504 Useppa island $900,000

#504 “Barefoot Cottage” on Useppa Island is an intelligently renovated villa featuring a blend of classic design and clean coastal finishes. Situated on the western shoreline of this private, members-only island, the water views reach across the Intracoastal Waterway to Charlotte Harbor, with Gasparilla Island and famous Boca Grande Pass in the distance. A community dock dedicated to the neighborhood is nearby, making for easy access to the finest boating, fishing and beaches Southwest Florida has to offer. Surrounding this unit is a large open deck replaced new in 2023, along with new handrail and robust 2x6 skirting surrounding the lower storage crawlspace. Remote-operated canvas awnings are poised to roll out when shade is needed but remain inconspicuous when retracted. A ramp on the waterside leads to the mangrove shoreline, with a community dock a short walk away. Ownership of “Barefoot Cottage” comes with the cost-free right to dock a boat 24’ or less, offering convenient direct water access. Enter the front door to find an open kitchen and large living area, with clean coastal finishes throughout. Both the kitchen and living room possess unobstructed water views through a wall of sliding glass doors, which are protected by roll-down storm screens. To the east of the kitchen is the Master bedroom with spacious bathroom and ample closet storage. The first floor underwent a thorough renovation in 2022. New interior lighting, fans and flooring were installed, and a repaint was performed. The kitchen received a new refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and microwave and a new LG washer/dryer set was installed. The HVAC was replaced with a new system, along with an on-demand propane water heater. A new underground 500 gallon propane tank feeds the water heater and is ready for a generator to be installed. The entire lower level was spray-foam insulated under the floors, encapsulating the electrical wiring and providing for noticeable conservation of energy. Upstairs, the westernmost bedroom is a loft design which overlooks the living area. The western view through the impact-rated sliding door is a bird’s-eye of the water and islands beyond, with a private balcony right outside. The eastern guest room could serve a variety of purposes, with room enough for multiple kid’s beds, a fully functional office or small exercise room. The shared bath in between serves its purpose well. “Barefoot Cottage” has been consistently upgraded inside and out over recent years and presents an opportunity to have a very manageable island home without a long list of to-dos. The colors and décor are timeless, resulting in an ambiance in keeping with its classic Key West design, with accents of quality modern accoutrements. It has stood the test of island-time for over 40-years, and most significantly during recent years of sporty tropical events. Not once has “Barefoot Cottage” been intruded by rising flood waters and it has weathered the winds remarkably well.

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