Became a member in: 2021
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2021
We live outside Charlotte, NC - however our definition of a white Christmas is not in the Appalachian Mountains, but rather spent tanning in the sun on the white-sand beaches of a seven mile stretch of Gulf coastline.
Additional languages spoken
Afrikaans
Affinities
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking
Affiliations
University Professors,
Retirees,
Seniors,
Artists / Entertainment Industry,
Banking / Finance
MoreLessProfession
Executive Recruiter, while my wife is retired.
Our personal links
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Weekend Home Exchange
Long-term Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Use of Personal Car is not possible
Open to all dates | British Columbia, Canada | Switzerland | Greece |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Love the water? Vacation on a 5-acre spring-fed lake (stocked for fishing) with a walkway wrapping around, a community heated swimming pool and hot tub, just minutes from the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria - a barrier island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and mainland Florida.
Spacious open living area, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, attached garage, and a screened Lanai with a Lakefront view – all on the ground floor. Stocked linen closet with towels, linens, beach towels, washer, and dryer. Free Wi-Fi, HD cable & 65" UHD 4K smart TV.
The clubhouse features a heated pool, hot tub, steam room, small gym, ping-pong table, and regular planned social events. Beach chairs and umbrellas are ready for your use.
Type
Apartment/ Second home
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
Our definition of a white Christmas is spent tanning in the sun on the white-sand beaches of a seven mile stretch of Gulf coastline. A few years ago we discovered these barrier islands (Anna Maria, Longboat & Siesta Key, etc.) and since then we have spent every Christmas / New Year's with sand in our sandals. We love grilling or smoking fish, cycling, swimming, painting (with pastels), and shopping.
We purchased La Isla (Spanish for the Island) to be close to AMI - it has captured our hearts. Anna Maria Island has earned its spot on Conde Nast Traveler's list of best islands in the world! It offers a taste of Old Florida, with such a distinct personality and atmosphere - an ideal ambiance for cycling (or golf carting) to fishing piers, mom-and-pop boutiques, and souvenir shops. Eateries with everything from fine dining to burger shacks - scenic strolls after dinner with great views of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, a community theater, weekly farmers market, art galleries with hands-on classes, etc.
Cortez, off the island (via a bridge), is an historic fishing village with old wood cottages and fish houses (of many of the village's pioneering families) - you can buy seafood at the dock, or take a pick from a number of popular seafood restaurants. Sunsets are a daily observance - no two are ever the same, and it is not uncommon to hear people on the beach burst out in applause after sundown!
Sunset cruises, pier or fishing charters, scuba diving, kayak or wave runner rentals, there is an activity for everyone! Robinson Nature Preserve is a must, beautiful walking / biking trails, all very well maintained. Great sights from Key Royale to Tampa Bay, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach - the birdlife just amazes - pelicans, osprey, cranes, etc. We haven't even mentioned the mainland (Tampa, Bradenton, and Sarasota), Palma Sola Botanical Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and the rich Art & Culture offerings of Sarasota.
Conveniently located near Palma Sola Bay, DeSoto National Memorial Park, Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, GT Bray Recreation Center, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. The Rod & Reel has the best fries - hands down!
So much to enjoy: Sunset cruises, artificial reefs, bike paths, greenways / trails, kayak through exotic Mangrove tunnels, etc.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Outside our gated community there is a Fresh Market (just two minutes walk), a European Restaurant, Chicago style Eatery, Greek Diner, Japanese Ramen House, Hamburger Joint, Southern BBQ, NY Deli, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and Italian - you name it.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
Leisure and cultural activities
Walks or jogging paths
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
We offer a cleaning service (and an on-site handymen). We screen everyone (it is an HOA requirement), and hypoallergenic dogs less than 25 lbs. will be considered.
We are 24 minutes from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and 54 minutes from Tampa International. Located 4 minutes from Blake Medical Center, and 34 minutes from Sarasota Memorial, as well as close by numerous other top-rated, specialized, medical and surgical facilities. We often utilize the ease of Instacart for ordering groceries online, delivered from local stores (like Costco, Publix, Target, The Wine Shop, Sephora, BJ's, Sam's Club, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Aldi, Greenwise Market, Fresh Market, CVS, Petco, Nature's Food Patch, and others).
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2021
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2021
We live outside Charlotte, NC - however our definition of a white Christmas is not in the Appalachian Mountains, but rather spent tanning in the sun on the white-sand beaches of a seven mile stretch of Gulf coastline.
Additional languages spoken
Afrikaans
Affinities
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking
Affiliations
University Professors,
Retirees,
Seniors,
Artists / Entertainment Industry,
Banking / Finance
MoreLessProfession
Executive Recruiter, while my wife is retired.
Our personal links
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
Local home swap representatives around the world to assist you
Travel, save and feel at home around the world!