Michael

1 property

29 reviews

Expert owner

Direct booking - no fees


Joined 2008

Michael

Owner from Woking, United Kingdom

About

Hi, I am English, my wife American. We live in the UK, married for over 35 years we have two grown up daughters. We visit family in Florida regularly and now own our own piece of it in Rotonda. I jog and cycle to keep fit, my wife shops! We just love it here, not just the sun, but the whole area is unique, unspoiled and special. It is more 'old time' Florida, not commercialized or touristy. You will have the most relaxing, "get away from it all", time here! We have a local management company, run by an English family who look after the villa and will look after you while you stay here.

1 property


29 reviews

Family from West Sussex, United Kingdom

Andrew

Family from West Sussex, United Kingdom · June 2024
Return visit and just as good as the first time. Have no doubt will consider this villa again next year.

Couple from Darlington, United Kingdom

Karen

Couple from Darlington, United Kingdom · August 2019
Beautiful property in a lovely area. Quiet and restful with plenty of wildlife visiting!Close to fabulous beaches
Michael

Reply from Michael

Thanks Karen, do come back!

Couple from Ongar, United Kingdom

Lisa

Couple from Ongar, United Kingdom · August 2019
We’ve just returned after a two week stay at Herons rest. The villa is well equipped and very spacious and comfortable. The only downside was the pool... it wasn’t cleaned whilst we were there and there appeared to be amould/moss type of substance in the pool. Apart from that, it was a wonderful stay.
Michael

Reply from Michael

Lisa, Thank you for the 5 stars. I am concerned to hear about your pool comments so I will message you direct. In 12years I have not had a compliant of this nature. Pool is regulatory maintained, so I will be looking into this. Mike

Family from London, United Kingdom

Nathalie

Family from London, United Kingdom · July 2019
A great house with all the amenities you could wish for. Layout is perfect to separate parents from their teenagers. The pool overlooking the canal, the hues of the sky at sunset, the birds singing at dawn, the alligator (a mini one but still!) spotted amongst the leaves in the water, the extreme quietness of the neighbourhood made our holiday a happy one. Great beaches to explore nearby. And a good starting point for further exploration. Friendly locals overall. Southwest Florida at its best!
Michael

Reply from Michael

Thank you so much, do come back!

Couple from Bradford, United Kingdom

Susan

Couple from Bradford, United Kingdom · April 2019
Wow Wow Wow. What a beautiful property this is. It is very well equipped and the owners have thought of everything to make their guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay. It is well cared for and it is obviously a loved home from home for the owners. It is very well furnished. There was only the two of us the villa and we used the master bedroom. It was a massive. A patio door led out to the pool area. There was plenty of room, a large closet, and a large unit that housed the television. This unit had small cupboards and some small drawers. It would have been nice to have more drawer space, possibly a small chest of drawers in the closet out of the way. Unfortunately I take too much stuff with me. I still haven’t learned after all these years of travelling. The kitchen was well equipped, and I soon got used to the oven. I use a fan assisted one at home. The washer and drier were in the garage. The owner gives permission to use items from the garage. What a selection. We used beach chairs and a beach umbrella when at the beach. Beach towels were also provided. When at “home” we never used the lounge area. We were always outside on the sundeck. A beautiful place to relax, have breakfast and drinks. We loved watching the wildlife from the sundeck and Dock. We were very lucky to see to name a few, the odd Alligator, Heron, Egrets, a Turtle and an Anhinga Bird he/she used to come to the dock and spread its wings to dry. Two Wood Peckers came one day they decided to tackle the house. What a noise. Fortunately there was no damage. We loved watching the Purple Martins looking after their babies. Unfortunately we were not lucky enough to see them fledge. We had left by then. What a beautiful wildlife haven. We paid for pool heating prior to our visit. It was not on when we arrived. A quick call to the manager it was soon put on. Pool towels were also provided. I choose this villa because I wanted to see a different area in Florida, and it doesn’t disappoint. I wanted to go walking in the Myakka State River Park, although it was further away than I realised it was worth the drive. Also The Myakka State Forest which was a lot nearer. We also went walking in Jelks Preserve. During our stay we visited three beaches. Gasparilla Island, Stump Pass Beach which we called at on our way back from Venice, and Englewood beach where we were lucky enough to see a Manatee swimming in the sea close to the shoreline. What a wonderful experience that was. I also collected fossilised sharks teeth. Apparently they are over 2 million years old. My grandson loved them. For those who want to shop there is a great shopping mall in Port Charlotte. Port Charlotte Town Centre , on the Tamiami Trail. The owner’s description of the villa and surrounding area is spot on. This is a private home and is clearly loved by the owners. It was excellent value for money and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to couples and families alike. Thank you to Mike and family for allowing us to stay in your fabulous home. Kindest regards.

Family from Darlington, United Kingdom

Karen

Family from Darlington, United Kingdom · June 2018
This is the best villa we have stayed at! A proper family home which is obviously cherished by the owner as it is very comfortable, well equipped and homely. The area was very quiet, which we liked with good roads to local beaches and state parks. We chose to spend more time at the villa than we planned because it was so nice and saw a variety of wildlife which was brilliant. I would definitely recommend.
Michael

Reply from Michael

Thank you so much for that, do come back soon!

Friends from Bristol , United Kingdom

Judy

Friends from Bristol , United Kingdom · May 2018
This was our third stay at Herons Rest, and I’m sure not the last. We love the area and the villa is large and comfortable.

Family from Belmont, Durham , United Kingdom

Neil

Family from Belmont, Durham , United Kingdom · June 2017
Second stay at Herons Rest which says it all really- a lovely house-all equipment in garage to support family activities,from a day at the beach, tennis in the local park, going golfing/cycling or fishing from the dock at the rear of the house or fishing from the beach/pier. My myself and my family love staying at this house and love the area-local activities and uncrowded beaches. No hesitation in recommending renting this home to anyone and Mike the owner is great to deal with reference to questions you have.

Couple from Bognor Regis, United Kingdom

Julie

Couple from Bognor Regis, United Kingdom · April 2016
We stayed in this villa 4 years ago and found it to be just as good. We like the dual aspect lounge and the views from all rooms except 3rd bedroom and bathrooms , obviously. Plenty of wildlife to view from the patio area. The area is very quiet and you will definately need a car. Two cranes and their baby visited us on the last morning providing photo opportunity before they slowly moved off down the street.
Michael

Reply from Michael

Thank you,

 From Peterborough, United Kingdom

lee

From Peterborough, United Kingdom · July 2012
This is the most delightful elegant beautiful villa we have ever stayed at. It is as well equipped as a normal home and has a really cozy homely feel. The neighbours and locals are really friendly and the villa is in a great location with great golf courses tennis courts(though very busy)bike ride trails and paths for jogging or lovely evening strolls. Great pool and outside space with beautiful views where you can sit out and relax and watch the sun go down. The fishing deck at the bottom of the garden is a really nice finishing touch. The perfect place for spotting wildlife. We saw gators stalks eagles herons armadillo racoons bobcats and loads of turtles and more. Amazing. If you are going out make sure you remember the insect repellant!!! This has been our most amazing holiday in the most beautiful villa we have ever stayed at. Constructive criticism is always useful for these reviews but for the first time ever I really dont have anything that isnt positive to say about this place. If this villa is on your shortlist then it really should be the one to choose. It will totally exceed your expectations just like it did ours. Thanks to the owners for sharing their beautiful home.