Entire home

5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach

Vacation home with kitchen, 5-minute walk to Sanibel Island Southern Beach

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Where to?

Dates

November 2025

December 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Sanibel, FL

Place, Periwinkle Way
‪14 min walk‬
Place, Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
‪2 min drive‬
Place, Sanibel Island Lighthouse
‪8 min drive‬
Airport, Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
‪40 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Sanibel

Located in Mid Island within a 5-minute walk of Sanibel Island Southern Beach, this vacation home is within a 15-minute stroll of Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a dining area.

View more Vacation Homes in Sanibel

What's nearby

Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Periwinkle Way - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
Sanibel Island Northern Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
Sanibel Island Lighthouse - 8 min drive - 2.5 miles

Getting around

Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jerry's Foods - ‬3 min drive
‪Turtles Tiki Bar - ‬19 min walk
‪Gramma Dot's - ‬3 min drive
‪Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
‪The Marketplace At Sundial - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach

Let's not say goodbye but see you later!

Hurricane Ian may have caused a great destruction to Sanibel but be assured the love of this Unique Paradise will keep our resilience and determination strong as together we repair and rebuild our homes. Yes, it has been very tough, and we are deeply saddened but optimistic we will have the Sunny Shell Basket Cottage back stronger, better and newer then before
We cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and support during this time it has truly touched us both.

Through the many years we have greatly appreciated all our fabulous guests ...it has been our pleasure and honor to host you.
We hope in the not-too-distant future we will once again have the pleasure to Host you to one of our units.

In the interim stay safe and enjoy each day. We shall update when ready to take bookings.

Leslie and Jim

Surround yourself with sunshine, seclusion and the sound of the sea.
This lovely, cheerful 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage has old Florida Charm ...and is newly updated.
Situated on a private, sleepy lane it is only a 2 to 3 minute walk to the beach. The Cottage has all the amenities of home WiFi, 3 TV's, DVR, washer and dryer, granite kitchen and dishwasher. Wake to the sound of the waves breaking, perhaps a visit from an Egret, Heron or Ibis all while enjoying fresh brewed coffee on the privacy of your own sunny deck.
This Sunny Shell Basket cottage is one of the very few homes that can rent for less than a full week on Sanibel Island. Comfortable, charming and cozy…not your typical vacation rental. For those who are looking to get away, enjoy each other, your family, nature, and the serenity… stay at Sunny Shell Basket Cottage.

Why choose this BRIGHT, CHEERY and UPLIFTING rental!!
1) Walk to the beach in less then 3 minutes
2) Free standing home no Condo
3) Park right next to your front door
4) Short bike/car ride to many restaurants
5) Umbrellas, chairs and towels
6) Netflix
7) Wi fi
8) Gas grill with gas
9) HD TV
10) Well stocked kitchen
11) all 5 STAR reviews
12) Perfect location
13) Did I mention BRIGHT, CHEERY and UPLIFTING!!

Please Note
I have implemented the CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting the cottage between our quests. We leave a minimum of 24 hours between guest check out and check in.
All bed pads and bed spreads will be changed between guest. All Linens washed on Highest temperature.

I ask quest to follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Practice social distancing
Wear a cloth face cover in public
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces

The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a phone.

Similar properties

On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

Property amenities

Beach

Beach loungers
Beach towels

Internet

Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

Car required
Parking on site

Kitchen

Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Living room
Separate dining area

Entertainment

Books
DVD player
Music library
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library

Outdoor areas

Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board
Phone

Location highlights

Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
Near the sea

Things to do

Bicycles
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit

General

Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 900 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

This property welcomes pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Need approval and addition fee

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 24

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in Mid Island within a short 5-minute walk of Sanibel Island Southern Beach and also 16 minutes on foot from Periwinkle Way. You'll also find Sanibel Island Golf Club and Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What do couples enjoy most about 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a kitchen as well as a garden and a video library.

Are there hot tubs at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW), which is 25.3 mi away (43 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

Yes, every accommodation at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach comes with a deck.

5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10 Excellent

Hannah B.

Jun 29, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely Cottage!

Beautiful property with all the amenities and extra touches. Very close to beautiful beach!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim N., Paducah, Ky

Jun 11, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect little get away spot!

The house was as good as advertised, not to mention Jim and Leslie worked really hard to get the house ready after a tropical storm went through the island the night before we were to arrive. They still had it ready and we were able to check in early! Leslie checked in on us via text several times to ensure there was nothing we needed or no issue. I would rent from them again! The house is nice and a very short walk to the beach. Quiet area and well maintained.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lois J

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family

May 14, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! We have been to Sanibel many times and have always stayed in great properties but this has spoiled us for anyplace else. Jim & Leslie provide a home that is everything they say and more. What they don't tell you is how beautifully this cottage is appointed and stocked. Furniture and linens that you would have in your own home; a kitchen that you can walk in with groceries and cook - they even provided us some refrigerator staples for our arrival! The house is clean as a whistle - wish I lived closer so Jeannie could help me.... This is just a couple minute walk from Cocina beach and this is my favorite area; I could go on and on. My only regret is telling anyone how wonderful this is - I want to make sure we can rent it again :).

Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bari M.

May 2, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful pet friendly cottage

Leslie, Thank you so much for providing a warm, comfortable place for us to stay with our fur baby. There is a reason this cottage gets all 5 star reviews. It is clean,close to the beach, and has everything you might need. The owners have thought of everything. We hope to be able to stay here in the future. Thank you, Mike, Bari, and Niya

Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karla W., Louisville

Mar 17, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Best Kept Secret

This is the best kept secret cottage on the island. This location is perfect - just mere minutes to the beach. Check-in was a breeze - we arrived earlier than planned and were able to check-in early. An awesome welcome basket was provided as well as milk, bread and eggs - much appreciated! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to be back next year. Thank you Jim and Leslie!!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Mar 8, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Sanibel in a cottage!

Our cottage was clean and bright with all the comforts of home. We were pleasantly surprised with items for breakfast the next day as well as many other extra treats. We loved it!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane Z., Washington, DC

Feb 12, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect in every way

This property is wonderful and did not disappoint in any way. It's not luxurious, but it is clean, comfortable and so well maintained. The location is perfect--easy walk to the beach--and the back porch gets sun all day long. We greatly appreciated the "welcome supplies" on our arrival, and the owners were very responsive and thoughtful. We look forward to returning!

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Jan 25, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Better than the Ritz

This property has it all and is especially dog friendly. This house is located on a sleepy road with little traffic. We have never stayed at a VRBO property that was so well stocked. Totally enjoyable!

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth F.

Jan 8, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved this cute little cottage!

Absolutely loved this place! Very, very clean which is top priority when I am looking for a place. It had everything you could ever need! Listing was spot on its description! Location was so convenient to the beach-just a short walk away! I highly recommend this place and hope to stay again! Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us!!

Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

Jan 2, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay!

Perfect location so close to the beach. It was a wonderful stay once again.

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Elburn

Dec 18, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice island getaway

Host was wonderful to communicate with and very responsive. The house was very clean, comfortable and had everything needed for a beach vacation. Beach was a short walk from the house.

Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary J.

Dec 15, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy cottage by beach

It’s our second stay at this cottage, love it! Owners are terrific and bonus points for allowing our dog, Buddy to join us. Very close to the beach…and we biked to restaurants and stores, our truck stayed parked. We’ll be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Dec 6, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Still terrific

This was our 2nd stay and the house is still wonderful: comfortable, dog-friendly, very cute, well-provisioned, lovely hosts, and a short walk to the beach. Highly recommended!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily D.

Oct 10, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect honeymoon cottage!

This was one of the best places I've stayed at, on Sanibel! Having been at least 8 times, I've stayed multiple places. All have been very nice, but this little cottage beat them all. It was very well stocked and very clean. It was easy to find and was a quick walk to the beach, which was wonderful! Loved everything about this place and will stay here again. Also, Leslie and Jim are very accommodating and great at answering any questions you may have.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Justine S., Dunnellon USA

Sep 26, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful September Vacation

Sanibel in September has become a tradition with us. This was our second stay at this fantastic beach cottage. Conveniently located with 3 minute walk to the beach and very private. Beautiful home with wonderful hosts.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea H.

Aug 8, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Another Memorable Year

Leslie is a WONDERFUL hostess. Her communication was always friendly and quick. We felt very at home in their listing. We were grateful to find EVERYTHING we could need, from kitchen supplies to beach supplies, toiletries, bikes, along with extra linen and pillows. The home was clean and cozy, bright with all the natural lighting, comfortable beds and plenty of space. What we loved the most was the opportunity to bring our beloved dogs with us. Having a comfortable and clean place to stay at where are dogs were welcome was HUGE. The check in and out process was as smooth as they get. The front door is locked by a coded entry which made it convenient for the three of us to come in and out without having to keep track of a key. We had the chance to speak with Leslie and her husband on the phone the night before our arrival. They answered all of our questions and were so generous to us. Thank you Leslie, we wouldn't have had the special time we had without staying with you. Enjoy your year! ☀️✌🤗

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

Jul 16, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!!

This was the best place we’ve ever booked. Had everything you could possibly need from Band-Aids to olive oil, beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes LOL. So clean and so quiet. I am OCD and big on clean and brought my own sheets and blanket but didn’t even use them. The owners contacted us to make sure we had everything and gave their contact info if needed. Highly recommended. ;-)

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Megan S.

Jul 13, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

PERFECT!

We had a sensational time! EVERYTHING we needed was at the house. Darling little cottage, clean as can be. We can't wait to come back!

10/10 Excellent

Matt B.

Jun 29, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely wonderful cozy cottage

Our stay in this cottage with as if we were at home. The accommodations and amenities were superb. Leslie was super responsive and answered all our questions very timely. Looking forward to returning in the future.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

William H.

Jun 19, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Great vacation within a vacation

We stayed at this property during our visit to our grandchildren who we hadn’t seen in 16 months. The description of the property was perfect, the house had many amenities and the owners supplied us with helpful information on things to do, local restaurants, and also restaurants with outdoor seating. Although the weather was a little rainy, we had fun visiting museums, walking on the beach, and playing board games that were supplied the owners. A wonderful home and excellent location as a base for exploring the island.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

May 20, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location

The property was very clean, inside and out. Had everything we needed, from beach bag to cooler, all cooking utensils/pots and pans, shampoo/soap. Everything was in good working order. Great location, close to beach, grocery store. Quiet private location. Host "Leslie & Jim" are available if you have any needs. My only request would be that the check-out time be adjusted from 10am to 11am or maybe 12. I would recommend this property and would stay here again.

Stayed 8 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Janice A.

Apr 10, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Extra Special

Leslie and Jim are the perfect hosts. This cottage has absolutely everything you need! Just pack your flip-flops and bathing suit. Easy, quick walk to the beach and bike for everything else. It was spotless, and everything is in great conditions from the kitchen to the beach chairs. Truly one of the best rentals we have ever stayed in.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather O.

Apr 3, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect beach cottage

This was a great property for my family of four and our dog. It was our first time visiting sanibel and the location was very convenient. We loved having the bikes and the house had everything we could possibly need. Leslie was very easy to reach, flexible, and great to work with. We would love to come stay here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

William V.

Feb 28, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

A Great Place To Stay

Leslie and Jim couldn't have done more to make our stay in Sanibel perfect. Their Beach House may not be directly on the beach but it is a short pleasant walk of about 5 minutes to get there. In the meantime their place is located off the main drag and so avoids traffic and noise. The house is extremely well stocked and it was spotless clean when we arrived. Any questions or concerns were handled promptly and truthfully most of my questions were already answered on the info sheet provided if I had taken the time to just read it carefully. Honestly if you are looking for a nice place, clean, close to beach and bike path and with just about everything you need for a great vacation, this is a perfect place.

Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ilke H.

Jan 4, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place

This is a very well stocked house with a great functional floor plan. Easy access to the beach. We very much enjoyed our stay and appreciated everything they made available for our use (beach chairs, umbrella, bikes, grill...and the list goes on). They put a personal touch into managing this rental and it shows.