Entire home

Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets

Photo gallery for Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets

Living area viewing west - open to east/west 12 x 32 screened porches.
House from water at Sunset
The approach to the home from the water
Living area viewing east over east dining porch with 10 foot teak table.
Midday view of water and beachfront
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast availableBreakfast available
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Hot tub
    Hot tubHot tub
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Longboat Key, FL
  • Popular LocationJewfish Key1 min walk
  • Popular LocationCoquina Beach3 min drive
  • Popular LocationCortez Beach5 min drive
  • AirportSt. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted)51 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Master 1

1 Queen Bed

Master 2

3 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bedroom 3 bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bedroom 4 bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master 2 Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets

Set on 2 acres of land on a 38 acre private island, this award winning home will provide an island vacation experience for you and your family like no other.

The house has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and an outdoor shower. All rooms view out over the azure waters of Longboat Pass, with 300 feet of beachfront, palm trees, shaded hammocks, and private dock.

Boat Access - Reasonably priced discounted local boat rentals are available for our guests from Cannons Marina on Longboat Key or Bradenton Beach Marina - both a short distance away from the Island in protected well marked Inter-coastal waters. Or bring your own boat.

House - The house opens on both the east and west side with 4 pocketing 12 foot sliding doors opening onto large screened decks for lounging and dining.

Sleeping - The main floor Master bedroom deck has an outdoor claw-foot tub with hot and cold water and private bath with large shower. One of the upstairs 2-room bedroom suites sleeps up to 5, and the other sleeps 3. Both have private baths. All bedrooms open onto decks overlooking the azure color of our water and daily sunsets. Bed totals = 4 queen custom made beds with one capable of being separated for two twins + 4 X-long twins. All Linens and towels are provided.

Kitchen - Fully equipped kitchen with Sub-Zero, Wolf and Kitchen Aid Appliances, as well as a Kitchen Aid food processor and Vita-mix blender, coffee maker, Kureg Pod Machine. Sonos Sound system with wireless streaming and High Speed Wifi. Surrounded by fine-dining, one of the prettiest beaches and amazing fishing, there is plenty to keep you busy – or swing in the hammocks and order Pizza to be delivered to the town dock.

The house faces west for spectacular sunsets. You are surrounded by pristine boating and swimming water the best gulf and bay fishing on the west coast of Florida. You will have use of 2 stand up paddle boards, 2 double person kayaks, 2 children's kayaks and a canoe. We also have a variety of fishing poles but for serious fisherman you should bring your own salt water fly or cast rods. Surrounded by Wildlife. During a typical stay you will see dolphins playing off the beach, manatees often, tarpon, sea turtles and a large array of gulf coast fish. For bird lovers you will see and hear osprey, great horned owls, pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, screech owls, white and brown pelicans, frigates, cormorants, anhingas and many other sea birds. There are no poisonous snakes or other dangerous wildlife on island....

Fishing. Fly and cast fishing is epic as the waters surrounding the island are nick-names by the locals as "The Kitchen" - and are teeming with gulf-coast fish.

Beach-combing is also wonderful on property and on the large sandbar to our north. Exploring our private island is fun for all. The kids will enjoy the 200' Zip line.

There is High speed internet with Apple TV, Smart TV and Sonos with access to Netflix, Amazon and other movie options. Residential Rental Cert. RRR-00843.2023

Property manager

Stephen Ellis
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Lots of toys/games/low entry beach

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$350 pet fee per week

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking permitted on covered patio lounges.
No Parties of more than the maximum allowed number of guests unless owner provides a specific waiver, at owners sole discretion.
We require a minimum of 24 hours buffer between inbound and outbound guests to properly clean, disinfect and prepare the property for incoming guests.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Longboat Key

Located in Longboat Key, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Fish Hole Adventure Golf and H2O Watersportz. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Longboat Key, FL

What's nearby

  • Jewfish Key - 1 min walk
  • Coquina Baywalk - 3 min drive
  • Coquina Beach - 3 min drive
  • Cortez Beach - 5 min drive
  • IMG Academy - 20 min drive

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Beach House Waterfront Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Seafood Shack - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cortez Clam Factory - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Island Time Bar And Grill - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Island Retreat with Private Beach, Dock, Palm Trees & Glorious Sunsets located?

Nestled on the beach, this Longboat Key holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Jewfish Key and Longboat Key Beaches. Coquina Beach and Bradenton Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 68 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emy N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Island Paradise
The house is full of charm; very clean and wonderfully equipped. Our kids had the best time fishing and playing in the water.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Dream Island Vacation
This island home is just perfect. We called it "home" as soon as we woke up to look out over a beautifully manicured beach front "yard" and a back "yard" that is nothing less than an amazing coconut jungle. The sunsets are stunning. The beds are comfy and all rooms well-appointed. The kitchen is well-stocked, and we made some wonderful dinners as if we were at home. We caught all kinds of fish, swam and walked to the sandbars, slept in hammocks, watched dolphins dance around the island, drove our boat minutes to fun restaurants, and fell in love (again) with Jewfish Key. (This was our second time on the island, and it is a jewel.) Not only was the property beautiful and beyond what is shown on the listing, but the owner, Steve, was incredibly warm, inviting, and accommodating. He answered texts immediately. When my flight was cancelled and then horribly delayed, he went out of his way to make the experience as convenient as possible (above and beyond). This property is perfect for everyone--families with teens and/or young kids, and romantic getaways. We are returning next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Burton T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Amazing experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stuart S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Much Needed Downtime
This house and setting are absolutely amazing. Words not even the pictures do this property justice. My family thoroughly enjoyed the Island setting and the laid-back pace. The house was wonderfully kept and had all the things needed for the week. The property as a whole including the landscape and provided water activity equipment was well keep and provided hours of fun for my family. Will be staying again! The host was spectacular including greeting us and preparing my family for the stay! Thank you again and hope see you next year. The Stevenson
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
July 4th vacation
The house was awesome and the host was super helpful and friendly. We had a great time celebrating July 4th with family and would definitely recommend this listing
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
We had an amazing week long stay at this property. The pictures and descriptions do not do justice to how special and magical this place really is. We travelled as a group of three families with kids and teenagers as part of the mix. The kids spent countless hours playing on the zip line and at the beach. The house has everything you could possibly need and more. You can tell that much thought has been put into the layout and decoration of this home. The owner was very communicative and easy to deal with. We made amazing memories and were sad to leave this magical and unique property. Don’t hesitate. Just book!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Li F., Alpharetta

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful vacation!! Amazing Hosts!!
Wow, what a vacation. Visited Long Boat Key many times but never stayed on an island before. Our host, Steven and his wife, were so amazing on communication. Any questions or problems that you may encounter on the island, Steven already had an answer for us. We could not have asked for a better host. The house was very clean. So many activities (I mean jam packed from morning to night) that our days were filled with fishing, tubing, boating, paddle boarding, boating to restaurants, walking out on the sand bar on low tide and hanging out in the middle of the bay. I want to thank Steven and his wife again for having us (2 families) for an entire week at his wonderful house. It was an adventurous vacation for all of us!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
More amazing than we ever imagined.
We have been planning this trip for over a year. From the moment we booked we have been impressed with the communications of our host, Stephen. He was always accessible and willing to answer any questions we had, and we had quite a few! Once we arrived at the island the attention to detail was everywhere. We were immediately comfortable and able to start enjoying ourselves right away. We had family join us for a few days, including two grandsons. There was never a moment without experiencing something special, lizards, beautiful birds, dolphins, zip lining or evening bonfires. Even after all the family left, and it was just the two of us enjoying this special place, we continued to be in the awe of the environment around us. We were able to relax and enjoy the solitude of the island. Our heart felt thanks to Stephen and Catherine for allowing us to experience their magical happy place!
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Colleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptional experience
Stephen is a wonderfully accomodating homeowner/renter. My family had some personal issues along with some weather problems and Stephen went above and beyond with exceptional service and kindness. The house is amazing and it is a truly magical location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Don E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Island paradise!
From the initial communication from the owner to the moment we shoved off for the last time, this was the vacation of our dreams. Stephen's home has everything you need for a week of island living. You truly only need to bring food and clothes. From the swing over the water, to the zipline, to the firepit, to the paddleboards/kayaks/canoe, to the fishing, to the massive sandbar there was almost no time to relax and swing in the perfectly placed hammocks! If you are looking for a vacation where you have seemingly unlimited options of things to do, entirely at your control, this is the place for you! And if you need anything at all while on the island, Stephen is quick to answer with assistance. From where things are located in the house, to dining options (via boat), to help docking the boat for the first time for a first time boater!!! Stephen is seemingly always available. A trip our family will never forget.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lynda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Island living at its best!
Camp Ellis, JFK Your attention to detail with every part of your house and property made our vacation effortless. Our group of friends were able to connect, relax, eat, exercise, enjoy nature, watch beautiful sunsets and even watched fireworks from a yacht anchored offshore. We had a group of 12 including 7 women that stayed on the island and 5 of the husbands rented a place with separate dock on nearby AMI. During the days, we visited nearby restaurants and spent some time on the adjacent sandbar. There were a few island pups that were friendly and served as unofficial greeters to this amazing island. We will treasure our memories here and remember your gem of a home for years to come!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Esther D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Better than 5 stars!!
This property was somehow even more amazing than I imagined. Stephen & Catherine have truly built an incredible home that is the perfect marriage of luxury and adventure. Our stay in their home was during a time of great sentimental significance for my family and we feel extraordinarily fortunate to have spent that time in a setting which felt like a slice of heaven on earth. I’ve stayed at several other properties through VRBO and Stephen was in a different league when it comes to owners/property managers. He is affable, attentive and available. I regret giving 5 stars to any other property bc this one was truly in a league of it’s own. I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S., Austin, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing getaway
We had an incredible time at the island house for a week with family. There is not one thing I would change about it! It was impeccably clean, beautifully appointed, and we felt like we were a world away from home (which is what we were going for!). Stephen was so helpful and responsive and made sure we had everything we needed. I am very picky about where we stay, and I have to say this exceeded all of my expectations. Our kids loved it so much, too! Nothing quite like having a private beach to yourself! We hope to be back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian D., Rogers, AR

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Experience
This is truly an amazing property! Our girls found immediate entertainment with the zip line, rope swing, paddle boards, kayaks, shelling and building sand castles. Probably the best stocked rental we’ve ever stayed as we never once thought of something else we needed. Stephen & his wife are running this like a five star resort with their attention to detail and amazing responsiveness. The one issue we had (dishwasher broke) was handled immediately as they raced to get a new dishwasher installed within two days. Keep in mind this is during a pandemic and involves coordinating getting the equipment and help to the island. We were simply blown away. The tranquility and amazing sunsets helped the family connect and make many great memories… We will be coming back!
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

michelle m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing island getaway
This was the perfect option for us for a safe getaway during the pandemic. Great views with spectacular sunsets especially from the large screened porch. It was a comfortable, very clean and well appointed house. Stephan was incredibly responsive and did everything he could to make our stay perfect. It is only accessible by boat and we are not boaters but it was easy enough. Realize though that unless you are a very experienced boater there is no leaving the island after dark (which was totally fine for us). However, there are lots of easily accessible dockside restaurants even for novice boaters. Overall it was a really great stay.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
Absolutely loved it even though there was a tropical storm around us we enjoyed everything about the house and Steve the owner was awesome highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradiso
Paradiso terrestre.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

mike c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best
Absolute best
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gisela H., Coconut Grove, FL USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation spot for adults and kids alike!
We could not have been happier with the house. Upon booking our stay Stephen, the owner, got in touch with us immediately and gave us detailed instructions on how to get to the house, ideas of things to do and restaurants nearby. We rented a boat from Cannons Marina, who could not have been friendlier. We park both our cars there during our stay and that was no problem. Since we drove from Miami we brought our own groceries with us and just packed everything on the boat. The house was easy to find, we just followed the map Stephen gave us. The house was impeccably clean, and it looked just like the pictures on VRBO. The kids had a blast on the zip line, and exploring the sand bar nearby. We were able to fish off the dock, spot some dolphins swimming really close to the house, and ride the kayaks around Jewfish Key. Inside the house, we cooked most meals and found the kitchen to be very well stocked with all utensils, pots and pans,. coffee makers, etc... We would recommend this house to anyone wanting to take a break and disconnect. We would love to return one day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deborah W., Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sarasota House = Bliss
Location location location. Sarasota House has the perfect location to experience both serenity, nestled within the foliage, and exploring the surroundings. From a perfect little beach to relax on, the sandbar only a paddle board ride away, delicious restaurants practically across the water, & other great areas to explore, you’re never short on things to do. The house itself has all the amenities you’ll need and honestly the best part was the stellar communication with Steve from start to finish. He provides you with a step by step guide on how to best experience his little slice of paradise. Our 16 year old daughter and her 2 BFs had a blast as well. Not one complaint of “I’m bored!” My husband and I couldn’t agree more that we picked our spot to “escape” our new normal of masks, gloves, & cleaning wipes 10 hours a day. We’re already looking for the next time to hop across Alligator Alley and escape reality for a spell. Thank you to the Ellis Family for allowing us the opportunity to experience your beautiful home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kristen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Trip
The Ellis house was everything we needed and more than we expected. The moment we arrived we felt as if we were at our own private island resort. Thank you Ellis Family for sharing your oasis!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shari N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Island Property
My family and I spent a week at this amazing island property during this crazy pandemic. Stephen was so helpful from day one, sending us all details and instructions needed to get ready for our trip. We rented a boat from the marina, and it was easy to drive and navigate to the property. Instacart delivered to a dock less than a 3 minute boat ride from the home and there were nearby food options (dockside pick up or dock and go inside). The property itself was beautiful- beautiful sunset views, the water was blue all day, and near by to a great sand bar. The kids loved the zipline, outdoor swings, and adorable tree house. Inside the house was well stocked w towels, amenities, and best of all- it was SO clean. Stephen and his wife were so accommodating and even purchased a crib for my 6 week old baby prior to my arrival to make it easier for my family. We enjoyed roasting marshmallows every night and barbecuing almost daily. I felt safe, secluded, and enjoyed the memories made during this crazy time. Thank you Stephen!! We will be back :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ed C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Fun during Covid-19
This property was a PERFECT getaway at a time when you want to reduce up-close exposure to strangers. Staying on an island was the perfect answer. And you'll have to look a long time to find a better island than JFK. Steve and Catherine have built a property that maximizes the fun of this natural paradise. The accommodations are clean and luxurious. Each room has a fantastic view of gorgeous water and marine life. The screened in patio was my favorite spot. The view provides non-stop entertainment. Our family loved our time at this property. We definitely made a memory. And, I didn't have to worry about our health. You can't find a better place to take in the total Florida "natural beauty" experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brian N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Property!
We came down from Tampa for a long weekend. It rained almost the entire weekend but it didn't matter! This property was so awesome with so much to do. We have two teenage boys that brought friends and everyone loved it. The zip line was a big hit!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Piers M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a special house in an absolutely amazing spot!
What a special house in an absolutely amazing spot!

About the host

Hosted by Stephen Ellis

Host profile image
Your hosts built this dreamy private island getaway within an easy boat ride from their principle home. 'We designed and built our dream home to share with our friends and family and celebrate what is most important in life!' Mr.Ellis is an award-winning luxury home builder in Sarasota, Florida (MyGreenBuildings) and Mrs. Ellis is an RN, active Mom, focused on health and wellness, and a local leader in advocating for animal welfare issues.

Why they chose this property

As an avid yachting family, the home was designed like no other to capture views, breezes, and the materials and furnishings used in the home reflect their best memories of yachting throughout New England and the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, the San Juan Islands in the Pacific North West, the Caribbean and Bahamas.

What makes this property unique

The view, amenities and the private location is beyond compare. The home is highly sought after and praised for its design, and has been published in 8 different local, regional and national glossy magazines, as well as news-papers and television. The anonymity of our guest list is paramount. Perhaps the most common unique benefit for our guests -- who have included famous actors, athletes and public figures -- has been the absolute privacy of the location, completely disconnected to the rest of the world -- yet still very close to everything with a boat.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

Premier Host
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