About this rental
Step back in time and relax in “Old Florida”.
One of the last remaining historic beach houses and carriage houses on the island. Now a collection of 6 seaside villas ranging in size from studio apartment to a 2 bedroom with sleeping porch and 2 baths, that can sleep up to 8 persons.
You will staying in the family getaway of FD Jackson, a seed merchant from Tampa. This is our 2 bedroom 1 bath on second floor of the carriage house. It sits back from the beach and has views down the path at the Gulf, and views of Boca Ciega Bay across the street. The master bedroom has a deck where you can sit out and watch the boats going back and forth on the Intracoastal Waterway between Clearwater and St Pete.
Unique Benefits
Its a simple place, care worn with the patina from 98 years of sun and surf. And hosting many happy beach goers.
In the 1960’s my grandparents fell in love with The Narrows, where the sand is only wide enough for a single row of homes. Its the most coveted spot on the 12 mile long barrier island known as Sand Key. The Gulf and of the Bay surround you, like no where else.
Why Kids Love It
Walk out you door, down our boardwalk and feel the sand between your toes.Staying in a nearly 100 year old beach house you can't get any closer to the water. The warm emerald green waters of the Gulf and sugar white sand is right out your front door, perfect for building sand castles. And across the street they can fish from the seawall and wave to the boaters going by. If they like to collect shells and sponges, this island has a sand bar . A low tide you can wade out there and find sand dollars by dragging your feet to feel for their round shape.
We have plenty of beach toys left by other guests. And 3 sea kayaks. Kids love exploring. We are small and personable.
Area Information
Its very peaceful. The most mentioned word in our reviews is "RELAXING". That it feels like staying at their grandparent's beach house, Much different than staying at the typical big box condo with dozens of people sharing the beach. On our semi-private beach the sand pipers and sea gulls outnumber the tourists.
Attractions Within Walking Distance
Down the beach is the small town of Indian Rocks, a former fishing village that was mentioned in several magazine articles as being what people dream about when they remember Florida in simpler times.
Splash Harbor Water Park in town with lazy river, tube slides, family fun
Tommy Iguanas live entertainment
Island Marine Rentals, We have an excellent rental place two blocks to the south. to get out on the water in a boat, kayak, or ride a scooter or beach bike,
Favorite Places To Eat
Crabby Bills with fresh catch of the day.
101 flavors of Ice Cream.
Guppy's for fine dining.
A short walk to "Caddys Pub" the nearby restaurant on the bay where you can sit out and have a drink and watch the boats go by.
Inside Scoop
The Suncoast Sea Bird hospital is worth a trip a mile away to learn how pelicans and sea gulls are mended and released back into the wild.
Take a short drive 15 miles up the beach to Clearwater marina to watch the charter fishing boats come in at the end of the day. They gather their catch and let it slide down a ramp to the dock where dozens watch and wonder if they are ready to land as big a fish as the ones that they catch 70 miles out past the Continental Shelf.
Amenities
Other Vacation Rental Amenities
Seabird Sanctuary and hospital less than a mike
4 Seafood restaurants within 2 mikes
Boat, beach bikes, scooter rentals less than a mile
Jet ski rental 9 mles
Surf board, standing paddleboard rental 1 mike
Yoga clases and Zumba hosted at town hall during winter
Historic museum featuring life on the island during the 1920’s is less than a mile
Why FloridaRentals.com?
Connect directly with owners
Cut out the middleman
No booking or service fees
Save up to 20% over other websites
Florida's #1 vacation rental site
We're the experts
Rates
Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Min Stay |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 22 - May 11 2024 | $140 | $165 | 3 nights | ||
May 21 - May 24 2024 | $140 | 4 nights | |||
May 25 - May 31 2024 | $239 | $253 | 4 nights | ||
Jun 01 - Aug 13 2024 | $210 | $240 | 4 nights | ||
Aug 17 - Aug 20 2024 | $139 | $159 | 1 night |
Fees:
house cleaning: $150
extra guest over #2: $7
Tax Rate: 13%
Notes:
Saturday to Saturday during February and March. Rates vary by season and length of stay. Call for specials.
Availability
Last updated on November 16, 2023
Map
Hosted by Curtis Westphal
Member since 2022
Year Purchased: 1996
About the owner: I grew up here as a teenager living with my mom, brother , sister and 2 grandparents. It was too nice a place to sell. I bought the Sun n Fun from my grandparents and run it from my home in Denver. We get many offers from developers to sell, tear it down and built 5 luxury condominiums. They know this location is the most coveted spot on the 12 mile long island. Where you can have the beast of bath. An award winning white sand beach far from the crowds. And your boat in the Bay across the street.
Come stay with us so we can continue to keep this special place in our family for the next 50 years.
Why this property? Authentic Old Florida beach house and carriage house is rare. .
We pride ourselves for being super clean inside
Outside is care worn from 97 years of sun and storms (not for everyone if you are looking for perfection) Our guests re looking for something different than the cookie cutter condo on the 5th floor.
Our superior location surrounded by water, and far from the crowds is why guests return year after year.
Speaks: English
Links to more information:
CLICK HERE - 98 year-old beach house now 6 seaside villas. Island living surrounded by water
View all my listings
Photos
Reviews
Perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beach
We have stayed in Unit 2 (upstairs in the carriage house) 4 times and each time it provides a calming place to stay to enjoy the beach and local restaurants/attractions with ease. Please note that the 5-star rating comes with a bit of an explanation. It is not a fancy or up-to-date apartment but it is charming, clean, convenient, and what I like to say "a bit bohemian". It reminds me of places I stayed in FL as a child in the 60s. When asking myself why we continue to return it is because of the proximity to the beach, the small number of people enjoying the beach in front of the units, and the slow pace of the occupants - no pool, loud music, partying, or rowdiness. So if you want a calm and simple place to stay then this is the place for you. PS - the owner/manager is a delight and takes good care of the people staying at Sun 'n Fun. We will be back.
Stayed: February 2023 Submitted: March 08, 2023
Unbelievable Location
We stayed in Unit 3 - upstairs with balcony/steps toward Gulf. It was perfect for the 2 of us. You could also see the marina from the kitchen window. The owner was one of the best we have ever rented from. He answered immediately and was in contact with us while we were there.We had the pleasure of seeing the other 5 units. All had so much charm so there is something for all sizes of groups.Best thing was the location. We had our own private beach since was in a row of single homes. couldn't get any better than that.Will definitely be back. Florida Rentals was also a very easy site to use.
Stayed: January 2023 Submitted: February 20, 2023
Contact Host