'Moku,' a Polynesian-style Florida treehouse on a private island, is now for sale

An expansive island retreat that looks like it belongs in "Swiss Family Robinson" is now on the market just south of Tampa Bay.

Located at 7147 La Lenaire Drive, the estate is only accessible by boat and is one of a small handful of homes on a 38-acre island just west of Longboat Pass called Jewfish Key.

Nicknamed "Moku," the home was built in 1990 and sits on stilts 18 feet above sea level.

The 3,503-square-foot estate has a total of five bedrooms (which are referred to as "pods") and six bathrooms, as well as raised walkways that connect everything in a "Robinson Crusoe-inspired setting," says the listing.

The home, which is currently being used as a vacation rental, also features its own dock and beach, multiple screened-in decks, a basketball court, a 50-foot lookout tower, a pool and hot tub and arguably the best access to the popular Jewfish Key Sandbar.

It's worth noting that the homeowners association of Jewfish Key is currently petitioning to be de-annexed from Longboat Key, citing high taxes and not enough support from the township.

“We’re a totally independent island,” Ellis said. “I don’t know that (the town) has been able to make life on the island easy for us," said one resident to the Sarasota Observer.

According to property records, the home last sold in 2021 for $1.77 million, and is currently asking $8.88 million. The listing agent is Christy Travis of the Re/Max Alliance Group.

This story first appeared in our sister publication Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.