Occupying land in the southwestern region of Florida, the Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast offers ten units, which are divided into three types of units based on the amenities they include. During the summer, breakfast is provided on weekends and is served in the main house on the grounds. As the bed and breakfast itself is mainly known for its historical background, the establishment is additionally in close proximity to the downtown historic district, which is one of many attractions located near the Banyan House in addition to the beach and some golf courses. A number of visitors who have previously stayed at the bed and breakfast have commented on the outdoor features, as well as the provided service from the owners. A pool, hot tub, koi pond, and waterfall are some of the outdoor characteristics of the property that guests can enjoy.
Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast is located in southwestern Florida, in Venice city, on two city lots. A total of ten units are available for guests to rent, each of which is divided into three main types of units. There are five apartments, three units that include kitchenettes and two bedrooms with en-suite facilities, all of which are spread among three buildings. Two of the buildings are two stories high, with the other one having only one floor. Most of the rentals have varying amenities inside, though Wi-Fi, cable TV, air conditioning, a private bath, a fridge, and a microwave are a few of the standard amenities that can be found in every unit.
Visitors may not have to leave the property to engage in certain activities because an exercise room and pool table area are provided amenities at the establishment. The grounds of the property contain several diverse features, including a tropical garden, koi pond, and waterfall, in addition to the pool and hot tubs. A fair amount of common areas can be found on the premises, both in the interior and on the exterior of the property, including places such as the living room, billiard, pool and hot tub area, courtyard, and garden area.
One particularly unique aspect of Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast is its proximity to historic downtown Venice, Florida. A number of patrons also stay at the bed and breakfast to visit the beach, which is located about three-quarter miles from the property. According to the owner, the beach is one of the most popular attractions nearby and is the "shark tooth capital of the world," where visitors can go to search for shark teeth. The Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast offers complimentary items to guests who plan on spending a day at the beach, including beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, ice, and Florida snow shovels to collect shark teeth. For those who are hoping to be more active during their stay or for those who want to spend time outdoors, several walking and biking trails can be found near the bed and breakfast. Golfing is also an activity that people can participate in. The owner also mentions that Sarasota and Punta Gorda are particular cities that typically draw in a handful of tourists, as an abundance of restaurants can be found in this particular area. A couple of dining options that the owner would recommend to patrons are Croissant and Company and Trattoria De Mino.
Breakfast is served at the Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast on the weekends during the summertime from June to September. It is complimentary with any of the guest accommodations and is served in the main house on the property. Adaptations to the menu can be made for visitors with dietary restrictions, and these dietary needs can be disclosed to the owner in a note section while the guests are in the process of booking a room. Some of the breakfast items that can be served are coffee, juice, eggs, bacon, potatoes, muffins, pancakes, and waffles, though options may vary.
Previous visitors who have stayed at the bed and breakfast have held family reunions, booking nearly the entire property. Other similar events, such as anniversaries, have also been hosted in the past. Oftentimes, the downtown area of Venice, Florida, hosts events or festivals that locals and tourists can attend while they are exploring the nearby restaurants and shops.
The owner hopes that visitors will be respectful of others during their stay, and Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast implements a few policies that guests must abide by in an attempt to encourage them to be respectful. One such policy, which is considered to be one of the most important policies for the property, are the quiet hours at 10:00 PM. The owner has the goal of creating a quiet atmosphere for patrons, especially considering the fact that the bed and breakfast is located in a residential neighborhood. Additionally, pets are not allowed to stay on the premises.
Helping guests feel "rejuvenated" and "relaxed" during their stay is an important matter to the owner, and in an effort to provide this experience to patrons she gives them a tour of the property upon check-in and shows them where the amenities are located. According to the owner, interactions with visitors occur on a daily basis.
In reviews, many people who have stayed at the property previously mention the location of the business and its close proximity to the historic downtown and the beach. Others comment on the outdoor features such as the waterfall, koi pond, and tropical garden. One guest wrote, "We had a balcony, a pool, and we were able to relax. There were even bikes for free available, so we were able to experience everything that is around with these bikes."
Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast is open year-round, with the busiest season of operation typically lasting from October through May. During the winter, the property receives many retired couples and people over the age of forty, generally speaking. Adversely, the summertime typically draws people who are younger than the age of forty. The owner mentions that visitors younger than age ten are not allowed to stay at the property.
The Banyan House Historic Bed and Breakfast is primarily known for the historical element of the house, and its background that plays a role in the establishment's current culture and atmosphere. For over 40 years, the establishment has been in the hospitality industry and was, in fact, one of the first homes that were built in Venice, as its construction was completed in 1926. According to the owner, the establishment was also the first property in Venice to have an underground swimming pool. The name of the property is derived from an occasion when Thomas Edison gifted Banyan trees to the family who had owned the acreage at the time, although the former name of the bed and breakfast was Copper Kettle.
One of the changes that were made since the current owner acquired the acreage was updating the furniture, lamps, and linens. As for future plans, she hopes to make a few more changes to the furniture and to have more pavers on the property.
519 South Harbor Drive
Venice, Florida 34285
United States
Bed and Breakfast
