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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sandbox Beach House located?
The Sandbox is a two-bedroom cottage at 3012 Avenue E in Holmes Beach, in the middle of Anna Maria Island, Florida. It sits one house off the beach on a quiet residential street.
How close is the beach?
Very close. The cottage is one house off the beach, with direct beach access and no road to cross, so you can walk to the sand with a towel over your shoulder.
How do I check availability?
Check the live calendar on our availability page, or browse the open dates page for a quick list of open weeks. When you pick dates on the calendar, the booking button opens the property manager's own booking page for those dates. You can also call the BeachRentals.Mobi office at 941-778-1979 or send us your preferred dates.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes. The minimum stay is 7 nights in every season, in line with Holmes Beach vacation rental rules.
Which day of the week can I check in?
It depends on the week. In the manager's busier rate periods, online bookings need a Saturday check-in. On the manager's current rate calendar those are November 21 to 27, 2026, December 19, 2026 to May 1, 2027 and May 30 to July 31, 2027. Check-out can be any day, as long as the stay is at least 7 nights. To arrive on another day in those weeks, call the BeachRentals.Mobi office at 941-778-1979. In the other weeks the online booking accepts other arrival days, always for at least 7 nights.
What is the check-in/check-out time?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are never guaranteed. They are not available over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's or Easter, or at any time in January, February, March, June or July. In April, May, August, September and October you can ask the property manager, no more than a week before you arrive. Staying past 10:00 AM without permission is charged at $75 per half hour.
How many people can the house accommodate?
Up to 6 guests, including children. There are 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths: a king bed in the primary bedroom, which has a private half bath, two twin beds in the second bedroom, and a double daybed in the sunroom. The full bath has a tiled walk-in shower.
Is the beach house pet-friendly?
Yes, for one dog up to 35 lb, approved by the property manager before you book. The pet fee is $150 per week, is non-refundable and is charged at booking. Some breeds are not accepted, including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Akitas, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Huskies and Boxers. Cats and other animals are not allowed. The backyard is fenced, which helps with supervised time outside; the pool is in the same backyard, so stay with your dog out there. Holmes Beach does not allow animals on any of its beaches, so plan your dog's walks around the neighborhood. For guests who prefer no-pet environments or have pet allergies, we recommend our sister property, Bay to Beach House, which has a strict no-pet policy.
Is the backyard fenced?
Yes. The backyard is fenced. The private saltwater pool and the outdoor bar pavilion are in the same backyard, so stay with your dog, and with young children, whenever they are near the water.
What amenities are included?
Outside, a fenced backyard with a private saltwater pool (pool heat is added to online bookings by default: $150 for a one-week stay, adjusted by the office for longer stays, and you can decline it), the outdoor bar pavilion by the pool (a covered outdoor bar with a beverage fridge/freezer, bar stools and a serving bar), outdoor Bose speakers, a hammock landing, a gas grill, patio dining and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the beach. Inside, a newly remodeled kitchen with a freezer, central air conditioning, WiFi, TVs in the living room and both bedrooms, and a washer and dryer. Bed and bath linens and pool and beach towels are provided, and there is parking for 3 vehicles.
Does the house have a pool?
Yes. The Sandbox has its own private saltwater pool with built-in benches, shared with no one else. Pool heat is added to online bookings by default ($150 for a one-week stay; the office adjusts it for longer stays). You can decline it - just ask the office. The manager recommends heat because the pool sits near shady trees, and heated pools are kept no warmer than 84°F.
What does a stay cost?
Weekly rates run from $1,495 to $3,495 depending on the season, with no weekly or monthly discount. Every stay also carries a $315 departure clean (linens included), a $60 non-refundable security fee, the property manager's administrative and reservation fees, and state and local taxes. Online bookings also add pool heat by default ($150 for a one-week stay; the office adjusts it for longer stays), and you can decline it - just ask the office. The manager's online booking shows your itemized total for your dates before you pay. If you bring your dog, the $150 per week pet fee is charged at booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments toward a reservation may become non-refundable after a certain date, and full or partial refunds are given only under the conditions set out in the rental agreement, so please read it before you book. The agreement also says refunds are not given for other reasons unless the cottage becomes uninhabitable before or during your stay, and a mandatory evacuation means leaving the property. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Is booking direct allowed?
Yes. You can book directly with the property manager, BeachRentals.Mobi, on their own booking page (pick your dates on our availability page to open it) or by calling their office at 941-778-1979. The cottage is also listed on VRBO. Booking direct means dealing with the manager without a booking platform in between; the manager's fees and taxes apply either way.
What is the check-in and check-out process?
Keys are released once your final payment and signed rental agreement are in. Arrival instructions are sent about 10 days before you arrive, and the property manager is on hand if you need anything during your stay.
Are there house rules?
You are vacationing in a residential neighborhood. The cottage is non-smoking inside, quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM under Holmes Beach rules, and the house is for up to 6 overnight guests, so it is not available for parties or events.
Who manages the property?
BeachRentals.Mobi LLC manages the cottage and handles reservations, payments, keys and the rental agreement. You can reach them at reservations@beachrentals.mobi, on 844-206-6624, or at their office on 941-778-1979. The Sandbox holds Holmes Beach vacation rental certificate VRC #18-000044.