well-kept. We would most definitely recommend this island, and more specifically this home, to others (although that would mean divulging our "secret" vacation spot!).

My wife, 2 year-old son, and I spent a weekend here. Our stay, albeit much too short, was magical. It's impossible to convey the peace and tranquility you experience here with words, it's something that has to be experienced. The house itself was extremely comfortable and had all the amenities you'd want, minus the groceries. The sunsets are to die for and the privacy is unmatched. This is sure to become a yearly getaway!

For 16 years now we have been coming to "our" beach house on "our" island, Little Gasparilla. Steve and Laura have asked us numerous times to post a review so that others can begin to understand how this place can change you. Honestly, we originally agreed to do this but then got a bit selfish. Why write a great review and risk losing our one piece of paradise to some other renter? It then dawned on us that we in fact can't be the gate keeper to this place. That, if more families experienced Steve and Laura's beach house, maybe they too would begin to grow closer as we have by laughing more, talking more, playing more (sharades, Scrabble, beach tennis, frisbee, and...), by going on long walks together, eating together-I could go on but you get the point.

So what exactly is it that makes our piece of paradise so important to us (as I write this my oldest daughter is in her first year of college and has just texted me letting me know how excited she is that we're going to the beach house for Thanksgiving in one week-can you believe that? Not friends, but beach and family). As the title of this review indicates, it's really about what it isn't that is most important to us. First off, it isn't big. Our family consists of Mom, Dad, 4 girls, and 2 dogs. This house is small with two bedrooms and a downstairs library. And one common area. This house forces us to be close to each other. We love that.
Second, it's not convenient. Getting there has become half the fun. No roads, restaurants, or grocery stores. Use the available water taxi or bring your own boat. That's the only way to get here. Our kids make the first Publix grocery stop on our way to the marina a major part of the anticipation. Don't forget the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. S'mores are a must.
Last, it's unplugged. No TV, computers, etc, only music (speakers for your iPod/MP3 provided). We literally let go of the world for the week that we're there. Don't think this has been easy. Unplugging is a learned behavior. We've gotten pretty good, but for you novices, give yourself 2-3 days to really come down. Once down, you'll ask yourself over and over again...how can I extend my stay here? Keep Laura's number close just in case.

We're truly blessed to have discovered our house and our island. It's become such a major part of our family that I believe the kids will forever be coming back here either to stay in Laura and Steve's house or possibly, in ours. Welcome to your new tradition.