Captiva Island is a unique setting off the west coast of Florida. Located adjacent to the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva has been the destination of choice for those who desire a laid-back Florida of the early 20th century sans traffic, congestion and chain restaurants. A destination which truly defines relaxed. This semi-tropical paradise is where the famous 20th century artist Robert Rauschenberg set up his studio and painted during the later years of his career enjoying the unique light and the diversity of year-round scenery.

Sandhurst Estate gained notoriety as the centerpiece of MTV’s Summer Beach House (2004), yet the owners have since rectified the situation as the estate has also been featured on HGTV’s Vacation Living Show as the Ultimate Dream Vacation Home and in Martha Stewart Living Magazine’s Leaf Print Fabrics article.

Sandhurst Estate captures the luxury of yesteryear while embracing the modern era. The bayfront Estate on Roosevelt Channel (the Gold Coast of Captiva Island) is Colonial West Indies style reminiscent of the colonial homes of the Caribbean.  When guests first enter the grounds, the estate is often mistaken for a resort. The multi-level estate with its pink/salmon hue and white trim recalls the mansions of Palm Beach. As was tradition of the mansions of the era, public rooms are expansive and private chambers denoted by name and each individually furnished.

The eight (8) bedrooms sleep 20 in supreme luxury; the biggest dilemma for guests is to choose which chamber would be most to their tastes. Each bedroom is individually designed including furnishings and accessories from Sanderson, Ralph Lauren, Ken Done, Brunschwig & Fils, and Sandhurst embroidered Frette & Peacock Alley Bathrobes.

THE MASTER RETREAT:  Is known for its custom queen bed and access to a private veranda and beautiful views. Guests will embrace the exquisite granite tile, Baldwin brass fixtures, the jetted tub and when enjoying morning coffee on the verandah, signature Sandhurst snuggly robes.

THE PINEAPPLE SUITE: The symbol of hospitality worldwide offers its guests a 4-poster queen bed and a one-of-a-kind water view from the 20’ x 20’ verandah. The en suite bathroom was set with European tile and offers a handicap-accessible shower and toilet.

THE BIG BAMBOO RETREAT: Is aptly named due to the unique and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Indonesian bamboo 4-poster queen bed, en suite bathroom and a private veranda and water views.

THE STARFISH: A symbol of the sea, this room offers guests two luxury twin beds with a private balcony overlooking the private tennis court and lush estate garden views.

THE NURSERY: Two twins with a crib outfitted with Laura Ashley linens, changing table, rocking chair, baby gate and baby monitor. Perfect for children, the furnishings have been designed and built to scale for younger children including a book selection.

TURTLE NEST RETREAT: The ideal room for an au pair or traveling staff including a queen bed and garden views.

TURTLE NEST KIDS: Perfect for the children with four (4) twin beds and a view of the pool.

THE COCONUT COTTAGE: A one bedroom suite with king bed, 1 twin in the alcove and a pullout queen bed in the Florida Room, perfect for the extended family or for those who desire additional privacy.

The majestic public rooms combine comfort and elegance suitable for family reunions yet offering the formality when desired for weddings, corporate retreats, private parties and other events when a private estate may be most appropriate.

The custom public room offers comfortable furnishings and multiple fireplaces for ambiance or for those rare chilly nights. Many rooms open onto a deck or verandah embracing the outdoors lifestyle of the sub-tropical climate. The wet-bar is fully equipped for guests to entertain in style.

Since the home was designed for entertaining, the kitchen is expansive but can be scaled down to accommodate smaller groups. A cross between a professional catering kitchen and a private chef’s domain, the kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances from Bosch and Viking and the 15’ granite center island will be the informal gathering place of the estate. As a domain for a private chef, The Sandhurst Personal Chef “Matt-Z-Chef” is internationally renowned and has been featured in Bon Appetite and Gulfshore Life Magazines. Matt is able to provision the kitchen, prepare incredible meals and take guests out on his state-of-the-art Kevlar fishing boat to catch the evening’s dinner. Consider having Matt take your guests island-hopping to a deserted beach for a shipwreck “picnic”.

As mentioned prior, the estate is sometimes mistaken by travelers to be  a resort which is quite understandable with 2+ acres of professionally manicured landscaping The pool deck and over-sized heated pool rivals many resorts as does the estate grounds (for the beach lover, there is private gated access). When not doing laps or playing in the pool, guests may try to improve their backhand on the tennis court (racquets and balls available). For the adventure seeker, the two-person kayak provides a serene experience gliding along the waterways from the private bay-front dock, while others may enjoy a spirited game of badminton, volleyball or croquet on the manicured lawn.

INSIGHTS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED TRAVELER:

Access: Commercial and general aviation options are available into the Fort Myers Regional Southwest Airport (RSW). For international travelers consider Tampa, Orlando and Miami. For boaters, access from the Inter-coastal Waterway is an option.  Chauffeur service is available from the airport with the average transit time approximately 40 minutes.

Dining: The Sandhurst Personal Chef “Matt-Z-Chef” is internationally renowned and available for just 1 night or every night. Matt claims that children are his toughest critics (’they don’t know what they’re supposed to like!); however, he is happy to create a very special dining experience for individuals with special dietary needs and considerations. Of course, provisioning is available.

Considering Dining Out: Due to the beautiful weather many restaurants embrace the outdoor lifestyle. While formal dining is available, most restaurants are casual in dress and attitude yet the culinary scene is impressive. For beach front, consider the Mucky Duck. RC Otters for micro-brew. The Keylime Bistro offers great fare. The Bubble Room is not to be missed.

Beyond Your Estate: Even though Sandhurst will keep its guests occupied, there is so much beyond the estate.  Captiva Island is famous as a wedding and honeymoon destination with prime beach access, astounding views, premier concierge and services, and a plethora of recreational activities to keep guests of all ages entertained.  From amazing shelling to bicycling to fishing, boating, to just relaxing on the beach, this is Captiva Island.  Whatever your interests, it can be found on the island or close by.

RATE: From $10,975 – $16,500 USD/Week