Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61600 sq ft

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Homosassa, FL
  • Popular LocationHomosassa Springs Wildlife State Park3 min drive
  • Popular LocationCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge8 min drive
  • Popular LocationThree Sisters Springs11 min drive
  • AirportTampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)66 min drive

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise

Kayaks included! You can enjoy nature, fish and kayak right from the backyard in this beautiful waterfront vacation home.

Scenic and Relaxing, Halls River Retreat is located in the coveted north end of Homosassa Springs, only minutes from the centers of Crystal River, Homosassa Springs and Old Homosassa.

The Retreat is located on the Halls River, part of the Homosassa River, a pristine spring fed river where manatee come to give birth and relax away from the hustle and bustle of boat traffic on the main part of the river. It is a kayaker’s paradise.

The Halls and Homosassa Rivers offer year round world class fishing opportunities - and are home to an abundance of wildlife in the water, on shore and in the air!

AMENITIES and SPECIAL FEATURES

Kayaks for Guest Use. Single and tandem

Explore the unspoiled shores of the Halls River and the Homosassa River

Incredible Fishing and a Nature Lover’s Paradise

SWIM WITH THE MANATEE - Watch, get up-close, and swim with the Gentle Giants of Homosassa. Did you know that the waters of Citrus County (Homosassa and Crystal River) are the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with the manatee in the wild?

Kayak alongside Emu Island Florida and enjoy the antics of a mob of rare blue-eyed white and blonde emus

Screened room and a large outdoor deck overlook a spring fed canal where you can relax, fish and enjoy nature

BBQ grill in screened porch

Outdoor fire pit (we do not supply firewood 🪵)

Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay

Large fenced-in back yard

This waterfront home is only minutes from shopping, the world famous Three Sisters Springs, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and Crystal River. It is only an hour’s drive to some of Florida’s best theme parks, zoo, museums and attractions!

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. All of the nature photos on this page were taken either in the backyard or within a very short paddle from the Retreat.

Amazing, breathtaking, and captivating moments and memories await you at Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs Florida.

Prior to and throughout your stay, we are just a text or phone call away.

Your hosts,

Joanne and Gary

Additional notes about rates and cleaning policy:
1) House is to be left in the same clean condition as the time of check-in.
2) Rates are based on 4 guests; add $10.00 per night, per additional guest.

Property manager

Gary and Joanne Bartell

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking outdoors only. Must pick up butts.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Of course we love kids!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Retreat House Homosassa
Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Retreat House
Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Retreat Homosassa
Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Retreat
Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Re
Scenic Relaxing Waterfront Retreat
Homosassa Waterfront Last Minute Weekend Special Deal!
Waterfront Home Kayaks Included Nature Lovers Paradise Manatee
Last Minute Christmas Opening for This Beautiful Waterfront Home

About the neighborhood

Homosassa

Located in Homosassa, this vacation home is on the waterfront. A Crystal River Kayak Company and Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Three Sisters Springs and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 3 min drive
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 7 min drive
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive
  • Three Sisters Springs - 11 min drive
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 14 min drive

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • Moschello's Pizza - 3 min drive
  • McDonald's - 3 min drive
  • Sugarmill Restaurant - 5 min drive
  • Twistee Treat Homosassa - 3 min drive
  • Kelly's Half Shell Pub - 5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and within 6 mi (10 km) of Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. A Crystal River Kayak Company and Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 135 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 143 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jay H., columbia, sc

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Retreat
My wife and I along with our 2 small dogs had a very relaxing, peaceful week at Hall’s River Retreat. This is our 2nd time staying and we will be back. Joanne is an exceptional hostess and she had everything clean and stocked when we arrived. Beds are very comfortable and the fenced in yard was perfect for our two shorkies. Kayaking right from the back yard was amazing, and she has multiple single and dual kayak and paddles available from the kayak launch (right in the backyard !). We enjoyed Crumps Landing, the Cracker, and Wallace’s Green House (amazing pork chop) for dinner, and the Tangerine Tree for lunch. So much to do within a short drive…3 sister springs, airboats, and pontoon rentals from Homosassa to Crystal River. Great hidden gem !
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark K.

Liked: Cleanliness
“Old Florida” Getaway
Our stay at the house on the water was quiet and enjoyable. We got to see manatees right off the property seawall. Also got to see otters from the property. Kayaks available enabled us to see Emu Island and more manatees. Joanne was a great host and also interesting to ask questions to about the history of the area. We would definitely like to return for another stay to the house on the water!
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Ginny H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kayak from the house
Nice.
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann H., Lenexa KS 66219

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful location
Enjoyed our morning coffee on the screened in porch. Took the kayaks out 2 mornings. The emus at the end of the canal are a hoot!! Joanne is a 5 out of 5 host!!! Answered my questions about the area, things to do and recommendations of places to eat before we arrived and responded timely when we were there. Lastly, though it may seem trivial, the bath towels were simply the best we have ever had at a VRBO! So good my husband wants to buy some for home!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilda Kay C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Florida experience
The cottage is adorable - comfortable and clean. Location is very private but convenient to everything. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte D., Southern Pines, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
A little piece of heaven
Wonderful property. Most comfortable bed I have ever slept in away from home. Nice sheets and towels too. A lot of effort has been put towards guests comfort, inculding outside towels, bug repellent, lots of kayaks and paddles and life jackets. I would definitely stay here again! And we did get to see 2 manatees right at the back of the house, amazing!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim O., Calhoun GA

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Amazing
Joanne was wonderful, she ran over and decorated for Christmas for us. She very warmly welcomed us. We saw manatees for the first few mornings, including a pod with babies. We were able to kayak which was just beautiful. We would absolutely stay here again! :)
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
We came to celebrate our girl turning 7 by seeing manatees. It has been a bucketlist item for us and when our daughter asked, we agreed!! This is the most amazing property with the best host, sweet Joeann. She made sure everything was perfect for our arrival and even added balloons and party goodies to celebrate our daughter. We saw manatees directory off the house dock and many more out in the water. Perfect central spot to discover every adventure!! We will absolutely be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

pamela M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clear River
The lake front home was beautiful, Joanne offered many personal touches to may you feel at home. She was responsive to all our questions !!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joelle W., Candler

Liked: Cleanliness
Fall Getaway
We had a lovely time during our stay. The location was great and the neighborhood was quiet. The home was spacious yet cozy and everything we could have needed was provided. We kayaked in the mornings and explored the area in the afternoons. I was excited to get a manatee visit in our canal two times! The hosts provided great sightseeing and restaurant recommendations and honestly I didn't want to leave. I hope that we get a chance to return in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Halls River
The area is beautiful
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cora M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic getaway!
This house was a little slice of heaven for us. The property was great for fishing, kayaking, relaxing, and the location gave us perfect access to all things Homasassa and Crystal River. The host was super accommodating, easy to communicate with, and had fantastic reccomendations for local restaurants and things to do. Our kiddos loved visiting the emus via kayak and getting to see a few manatees. Our pups were comfortable and had plenty of room to run. The beds were amazingly comfortable. We look forward to staying here again in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, clean, beautiful retreat
I loved kayaking the river and touring nearby springs. There is so much to do here. The neighborhood was beautiful and everything was perfect. My mom stayed with me and said that it was her favorite rental. The kitchen layout was awesome and we also loved the large yard. We would love to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ivey G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful paradise
The property is perfect! The house and yards were immaculate. Very clear river. We enjoyed swimming and catch and release fishing. Spent a wonderful day kayaking to and from Homossassa Springs. The emu farm just a short paddle down was a great experience for my 7 year old granddaughter. The host has everything noted as to where everything is located in the house so you don’t even have to think about where anything you need is located. I can’t express how helpful and kind Mrs. Joanne was to our family. The property is nothing short of beautiful perfection!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice little hideaway
Enjoyed the house...clean...comfortable mattress which is rare in rentals anywhere these days [mostly cheap hard foam]...Kitchen well stocked/supplied... Covered parking was a nice touch...My only complaint was we couldn't cook our steaks/chicken properly on the worn out burners on the outside grill..Other then that small detail, I would definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luann

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a wonderful find! The river cottage is in a gorgeous, peaceful setting on Halls River. When we arrived, a feeling of calm came over both my friend and I while sitting by the river, just watching the turtles and fish slowly swim by, and that is exactly what we both needed. Although I didn't see a lot of wildlife on my excursion, kayaking down the river to explore the scenery was easy and equally soothing. The cottage is clean and extremely well-stocked with kitchen and bath supplies. Both beds were soft and comfortable, which is always a plus for us, and there was plenty of storage room in the closets and dressers. Having various streaming channels available on the TV made for restful evenings watching favorite shows. Since the cottage is located right off the highway, it's easy to get to local attractions, restaurants and stores. We enjoyed the nearby manatee tour and the snorkel float down Rainbow River, both of which were only 10 minutes from the cabin. I would recommend this property to anyone looking for a quiet, family friendly retreat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

ethan b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation
Awesome! House was perfect. Great location. River and kayaking was wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and convenient
This home is Tucktaway on a quiet spot of the river. We had easy access to kayaking and multiple state parks. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ava D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Singh beauty and peace ❤️❤️
We loved our stay! It was so peaceful and quiet! Our son loves being able to fish from the backyard. The kayaks were an added bonus. We had a manatee visit during our stay! Great central location! We will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay
The property was as listed with a couple nice touches like the welcome board. We enjoyed the access to kayaks. Joanne was a great host helping us navigate finding fun things while kayaking in the river. I highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Memorial Day
Quiet neighborhood right on the river. Kayaks available to use, great host and great time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lesley L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property
My husband and I rented this home for a long weekend getaway, and were so glad we did. The home was lovely and equipped with all the basic things you would need. We loved the slower pace of the area and took advantage of the access to the lake right from the back of the home. Kayaks were available to use at the property and we enjoyed using them. They are pet friendly which is alway very important to us and our dogs enjoyed playing in the backyard. The hostess was in contact and was extremely welcoming and made great recommendations for restaurants and near by things to do. They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our stay. Highly recommend renting this beautiful place if you need a break, you won’t regret it!!! Thank you Joanne and Gary!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina W., Ft. Lauderdale

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful woodsy setting
The hostess, Joanne, was amazingly accommodating. The property was in the midst of quiet and wildlife. Nearby are restaurants, shopping, boat adventures, private beach, and small city life. Good place for a getaway!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell H., Jacksonville

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
Always an awesome stay here. Despite losing half the weekend to 40mph winds we had a great time. 3 friends who had a great fishing weekend. Joanne is always so helpful and does a great job communicating. Looking forward to another trip
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven W., Villa Grove, Colorado

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Old Florida experience
Immaculate and clean home. Great Old Florida feel. Easy booking and pet friendly. Highly recommend a stay here. Close to the best Florida springs.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023