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Ribbon-cutting held for long-standing island inn

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TIFFANY REPECKI New owner Pam Paparone gets ready to cut the ribbon at the June 26 ceremony for the reopening of the recently updated units at The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel.
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NICK ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel features a new, tropical coastal décor and feel.
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NICK ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel features a new, tropical coastal décor and feel.
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NICK ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel features a new, tropical coastal décor and feel.
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NICK ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel features a new, tropical coastal décor and feel.

The Parrot Nest Cottages on Sanibel recently reopened with a new look and new ownership.

Pam Paparone, who owns a handful of other island properties including Periwinkle Cottages and Seahorse Cottages, took over the six-unit one-acre grounds in May. On June 26, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the long-standing Sanibel inn.

Paparone explained that the property was established in the early 1950s.

“It has one of the oldest, richest, most colorful histories on Sanibel,” she said.

Paparone reported that one story behind the inn is one of the former owners became shipwrecked off Anhinga Lane, where it is located, and discovered the property. After meeting and befriending the existing owner at the time, the shipwrecked man was offered the chance to buy the inn and so he did.

In purchasing the property, Pararone explained that she was fortunate in no major reconstruction was required. The prior owner had updated the air-conditioning units, as well as redid the kitchenettes.

So, she focused on giving the units updated but distinct looks, using a tropical coastal feel.

Pararone reported that a new warm grey was chosen for the walls and modern vinyl wood for the floors. But the furniture, dcor and linens are unique to each unit – and each has a name. Sticking with the bird theme, visitors can stay in the Lovebird, Toucan, Macaw, Cockatoo, Roselle or Parakeet.

“I think it’s a very Sanibel thing to do,” she said of naming the units.

“And each unit is different,” Pararone added.

She noted that the lighter, brighter coastal vibe is more in line with her other properties.

“There’s a lot of synergy among the properties,” Pararone said. “It’s very important to me that people come here for rest and relaxation.”

Asked what about The Parrot Nest interested her, she cited its history and size.

“It’s very very private. It was a little bigger than any other property I had,” Pararone said, explaining that finding an acre on Sanibel’s east end today is nearly impossible. “So the property is unique.”

A self-proclaimed perfectionist, she added that she will likely continue to update the units.

“We’re not done with the improvements,” Pararone said.

She hinted that in the future, she may explore the possibility of putting in a pool.

Currently, some amenities that the property features are bicycles for guests to use, along with an arrangement with The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club for them to play tennis and golf at a reduced rate.

For more information, visit parrotnest.com or call 800-247-0448.

The Parrot Nest Cottages is at 1237 Anhinga Lane.