Rhinestone Fisherman offers unique getaway
Matlacha has been called unique for many good reasons. The first thing a visitor will notice is all of the brightly colored cottages that line Pine Island Road, many of which are not only private residences, but also house gift shops, galleries and restaurants. In addition, some of the larger as well as smaller properties offer places for visitors to stay in the heart of the eclectic fishing village. New to the lodging offerings is yet another unique place call the Rhinestone Fisherman. Located on the south side of Pine Island Road and to the east of the Matlacha bridge, one might get the impression that it is simply another revamped home, however, the interior is uniquely Matlacha.
“The first words I hear from people when they see this place for the first time is wow. It certainly has that wow factor and continues to provide that at every turn,” said Susan Burhoe from Gulf Access Realty. “Any Matlacha property should reflect the artistic feel of Matlacha and the owners of the property have managed to do that beautifully.”
The property has what Burhoe describes as a “Pirates of the Caribbean” feel to is and every room is ornately decorated in a pirate theme complete with lighting and adorned with lots of rhinestones and glitter.
“One of the owners, Shelley Wheeler is an avid artist who obviously loves color and glitter. Every nook and cranny of this place is expertly decorated in the pirate theme and many of the images light up to provide a three-dimensional feel,” Burhoe said. “I think the most interesting part however is the master bedroom. It is painted in an undersea theme and when the lights go out at night many of the images actually glow in the dark. It is really something to see.”
According to Burhoe, Wheeler first came to Matlacha to escape the fast pace of work and business in north Florida. When she discovered the Pine Island Road property, she knew it was exactly what she was looking for.
“Shelley and her husband, Rick, looked at only one property in Matlacha. This one and when asked if she wanted to look some more she said no. This was just what she wanted,” said property co-owner Mark Watkins. “Before I knew it, Shelley was making plans to decorate and would do things like show me a picture and say, ‘You can make this, I know you can.’ From there the project continued to grow and next thing I knew she had several artists in here doing murals that were designed by Shelley, and later she would add lighting, rhinestones and glitter to them to add a sparkle and a treasure feel.”
According to Watkins, who was responsible for the major renovations to the property, the decorating project took nearly two years to complete.
Wheeler is no stranger to rehabbing and managing rental properties as she and her husband own and operate 18 beach units on Anna Maria Island.
Matlacha residents got their first introduction to the Rhinestone Fisherman earlier this month when the property owners, along with Burhoe, hosted a VIP party prior to the Pirates Ball, hosted by Bert’s Bar and Grill.
“Everyone who came to the party just loved the place,” Burhoe said. “We had about 40 people here and everyone felt very comfortable and couldn’t wait to book the place when they have company come to visit from out of town.”
The Rhinestone Fisherman can comfortable accommodate up to eight adults as it has three bedrooms, two baths, a fully applianced state-of-the-art kitchen and a sleeper sofa in the livingroom. The master bedroom and living space over look the picturesque Matlacha back bay and ample dockage with a working boat lift are available to renters. Rental is available year-round and can be arranged through Gulf Access Realty in Matlacha 283-5450. To learn more about the properties managed and owned by Wheeler and Watkins, visit: barefootshell.com