PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A NON SMOKING BUILDING. NO BEACH SUPPLIES PROVIDED.
This cottage was built in the 1920’s and has been in my family since 1950. It’s located across from The Fountain of Youth and within walking distance to downtown. It is 1300 square feet, has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen and bath have tile flooring and marble counters. The living room / dining room has comfortable seating for 6 people. There is a reading/sitting room located between the bedrooms that has a full size sofa, reading lights and a stocked cabinet of books. There is a sun room with game table and board games on one end and seating on the other. Extra linens and pillows are located in the bedroom closets. There is an outdoor patio with seating for 8 that has a 7 foot tall privacy hedge. - Please observe quiet time from 10pm-8am keeping TV, music, regular noise and conversations at a low volume that does not disturb other guests.
My parents, Jim and Flora (hence Casa de Flora) Napier, purchased this cottage in 1950. My father owned and managed Napier Body Shop, was a member of the airport authority appointed by Florida Governor Claude Kirk and was an avid pilot. He loved everything aviation and was an all around wonderful human being who taught by example. He died from a heart attack in 1972 at the young age of 57. I lived here with my mother and sister until I graduated from the University of Florida and moved to Jacksonville to work as a pharmacist. My mother lived here until 2007 when she became unable to live on her own at the age of 92. After a long and robust life that included being a Rosie Riveter during WWII, raising two children, running a successful business and traveling the world she passed away at the age of 98.
As a child I rode my bike everywhere. We’re located close to downtown and anything that a growing boy could want. The Fountain of Youth is one street away and downtown is an easy walk. There are 2 beaches just a short drive away and if you’re a walker it’s beautiful to get up early and walk down to the bay front when everything is quiet and peaceful. The cottage was rented to full time tenants from 2007 until December of 2016. When the tenants moved away my wife, Mary Ann, and I decided to refurbish and furnish it as a vacation rental. This process entailed so much more than we ever envisioned but it has been a labor of love. We have spent blood (along with 13 stitches), sweat and tears getting it ready and are so very proud of what we have to offer. Mary Ann and I love to travel and have been fortunate to have stayed in some wonderful places. We have incorporated the things that we’ve seen and loved into this home. Our goal is for you to feel welcome, comfortable and a bit pampered. It’s not the Ritz but we think that we’ve accomplished our goal. The pictures accurately describe the space.
Bill Napier
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING FROM THE COTTAGE INCLUDING TOWELS.
Palmetto bugs are large bugs that have wings, look like giant roaches and can fly in through open doorways. They are a huge problem in Florida especially after heavy rains. We have a pest control service that sprays monthly but these particular bugs often still find a way to get in. Hopefully, if you see one he is either dead or dying. Don’t be alarmed - they don’t bite or sting. I usually grab a paper towel and pick them up and toss in the garbage can. If you see more than one or two please let me know and I’ll give the exterminator a call. Thank you for understanding 😊
