|
 |
|
Mitchell's Sandcastles to remain family affair
|
|
By Kate Thompson Staff writer
Mitchell's Sandcastles, which has been a family affair since it was built in the 1960s, -has been sold - and it's still a family affair under its new owner.
Mark Sobel, an orthopedic surgeon from New Jersey recently purchased the 14-cottage resort for $4.25 million.
"The cottages represent a true find of old Florida to my wife and I," said Sobel. "It's all about the natural vegetation and natural environment"
He said when he began looking at the property, he was thrilled and quickly realized what an asset Jessi Stark, the manager, was to the resort. Then he learned how many of the guests return, year after year.
"All of the guests are such wonderful people," Sobel said. He said Stark's continuing as manager of the property also was key to his decision to buy it "She knows every guest personally and knows them as friends," he said.
But he realized that if he bought the property and his family wanted to come stay at the resort, he'd be displacing longtime guests.
"I could buy it, but I couldn't live in it," he said. "Fortunately, the house across the street was for sale so we bought that."
The cottages have an old-fashioned charm and guests may bring their pets of any size - making it an unusual resort. With guests who come back year after year, Sobel is hoping his family will become part of the resort family.
"It's important to preserve the ambiance of the Gulf and keep it intact," said Sobel. "When I asked the guests what they wanted changed, they said, 'Don't change a thing.'"
Sobel has been working on the landscaping, clearing out some old plants and bringing in dozens of new ones. The resort also is expanding the gift shop.
"It's going to be beautiful," said Stark. "We have one of the best shelling beaches on the island."
She still reserves cottages the old fashioned way, with huge charts on her desk. Stark said she won't take reservations more than five years out - but many of the guests would happily book decades into the future.
"It's a very busy place," she said.
Still, Stark said the resort is a quiet place at night since its located at the far end of West Gulf Drive in a residential area.
In addition to overseeing the staff of landscapers, maintenance and maids, Stark mans the gift shop which offers pet supplies, t-shirts, umbrellas, fishing and shelling supplies.
Every cottage features a fully-equipped kitchen and all but two have screened-in patios. They range in size from one to three bedrooms. Cable television, grills, a heated swimming pool and the use of a tiki hut on the beach with picnic tables all are included.
|
|
|
|
