We booked our stay a while ago and had been looking forward to a week away from the New England winter for quite some time. There were no regrets or letdown.
It's true, the pictures don't give the full experience. The grounds are immaculate - even when some of the surrounding properties are still struggling to recover from the hurricane last fall. The house and furnishings are high quality - comfortable beds, quality sheets, ample towels, well stocked kitchen, beach chairs, basic fishing poles, incredibly comfortable couches, numerous seating areas, poolside furniture, pool toys.....it felt like a home away from home that was done just right.
We typically spend most of our vacation hanging at the beach, walking up and down The Key on the beach, searching for sharks teeth with little time in the house. This location was great. It's a pleasant 2 mile walk all the way up to North Beach that you can do on the beach. However, the red tide was pretty rough this year (first time in a while). We were only able to a couple of days at the beach right across the street. Instead, we were pleased to have the perfect setup with the large pool and patio - hours of just sitting outside. Yes, you do get some bugs after sunset down by the pool. They aren't as bad on the elevated decks that are right off the living room/kitchen area. We spent most days with the AC off and the enormous sliders wide open to the decks. Sunrise was perfectly viewed off the back deck just to the side of the dock and across Lemon Bay.
The sleeping arrangements were also great for two families - main master suite and a secondary master suite on the main floor. A two full size bed suite that the older girls slept in - bathroom with shower. Lower level was great for the younger boys - bunk room and a queen size bedroom serviced by a full bath.
No complaints and I can't give enough praise. Hope to go back next year!