A true mid-century home, with original features, and whimsical, comfortable furnishing, and with sufficient space that allowed for privacy for our group of theatre artists, for a full five week visit. It's a time capsule, well preserved and very clean.
Even with a baby grand in the living room, which we played regularly, there is considerable room to spread out and lounge in the main living room. The beds were just the right firmness, and we had an ample supply of linens and towels. The bedrooms are cosy with limited storage, but do accommodate couples. The bathrooms are also cosy, with original tile work--it's a 1950s home after all, but well appointed. The kitchen is very well supplied, where we were able to cook a good array of ethnic food (nearby on Cleveland are a set of small groceries).
The location is in one of the most charming neighborhoods in Fort Myers. We could walk a half block to a neighborhood "sitting" park right on the river to enjoy sunsets, and in the mornings we could take long walks toward downtown, all the way to the Edison-Ford Estate. We were short drives away to grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping areas.
No, it doesn't have a pool, or ginormous walk-in closets, but unlike so many soulless McMansions, this is a real place, and Stephen has added furnishings and decor that have genuine history. And it's lovely just to sit beneath a huge live oak, with palm trees, and a mix of native and exotic plantings, where we enjoyed a wide range of birds in the neighborhood, from the ever-present blue-jays and ibises, to even a visit from a fledgling screech owl and its mama. It has the feel of "Old Fort Myers."
And Stephen proved to be a truly conscientious and respectful host. From the practical (he immediately took care of a very minor problem with the water heater the second night of the visit) to the gracious (he invited us into his own amazing home), Stephen is an exemplary, kind, and well-humored host. We most appreciated his flexibility, attending to our changing needs throughout the stay.
We are hoping to reunite for another performance in two years, and if so, we will make it a point to return to Stephen's Coconut Grove.