Michael Saunders & Company’s Brian and Mary McColgan are Realtors out of the Boca Grande office tasked with selling the lifestyle of Useppa Island. And, they have a surprising number of allies. Almost six hundred of them. “Once the island community kicks in, the idea of living here is a no-brainer,” explained Brian. “It’s like you’re adopted right away.” Useppa Island, only one mile long and a third of a mile wide, rests near the northern end of Pine Island Sound in Lee County, Florida. It arises sublimely out of the azure waters, at almost 40’ above sea level. It runs parallel to Fort Myers, Pine Island and the barrier Island, Cayo Costa - tucked safely between them. Known for its friendly atmosphere, natural splendor, and nautical pleasures, Conde Nast Traveler once referred to it as “one of the top 25 true island retreats in the world.” 
And for those who live on Useppa and are members of the Useppa Island Club* coming home is nothing short of pure paradise – and not just because of the picture-perfect setting. There are around 100 homeowners on Useppa and 450 members of the club. The sense of community that has developed among its idyllic island-style homes, swaying palm trees and sandy shores cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. 
It is an environment where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the hectic world, with the expectation of friendship, serenity, and sanctuary. Only reachable by boat, its thirteen minute proximity to the mainland makes it easily accessible. And the experience of arrival is only the first step in a truly transformative trip. An RV, Plane, Car, and a Boat 
To reach Useppa, one of its newest homeowners has an impressive trek across the continent. Recent customers of Brian and Mary, they purchased a pristine cottage on the island offering endless waterfront views of Charlotte Harbor. “They live in Thunder Bay, Ontario,” explained Brian, “and travel with their children, who are ages 15 to 19. They drive an RV for their commute to the Minneapolis airport. From there, it’s a 1,500 mile flight to Orlando, where they rent a car, drive 160 miles to the Pine Island marina, then finish the journey by boat.” 
A lawyer who combats the Canadian snow by searching Google for tropical islands, the buyer came across Useppa Island homes for sale on the Michael Saunders & Company website. He called Brian and Mary and the whole family decided to escape the north and pay the island a visit. “They arrived the week of Victoria Day, rented a house, and were immediately adopted by the community.” During their stay, they were invited out to dinner almost every night. With no shortage of island anglers, their children were taken fishing for tarpon, snook, and redfish by several soon-to-be neighbors. The McColgans even hosted a big Italian food cook off where a dozen Useppans gathered to share their signature Italian specialties – from caprese salad to cannelloni al ragu and cannoli’s. “It was like the community came right in and carried them off!” joked Brian. After their week-long visit, the family made the decision to purchase a 1,800 square foot villa for $400,000. From Boating to Besties A similar community-oriented induction was behind the June sale of a 3-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath island cottage. The villa was purchased for $687,500 by a couple based in Tampa, Florida. Avid boaters, they were first attracted to Useppa Island because of its legacy as a premier destination for nautical pursuits. They joined the Club and took several blissful trips to the island over the course of a year. Forming friendships and feeling the appeal of the collective community spirit, the couple decided to trade in their second home in Boca Grande for one on Useppa.
Immediately after the contract was signed, they were recruited to join in on a spontaneous sail with the Useppa Yacht Club which evolved into a day of fun, food and laughter on a small spit of sand off Cayo Costa.
Nestled on the north end, their 1,885 square foot villa rests along the meandering, pink coquina shelled path connecting Useppa’s intimate shores. Views of the Intra Coastal Waterway and Pine Island Sound create a daily canvas for their love of the boating lifestyle.
Friendly Festivities “We’ll have parties erupt spontaneously all the time. We were here last August and we thought there was nobody else around. Mary sends out an email, ‘Cocktails at 6:30, Catered by Costo’ - which means we had lots of frozen goodies left over from the season. Thirty-seven people showed up! All our Florida neighbors.” The McColgans consider their job as both residents and Realtors on Useppa a simple pleasure. Its breathtaking beauty, combined with an atmosphere where the people are easy going and friendly, appeals to anyone who discovers this hidden paradise.
Brian explained, “They fall in love with the sense of community they had never seen or knew existed.”
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For more information, visit Brian and Mary's blog!
www.PeopleOnUseppa.blogspot.com
Have you been to Useppa Island? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
*Home ownership on Useppa requires membership in the club.
