And here are some testimonials written by past guests, taken from one of the websites on which we advertise the house:
From Fred, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, USA Date of Stay: February 2009
My wife and I just returned to cold Wisconsin from our 3rd Winter retreat at this lovely home in Fort Myers. We are already booking for February 2010 for our next stay. As the pictures show, the home is spacious and beautiful. With our one month stay, it feels like our second home. The home is large enough that our children and grandchildren can visit from Maryland and Minnesota. Cribs and highchairs are provided when needed. We appreciate that the neighborhood is very peaceful and beautiful; great for walks. Yet, the home is very close to shopping and the beaches. One of the greatest treasures of this home's location is that it is a short and lovely bike ride to Lakes Park. This is a beautiful park, full of lakes, boardwalks and trails that put Florida's magnificent birds on display. The park's trails are great for walking and biking. The park is also wonderful for children, with great playgrounds, a miniature train ride, various boat and bike rentals and delightful water spray fountains for children to play in on those hot days. Finally, I have found the owner very gracious and concerned in meeting our needs.
From Peter and Sue, Winchester, UK Date of Stay: September 2008
Having spent many years visiting the coastal resorts of Florida we have decided that this area is one of our favourites. Renting, usually for a month, allows us to relax and take full advantage of the many attractions; wild-life, beaches, shops and restaurants. We have found that the villa provides a secure and luxurious base, offering good facilities, extras such as bicycles, beach umbrellas and seats, a library of books and guide brochures, not forgetting beach toys, puzzles and games for all ages. The site is well maintained and the property and pool is managed efficiently locally. After visiting twice, we can appreciate the upgrades of equipment such as digital technology, which all makes for a quality experience, which we would repeat without hesitation.
From Annie M, Wolverhampton, England Date of Stay: January 2009
We've just returned from our yearly vacation in Fort Myers, and 3rd stay in this wonderful home, so, with all the thousands of villas/homes available why do we keep coming back to this one? Well for us it ticks all of the right boxes, clean, tidy, spacious, affordable and above all else it's comfortable. From the moment we arrive we feel like we're at home, slipping off your shoes at the door and falling into the comfy leather sofa. This house is set out for living in, not for show, and that makes everything extra special for us at least, knowing that for the next 2 weeks we can call this home and not just rented accommodation. Obviously we did the Disney thing when the children were little (and as teenagers) but there has to be life without neon lights and roller coasters. Fort Myers offers me the chance to see Florida as it should be, with a host of local attractions, state parks and enough shopping to keep a girl happy for months. Local attractions? Well my personal favourite is Lovers Key State Park, especially for an early morning walk along white sands, catching the sunrise. More than once we've witnessed the dolphins feeding close to the shore, and watched in amazement as an osprey flew down taking the fish right out of the dolphins reach. Lovers Key has all of the untouched splendour nature has to offer, no doubt that's why we keep coming back. Shopping is of course very close to my heart, and there's no disappointment here. Whether its Walmart that takes your fancy, malls or designer outlets, Fort Myers has it all. Just a short drive from the villa is Tanger Designer Outlets, offering the likes of Tommy Hillfiger, Gap, Reebok, Liz Claibourne and much more.........and at fabulous discounts not too bad for hubby's bank balance. I've saved the best till last, eating out, the only trouble is I can't decide where to recommend first. If it's steak houses you're after then check out Longhorn, Outback and Sam Seltzers baby back ribs.......delicious. For something different then Bahama Breeze offers a taste of the Caribbean in a fabulous setting. From the original enquiry, to the booking process, collecting the key and settling into your home from home Sheila and Rick made sure that everything went smoothly. I could not have asked for more. Would I recommend this property to a friend? You bet I would, but I'd have to make sure that I'd got my booking in first.
From Diane, John & Lucy - Cheshire, UK Date of stay: June 2008
What a fantastic place to stay - stunning villa, fabulous location in easy reach of many wonderful places to visit. The villa was everything and more then advertised. Superb layout with high quality furnishings and lots of room to chill - whether eating in the excellent kitchen, relaxing in the lounge or lazing by the poolside - all so easy to do in this villa. We found the villa to be very clean and well maintained and would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the Fort Myers area, they will not be disappointed. All amenities close by providing everything you may need. We enjoyed it so much that we will definitely be back!
From Chris & Tracey, Essex, UK Date of Stay: October 2008
The weather was very nice in the eighties every day, one of the highlights was being bumped by a manatee in our canoe at lovers key, I think we'll always remember that. We found your house ideal. it was a fantastic base for a wonderful holiday and we would rent it again and recommend it to anyone all the best Chris & Tracey
From Tony-Susi Toulouse, France. Date of Stay: December 2008
We have family in the area and so visit fairly often. We usually stay at a different place during each visit. Until now we have never found one that we particularly wanted to stay a second time. That has changed with this villa and we hope to be able to book it each time from now on. The owners are helpful and responsive. The house and neighborhood are clean and well maintained. As advertised, no surprises.
From Caama, Bangor, Northern Ireland. Date of Stay: July 2008
Even though the photos of this villa are excellent they do not do the place justice. We have stayed here on 2 occasions & would recommend it to anyone. The place is spotless with everything required for a relaxing, enjoyable break. The mature lake to the rear is now home to a wide variety of birdlife. The gated community provides for extra security, however the area is so peaceful I can assure you that security is not an issue. The property is ideal for exploring the stunning islands of Sanibel & Captiva. We have also been fishing, boating in Naples & Airboating on the Florida Everglades. There are also a wide variety of shops/restaurants close by catering for all needs & budgets. Our favourite family restaurants being Bahama Breeze close by & the Hungry Heron & Island Cow on Sanibel. To sum up - when you view the visitors book at the villa you will be amazed at the number of families that have returned like ourselves for a second visit. This says it all, you will not be disappointed.
From inky62, Hertfordshire, England March 05, 2009 Date of Stay: February 2008
Lovely holiday house, very clean, well equipped and maintained, and was even better than we had expected. Great location, within easy reach of the beaches. The area has a surprising number of things to do if you want it, but is a very relaxing place, and after a week in Orlando, that was exactly what we wanted! The children especially loved the pool, the heron who came to the lake every morning whilst they ate breakfast, and the beaches. Other highlights were seeing dolphins close-up, and shell collecting on Sanibel. It was great to have the grocery store so near to the house. Sheila & Rick were very professional and helpful. We would definitely recommend the property to anyone, and look forward to going back sometime ourselves.