House in Placida, FL

The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!

The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!

Photo gallery for The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!

Unclassified image, 1 of 32, button
Unclassified image, 2 of 32, button
Unclassified image, 3 of 32, button
Unclassified image, 4 of 32, button
Unclassified image, 5 of 32, button

Overview of The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!

4.7 out of 5 Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Placida, FL
  • Popular LocationLittle Gasparilla Island Beach3 min walk
  • AirportSarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)64 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!

Summary:
This quaint beach cottage is an island original! Sitting directly on the sandy beach, this home offers beachfront living at its best. The Round House suffered minimal damage from the hurricane and all repairs have been completed. Little Gasparilla Island is a bridge-less barrier island off Florida's West Coast. Access is by private boat or water taxi only, which means our beaches are uncrowded, our fishing is great, our island is unspoiled and your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be. Please note that The Round House has NO wi-fi.

The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology.

The home has been lovingly remodeled to retain the charm of the original cottage while creating a chic and serene beach vibe. Round House sits directly on the beach. It is as close as you can get without being in the water! Warm tropical waters and soft, sandy beaches are right outside your front door. The home was recently renovated with new steps and new impact resistant windows. Also all new interior trim! Decorated with fresh new furnishings, new floors, new doors, new appliances, new full-size washer-dryer and a beachy new paint job! The owners recently also updated the kitchen with new cabinets, all new stainless appliances and new countertops.

Outdoors, a fire pit offers an after-dark gathering spot for relaxing after a day at the beach.

Wifi: Not available. You must hotspot from your cellular provider. (Cell reception is good).

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee (per pet). Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.

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.

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Boat Slip - included on dock number 21 (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 - charcoal

Parking - $8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi

INTERNET: Most people just opt to use the mobile hotspots on their smartphones, especially if they have unlimited data or a large data plan. Cell service is excellent and that is the most convenient option. We usually suggest that people download books and movies to their tablets or e-readers BEFORE coming to the island.

Guest Access:
The entire cottage is yours to enjoy, as well as 7 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beach. There is also access to a dock slip if you choose to rent a boat.

The Neighborhood:
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. Our "nightlife" consists of giant sea turtles laying their eggs -- our only bar is the sand bar where you can find sand dollars and shells! You must bring a boat or use the water taxi. The water taxi runs by appointment only and is $10 per person each way during regular daytime hours.

Getting Around:
The water taxi runs daily on demand, so getting back to the mainland is relatively easy, but most people choose to stay on the island and enjoy the peace and privacy. The water taxi runs daily during daylight hours, roughly 8 to 5, and the fare averages $30 minimum for 2 people with an additional $15 per person. The taxi will run after dark but there is a surcharge for runs after dark. Please note that we do have 911 service on the island as well as paramedics on the island if you are concerned about emergency medical treatment.

Other Things to Note:
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.

HOLIDAY RATES: Please note that all there will be holiday rates applied to quotes for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Please note this is the tropics and there will be noseeums. (Also known as midges or sand gnats.) Bring bug spray! For noseeums, the best product is Avon Skin-So-Soft which you can purchase on amazon.

PLEASE NOTE: We do require that two members of each group must be over 25 years of age. We apologize, but we can NOT rent to college groups as a courtesy to the homeowners and our island neighbors. Guests will be evicted if found not to meet age requirements upon check in. Additionally, we can not exceed capacity in island homes due to the fragile septic systems.

Interaction with Guests:
We have a home on the island and also nearby on the mainland. We value your privacy highly and will not intrude. There is a guest services manager living on the island as well.

Property manager

Little Gasparilla Vacation Rentals
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Free

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
I UNDERSTAND THIS HOME IS ON AN ISLAND WITH NO CAR ACCESS AND THAT I CAN NOT CHECK IN WITHOUT RETURNING A SIGNED CONTRACT (PROVIDED BY LITTLE GASPA...

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

About the area

Placida

This holiday home is located in Placida. Lemon Bay Playhouse and Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Gasparilla Marina and Uncle Henrys Marina.

What's nearby

  • Little Gasparilla Island Beach - 3 min walk

Getting around

  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • Paraiso Mexican Grille And Bar - 39 min drive
  • Stump Pass Grille - 24 min drive
  • Cool Pickle In Paradise - 17 min drive
  • Faull Inn - 24 min drive
  • Rum Bay Restaurant - 18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Round House: Unique island cottage--as close to the beach as you can get! located?

Situated in Placida, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Don Pedro Island State Park and Little Gasparilla Island Beach. Gasparilla Marina is 2 mi (3.2 km) away.

Reviews

4.7

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 5 - Excellent. 64 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 8 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 2 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 4 out of 78 reviews" "

4.4/5

Cleanliness

4.6/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

4.9/5

Location

4.5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

4/5 Good

debby A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best beach house location
Incredible location. House could use new matresses and a deep cleaning.
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2024

5/5 Excellent

Janine E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Round House Stay
My sister and I booked a last minute vacation to Little Gasparilla Island. We were unaware at the time this was a no bridge island and we could not drive our vehicle to our house, which to begin with was a bit concerning, but this vacation turned out to be one of the best vacation/stays we have had. The house was exactly what we were looking for, we met two of the companies owners (Terry and Joy) and they were the nicest, generous most geniune ladies we've met. When we left we had already booked another house on the island for this April 2024. We are bringing our husbands back to experience this wonderful place and all the people. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

5/5 Excellent

Kristi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place right on the beach!!
Will you try a different home every time we go to LGI and this one was by far one of our favorites! We were right on the beach and we loved the wraparound porch. The owner of the house was super kind and accommodating. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway to disconnect from the world and spend quality time with family, this is definitely your place we cook dinner every single night and had a fire one of the nights!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

5/5 Excellent

Kenneth V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
It's paradise and I feel bad even telling people it was great because I'd love to keep this place a secret and all to myself 😍
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

5/5 Excellent

Jaema K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beachfront Bliss
We booked a week as a 25th anniversary celebration having never really had a full fledged honeymoon. It was everything we could have hoped for. The view and beach access were amazing, the water was warm, shallow, and calm most of our trip which made enjoying the water easy for me (I am not the best swimmer and get anxiety about open water). The surroundings were relaxing, there were not a lot of people and everyone was spread out so you had your own space. The deck had 4 corners, each with their own setting and we spent the day chasing shade and breezes, it was nice to have the different spaces to enjoy. Sitting and watching the dolphins go by each morning while drinking coffee on the deck was my favorite part, it was so peaceful the hammock in the mangrove trees is perfectly placed for an afternoon nap, too! The house was perfect for two people and the living/kitchen/dining area were cozy, warm and inviting. The washer and dryer were great! Our only complaint would be the fact there is not a king size bed in the larger room. It was hard for us to get comfortable being used to that, 7 nights feeling cramped was a little hard, but we knew that going into our booking. Overall it was a wonderful stay and we would consider another trip, we loved it.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Little Gasparilla Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
We have lived on the island for 30 years and we started renting our own home many years ago when we traveled. Then our neighbors asked us to handle rentals for them also -- and now we offer vacation rentals in a variety of price ranges and locations on the island...from dramatic beachfront homes to cozy interior homes with lots of privacy. Our homes are painstakingly cared for...we want you to feel like you are vacationing in a friend's home rather than a sterile "rental unit". So relax, kick off your flip flops, dig your toes in the sand and enjoy the island lifestyle!

Why they chose this property

We stayed in this cottage before it was renovated and fell in love with the location....and when the owners fixed it up, we loved it even more....we love the front porch and the balmy breezes and the fact that you don't have tons of stairs to climb. The fire pit is a wonderful touch the owners have added recently and we love to sit at the breakfast bar and look out at the waves. This is a quirky cottage that still retains lots of its original charm and we love to sit on the front porch and watch everyone walk by on the beach...and watch the dolphins and manatees swim right by!
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for