Naples Love Affair

I've been in Naples, Florida for the last couple of weeks. It is my secret haven, and I escape to my condo hideaway there any time I can. I like that it is a very quick flight from Atlanta, and once I'm there, I feel like I am in a tropical paradise. The town of Olde Naples is sophisticated but down-to-earth. The gulf views are as beautiful as any Caribbean beach...and the harbors offer sea-shack dining overlooking scores of beautiful boats. I'm not very social when I'm there because it's an older crowd, but I enjoy my private time to rejuvenate, read, paint, create, write, meditate and enjoy the beautiful gulf.

View from my condo.

Harbor view from local restaurant.

Lately, I've been wanting my own home in the heart of Naples to share with my family and friends. Driving around a couple of days ago, I found this gem...and it is for sale! It's the perfect beach cottage with it's own guest cottage, pool, and it's in walking distance to both the village (and nearest Starbucks!) and the beach. Perfect location, and a hefty pricetag to match. It's something I'd have to seriously consider as I am not one to "invest" in real estate lightly. This is something I would keep forever. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

My own phone shot of the front. See the guest cottage in the foreground? The gate leads to the main cottage and the courtyard pool. The following images are from the real estate listing...

View of the guest cottage overlooking the sparkling pool!

Guest cottage kitchen.

I love the floors in the guest cottage bedroom. They continue throughout the rest of the cottage. I'd probably maximize the space for a bit more sleeping space in here...Maybe even bunks.

This is the back of the main cottage. I absolutely love the architecture! Most of the homes in Olde Naples are Mediterranean style. This more relaxed look suits me much better. I like a casual, playful vibe at the beach.

I think I'd spend most of my time right here!

The main cottage was built in 2010 with a perfect seaside cottage aesthetic.

I don't consider myself a girlie-girl, but for some reason I really love the feminine decor. I may tone some of it down, but I would definitely keep the large cabbage rose wallpaper in the powder room. I couldn't have it in my every-day home, but it's fun and refreshing in a vacation house.

Same goes for the master bedroom. This is a bit frous-frous for me, but I could easily make the decor less feminine with wood floors, an upholstered headboard, maybe some modern accent furniture. I like the pink, but I would have to break it up a bit with natural materials.

Here's another opportunity for added sleeping space. I think vacation homes should comfortably sleep at least ten people. And that doesn't mean twin beds! Who likes to sleep in a twin? Have you ever seen a twin bed in a hotel? Aside from twin sized bunks for a kids' room, I would make sure everyone had at least a double bed. This room seems to have a lot of extra floor space and could eaily fit a king bed or two doubles.

Anyway, that gives you an overview of my favorite available property I've seen in Olde Naples thus far. The asking price is a little steep in my opinion, but it has everything I'm looking for...I'll keep you posted!