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5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach

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Interior
Relax!
King bed.
Queen Bed.
Living room with TV and also a Futon that opens to an extra bed.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 483.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Sanibel, FL
  • Place, Sanibel Island Southern Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Periwinkle Way
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Sanibel Island Golf Club
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach


Let's not say goodbye but see you later!

Hurricane Ian may have caused a great destruction to Sanibel but be assured the love of this Unique Paradise will keep our resilience and determination strong as together we repair and rebuild our homes. Yes, it has been very tough, and we are deeply saddened but optimistic we will have the Sunny Shell Basket Cottage back stronger, better and newer then before
We cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and support during this time it has truly touched us both.

Through the many years we have greatly appreciated all our fabulous guests ...it has been our pleasure and honor to host you.
We hope in the not-too-distant future we will once again have the pleasure to Host you to one of our units.

In the interim stay safe and enjoy each day. We shall update when ready to take bookings.

Leslie and Jim

Surround yourself with sunshine, seclusion and the sound of the sea.
This lovely, cheerful 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage has old Florida Charm ...and is newly updated.
Situated on a private, sleepy lane it is only a 2 to 3 minute walk to the beach. The Cottage has all the amenities of home WiFi, 3 TV's, DVR, washer and dryer, granite kitchen and dishwasher. Wake to the sound of the waves breaking, perhaps a visit from an Egret, Heron or Ibis all while enjoying fresh brewed coffee on the privacy of your own sunny deck.
This Sunny Shell Basket cottage is one of the very few homes that can rent for less than a full week on Sanibel Island. Comfortable, charming and cozy…not your typical vacation rental. For those who are looking to get away, enjoy each other, your family, nature, and the serenity… stay at Sunny Shell Basket Cottage.

Why choose this BRIGHT, CHEERY and UPLIFTING rental!!
1) Walk to the beach in less then 3 minutes
2) Free standing home no Condo
3) Park right next to your front door
4) Short bike/car ride to many restaurants
5) Umbrellas, chairs and towels
6) Netflix
7) Wi fi
8) Gas grill with gas
9) HD TV
10) Well stocked kitchen
11) all 5 STAR reviews
12) Perfect location
13) Did I mention BRIGHT, CHEERY and UPLIFTING!!

Please Note
I have implemented the CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting the cottage between our quests. We leave a minimum of 24 hours between guest check out and check in.
All bed pads and bed spreads will be changed between guest. All Linens washed on Highest temperature.

I ask quest to follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Practice social distancing
Wear a cloth face cover in public
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
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

Pets allowed
Need approval and addition fee
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sanibel

Located in Mid Island, a neighbourhood in Sanibel, this holiday home is near theme parks and by the sea. While the natural beauty of Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Estero Boulevard Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Key West Express. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Dunes Golf and Tennis Club or FastTrax Fort Myers. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Sanibel, FL

What's nearby

  • Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Periwinkle Way - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Sanibel Island Golf Club - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 2 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jerry's Foods - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Turtles Tiki Bar - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Gramma Dot's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪MudBugs Cajun Kitchen - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

As of 23 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach on 8 December 2025 start from NZ$377, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 5 STAR, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage and Mins to Beach located?

Located in Mid Island, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Sanibel Island Southern Beach, Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Island Golf Club. Periwinkle Way and Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

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. 151 out of 151 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 151 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 151 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 151 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 151 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Vacation

Lovely home that is fully stocked and only a short walk to the beach! Beds were comfortable, home was very clean, and wifi worked perfectly. We really enjoyed our short stay and hope to come back in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Great Place - Great Owners!

We have just completed our 2nd stay in the cottage and have already booked our 3rd visit. The owners (Leslie and Jim) think of everything and have it waiting for you when you arrive. Highly recommend!
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Happy Times!

The property was amazing. It was clean, well equipped, and extremely well maintained. We were very comfortable and happy!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joan B.

Wonderful

Just love this place-great location, house in great shape, wonderful responsive owners. This is my little piece of heaven!!
Stayed 44 nights in Jan 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love this Cottage!

We have been vacationing on Sanibel for 40 years and this was our best stay ever! This cottage is in the perfect location and has everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation. We spent a lot of time on the sunny back porch, where you are close enough to the water to hear the waves. Thank you Leslie and Jim for sharing this lovely place with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

Great place

This cottage is immaculate and completely stocked. We were only there a short time, but the kitchen has everything including spices. The place is comfortable, very clean and close to the beach. We had our dogs with us, which is also special. Jim and Leslie make vacations easy. We hope to be back.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

Very Comfortable!

The Shell Basket was very clean, very accommodating and overall a great place to stay. The beach is a short walk from the house. Leslie and Jim have thought of every amenity to make the house inviting and our vacation easy. We look forward to returning to Sanibel! Ann Diggs and Henry Rivenbark - October 2017
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

susan f.

Beautiful beach cottage

This is wonderful. Everything they said is true. 2 minute walk to beach, privacy, and the pictures don't do justice to the real thing. Love it and will return!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joan B.

Wonderful vacation spot

This is our second year that we have spent the month at this lovely spot. It is a very happy cottage! The place is well stocked with essentials, condiments & spices. The owners are very responsive & eager to please. The beds & linens are great & very comfortable. The House is clean & well maintained. It is a quiet street & a short walk to the beach. The bikes only add to the fun. Just a little bit of heaven !!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindi A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Memories in the making

Amazing cottage, just minutes walk to the beach. Jim and Leslie were EXCELLENT! My grandsons and I enjoyed our stay here so much that THEY didn't want to leave! The welcome basket was a perfect gift. The cottage had the all the charm you would expect to find, well kept and very clean! It is located in a nice quite area. Master bed was amazing to sleep on. I will book with them in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

This was the best place we’ve ever booked. Had everything you could possibly need from Band-Aids to olive oil, beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes LOL. So clean and so quiet. I am OCD and big on clean and brought my own sheets and blanket but didn’t even use them. The owners contacted us to make sure we had everything and gave their contact info if needed. Highly recommended. ;-)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Wonderful and very dog friendly!

We loved our stay here so much! Jim and Leslie have seriously thought of everything that you might need. There was plenty of towels, beach towels, linens, paper products, laundry detergent, bug spray, toiletries, spices, 2 bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas, the list goes on and on. There is also a gate to put up to enclose the patio which my dog loved! He loved the freedom of being able to roam on the patio. Several of the restaurants in the area are also dog friendly. The walk to the beach even seemed shorter than what I anticipated. Loved all of the cool shells! I would definitely like to return here one day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert J.

Perfect as Always!

This was our fourth stay at Jim and Leslie's Sunny Basket Cottage and it gets better every time. The cottage itself is bright, beautiful and amazingly comfortable. Not only is every necessity provided, but every time we visit there are new additions and upgrades added, leaving out no details. The cottage is well stocked and there are always some extra surprises such as wine, snacks and fresh fruit waiting when you arrive. You can sit and sip drinks on the back deck at sunset or ride the bikes around town. The only difficult part of the entire visit is leaving. We always wish we had stayed a few more days! Thank you Jim and Leslie for being such perfect hosts! We'll see you next year! Bob and Mary Jo
Stayed 5 nights in May 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

John D.

The property was clean and well maintained. Everything worked as it should.

The cottage was very nice and clean. All the appliances and tvs were in top shape and shampoo, laundry detergent as well as insect repellent (which we did not need) and suntan oil were provided. It was a short walk to the beach through an adjoining property. The owners, Leslie and Jim, are very considerate and conscientious. They even offered to let us stay an extra day or two at no charge when hurricane Matthew was threatening on our departure day. The only other thing I wish this property offered would be a covered place to park, as our car got very hot sitting in the sun. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone staying who does not require a beach view.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

diane w.

Beautiful, clean, fully stocked home

Leslie and Jim thought of everything from coffe and spices in the cabinet to beach chairs and a beach umbrella! Everything they list is there and nice items you would want to use! Kitchen fully stocked with anything you need to cook at the house. Washer and dryer were a great plus. We had a tropical storm come through on or first night and we never lost power! House is only 900 square feet but feels bigger with the open layout and two full bathrooms. We brought our three 10 lb dogs and they loved it there! There were four of us staying there, 2 adults and 2 teenagers and had plenty of room. Quick walk to the beach and short drive to restaurants and stores. Leslie and Jim are super nice and great to work with! Can't wait to come back!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate W.

Great place to relax and make memories

This sweet little cottage greets you with a smile upon arrival and keeps you happy every day thereafter. The owners have created a welcoming space where every need is thoughtfully anticipated - a welcome basket of treats, well stocked kitchen, bikes, grill, beach gear, games, laundry facilities, and so much more. The location is great! The cottage is not on the beach, but it’s just a 3 minute walk to the water; no roads to cross. It’s an easy bike ride to the shops, restaurants, and grocery stores along Periwinkle. (Don’t miss the Sunday Sanibel farmers market!) We enjoyed pedaling out to the lighthouse, up to the Ding Darling Nature Preserve, and out to Bowman’s Beach. And, of course, we spent many hours on the beach - from sunrise to sunset and plenty in between. This was our second stay at the cottage and we just reserved time for next year. Each visit creates a new set of memories. We can’t wait to come back. Many thanks to the owners for sharing this peaceful retreat.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Robert J.

PERFECT VACATION GETAWAY!

We've just returned from our second stay at The Sunny Shell Basket Cottage and it is truly a one of a kind vacation spot. The hosts, Jim and Leslie, are amazing people who go above and beyond to assure that their visitors have everything they could possibly need and then some. You feel extremely welcome and comfortable as soon as you walk in. First of all, the cottage is immaculately clean and bright and is only a couple of minutes walk to the beach. Unlike many other rentals, they provide plenty of toiletries, laundry soap, extra pillows, beach towels, sun screen and bicycles. The kitchen is not only fully stocked with cooking necessities, but most of the basic condiments and spices are there as well. They even left us an assortment of snacks and a beautiful bottle of wine. If you're looking for the perfect island vacation with privacy and comfort, you can't do better than The Sunny Shell Basket Cottage. We are already looking forward to our next visit! The Jeffries
Stayed 5 nights in May 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautifully decorated and great location

This trip was our first time to Sanibel Island and it left a lasting impression. It was a trip with my wife, 4 year old son, mother in law, and our water loving dog. As we normally do when we travel we tried to pack up most of our own house to bring to this cottage. having a child with food allergies we always pack a huge cooler to bring with us anyway but when we arrived and finished unloading the many bags boards, bikes and chairs we brought with us, we realized 80% was basically unnecessary. The cottage was perfect. It had pretty much anything and everything you could really need for days at the beach. It was very clean, very comfortable, and plenty of room for our family and our dog. The owners were extremely warm and accommodating who we met the first night since I couldn't figure out how to get the inputs to work on the living TV. Jim and Leslie came over and fixed the TV within minutes and gave us the rundown of great shelling areas and answered all of the questions we had about the area. Everyone had a great stay and we definitely are looking forward to our next vacation at Shell Basket Lane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cottage!

Beautiful property with all the amenities and extra touches. Very close to beautiful beach!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little get away spot!

The house was as good as advertised, not to mention Jim and Leslie worked really hard to get the house ready after a tropical storm went through the island the night before we were to arrive. They still had it ready and we were able to check in early! Leslie checked in on us via text several times to ensure there was nothing we needed or no issue. I would rent from them again! The house is nice and a very short walk to the beach. Quiet area and well maintained.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lois J

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! We have been to Sanibel many times and have always stayed in great properties but this has spoiled us for anyplace else. Jim & Leslie provide a home that is everything they say and more. What they don't tell you is how beautifully this cottage is appointed and stocked. Furniture and linens that you would have in your own home; a kitchen that you can walk in with groceries and cook - they even provided us some refrigerator staples for our arrival! The house is clean as a whistle - wish I lived closer so Jeannie could help me.... This is just a couple minute walk from Cocina beach and this is my favorite area; I could go on and on. My only regret is telling anyone how wonderful this is - I want to make sure we can rent it again :).
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bari M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful pet friendly cottage

Leslie, Thank you so much for providing a warm, comfortable place for us to stay with our fur baby. There is a reason this cottage gets all 5 star reviews. It is clean,close to the beach, and has everything you might need. The owners have thought of everything. We hope to be able to stay here in the future. Thank you, Mike, Bari, and Niya
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karla W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Kept Secret

This is the best kept secret cottage on the island. This location is perfect - just mere minutes to the beach. Check-in was a breeze - we arrived earlier than planned and were able to check-in early. An awesome welcome basket was provided as well as milk, bread and eggs - much appreciated! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to be back next year. Thank you Jim and Leslie!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sanibel in a cottage!

Our cottage was clean and bright with all the comforts of home. We were pleasantly surprised with items for breakfast the next day as well as many other extra treats. We loved it!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect in every way

This property is wonderful and did not disappoint in any way. It's not luxurious, but it is clean, comfortable and so well maintained. The location is perfect--easy walk to the beach--and the back porch gets sun all day long. We greatly appreciated the "welcome supplies" on our arrival, and the owners were very responsive and thoughtful. We look forward to returning!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Leslie & Jim

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

We started renting this lovely cottage in 1985...fell in love with the cottage and Sanibel and in 1993 when it came available to purchase we didn't hesitate.
It has always represented freedom, peace and a real vacation to us.

What makes this property unique

Every morning and evening we would take the short walk to the beach and totally feel revived and relaxed. Loved the southern exposure and big sliding patio doors that would always allow the cottage to be bright and cheery. This place will up lift any spirit. Perfect!

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