THE
OSPREY NEST

http://www.flkeys-net.com/osprey

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RATES: The Osprey Nest is rented saturday to saturday at $995.00 per week. There is a fall discount of $100.00 (net rent $895.00)applied to those weeks between August 14, 2004 and ending December 18, 2004. A transient occupancy tax of 11.5% (Florida & Monroe County)is added to each stay. These rates are for an occupancy of four persons and include house cleaning upon departure.

SIZE: The "nest" is comprised of a master suite (bedroom and bath), living room (with sleeping alcove and "Murphy bed"), kitchen, guest bath and large patio. See floorplan.

FURNISHINGS: There are two queen size beds, sheets, towels, comforters. There are ceiling fans and air-conditioners in both the master suite and the living area. The A/C system is a "split" system (not wall-bangers) and very similar to a central system. Very quiet. Also included is cable television and two color TV's with remotes, stereo, CD player, and both video and audio cassette players. The kitchen is fully set up for six people and includes a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator with ice maker, coffee maker, and many other small appliances. There is a clothes washer/dryer in the guest bath. For the roof/deck/patio, there are chairs, lounges and a charcoal grill available for broiling your daily catch. The master bath has a large vanity & mirror, soffeted lighting and glass block shower enclosure.

LOCATION: The property is located at approximately mile marker 82.3 near light pole 652-B. The actual address is 82236 Overseas Highway... central Islamorada, Upper Matecumbe Key (across from The Garden of Eden). You drive to the waterfront through beautiful native hammock. The "nest" is in the bayfront building, upstairs and is marked with a sign, "THE OSPREY NEST".

Holiday House Resort includes seven residences on an acre of property which runs from US 1 (Overseas Hwy) to Florida Bay. The property has single family homes on either side. The "Nest" is in the bayfront building and one of three residences in that building nearest the bay, and the only one on the upper level which insures your privacy. The views are spectacular. You will love the easy access to the waterfront via the new spiral staircase.

PROPERTY: The property is quite special, private and secluded... ideal for a private vacation. There is a free launching ramp for boats of approximately 18 feet and a protected boat basin for boats of approximately 26 feet or less. The boat basin is deep and has both water and electricity. The ramp can be shallow if the tide is out. There is a special trailer storage area as well as an assigned parking place for your use.

There are tables and chairs near the boat basin and on the jetty for your use. Feel free to use the fish cleaning table or the shower near the ramp. When cleaning your fish, you may throw the "remains" to the pelicans/egrets and they will be most appreciative.... though not so much as to not try to steal your filets. That's happened to the best of us.

TELEPHONE: There is a telephone for local calls. You may be reached at 305-664-8725. This line cannot be used for out of the area calls without a credit card (or collect).

Please restrict smoking to the outdoors.

You are welcome to unpack and use the dressers. There are drawers in the Murphy bed cabinet and storage within for guest use.

Most of the people you see on the property are owners who will be helpful if you need anything.

Feel free to swim, dive or fish from the jetty... but remember there is no life guard.

Islamorada bait store is just past the Trading Post market on the right (bayside).

Boats larger than 17/18 feet can be launched at the Lorelei one-half mile south or at Lindback's La Siesta Marina further south. Caribee Marina, down the creek to the south past the Lorelei, is the closest boat gas.

Backcountry Guide, Capt. Bruce Stagg, is a popular and accomplished guide as well as a delightful person. You'll have fun catching fish and having a new friend. Phone him at 305-853-5818, e-mail brucestagg@earthlink.net. Another guide for your consideration is a new friend of mine, Captain Frank Ortiz. He calls himself a "Native Guide" which really means he grew up in Islamorada. His father takes care of my "Keys Cruiser" (1962 Ford Falcon Ranchero) when I'm not in residence. Capt. Frank specializes in Tarpon, Redfish and of course, Bonefish. You can reach him at 305-453-7330 or page Frank at 305-862-7226. His address is 81983 State Road 905, Islamorada, FL 33036.

My favorite "watering hole" (I guess that's a Western term) is the Lorelei at MM 82, US 1. It is a great place to watch the backcountry guides clean their daily catch, people watch, dance, feed the ducks, and watch the sunsets. This popular establishment is referred to as "city hall" because so many locals hang out there. Just look for the mermaid bayside.

For boat rentals I most often recommend Island Boat Company. They pick up & deliver. They have Boston Whalers. 305-664-5441.

The movie theater is in the Tavernier Town shopping center at about MM 91.5, US 1.

MAIL can be sent or received at the Islamorada post office (33036), which is about one mile to the north on US l oceanside. You may receive "general delivery" mail there.

FAXES may be sent or received across US 1 at the Four Winds. The fax number is 305-664-2645, and there is a reasonable charge. Have the sender indicate your name and 664-8725 as the local telephone contact.

There are several banks available. The Islamorada Bank (TIB) and Bank of America are located on the lower end of the island.

World Wide Sportsman has created one of the most outstanding stores I have ever seen. Inside you will find an array of fishing gear, Papa Hemingway's fishing boat, Pilar and Zane Grey Bar. They are Bayside at MM81.5.

GROCERY STORES: The Trading Post is 3/4 mile south @ MM 81.5, bayside. Eckerd's Drug is 1/2 mile north @ MM 81.5, US 1, bayside. A second market, The Townsite, is just south of Eckerd's Drug.

The Islamorada Seafood Market is south @ MM 81.5, US 1, bayside and is my favorite for both fresh seafood items as well as for an occasional lunch and dinner by the bay (see below).

The Airport Shuttle that I use is The Airporter. They offer very good and reliable personal service. You may reach them by calling 305-852-3413 or 800-830-3413. Recently established is a new service, KEYS SHUTTLE. They are reliable and can be reached @ 888-765-9997. They go to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport regularly.

Favorite Restaurants include:

Bentley's: This is the local's favorite. Many excellent specials as well as attractively priced regular entrees. Reservations are suggested. Call 664-9094. Located just south of the post office @ MM 82.8, US 1.

Gusto's: Recently opened in Islamorada, have reasonably priced entre's and is owned by a Greek Family. Good service. MM 82.7

Hog Heaven: Now this may seem unusual for a fishing area, but this is the only real sports bar in this area.... pretty good for lunch too. MM 85.5 oceanside, US 1.

The Hungry Tarpon: Located on the east end of Lower Matecumbe Key @ 77522 US 1 (MM 77.5). It is worth the trip for a funky keys experience. I like their breakfasts and fish sandwiches for lunch. Next door you can actually feed Tarpon by hand... which is quite an experience.

Islamorada Fish Co.: Actually two locations bayside. The Seafood market at 81532 US 1 (MM 81.5) has super entrees at very good prices. I like the cracked Conch. And you can sit outside. The other is Islamorada Fish Co. Restaurant & Bakery. This is at the old location of The Lovin' Dough at 81620 US 1 (MM 81.6). You may want to make reservations; 664-8363. Boy, do they have a great Tuna entree with peppercorn sauce!

Papa Joe's: This is a super seafood restaurant. They'll even cook your fish for you at a nice discount. Located at the very southern end of the island @ MM 79.7, bayside, US 1.

Lazy Days: Located oceanside at about MM 79.9, US 1. Great views, super food from Chef Lupe'. Try their special chicken dish. 664-5256.

Little Italy: When heading towards Key West, try this favorite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I especially like the fried fish for lunch. Located as you enter Layton on Long Key, bayside @ MM 68.5, US 1.

Sunshine Supermarket: Has several carry-out Cuban specialties. My favorites are the roast chicken or pork, hot bread, black beans and pastries. It is located oceanside in Tavernier @ MM 91.3, US 1.

For Special Dates Click Here