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SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach

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SANIBEL SUN CASTLE:
LUXURY HOME, GREAT  LOCATION, PRIVATE HEATED POOL & SUN DECK
Pool
Pool
Living area
Kids enjoy pool games in 15' x 30' ft heated pool. Fountain in background.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Sanibel, FL
  • Periwinkle Way
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Sanibel Island Lighthouse
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Fort Myers, FL (FMY-Page Field)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds, 1 Crib and 1 Child Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach

SANIBEL RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE
License Year: 2025
License Expiration: December 31, 2025
License Number: RDWL-007794
License Type: Rental Dwellings (DRL)
License Classification: Rental Dwelling Unlimited (In Resort for District)

When looking to rent Sanibel homes, please make sure the property you book has a City of Sanibel Rental Dwelling License ("RDL") that allows bookings for less than 28 days. Code enforcement is very strict about this. The City of Sanibel requires the RDL for each property to be included in the rental platforms' listing site. Our property is one of the few homes in Sanibel with an RDL that allows rentals for less than 28 days. We were grandfathered in since our rental license was acquired prior to the time the city imposed the 28-day minimum requirement.

3 bedrooms / 2 baths spacious single-family house with private heated swimming pool and sun deck surrounded by tropical gardens. An oasis of beauty and serenity just a 10-minute bike ride from Sanibel's best beaches, shops and restaurants.
The house offers magnificent views overlooking the lakes and greens of The Dunes, an 18-hole championship golf course and tennis club, considered to be the best in southwest Florida.

15' x 30' heated swimming pool and sun deck surrounded by tropical gardens.

Aquacal pool heater maintains water temperature at 88 degrees year round.

Plenty of comfortable patio furniture and top-brand lounges.

Numerous and spacious sitting areas - indoors and outdoors.

The soothing sound of waters falling from the large patio fountain fills the pool and patio areas.

The house enjoys a great location within a 5-minute drive to Sanibel's best beaches, shops and restaurants.

The "Sun Castle" is one of only a handful of homes in Sanibel that can be rented for less than 28 days. Our rental license predates the 28-day minimum rental restrictions for most homes adopted in the 1980's. As such, we were grandfathered in and allowed to offer short-term rentals. Given this special privilege, we take extra care to make sure our rental activity does not interfere with our neighbors' right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property. We strictly limit the number of occupants to a maximum of eight persons and limit the number of cars than can park in the property to two. Ours is not a party house. Only registered guests can use the pool area. We are also ask guests to keep the volume of music and other sounds low so as not to be heard by neighbors. The result has been a wonderful relationship with our guests and neighbors. Not a single complaint in all these years! And an almost perfect 5.0 rating in guests' reviews.
We do not accept pets except in cases of legal compliance.

The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club is open to the public. Fees apply. Golf and tennis lessons offered, pro shop and fine restaurant on clubhouse.

Country-club living in quiet & peaceful community located near Sanibel's best beaches, shops and restaurants.
The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club::

Enjoy the sounds of silence and the sights of nature! The house offers a magnificent view overlooking greens and lakes of The Dunes golf course which is sanctioned as a wildlife habitat by the Audubon Society.

The Dunes is a clean, quiet and beautiful neighborhood located near entrance to island. Avoid island traffic! House is a 10-minute bike ride away from best beaches, shops and restaurants.
Magnificent view overlooking greens and lakes of The Dunes golf course.
The house is professionally furnished and decorated - island style.
Outdoor shower with hot / cold water adjacent to pool deck. Shower in the garden!
1.2 miles to Gulf Beach (10-minute bike ride) ; .8 mile to Bay Beach (10-minute walk)
Large back yard with beautiful fountain & tropical gardens
Home Theatre - 77 inch Sony 4K - 3D - ULTRA HD LED TV. SONOS surround sound. Amazing home theatre experience!
Samsung 4K 3-D Blue Ray player.
NETFLIX - Over 20,000 film titles available at the flick of a button - free of charge!
Free Comcast high-speed internet & high definition cable TV.
Bar B Q grill on pool deck.
Two outdoor pool-side fire pits: 1) wood-burning fire pit and 2) propane fire pit.
LARGE COVERED SCREENED PORCH OVERLOOKING POOL, GARDENS AND GOLF COURSE- Large screened covered porch with dining table, ceiling fans and sitting area offers magnificent views overlooking the pool and the lakes and greens of The Dunes golf course. Summer sunsets are spectacular.

POOLSIDE COVERED PORCH - Large open (non-screened) porch adjacent to pool deck features dining table, sitting area, propane fire pit and ceiling fans.
Bose sound system in porch. Ideal for enjoyment of classical music while contemplating the sunset and other wonders of nature from your porch. Note: House is located in "quiet nature zone". No loud sounds or music are permitted in pool deck or other outdoor areas.
Top-of-line Beautyrest mattresses, goose down pillows and comforters, linens and towels.
Brand-new kitchen cabinets and appliances.
Circular driveway, ground-level covered entry.
Central Air Conditioning and Heating - Ceiling fans in all rooms and porches.

MASTER BEDROOM - King bed with luxury Simmons Beautyrest mattress, down pillows and down comforter. Room sleeps 2 adults.

GUEST ROOM # 1: Two (2) queen beds with very comfortable Sertapedic mattresses and down pillows and comforters. Room sleeps 4 adults

GUEST ROOM # 2 - One (1) king bed with very luxury mattress and down comforters. Room sleeps 2 adults. The king bed is composed of two joined extra-long twin beds, each in its separate frame. This gives the flexibility of separating the beds and having two separate twin extra long beds. Beautiful floral-print Tommy Bahama comforter and sheets.

BABY READY - We provide a baby high chair, pack & play station and two railings for bed.

Washer and Dryer.

Large linen closet with full line of top-quality linens and towels.

The house is located on Sand Castle Road - a beautiful circular 3-mile "loop" around the golf course with 20 mph speed limit - ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling or roller-blading.

Complete amenities - exceptionally well-stocked rental property.

Beautiful landscaped gardens full of flowers and tropical fruits. Coconut palms surrounding pool were imported from Tahiti in the South Pacific. Nothing more refreshing than drinking water from Tahitian coconuts!

Professional House Cleaning - Prior to the arrival of each guest, the house is thoroughly cleaned and serviced by professional cleaners. They will place a certificate of service at the door stating that the house has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. It is our way of assuring our guests that they will always find a clean property that meets their highest standards.

House completely renovated in 2016! New master bath, new kitchen, new wood laminate floors throughout the house. Pool was refinished and new landscape installed after Hurricane Ian in 2022. The house did not suffer major structural damage from hurricane.

This is one of Sanibel's finest rental properties. Go First Class in Paradise!!!

Property manager

Ralph A. Penalver
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside house.
Children in yard and pool must be accompanied by adult. No diving in pool; no running in pool deck. No loud voices or music. No events or parties.
Please shower in garden shower before entering pool. This helps maintain chlorine level in pool and keeps water clear.
Use of swimming pool and other amenities is restricted to registered guests only. Maximum of two vehicles allowed to park in property.

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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number RDWL-007794

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sanibel

Located in The Dunes, a neighbourhood in Sanibel, this holiday home is next to a golf course and on the beach. Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater and Sanibel Historical Village and Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Periwinkle Way and Santini Marina Shopping Plaza. Travelling with kids? Consider Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens, or check out an event or a game at FastTrax Fort Myers. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sanibel, FL

What's nearby

  • Periwinkle Way - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Sanibel Island Lighthouse - 7 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Sanibel Island Northern Beach - 10 min drive - 5.1 km

Getting around

  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Gramma Dot's Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cheeburger Cheeburger - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Pinocchio's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Tiki Bar - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach located?

Located in The Dunes, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within 1 mi (2 km) of Bailey's Beach, Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way. Causeway Islands Beaches and Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center 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. 81 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The dolphin house
We had a beautiful stay at the dolphin house. I would love to come again to this home.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great week
Our third trip to Sanibel. First time staying at this house. We loved it! Perfect for our family- my wife and I 2 college-age daughters. They loved having their own rooms. The back deck, patio, pool were wonderful - great place to hang out. The kitchen was so well stocked - much better than any place we’ve stayed. Excellent communication with the owner. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing in Island tkme
Ralph was amazing the owner and everything was communicated very well I would definitely come back here again. Met all of my expectations.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Steven B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sanibel Sun Castle
Great location. Nice porch and pool area. Enjoyed our 5 days in Sanibel.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Stay all around!
We spent hours on the lovely porch enjoying the view. Very clean and lovly decorations and space were great and the bedding , so comfortable. Ralph was so easy to communicate with and helpful. This was our first time back since Hurricane Ian and the evidence of distruction could stiil be seen in parts of the island so it was wonderful to return"home" to this lovely place. We'd love to come again. (How could I forget the beautiful pool and huge TV. ) Thanks Ralph and Anna
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just great!
Rooms/kitchen were great! House worked great for 4 people Loved pool area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patty D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet Escape!
Enjoyed some much needed R&R at Sanibel Sun Castle! Home was well stocked and very comfortable. Loved sitting on the screened in porch overlooking the beautiful pool and golf course. Pool was immaculate and had everything needed for lazy days by the water. Great location and easy access to Jerry’s grocery store and area restaurants. I rented a bike and just loved exploring Sanibel! Excellent communication with the host. Need to return soon!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

William W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation on Sanibel
We really enjoyed our stay. Great home and great property manager. Highly recommend this place!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing host
Ralph was the most responsive and helpful host I have ever dealt with in all the years I have been using VRBO and other on line rental sites. Pool was great and view was amazing. Close to many things in Sanibel which of course is a great island and recovering from the storms but still has its charm.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

kirsten g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay!
Close to beach and golf was great
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sanibel Sun Fun!
The host Is fabulous! Responds to questions and calls very quickly. The house is lovely with plenty of kitchen space and also 2 grills pool side if you need them. Super close to the causeway! Also super close to the Sundial Resort where you can get a day pass to the beach. Also around the corner from the grocery store. This house will make you and your family so happy!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Time
Staying at Ralph's place was a great. The property was great - clean, organized and very accommodating. Ralph was also very helpful and easily available to get in touch with. Our family had a wonderful time and would recommend this place to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Criston B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A residential stay on Sanibel Island
As the island continues to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Ian, this property suited our vacation accommodation needs. Ralph's communication prior to, during, and after our stay was top-notch. The pool provided an excellent alternative to the beach on hot days, and it was nice to relax and dine on the screened-in porch.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carole K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Family Getaway
Our family of 7 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Sanibel Sand Castle. The house was spacious, never feeling crowded, and had everything we could have needed. Our host Ralph was only a phone call away and was super helpful with any questions we had. The backyard with the pool was our absolute favorite! Can't wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for families.
Great location close to restaurants, activities and shopping. We loved the heated pool and grilling out. Very comfortable home .
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A view of Florida
Very clean, the owner was available anytime we needed anything.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Libby M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sanibel getaway
We loved our stay at Sanibel Suncastle! The house is as advertised but even better. The location is perfect. We really enjoyed the pool and the peaceful back porch. The family room was perfect for all of us to watch NCAA basketball games on the large tv. I would definitely stay at Ralph’s home again. It was a perfect long weekend getaway for our group of 3 couples.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

E H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Time
Ralph and Ana are amazing hosts providing amenities for a perfect beach house experience. We were able to enjoy the home/pool and did several local excursions. Cabbage Key was fun. Bowman's Beach has to be one of the nicest, cleanest, and uncrowded beaches in the US- what a treat. We enjoyed the peaceful neighborhood walks in the evenings and at dawn. I highly recommend this place!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Rigoberto

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very quiet neighborhood
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sand Castle
We thoroughly enjoyed our Sanibel stay. House is located in beautiful area close to stores, beach and causeway access. Backyard is beautiful with great views and wonderful pool. Ralph is an extremely accommodating and communicative host. We are highly appreciative of the time we had at this wonderful property!
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eloise E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely home!
It was a perfect Sanibel home for my family. Good location, wonderful pool, and great amenities. 6 stars if possible!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ramona H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Family Vacation Ever
We brought our children and grandchildren down to Sanibel for a much anticipated family vacation. The property and the owner could not have been any better! The house was even better than advertised, and the owner was beyond attentive and kind. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love it here!
We are a family of three generations and there is a spot for each of us to enjoy and be comfortable: the pool or pool side, upper and lower patios, and getting together for movies with the extra large tv screen. The house had everything we needed. Biking is the best way to get around Sanibel and this location is close to restaurants and shops (but far enough to be quiet). We loved biking to breakfast or dinner, and recommend visiting Sanibel's historical village. Thank you Ralph - we'll be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing House and Host
My brother, my daughter, his son and I just got back from Sanibel and it was awesome. The house and the host were top shelf. House had everything we needed and more. Ralph and his wife were beyond amazing. If you are heading to Sanibel and want a great house, in a great location with the absolute best host this is your spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ramón R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and full of relaxation
The house was beautifully decorated everywhere, the rooms were fully accommodated with TVs. Very calm neighborhood and so in touch with nature. Overall 10/10.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ralph A. Penalver

Host profile image
I first heard of Sanibel while on a visit to Tahiti in French Polynesia in 1976. There I casually met a couple who were making their way around the world on a sailboat. When I said I lived in Florida, they said, "The closest thing to Tahiti in the continental United States is Sanibel Island in Florida." The first thing I did when I returned from my trip was to check out Sanibel. It was love at first sight. I decided to buy a place in Sanibel as a second home and searched all over the island for a location that offered me beauty, peace and tranquility - and close contact with nature. I searched and searched until I found a spec house under construction overlooking the lakes and greens of The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club. The view from the house was magnificent and there was wildlife everywhere. The Dunes is adjacent to Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and many of the birds come to swim and feed in the lakes of the golf course. The moment I saw the property, I knew I had found my place. It was private and quiet - yet centrally located with Sanibel's best shops and restaurants less than five minutes away. I had a professional 18-hole golf course with beautiful greens and lakes in my backyard. The gulf and bay beaches are just a short bike ride away. So are the groceries, shops and some of Sanibel's best restaurants. Bill Frey one of Sanibel's most renowned builders and architects, designed and built the house. He called it the Sand Castle. It has truly been a castle of joy and wonderful memories for my family and for the many renters with whom we have shared this island paradise.
You will marvel at the magnificent view overlooking the lakes and greens of The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and the beauty of the pool area and tropical gardens. We hope that you will love our vacation house as much as we do. Thanks for taking our home into consideration for your Sanibel Island vacation.

Why they chose this property

The Sand Castle is not your typical rental property. We love our Sanibel home and have devoted much time and effort over the past 30 years to make it a truly unique property. As such, we have furnished and equipped our Sanibel house for maximum comfort. We have been fortunate to have good renters over the years - persons who appreciate our house and cared for it as if it was their own. Some have been coming back every year for the past two decades. This year we completely renovated the house, installing new floors, bathrooms and kitchen while maintaining the warmth and happy feeling that brought us so many wonderful memories over the years. We take special pride in the garden and landscaping of our Sanibel home. We have planted every tree on the house with the idea of creating a tropical paradise. Guests to our Sanibel house are welcomed to take home with them a small potted "Tahiti coconut palms". These are the "offspring" of the Tahitian coconut palms we brought from our trip to Tahiti and the South Pacific. Take home a Tahitian coconut palm from our yard and plant it in your yard. The Tahitian coconut palm will be a souvenir of your Sanibel vacation and bring back fond memories of your stay at our Sand Castle.

What makes this property unique

The Sand Castle is beautifully-designed will be specially appreciated by people who enjoy a home with a "happy feeling" - beautifully designed and decorated in simple, yet elegant, island style with all the comforts you would expect in a luxury house. The yard and pool area are magnificent. It offers a private heated swimming pool and a secluded sun deck surrounded by tropical gardens.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests