We looked at many options for this week including all down the Keys, including Key West and also at Bermuda. We knew it would be hot but decided to risk it with the easy access to water, pool and AC.

The host, Linda, provided excellent and timely communications allowing us to book flights and get things set on very short notice (four days prior!).

We could not have been more pleasantly surprised upon arrival. The location half-way down the Keys is perfect. Far enough to be in nice ocean but not the long slog down to Key West. Located between Islamorada and Marathon gave us many choices for shopping and activities with being in a town or with neighbors. The semi-private drive is nice, well paved and leads to a two-car pull through carport allowing you to keep your vehicle out of the hot sun and be able to get out barefoot without the hot pavement one would expect.

Let me walk you though our initial impressions:

First, we thought it was the wrong house. This was much larger than expected and had a 180 degree view west over the gulf.

The pictures on the site showed what looked like an above ground pool which we thought would be ok. It turns out the pool is a very large, round, elevated but in-ground pool. With a small seat on one side, full steps with hand rail on the other the pool is about three feet deep around the edge and drops gently to the center which is 7+ feet deep. The pool area was clean with lots of seating, plenty of shade if desired and lots of pool floaties and toys in a storage bin. Our kids walked the edge of the pool to create a fun whirlpool which was much more fun than in a small above ground pool. There are plenty of nice plants around the pool so it was very private.

Turns out you don't get enough space to write a proper review so I'll summarize:

The house is awesome. The kitchen rocks any other home we've rented and had everything you need, from coffee to pancakes to stir fry.

The master bedroom is huge and has to be seen to really appreciate it and it's TWO en-suite bathrooms!

The patio is amazing and we so enjoyed eating out there, even on scorching hot days.

Kayaks were available and the shallow water straight out was fun for all ages and deeper water off the main dock allowed us to rent a 27' boat for the week.

Easy drive to anywhere in the keys. We left at 3:30 PM, went down to Key West and snorkeled at the state park beach for two hours and we were by back by 9:30.

Rent this place, you will not regret it!