Venice Island Villas Mansion, sleeps 16, Venice Florida

Dial up the Beach Boys - this beach home’s got real surfer’s attitude. From outside, the banana yellow exterior and teal blue door reveal only that inside, someone’s having much more fun than you. Venice Island’s Villas Mansion would love to have you.

Your master suite will fit your whole family if travelling with kids or young teens - the space holds a king bed and a queen-sized futon. A large second bedroom has the same configuration - making this home a great choice for lots of families vacationing together. Two queen beds in the third bedroom comfortably fit four more guests and, yes, there’s new furniture, too.

Bedrooms four and five? Two twin beds in both - who will room together and enjoy secretive late-night chats? The large office doubles as a sixth bedroom with a queen sleeper bed. Three bathrooms allow even a large group of 16 to get out the door on schedule - when restaurant reservations or a day trip calls. Each bathroom has a standing shower and one has a bathtub - of great use to parents with younger children.

Get to know the outdoors from the sanctuary of your lanai - a screened, outdoors living room. Within? A large heated pool - big enough for every game you can think of and lots of seating for the party poopers who ‘don’t want to get their hair wet’ (throw them in anyway). Your gorgeous heated pool has brand new heating machinery - indicative of the owner’s care in their property.

An air-conditioned pool house doubles your entertainment space with a bar, table and chairs and sofa - kids will hide here as others seek - while adults will like the chance to read in certain peace and quiet. Fish netting above the bamboo bar makes it pretty clear: Its always 5 o’clock right here.

The living room’s high vaulted ceilings carry fantastic Florida breezes and the terrazzo tile floors - well, they feel pretty great, too. Dark blue micro fiber couches sit prettily next to white wicker rockers and side tables - while the large space means the ambiance stays bright, uncluttered and airy. Coming for the holidays? A large LCD TV and available central heating make this property fantastic all year round.

Wifi internet is ready and working from the minute you arrive - travelling without this life-line can be so frustrating. The kitchen has everything you’ll need, including a garbage disposal (because kids used to one at home will never learn otherwise). Yellow walls suggest fresh lemonade and fresh muffins as vacation staples - and a breakfast nook with white wicker seating keeps your happy campers close. A brand new dining table in dark wood seats eight on modern chairs with white cushions.

From home, it’s just three blocks to the beach - grab your banana-seat bike or race there in flip-flops. How many shark’s teeth can you find in the sand? Downtown Venice is nearby, too. Pet owners will love the proximity to nearby Venice dog beach, Brohard Paw Park. Your backyard will never again compare.

Stroll 15 minutes from the house to sunny Venice Pier or - at night - try great live music at Sharky’s. Google map the property and its surroundings (405 Villas Drive, Venice, Florida 34285) - this location has it all.