Barefoot Way

Barefoot Way is a beachfront estate house on the gold coast section of Captiva Island. Fully remodeled! Follow the delightful path through tropical plantings, past tall palms, whispering pines, and the beachside gazebo, to the amazing beach: baking white sand, refreshing Gulf water – and it feels like it’s all your own, in this sparsely-populated area.

The large heated private pool is ringed by a sun patio and shaded outdoor dining areas. Opening onto the pool deck is the lower-level recreation room with games (air hockey and ping pong) and a kitchenette.

Up on the main levels, the house has that rare combination of luxurious comfort and grand formality. Ten-foot coffered ceilings, eight-foot solid doors, gleaming columns, crown molding, and fine art lend the cultured feel of a city mansion. The huge premium windows let in plenty of tropical light to fall on sensible furnishings, a high-function kitchen, an assortment of break-out spaces, all-suite bedrooms, and thoughtful details such as dual changing rooms at the pool. The west side rooms all have enviable views of the beach, and the large screened lanai will be a favorite spot for shady retreats, sunset cocktails, and outdoor grilling and dining.

The main level surrounds a two-story great room, with huge windows capitalizing on the beautiful Gulf beach views. A formal sitting area enjoys cheerful natural light in front of a stone-faced chimney (sorry, fireplace not available).

Just off the great room (to the northwest) is a big, cozy den with HDTV, a wall of bookshelves, a sofa, and four stuffed chairs. Broad windows overlook the beach, and a side door opens onto the screened lanai. The den has its own full guest bathroom with a shower.

Heading south from the great room is the main dining table (seats eight easily), the wet bar (with glass see-through cabinets, and mini-fridge), and the breakfast bar and island with seating… also serving as “spectator seating” for activities in the big kitchen.

The kitchen is completely remolded with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances.  Workflows easily around the central island with its ample counter space. Equipment includes a built-in oven and microwave with an induction range, two dishwashers, and a warming drawer.

For casual dining, the breakfast room (seats 8) is adjacent to the kitchen and enjoys a beach view through an expanse of new windows. Continue out the side door onto the screened lanai for a really unbeatable expanse of beach view. Here is a large outdoor dining table (seats 8) and a lounge area with seating and tables. Ceiling fans keep the breezes going on the lanai during the heat of the day.

There is a large powder room (guest half-bath) beyond the wet bar. Near the kitchen is a laundry room with a full-size washer/dryer, a laundry sink, storage cabinets, and a flip-down ironing board. And of course, the elevator takes you smoothly and quietly to all three floors.

Downstairs is another delight: the big recreation room, opening right onto the pool patio. It’s fully carpeted and ideal for family activities. There is a kitchenette with a built-in mini-fridge, sink, and plenty of cabinets and counter space. A glass-top dining table invites four to a picnic, snacks, or card game. On the wall, a 42-inch HDTV faces the sofa (which pulls out to a queen bed). The other end of the room is given over to the ping-pong table and the Turbo Air Hockey game.

Another playroom area also serves as a repository for beach gear. Multiple doors open from these rooms onto the pool sun patio, furnished with many lounge chairs. The pool is large and has an integrated spa tub. A big gas grill serves the covered outdoor dining table (seats six) under ceiling fans and recessed lighting. The pool level has two nice changing rooms (half baths) with large vanities, a toilet, changing booth (curtain), and a bench.

Each of the bedrooms has a private en-suite full bathroom, in addition to the multiple guest bathrooms for the common areas.

Three suites share the upper level.

In the northeast is a bedroom with a bunk bed and a private lanai on the north side of the house. There is a large dresser and two full closets. The en-suite bath has a tub shower.

In the northwest (with a water view) is a king suite with an entrance onto the upper-level sundeck. It has a desk and chair, TV, and a walk-in closet. The en-suite bath has a step-in oversized shower.

In the southeast are a king bedroom and a lovely sitting area surrounded by windows. It has a walk-in closet, dresser, TV, and en-suite bath with tub shower.

On the main level are two more bedroom suites.

In the northeast is a queen bedroom with a four-poster bed and a private lanai on the north side of the house. It has a large dresser and closet, and an en-suite bathroom with a corner step-in shower.

In the southeast is a suite with two full beds. It has a large dresser and closet, and an en-suite bathroom with a step-in oversize shower.

Even though every bedroom has its private en-suite bathroom, more is even better! The family room has a full bath with a corner step-in shower. And of course, there are the three half-baths pictured on the main page: two pool-level changing rooms, and the powder room on the main level.