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

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January 2025

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

A heated pool
On the beach
On the beach
A heated pool
Smart TV, DVD player, books, music library

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81600 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Sanibel, FL
  • Bailey's Beach
    19 min walk
  • Periwinkle Way
    3 min drive
  • Dq Grill & Chill
    7 min drive
  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
    38 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Sanibel

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Sanibel, within a 5-minute drive of Periwinkle Way and Bailey's Beach. .This beach vacation home is 12.3 mi (19.9 km) from Key West Express and 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Dunes Golf and Tennis Club.

What's nearby

  • Periwinkle Way - 3 min drive
  • Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 4 min drive
  • Sanibel Island Golf Club - 6 min drive
  • Sanibel Island Lighthouse - 7 min drive
  • Sanibel Island Northern Beach - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW) - 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

About this property

Entire place

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

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

SANIBEL RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE
License Year: 2023
License Expiration: December 31, 2024
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 (user fees: golf $120; tennis: $25/hour) 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 - 65 inch Sony 4K - 3D - ULTRA HD LED TV. SONOS surround sound. Amazing home theatre experience!
Samsung 4K 3-D Blue Ray player. Enjoy a selection of just-released 3-D and 4-K movies. 3-D glasses provided.
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!!!

Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a private pool and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a phone, as well as a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Ralph A. Penalver

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No smoking inside house.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Golf
  • Heated pool
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing 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
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 fire extinguisher and 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
Property Registration Number RDWL-007794

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Lux Home Private 4K Home Theatre Magnificent View Great Locatio
Lux Home Private 4K Home Theatre Magnificent View Great Locatio

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nathan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Holly H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

William W.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Criston B.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

E H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Carole K.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Libby M.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

kirsten g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay!
Close to beach and golf was great
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Heidi M.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Lori K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best vacation
I’ve vacationed around the US and islands, and this was the BEST overall. The owner was amazing, responsive, and incredibly helpful. They had everything to start you up, supplies, etcetera (propane for grills, kitchen spices, chairs for beach) This was beyond helpful, given that we flew there. The heated pool, was great!!! My three grandchildren, as well as us, stayed in it for hours. The owner left ideas, which we took up (sunset amass dinner at the Mucky Duck), shelling at Bowmount, and I explored running. I’d give this 5+. I told the owner I’ll be back. Amazing!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gem in paradise!
Such a wonderful week in the paradise that is Sanibel! Ralph was a wonderful host and wanted to make sure we had fell in love with his house and with Sanibel - which we did! So many thoughtful touches - beach chairs, umbrella, and constant, warm communication really made this a place we hope to return to year after year. We loved sitting on the screened in back deck admiring the beautiful view, and all our favorite places were a stone's throw away. Highly recommend this inviting home and delightful host! Thanks again Ralph, for a fantastic experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Rigoberto

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

10/10 Excellent

Ramón R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Ronda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful, relaxing vacation. Loved the private pool and backyard oasis.
The property manager was wonderful and so accommodating, and it was a perfect location for a relaxing and fun vacation. Close to golf, beaches, and the shops. Great time for adults and teens.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ramona H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Michele F.

Family vacation
Very nice home, but could use a deep cleaning. Ants in master bedroom and bathroom upon arrival, and required constant cleaning and killing of ants. Many areas of cobwebs also. The pool was the highlight, and the backyard and patio area were amazing.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness
amazing
Everything was perfect for our family vacation in Sanibel
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rick L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation in Paradise
Excellent property & Host! Checked on us several times & we had a flawless stay! Views are spectacular & neighborhood you want to be in! We will see them soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitch T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Stay
Great location on the island. Very peaceful and relaxing neighborhood. We spent a lot of time relaxing in the backyard watching wildlife come and go and just enjoying the peacefulness, quiet and serenity of it all. Nice house with very large living room tv, which we enjoyed as well. Ralph communicated with us quite a bit before, during and after our stay to ensure everything was good for our stay, which we certainly appreciated. Great trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and area
My husband, my 15 year old son and his 15 year old buddy and his parents stayed at the house. Two bedrooms had king size beds and the 3rd bedroom had 2 queens which was perfect for us.. Tough to find a house with two kings. The owners were super responsive, nice and gave great recommendations on what to do in the area. Great backyard backing up to The Dunes golf course with large pool, grill and tons off sitting areas. Kitchen had everything. Renting bikes is a must, since traffic in the area is a bit crazy. You can ride bikes to shopping and restaurants on the bike paths. Highly recommend the house and area for a great vacation.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

KARLA I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
We really enjoyed our stay :) Property is great as is location. Easy bike ride to the beach or into town for a meal:) House has all the necessary amenities and Ralph was a great property manager that communicated well every step of the way . He was knowledgeable about the community and helpful with suggestions for bikes, fishing, etc. Great experience overall ! I can see why people return.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022