SANCAP CHAMBER
\nThe SanCap Chamber and community cheered the comeback of the historic Anchor Inn & Cottages with a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 20 on Sanibel.<\/p>\n
The ribbon has been cut, the website is live and the iconic Anchor Inn & Cottages on Sanibel will begin accepting reservations on Feb. 1. The SanCap Chamber kicked off the celebration with a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 20.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a festive occasion it was,\u201d chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. \u201cEveryone on the island has been watching the transformation of one of Sanibel\u2019s most unique and historic properties. The result truly garners pride and admiration for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWith its historic A-frame cottages and sprawling two-acre property, we just felt like we couldn\u2019t say no to the opportunity and adventure to move to this beautiful island and raise our kids here while owning and operating such an iconic piece of its history,\u201d owner Erica Markham said.<\/p>\n
Those iconic, retro A-frames turned out to be their greatest challenges. Rickety spiral staircases, a lack of natural light and issues with elevating the buildings for resilience did not defeat them, however. The Markhams made the property as stormproof as possible by raising equipment, returning to the original terrazzo floors and installing impact windows.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seemed that just about every part of this renovation \u2014 from the pool to the block building to the landscaping \u2014 presented plenty of challenging surprises, but we got through them all and couldn\u2019t be happier with the result,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The owners have restored all 12 units while keeping their vintage charm. They added to the \u201cislandy\u201d feel with a nautical vibe and local art, notably works by Rachel Pierce.<\/p>\n
Built in 1959 originally as the Villa Capri, the property has changed ownership and names several times through the decades, a nostalgic reminder of the island\u2019s endurance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community on Sanibel has been amazing. We\u2019ve felt so welcomed and supported and everyone has been so complimentary, it\u2019s been incredibly humbling to see how many people are rooting for us and the Anchor Inn,\u201d Markham said. \u201cIt shows how tightknit this community is, and that has made this journey so much more rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Anchor Inn & Cottages is at 1245 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.<\/p>\n