Casita de Bahia (Bay Cottage) Trailside: Stadium; Downtown in Dunedin

Casita de Bahia is a charming 1924 Spanish Revival 560 sf cottage that is situated close to downtown Dunedin and all its amenities.  This quaint vintage retreat was originally constructed as a tourist/honeymoon cottage by the builders of the locally famous Fenway Hotel (once Trinity College) which is 1 1/2 blocks to the west overlooking Edgewater Drive and St. Joseph's Sound. The Casita was part of a secluded enclave of homes, with now only four remaining. Located on a private road, this quiet, petite home-away backs up to the Pinellas Trail and is perfect for the true cottage lover!  

The Casita has a cozy, picket-fenced back yard with a stone patio and wood walkway leading directly to the Trail.  From the back gate, it's a 4-block stroll to the heart of downtown (less than 1/2 a mile and approx. 8 minutes by foot, 3 minutes by bicycle).  It's a 1-block walk to Dunedin Stadium (Spring Training facility of the Toronto BlueJays), the Hale Activity Center, restaurants, and the Dunedin Library.  Open the back gate and head west to reach the palm-lined walking path along the water, only a block-and-a-half away.  

The bedroom has a walk-in closet and Memory Foam queen-sized mattress; the bathroom adjoins the bedroom and includes a tub with shower.  A small (30" x 72") roll-away bed is included for overnight guests.  

The eat-in kitchen includes a full-sized refrigerator and range, microwave, all dishes and utensils, extra chairs, but no dishwasher. Items for bed, bath and kitchen are provided (soaps, tissues, dishes, pots & pans, linens, small appliances, cleaners & detergents, ironing board & iron, etc.) plus cable television in the living room, DVD player, wireless internet service (sorry, no phone), alarm clock, washer & dryer, gas BBQ, a window unit for heat and air in the living room, and an A/C unit in the bedroom.  

A majestic, moss-draped Live Oak greets visitors on their approach to the Casita.  Off-street parking suitable for two cars is at the side of the house on a shell and concrete driveway.

In addition to the cottage's great location, the large screened back porch (accessible from the kitchen) spans the length of the house.  At 10' x 30', it becomes an extension of the living areas for dining, relaxing and napping.  It offers a quiet, private retreat and a connection to the outdoors.  On balmy nights, it can be used as a sleeping porch for that true Southern experience!

There are 2 iron lounge chairs with cushions, a bistro set, and an umbrella for the back yard, as well as a dining table with four chairs and two lounging chairs for the porch.  A bamboo daybed is waiting for the earnest napper, reader or daydreamer.  An outdoor ceiling fan is also on the porch for added light and comfort.

The yard is a combination of mulch and shell, with plenty of grassy areas just off the property next to the Trail for walking the dog.  Although the back yard is not entirely fenced, one of the side yards is completely enclosed and gated to provide a convenient and secure area for your pet.

Gorgeous, free sunsets over the water just a block-and-a-half away!  Marina, the waterfront park & boat rentals close by.  Unique bars, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants nearby.  Golfing and country club fewer than 10 minutes away by car.  Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island only 15 minutes away (ride the ferry to Caladesi and look for dolphins or take a lazy sashay along the shell-strewn shore).  Tarpon Springs 20 minutes to the north.  Clearwater Beach 25 minutes to the south. Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor is only a short drive away.  Picnic on the water's edge at Weaver Park, just north of Main St.  The natural, "real Florida" beauty of Hammock Park awaits you just a couple of miles away.  Hunt for the discretely painted oranges by local artists which adorn various businesses and homes.  There are 3 area dog parks to delight your canine companion.  Listen to the bagpipes played by our community and school pipe and drum corps. Bring your golf cart and ditch the car; carts are now allowed on a large number of city streets (small registration fee required).  Go on a Segway scooter tour or watch them zip by on the Trail while enjoying your backyard oasis.  Rent a bicycle, bring your own or buy a used one at the many area thrift stores or year-'round neighborhood yard sales. Kayak, fish, hunt for shells and enjoy the sun and Gulf breezes...

 JAN., FEB. & MARCH 2014 are booked.  (Please feel free to inquire, though, in case there is a cancellation.)

• Jan., Feb. and March                     $1,950. monthly     $650. weekly 
• Dec. and April                               $1,850. monthly     $550. weekly      
• May, June, Oct. & Nov.                  $1,550. monthly     $550. weekly 
• July, Aug. & Sept.                         $1,450 monthly      $500. weekly     

Nightly stays: April through December only        $85.  (Minimum 3 nights' stay)

***Add 12% Tourist Tax      

Dogs are welcomed (limit of 2).   

No smoking in the house, but okay on the porch and in the yard.

$275. deposit due upon agreement-to-rent.  Amount refundable & mailed within 7 days after departure (end of stay).  Personal check from renter accepted. 

Cleaning fee (non-refundable):  $50. - $75.      

Pet fees:  $50. per pet WEEKLY/ $100. per pet MONTHLY (non-refundable). 

PLEASE NOTE:  Rental fee, plus cleaning and pet fees, are due 3 weeks prior to arrival. Deposits, contracts and payments not received by a specified date will void the reservation. Receipt of payment constitutes a confirmed reservation.  All cancellation fees apply. (Trip insurance is recommended.)  Prices subject to change until initial payment (deposit) and rental agreement are received.