Driftwood Cottage

2-Bedroom, 1 Bath

queen Bed and BunkBED (double bottom and Twin top), Sleeps 4

Driftwood Cottage is a charming and eclectic cottage sitting right in the dunes at the edge of the beach near the north end of the island.  It is one of the island's original beach cottages and it has been lovingly restored and updated with a new kitchen and bath — yet it retains the charm, character and heart pine interior of the original cottage.  It is cozy and comfortable with dramatic views from every room in the house.  And you are 15 steps from the beach.  The screened porch offers cooling breezes day and night and there is a charcoal grill and table on the porch for al fresco dining indoors or out. There is a newly renovated bathroom indoors plus there is a spacious outdoor shower. The home also includes a washer-dryer for guest use.

It is a bit rustic, but this cottage truly transports you back to "old Florida".  This cottage is perfect for couples or a small family for whom proximity to the beach is paramount! And, for this Fall only, the owners are offering discounts of up to 20% for bookings until Thanksgiving. Also ask about a golf cart, which may be available for rental subject to availability.

Please note that there is a home that sits in front that blocks the hot summer sun and the worst of the wind and the rain in a storm and the direct west view. You have unobstructed views to the southwest and north west.

The beach is just 15 steps from the front of the cottage, so you can meander down to the beach for a swim, come home easily for lunch and a nap, or if you have forgotten something. No more trudging 10 minutes over hot sand pathways with umbrellas and beach chairs and towels and coolers and the diaper bag -- everything you need is literally 15 steps away! This charming cottage is the height of convenience: cozy and comfortable, warm and welcoming and a unique and unusual place from which to enjoy the best of Little Gasparilla Island.

Rents from $275/night or $1925/week, 3-night minimum

Please be aware that we can not permit guests to check in or check out the same day another guest will be occupying the property. We require at least 24 hours of vacancy between each reservation.

  • WiFi - No wifi available. Guests must hotspot from their cellular provider.

  • Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet. The following breeds are NOT permitted: Akita, American Bull Dog, Beaucerons, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Keeshounds, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios or Rottweilers.

  • Cleaning Fee - minimum $265 cleaning fee

  • Vacation Rental Damage Protection - $59 fee for “all risk” damage protection through Waivo

  • Minimum Renter Age - 25

  • Easement Dock - dock 6-first come first serve, no boats greater than 24 feet (boat + motor)

  • 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

  • Coffee Maker- drip (filters provided)

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

  • Holiday surcharges- applied for reservations for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day,Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Years timeframes. PLEASE NOTE THAT MINIMUM NIGHTLY STAYS MAY BE INCREASED FOR THESE DATES AS WELL.

RECENT REVIEWS

The cottage and island were perfect for our family of four spring break vacation. The cottage was very well stocked with items needed to make the vacation fun and easy. Our children are elementary age and the cottage provided toys and games for them. On our departure we left more toys and boogie boards behind for others to enjoy on their vacations. We will definitely be back! - Scott A.

We rented several houses on the island for our annual family vacation, and this property was everyone's favorite. The house has a wonderful beachfront location and is simply adorable. The house is very well stocked with a large deck for gathering. The old Florida beach vibe of this cottage was fantastic. The property management company was very responsive and great to deal with. Tropical Storm Elsa passed by during our stay and this cottage felt safe and provided a safe and great location to watch the storm roll by. I would definitely recommend this property for a small family or couple and cannot wait to return. Erin B.

The house was small but more than we needed. We spent a lot of time on the screened in patio enjoying the ocean view and reading. We stayed the week right after Memorial Day and it was busier on island than I anticipated especially at the north end where we were. Overall it was beautiful and very much as advertised, a quaint classic fishing cottage on the beach. The island is still recovering from the hurricane last year with lots of debris clearing and repairs on the houses around the island including the ones next to Driftwood. That contributed to the "activity" around the house.- Terry B.

Third year in a row staying at Driftwood and we plan to make it a 4th next year. We love it. Everything about that little slice of paradise, the size, the view, the porch (especially the porch), the outdoor shower (better than the porch)...the short walk to the beach...everything. We love that place, can't wait to stay again. Clean, well maintained...all around great spot. James A.

This place was absolutely beautiful. Loved being able to watch out the windows and see the ocean. Place was just as described. Julie H.

Everything was marvelous, can't wait to return! You and your staff were great! I am sending sympathy to you and the others islanders for your devastating losses from the monster Ian. I hope you all recover the best you can and have a prosperous summer season!- April C.

We love Driftwood and can’t wait to come back, this was our 3rd time and it always gets better.- David P.

Had a fantastic stay at Driftwood Cottage! No better spot on the island, cozy beachy cottage directly on the sand with the Gulf of Mexico directly in front of you. It's our second stay at Driftwood and we will most definitely return. As the song says, "it's got everything I need, and nothing that I don't." Highly recommended!!- Pete G.