The story of 341 Tarpon Avenue, "The Love Shack", weaves together with the story of Boca Grande and of Gasparilla Island to build the tapestry of an idyllic lifestyle, where bicycles and golf carts rule the roads and old Florida charm warms both the sand and the heart. This winsome two-bedroom, two-bath, 1266 square foot bungalow was originally built in 1925 and underwent a tip-to-tail restoration and renovation in 2018. The work not only returned the property to its original integrity, but also brought it in line with modern building codes, including raising the entire structure two feet. David Stanbra P.E. was the structural engineer and Ball Construction, renouned for their reconstruction projects completed the home. Every effort was made to retain the home’s aesthetic. Ellen Hanson Designs injected a unique vitality into this home through the employment of lively colors, furnishings, and fresh patterns to create the island charm. Boca Grande’s cottages are renowned for facilitating indoor/outdoor living, and this home raises the bar further with an outdoor cocktail area and octagonal dining pavilion that seats ten. The yard has been professionally landscaped with an eye toward low maintenance while still offering ultimate privacy.

The residence’s open plan features hardwood floors, brick fireplace, and a shockingly roomy designer kitchen with a lovely hideaway refrigerator/freezer, farmhouse sink and built-in wine fridge. The exhaust hood is custom made with vintage wire safety glass and stainless steel; cabinets and vanities are all custom, and the backsplash is hand-painted tile. The cozy owner’s suite offers a couture bathroom with a ravishing glass-enclosed shower featuring handmade crazed tile; the bedroom lures you to spend time outdoors via sliding glass doors leading to a tranquil back deck. This home embraces you the moment you enter, hugs you goodnight, and pecks you on the cheek before you head off on your day.

Gasparilla Island is nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly halfway between Tampa and Fort Myers. This barrier island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor, Little Gasparilla Pass and Boca Grande Pass. It’s a recreation enthusiast’s dream with arguably the best tropical climate in the country. The moniker “Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World” is deserved, but does not adequately describe the variety of both inshore and direct deep sea fishing opportunities, with world-class grouper, snapper, mackerel and kingfish regularly nibbling your lines.