Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida
Classic Coastal Living on Terra Ceia Bay Experience a slice of timeless Florida. This oceanfront 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on Terra Ceia Bay (Lower Tampa Bay) captures the nostalgic "Old Florida" spirit. While the house has some vintage feel, it’s full of character and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those who value space, and a front-row seat to the ocean. The Home: Comfort Meets Character Designed for relaxation, this home ensures every guest feels at ease: Three Spacious Bedrooms: Uniquely featuring King-sized beds in every room—perfect for groups or families, ensuring no one has to compromise on comfort. The layout is ideal for privacy: the primary bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, while the second bathroom is centrally located for easy access from the other two guest rooms. Old Florida Charm: From the classic layout to the original kitchen, the home offers a cozy feel that encourages you to kick off your shoes and stay a while. Outdoor Living: Sip your favorite drink by the private encaged pool, located just steps from the bay. Water & Swimming While the property is directly on the water, please note: On-Site Swimming: The private pool is your primary spot for a dip, as there are no beachfront and no dock on the property. Our optionally heated pool and attached circular spa offer a beautiful vantage point over Terra Ceia Bay and the surrounding preserve. Guests can enjoy watching local wildlife, including birds, fish, and the occasional dolphin while relaxing in or around the caged pool. The pool with spa can be heated, optional, for an additional fee, $35/night. To ensure expectations are clear, here is how the heating system works: The pool and spa share one heater and warm together to approximately 90°F. The spa cannot be heated independently (it is not a hot tub). Heating occurs when the pool pump is running. After several minutes of pump operation, the heater activates as long as there is sufficient water flow. Between pump cycles, the water cools naturally, so the temperature will rise and fall throughout the day rather than stay constant. This pool setup provides a pleasant, warm swim experience with beautiful views, knowing that the spa is not a standalone hot tub and the water temperature varies with the pump schedule and ambient temperatures. Beach Access: For those seeking the sand, you are perfectly positioned near some of the state's best shorelines: Emerson Point Preserve (10 mins): A stunning nature preserve for hiking and bay views. Manatee Public Beach (20-25 mins): The nearest full-amenity Gulf beach with white sand and turquoise water. It is the most popular public access point on Anna Maria Island and is located specifically in the community of Holmes Beach (at 4000 Gulf Drive). Siesta Key (30-40 mins): World-famous beaches known for their sugar-white quartz sand. An Angler & Boater’s Paradise You can catch Red Fish, Sea Trout, or Snook directly from the private sea wall in the backyard. Bring Your Boat: Explore the bay or cruise to a local waterfront restaurant! Boat Logistics: There is no boat lift at the house, but a neighborhood boat ramp is just around the corner for easy launching. Trailer Parking: No need for off-site storage; you may conveniently park your boat trailer in the designated space next to the driveway. Pet Policy: We are happy to welcome your dogs (no cats, due to allergies) for an additional fee! To keep the grounds enjoyable for everyone, we kindly ask that the lawn is cleared of all pet waste prior to your departure. Explore the Area Shopping: Visit the Ellenton Premium Outlets for deals or the UTC Mall for upscale merchandise. City Life: Located centrally between St. Petersburg and Sarasota, you are never far from world-class dining, museums, and nightlife.
Travel: Easy access via Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ), Tampa International (TPA), and St. Pet-Clearwater (PIE).
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
$150 extra fee for pet waste left inside/outside.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Before checkout, put kitchen and bathroom trash in the large garage bin; place recyclables in the blue bin. On Tuesday evening, roll both bins to the curb for morning collection.
Upon departure, please secure the front door and return the keys to the lockbox.
Please set the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit before you check out.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet Hours: Please respect our neighbors by keeping noise to a minimum between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. No parties or unauthorized events allowed.
Waterfront Safety: The property is oceanfront with no fence. Children must be supervised at all times. Use the outdoor areas at your own risk.
Pool Maintenance: Every Wednesday is service day. Please keep the pool cage doors unlocked to allow the technician access. Thank you!
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4565259vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Palmetto
Located in Bay Colony, a neighbourhood in Palmetto, this holiday home is near theme parks and by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tampa Bay and Bradenton Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex or LECOM Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and horse riding.
Bradenton Area Convention Center - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
Manatee County Agricultural Museum - 6 min drive - 6.2 km
Riverwalk - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
Getting around
Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
RaceTrac - 5 min drive
Subway - 7 min drive
Hungry Howies Pizza - 5 min drive
Primos marketplace - 6 min drive
Peggys Corral - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida on 20 May 2026 start from NZ$991, 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.
Is Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida?
Checkout is at 11:30 AM.
Where is Sunset Paradise: Oceanfront 3-bedroom house on Terra Ceia Bay, Palmetto, Florida located?
Located in Bay Colony, this holiday home is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Felts Audubon Preserve and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site. Tampa Bay and Palmetto Historical Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful stay at this place. The location is excellent, especially for anyone who enjoys fishing or golfing. One of the highlights of the trip was being able to fish right from the backyard, which was both relaxing and a lot of fun. I spent quite a bit of time there and truly enjoyed the experience.
This was a very nice home and the perfect location on the Terra Ceia Bay. Communication with the owner was seamless. The kitchen came well stocked with everything you could need for a stay. The pool was beautiful and the westerly exposure made for great sunsets. There was a kayak to use and even a few fishing poles. I would recommend this location with no reservation and look forward to a possible future stay.
House was very dated but in a great location the pool is nice but the “spa” is only about 5 degrees warmer than the pool and there is no lights in it at night.
Trent D.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 April 2026
Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the location and had a chance to relax by the pool.
We appreciate your comments regarding the home. We take pride in its "Old Florida" charm and vintage character, as shown in our photos, though we understand that this classic style is a matter of personal preference.
Regarding the spa: to help future guests plan accordingly, we have updated our listing to clarify that the property features a spa connected to the pool rather than a traditional hot tub, with temperatures designed to reach up to 90°F. Our maintenance person, Adriaan, responded promptly to your text about the spa temperature, inspected the unit during your stay, and resolved a pump issue that was affecting the efficiency of the heater. We have also notified our pool service company to repair the lighting to ensure the area is bright and functional for evening dips.
The house has everything you need! It is vintage and really quaint! The pool/spa (not a hot tub) was to be only issue we had; it was not warm and we couldn’t use it the first day and a half. Adrian was great and came back until the pool’s heating system was fixed. I’d definitely return to this VRBO! Super comfortable beds, too!!
Beth R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Kelly
4 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Communication with host was easy, home very clean but very dated. Would have been even better if the hot tub worked, but the pool and view was lovely.
Our family had the best time. House was clean, roomy, the views of the water was amazing. The pool was awesome. Caught a lot of fish. Everyone was happy the whole time. We will definitely be going back. Host was so very nice and gave good tips on the fishing.
Beautiful View of the Bay, didn’t like the check in process had to meet someone at the house to give us the key and he walked around inside the house with us. Only 1 TV in the house and it didn’t work, but we didn’t text the owner, we were fine without. We enjoyed the pool!
Jen B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 January 2026
There is one TV in the living room and it works fine.
Our host was wonderful. He made sure we were takeing care of in a timely manner. Very friendly!
Gwen D.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jody S.
12 September 2025
Jody S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
About the host
Hosted by Patricia and Adriaan DeVilliers
Welcome! Your stay at Sunset Paradise is managed by Adriaan and Patricia. While the profile photo features Adriaan (our dedicated manager) rather than the owner, Peter, rest assured that Adriaan is your primary point of contact. He is always happy to assist with any questions or guest needs to ensure you have a seamless stay.
Languages:
English, German, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests