$499,000

Welcome to this incredibly charming turn key furnished waterfront cottage paradise! Tucked beneath sprawling oaks, mature mahoganies and swaying palms, this secluded St. James City retreat offers nearly half an acre of shaded, private waterfront bliss — yet it's just minutes from some of the island's favorite restaurants, bars, and local hangouts. And did we mention the privacy? The property feels like your own tropical hideaway. Watch manatees and dolphins cruise the canal from your backyard, cast a line, or grill the catch of the day after bringing it in from your own 30-foot dock. Not fishing today? Two nearby fresh seafood markets make it easy to bring home the day's local catch. And if outdoor living is your thing, Enjoy mornings on your two screened porches — one overlooking the expansive backyard and waterfront, and another facing the large front yard. Morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, or a quiet evening outdoors — you've got the perfect spot for every mood. Inside, the cottage has been updated while keeping its unmistakable Old Florida beach-house character. The large butcher block kitchen island provides plenty of room for friends and family to gather for drinks, dinner, and fish stories, while the spacious living area keeps everything comfortable and inviting. One of the home's most memorable features is beneath your feet: unique hand-painted wood floors running throughout the cottage. Creative, colorful, and easy to maintain, they're almost guaranteed to become a conversation piece the moment guests walk through the door. The oversized primary bedroom offers a built-in vanity and two large closets, while the second bedroom has a generous closet of its own. The bathroom features a roomy walk-in tile shower, tile flooring, and a corner linen cabinet with deep shelving. The updated laundry room includes a newer front-loading washer and dryer, a new water heater, a generous butcher block folding counter, and upper cabinetry. When you're ready to explore, simply walk out to your dock, step aboard the boat, and go. From your backyard, it's approximately a fifteen-minute canal ride through beautiful mangroves, with incredible fishing, bird watching, and Southwest Florida nature along the way. Continue into Pine Island Sound, and a whole new world opens up — Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, gulf waters, waterfront restaurants, and countless places to explore by boat. Or don't go anywhere at all. Fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the shade beneath the trees while boats, dolphins, and manatees pass by. This is exactly the Pine Island lifestyle people come for.