Entire home

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

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

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8149 sq m

Popular amenities

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

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!!!

Property manager

Ralph A. Penalver

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Heated pool

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Lobster/crab pot

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

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

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

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf privileges
  • Tennis on site
  • Bicycle on site
  • Golfing on site
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Parasailing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 1600 sq ft (149 sq m)

Similar properties

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Sanibel, FL

What's nearby

  • Periwinkle Way - 3 min drive
  • Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 4 min drive
  • Dunes Golf and Tennis Club - 5 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

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?

Check-out 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 vacation home is in the city center 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 mi (3 km).

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Rigoberto

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Peggy D.

Delightful "Dunes"
The home is warm and welcoming and the lovely surroundings afford total privacy. We loved the pool , enjoyed the grill and found the Dunes to be exceptionally well equipped. The beds were wonderful! I cannot imagine a more caring and responsive landlord than Ralph Penlaver, and my family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Dunes.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jennifer M.

Wonderful vacation house!
This is a great rental! The location was perfect, we were close to the bike path and the beach was a ten minute ride. Ralph was great, and gave us the recommendation to rent bikes, which we used every day. The house itself is very nice, and had everything we needed. The pool and backyard were fabulous, my kids (5,8 and 9) loved it. Great place, thanks for sharing your home, Ralph!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

MARYANN G., New york, NY

Beautiful location + gorgeous home make a perfect vacation!
I have been coming to Sanibel for almost 20 years and this is the best property I have ever stayed at! The home is very well appointed with tons of space for the family to sprawl out. The pool is divine and the views from the upstairs are amazing. The location is SO perfect- you are in easy distance from beaches, the main strip and the causeway for jaunts to the mainland. I also have to thank the owners for investing in high quality beds; I have a bad back and tested out all the beds- truly five star! We will be back again!
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful time in Sanibel!
The house has lots of room and has convenient acess to Periwinkle Way with a shortut to avoid traffic. The kitchen has everything you need and we enjoyed grilling oudoors and eating on the screened in deck watching the birds. We rented bikes and it is a short bike ride to beaches and to restaurants. The kids had fun in the heated pool every evening. Host is very responsive.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good experience
Our week stay at the property was an all-around good experience from the attentiveness of the owner to the heated swimming pool. Bicycling to the beach through the neighborhood was fun and safe for our 13 year olds. Ask Ralph for the directions. I would rent the house again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

David P., Libertyville, IL USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private sanctuary on Sanibel
Had a wonderful week at Sanibel Sun Castle. Quiet neighborhood with a completely private backyard pool. Very unique for Sanibel. The beaches, both oceanside and soundside are a short 6 minute bike ride away. Ralph was an amazing host. Our communications with him were all fantastic--such a friendly and kind person. He loves his home and it shows! We would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021