About this rental
The Sand Dollar is a private villa located at the quiet, well run and exceedingly clean "beach to bay" community of Horizons West. A maximum of 50% of Horizons West properties are rented so the community has a more residential feel than many others on the island. The villa has been recently remodeled and has new furnishings throughout, all placed in mid 2021 and 2022. It also has new windows and exterior doors as of mid 2022 all new air conditioning and furnace, new interior plantation shutters, a new washer and dryer and a new LED television in the living room.
The Sand Dollar is on a quant tree and brick-lined street, with direct access to the intercoastal waterway barely 100 yards outside the front door. Private beach access, two heated pools (one of which is directly on the beach) and a hot tub are a short walk across the street. There is a greenspace park along the intercostal complete with covered seating, grill, seating, picnic areas and a dock. Fish from the dock, put in a kayak to explore the bay, or just relax in one of the chairs along the water and enjoy the view.
Bringing a vehicle? You can park right in the driveway or under the carport and avoid hauling luggage across a parking lot or dealing with elevators. Not bringing a vehicle? The free trolley on the island makes a stop right at the end of our street so getting around couldn’t be easier. We are also within walking distance to the south village where there are several restaurants, a small grocery store, shopping and a pharmacy and post office.
Washer and dryer, beach chairs and umbrella along with all the other amenities you would need for a comfortable stay in your home away from home are provided. Come enjoy our slice of paradise and make lifetime memories with your family on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Unique Benefits
- Private washer and dryer provided in villa
- Private beach exclusively for use by Horizons West guests
- Lounge chairs on the beach provided for all guests
- Two (seasonally heated) pools on site. One directly on the beach and the other next to our clubhouse walled in for privacy
- Beach side hot tub
- Greenspace park just outside the villa along the intercostal waterway
- Fish from the dock at the intercostal access or put in a kayak to explore the bay
- The free island trolley has a stop at the end of our street
- Horizons West is conveniently located in the middle of the island between both the north and south village areas. We are within walking distance to the south village (6/10 of a mile)
Why Kids Love It
- 99% quartz, sugar sand beach that doesn't get hot in the sun
- Crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, swimming and splashing
- Fish from the dock just outside the front door of the Sand Dollar
- Snorkel and shell-hunt at point of rocks near beach access 12 (less than a mile away)
- MOTE aquarium and marine research laboratory a short drive away in Sarasota
- Drop in a kayak right at our intercostal access and explore the islands just off-shore
- Hunt for Shark's teeth at Caspersen Beach near Venice
Area Information
Siesta key has been rated the number one beach in the United States numerous times in the last 15 years, frequently also being ranked among the best beaches around the world. The Horizons West community is located smack in the middle of the key, conveniently placed between the north and south villages. A maximum of half of the properties in Horizons West are used as rentals so it’s perennially clean, quiet and well-maintained.
Beyond relaxing on the beach, numerous activities are available in the Siesta Key and surrounding Sarasota area including the MOTE aquarium, the Ringling museum of art, Saint Armand's Circle, Point of Rocks, kayaking Myakka State park, sunset cruises, fishing charters, snorkeling trips, and Caspersen beach where you can hunt for real sharks teeth! Come enjoy paradise and build lifetime memories with your family and friends!
Favorite Places To Eat
- Toasted Mango Cafe
- Anna’s Deli
- Daquiri Deck
- Bonjour French Restaurant
- The Hub Cafe
- The Cottage
- Another Broken Egg
- Ripfire Pizza
- Sun Garden Cade
- The Old Salty Dog
- Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB)
- Captain Curts
- Miguels
- Sniki Tiki
- Lobster Pot
- Summer House
- Big Olaf Ice Cream
- Orange Octopus Ice Cream
Inside Scoop
- Check out the lowering of the American flag at "Patriots Pier" at sunset each night. Access point 2 near the village
- Don't miss the Drum Circle each Sunday evening at the public beach!
- Take a trip to Caspersen Beach in Venice (25-30 minutes) and "hunt" for fossilized sharks teeth!
Amenities
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Rates
| Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Min Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 13 - Apr 30 2024 | $2,520 | 7 nights | |||
May 01 - Jun 23 2024 | $1,785 | 7 nights | |||
Jun 24 - Jul 07 2024 | $2,275 | 7 nights | |||
Jul 08 - Aug 18 2024 | $1,960 | 7 nights | |||
Aug 19 - Nov 17 2024 | $1,330 | 7 nights |
Fees:
Processing Fee: $65
Cleaning Fee: $210
Tax Rate: 13%
Notes:
February 1 to April 7, 2024 - 2 week minimum stay.
December 15 to July 31:
- 10% discount for 8-week stays
- 12% discount for 12-week stays
August 1 and December 14:
- 10% discount for 4-week stays
Check In: 4p (peak season) 3pm (off season)
Check Out: 10am
Listed rates are for up to 4 guests. There is a $100 additional charge for a 5th guest if over age 5.
Availability
Last updated on March 29, 2024
Map
Hosted by Chris McGregor
Member since 2021
Year Purchased: 2021
About the owner: Married couple with two children. We've been traveling to Siesta for 20 years, and actually were engaged right on Siesta Beach many years ago! It's one of our favorite places in the world to spend time to be with family, make memories and recharge our batteries.
Why this property? Clean, quiet community with only 50% of the units being in the rental pool. Consequently, the community feels MUCH more residential than it does a vacation rental.
Centrally located on the key, with the free trolley making a stop right at the end of our private street getting around couldn't be easier. We are within walking distance to the south village as well (6/10 of a mile) where you'll find multiple restaurants and bars, a grocery store, a pharmacy and more. Grill or have a picnic and watch manatee go by (if you're lucky!), or fish from our intercostal waterway access. Private access to our pristine beach is just across the street as are two heated pools - one of which is beach side!
Links to more information:
CLICK HERE - Villa direct booking link
Frequently Asked Questions
Is beach access available?
Yes! We have both private beach access AND intercostal waterway access. The beach is about 400 yards away and the intercoastal is less than 100 yards.
Do you have a pool or hot tub?
Yes! We have two pools - both heated. One is connected to our clubhouse and office and the other is directly on the beach. The hot tub is next to the beachside pool.
Are there elevators?
None are needed for the villa as it is a one-story, private property.
Is the villa within walking distance to any shopping or dining?
Yes. The south village is 6/10 of a mile away. The north village is about two miles away so an easy ride on a bike or by using the free trolley that traverses the island that stops at the end of our street.
Are beach chairs provided?
Complimentary lounge style chairs are provided by Horizons West directly on our private beach. We also have traditional beach style chairs available for guest use (located in our laundry room).
Photos
Reviews
Betty S.Cozy and comfortable!
This is the second year that we have stayed at the Sand Dollar House. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The attention to detail in the decor and amenities made us feel right at home. Both bedrooms have really comfortable beds! We appreciated the thoughtful recommendations from the host, Chris on local attractions and dining spots, which enhanced our experience. We love the grilling area and it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or to sit and watch the boats and dolphins go by after a long day on the beach. Our stay here exceeded all expectations, and we can't wait to come back and create more wonderful memories!"
Stayed: March 2024 Submitted: March 18, 2024
Owner response
Thank you so much for the kind words, Betty. It was our pleasure to host you again and look forward to the opportunity to do so again in the future!
Amy W.Perfect stay
We had a perfect stay in E-8 on the beautiful and quiet bayside street of Horizons West. My son fished at the bay and we saw dolphins swim by, the beach and fireworks for the 4th were perfect, trolley stop was easily accessible, and I could go on an on. The villa has everything you need for a comfortable stay!
Stayed: July 2023 Submitted: July 18, 2023
Owner response
So delighted to host you and your family, Amy! Can't wait to have you visit again!
Verna F.1st time on Siesta Key
This was my first time on Siesta. Beautiful place! From my first inquiry to my last day Chris was the ultimate host! He texted to see that I had arrived and everything was ok. When we had ac issue he was on top of it as soon as I texted him. The villa was exceptionally clean and decorated beautifully! The entire resort and community were so friendly and accommodating. I’ve traveled extensively and this place was tops!!
Stayed: September 2022 Submitted: September 25, 2022
Owner response
It was our pleasure to host you all, Verna! I’m so glad to hear you had a wonderful time. Siesta is paradise! I hope your travels bring you back again in the future. We’d be delighted to host you again!
Dawn F.Loved EVERYTHING about this place!!!
This was our first time vacationing in Siesta. I inquired on the Siesta Key community FB group. Chris, the owner of Villa E8 at Horizons West responded immediately to my inquiry. He made himself available to answer every question I had and every concern I could think of. He was hyper responsive and very kind. I immediately gained trust in the decision I was about to make. Chris was informative & caring. He was not pushy and he didn’t try to manipulate my decision for a quick sale. Our stay was amazing. The accommodations were perfect. A stone’s throw to having morning coffee watching boats on the bay and then a 3 min walk to the most beautiful private beach. The entire management team at Horizons West (from house cleaning to maintenance, to security, to reservations) we’re top notch, very responsive & accommodating. The owner Chris checked in on us by phone/text to make certain we had everything we needed to enjoy our vacation in his family’s home. 100% highly recommend. We are headed back again 4 mos later bc we loved it so much! Chris is a fantastic owner who wants to ensure a positive vacation experience for his rental guests. He made us feel like family
Stayed: May 2022 Submitted: September 12, 2022
Owner response
Thank you so much for the kind words, Dawn! It was truly our pleasure to host you all for your “inaugural” visit to siesta, and can’t wait to have you back again! Thank you again for trusting your stay with us!
Shawna K.Loved this place!!!
We absolutely loved everything about this place! The villa was immaculately clean. We didn’t need anything other than groceries. The villa was equipped with everything we needed. There are beach chairs, sand toys and boogie boards for use, which was such an amazing bonus for our kids. The location was perfect it was close to the village for shopping and dining. The beach was a short walking distance away and the bay was steps from the villa. I can’t think of one negative thing about this place. We will definitely be back!
Stayed: July 2022 Submitted: July 24, 2022
Owner response
We are so glad to hear that you liked our place and our little slice of paradise! We would love to host you and your family the next time you come back! Thank you again for trusting us to host your vacation and hope you have safe travels home!
Amy J G.Everything We Had Hoped...and More!
My sister and I (aged 66 and 70) loved Chris' rental. What a beautiful and clean property. We were very comfortable there and the mattresses were perfect! Chris answered every text quickly and was a terrific communicator. He was full of suggestions and we knew right away he wanted us to enjoy every moment at Siesta Key. The neighborhood was so neatly manicured and our favorite spot was the Bayside in the evening watching the boats. This was a vacation where we researched beforehand and everything was exactly as Chris described and presented it. Thank you so much ️
Stayed: April 2022 Submitted: April 30, 2022
Owner response
Thanks, Amy! It was our absolute pleasure to host you all, and we’re thrilled you enjoyed your time at our little slice of paradise. Come back anytime!
DenaeBeautiful Villa
This beautiful villa provided us such a lovely experience/visit to Florida. The indoor space itself is updated and pleasant---the location super convenient to the beach. The owners are friendly and considerate---it is obvious they love this property. I would LOVE to stay again.
Stayed: November 2021 Submitted: January 28, 2022
Owner response
We’re glad you had a great time! Looking forward to your next visit!
Tatyana D.Florida keys is my love
I haven't had a chance to enjoy the stay, unfortunately, but the owner is so very helpful 100%. I will work on it to get there anyway in the future. Thank you, Chris!
Stayed: January 2022 Submitted: January 25, 2022
Owner response
Thank you Tatyana. It was a pleasure meeting you as well and look forward to you planning a visit!
GINGER & L.Wonderful!
We really enjoyed staying at the Sand Dollar! It was very cute and clean and the bech and pool access were wonderful! We will be back! Thank you!
Stayed: November 2021 Submitted: December 14, 2021
Owner response
Thank you Ginger! It was our pleasure to host you and are glad you had a great visit! See you again soon!
Heather J.Perfect vacation rental!!
What a beautiful villa! This gorgeous rental served as our home for a mini getaway in early November. It was clean, had plenty of space for five of us, and I cannot say nicer things about the owners. It’s the perfect location for a nice quiet escape with beautiful beach access and a heated pool! Watching the sun rise on the bay is spectacular. Easy transaction, great price, and very accessible from Saratoga or Tampa. Will definitely be renting again!
Stayed: November 2021 Submitted: November 23, 2021
Owner response
Thanks for visiting! It was great having you down!
Duane B.BEST EVER
One of the best trips we've taken. House was immaculate and fully stocked. Pools were heated and warm. Went to the sand sculpture show which was cool and went horse back riding with Florida Beach Horses, Inc which is a must !!!Had a great time , Duane & Chris Becka, Cleveland Ohio
Stayed: November 2021 Submitted: November 21, 2021
Owner response
Thanks so much! Glad you all had a great visit, enjoyed the activities and our villa. It was a pleasure to host you and hope we have an opportunity to do so again!
Myra and J.Beach Vacay
We really enjoyed the super cute home away from home. Its a very clean and tastefully decorated, very well equipped beach bungalow. Its minutes to the beach and everything in the area. The beach was fantastic ! We loved that fine ,white powered sugar sand and the heated salt water pool. The sunests were amazing too. Your will love the easy access to two pools and the beach and still enjoy all the amenities of home . Even the cute dishes and the pots and pans are all available for you to use. The owner was so helpful and a call away for any of your questions. Only thing missing for us was another week to stay longer.
Stayed: October 2020 Submitted: October 28, 2021
Owner response
It was great hosting you all, Myra! I’m glad you had a great visit and we look forward to having you back again!
Jodie B.Beautiful villa!
We stayed in E8, super nice, had everything we needed to enjoy our weeklong beach/pool vacation. Highly recommend if you are looking for a private, updated place to stay! We will be back for sure!
Stayed: October 2021 Submitted: October 10, 2021
Owner response
Thank you for the kind words, Jodie! It was our pleasure to host you and we look forward to an opportunity to do so again in the future!
Jacqueline M. H.Beautiful Villa
The location was perfect, few minutes to the private pool, a few minutes to the bay where my husband cooked on the grill for lunch. I enjoyed my morning tea with my best friend whom came to visit. The villa was beautiful, very clean, and tastefully decorated, washer and dryer was a must for me, also well equipped with all the beach amenities(which saved us from bringing them since we drove.) The villa was well equipped with all the amenities in the kitchen, clean linens and towels. We especially liked the fact the villa location was very quiet. We enjoyed the salt water pool which was in site of the beach and the gulf.. Chris the owner was always a phone call away if we needed him. Hopefully in the near future we will visit again.
Stayed: July 2021 Submitted: August 12, 2021
Owner response
Thank you Jackie! You all were great and it was our pleasure hosting you and Jim. I hope we have an opportunity to do so again in the future!
Danene S.Beautiful and absolutely perfect getaway!
Beautiful and absolutely perfect getaway! Everything about our stay was absolutely perfect! From the owner to the staff and maintenance crew… The place was immaculate and beautifully decorated and in an absolutely gorgeous area/location! Very private and quiet street just steps away from the beautiful bay/park and a couple minute walk across the street to the amazing, private beach! The pool and hot tub were immaculate. There were a lot of items in the home/laundry room area for us to use to make our trip more enjoyable and convenient, such as beach chairs and umbrella, coolers and even a cart to carry your stuff back-and-forth to the beach!Very easy to get around with the trolley stopping right at the end of the street. We could not of asked for anything better! Will definitely return!
Stayed: July 2021 Submitted: July 22, 2021
Owner response
Thank you, Darlene! It was our pleasure hosting you all! We look forward to your next visit!
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