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: 2025 License Expiration: December 31, 2025 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. Fees apply. 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 - 77 inch Sony 4K - 3D - ULTRA HD LED TV. SONOS surround sound. Amazing home theatre experience! Samsung 4K 3-D Blue Ray player. 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.
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
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Pool/Spa
Heated pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Outdoor shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
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
In a village
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the marina
Near the sea
Next to a golf course
On a lake
Things to do
Bicycles
Golf
Heated pool
Optional golf privileges
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Bicycles
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 1,600 square feet
Similar properties
Vacation home within walking distance to Bowman Beach
Vacation home within walking distance to Bowman Beach
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
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 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 transport 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 area
Sanibel, FL
What's nearby
Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
Periwinkle Way - 3 min drive - 1.7 km
Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
Sanibel Island Northern Beach - 6 min drive - 3.7 km
Sanibel Island Lighthouse - 10 min drive - 4.4 km
Getting around
Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 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.
How much does it cost to stay at SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach?
As of 25 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach on 26 Jun 2025 start from NZ$1,324.35, 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 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?
Checkout 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 holiday home is in the city centre 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 miles (3 km).
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SANIBEL SUN CASTLE - Splendid home, great location, heated pool, bike to beach Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 100 reviews
10 - Excellent
85
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 100 reviews
8 - Good
13
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 100 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 100 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 100 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
8/10
Great location. Nice porch and pool area. Enjoyed our 5 days in Sanibel.
Steven B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10
Ralph was amazing the owner and everything was communicated very well I would definitely come back here again. Met all of my expectations.
Jeff L.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10
Rooms/kitchen were great! House worked great for 4 people Loved pool area.
David B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
10/10
We spent hours on the lovely porch enjoying the view. Very clean and lovly decorations and space were great and the bedding , so comfortable. Ralph was so easy to communicate with and helpful. This was our first time back since Hurricane Ian and the evidence of distruction could stiil be seen in parts of the island so it was wonderful to return"home" to this lovely place. We'd love to come again. (How could I forget the beautiful pool and huge TV. ) Thanks Ralph and Anna
Emily B.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Enjoyed some much needed R&R at Sanibel Sun Castle! Home was well stocked and very comfortable. Loved sitting on the screened in porch overlooking the beautiful pool and golf course. Pool was immaculate and had everything needed for lazy days by the water. Great location and easy access to Jerry’s grocery store and area restaurants. I rented a bike and just loved exploring Sanibel! Excellent communication with the host. Need to return soon!!
Patty D.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Close to beach and golf was great
kirsten g.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10
We really enjoyed our stay. Great home and great property manager. Highly recommend this place!
William W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10
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.
Nathan G.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10
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!
Holly H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
8/10
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.
Criston B.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
10/10
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.
Carole K.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10
Great location close to restaurants, activities and shopping. We loved the heated pool and grilling out. Very comfortable home .
Mary M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020
10/10
Very clean, the owner was available anytime we needed anything.
Sharon K.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
10/10
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.
Libby M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10
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!
E H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
8/10
Very quiet neighborhood
Rigoberto
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10
It was a perfect Sanibel home for my family. Good location, wonderful pool, and great amenities. 6 stars if possible!
Eloise E.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022
10/10
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!
Heidi M.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2023
10/10
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!
Ramona H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
10/10
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!
Lynn H.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024
10/10
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.
Scott K.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10
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.
Peggy D.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2019
10/10
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.
Ramón R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10
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!
jennifer M.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018
10/10
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!