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Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

Property grounds
Pool
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
4 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms149 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    1 min walk
  • Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum
    5 min drive
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
    5 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Homosassa

With a stay at this vacation home in Homosassa, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and a 4-minute drive from Citrus County Dog Park. .This vacation home is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park.

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 5 min drive
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 13 min drive
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive
  • Three Sisters Springs - 15 min drive

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer Tiki Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

4/2 Riverfront vacation rental located on the Homosassa River in Homosassa, Florida.

Perfect for large families or families vacationing together.

River and water lovers would be hard pressed to find a place that is as unique and fun as this property. When we started renting the property in July of 2019, we did so with hopes of connecting to families and sharing our passion for the river, the wildlife and the serenity the springs have to offer. The feedback from our guests has been amazing and knowing we’re building future nature lovers and fans of the Homosassa River gives us great pride.

-- Family perfect!
-- 200 + feet of Riverfront
-- Decks galore
-- Fire pits with firewood included.
-- Waterslide into private lagoon
-- Clear shallow river, low boat traffic
-- Neighbors the Homosassa Wildlife Park (you’ll feel like you’re staying in the park!)
-- 600 square foot raised deck provides amazing views.
-- 400 square foot river deck offers additional private area for gathering and meals.
-- Boat dock available (if your plans including bringing your own boat - See BOAT CLEARANCE requirements below)
-- 4 Kayaks and 2 Stand-up Paddle Boards to use
-- No canals, only fresh spring fed river to enjoy!

Situated near the headwaters of the Homosassa River, the property features over 200 feet of riverfront on nearly an acre of land, a private lagoon and a water slide for young and old alike.

The house features two wings that share a large common area in between. This allows large families or multiple families to vacation together yet still have their own space. A substantial butcher block table counter provides seating for up to 10 and multiple tables and chairs are available on the screened porch, large deck and patio.

The home features a 600 square foot raised outdoor deck that provides breathtaking views of the riverfront and is the perfect platform for outdoor cooking and gathering. A gas grill and propane are provided for your convenience.

A water level patio provides shade and a great place to enjoy meals at the water’s edge.

The clear shallow spring-fed river (72 degrees year-round) allows for great snorkeling and viewing of schools of fish and of course, manatee! In season, manatee are routinely seen in the backyard and the rental includes 4 kayaks and 2 SUP (Standup Paddleboards) for exploring the river and exploring the springs.

Spend evenings around your choice of 2 available fire pits, one which can be enjoyed from the backyard patio and the other near the river's edge for a more rustic experience.

The property also features a private boatwell that can accommodate boats up to 25 feet in length comfortably.

**Master Bedroom#1: King Bed
**Master Bedroom#2: King Bed
**Bedroom 3: Queen Bed
**Bedroom 4: Double Bed
***There is a single day bed that can accommodate the 9th guest is necessary.

-------------------MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS-----------------------
Minimum stay requirements vary throughout the year. Discounts for stays of longer than 7 days are also available.


***Bridge Clearance for Boats***
The property’s location on the springs is protected by a low bridge. If you have a boat that has a T-top or fixed top you will not be able to access the property from the waterway. Low clearance boats are the only means to accessing this property via water. Depending on tide, you will need an air draft (distance from the water line to the highest point on boat, including antennas) of less than 80”. On an average day, the bridge clearance ranges from 72” to 80”. Please inquire if you need additional information

*NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features exterior security cameras, all facing out away from the house. They do not look into interior spaces.

Policies:
- No fireworks
- No smoking indoors.
- Pets. Please contact us for a copy of "Common Sense Pet Rules".
- No events, parties or large gatherings
- Please reach out to Owners for long term stays or if calendar does not show availability
- Guests on the property are limited to 9 including adults(6) and children(3).
- Rental Agreement must be signed and returned to complete reservation.


Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a sauna or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Veso and Kirsten Dimitrijevich

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Sauna

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairwells
  • No lifts
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Outdoors only. Violation forfeits security deposit

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking on site
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Power boating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1600 sq ft (149 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 32

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
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Pre-approval required and subject to Pet Fee.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Adult supervision of children required @ all times

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: No unlisted guests w/o prior approval.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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

This property does not have elevators

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 132 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 132 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 132 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 132 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 132 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

satori a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Book this place!!
We stayed for 4 nights with our five year old and some friends with children the same age. The house layout was wonderful for two families giving us each our own side. The property was amazing and the backyard lagoon and slide were a hit! Unknown to the host, some of the kayaks were in poor condition. They were very responsive about the situation though and it didn't put a damper on our trip. We rented a pontoon boat one of our days which I'd highly recommend. We pretty much cooked all of our meals at the house, but if you have younger kids I'd definitely suggest Crumps Landing for a meal out. We ate there one night and there is a playground right near the outdoor seating. Perfect for parents to let their kids play while you enjoy a moment within eyesight. Overall it was a wonderful house, great location, very clean, and we would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome!!
Will book another stay soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
5 stars
Wonderful vacation home. Plenty of space for our family. Thanks for sharing this piece of paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

cheryl f.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our Happy Place!
Love this property so much! We love it so much, we are “repeat guests”! Unfortunately our recent stay came right after Hurricane Debby left the area. However, our host, Veso, was extremely communicative even days before our stay. He provided updates on storm aftermath daily and worked very hard to get the property cleared and ready for our arrival. Despite the River breaching the property (as expected during a hurricane), everything met our expectations! Looking forward to future family time here again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle, Orlando, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to relax and enjoy nature
We had a wonderful time here. We loved swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking in the river. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tropical Paradise
This house is everything it claims to be and more. We truly felt like we were in a tropical paradise in the back yard. We had manatees visit on Wednesday and Thursday when the springs were quieter. Our guests were all 35+ years old and the slide took us back to our childhood. All supplies promised were there. Communication with the owner was top notch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location!
The Backyard Manatee Club was a wonderful experience! The adults and kids enjoyed the slide and the private lagoon/pool. We also enjoyed paddleboarding and kayaking the crystal clear river. We were able to view fish and manatees, snorkle spring boils, and swim with very little boat traffic. If the spring water is too cold for your enjoyment there is also a sauna on the property grounds! The house is setup nicely for two families to each have their own “wing” with a common area in the middle that contains the kitchen and livingroom. The property is also close to grocery stores and local restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veso for D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Vacation EVER
This was our 4th stay and by far, it is my entire families favorite vacation trip! We have been all over the country experiencing adventurous trips, and this one is just 2.5 hours from our home. So relaxing, so convenient, so fun, so easy..... so breath taking!! We already booked next year, can't wait!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliana S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing days!
My family and I rented the house with some friends for 5 days! It was the best place we've ever rented! The house has everything you need to cook. Also a lot of games to play. The backyard is an amusement park for both, adults and children! We loved it a lot. The owner was very kind and fast with the answers. We definitely want to come back. I highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location and great host!!
We loved our stay!! The location is beautiful and the springs are just steps away!! I highly recommend this place!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing get away
The property is exactly as described we were on the water every day the private lagoon was awesome on the days the river was busy we were able to relax . The kids loved everything about it we felt very comfortable letting them float around the river. The local neighbors were all very friendly. We got the see the manatee’s almost everyday sometimes multiple times this is a very cool place to stay can’t wait to stay again also Veso is one of the best host very informative and helpful didn’t mind all of my questions
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wake me because I’m dreaming
This place had everything you could think of and even some of the stuff you didn’t think of! It was clean. The air conditioning worked amazing. The property was breathtaking. Would definitely stay there again! And again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family vacation spot
Second year staying and we love it! So much fun with everything we need!! Hoping to return next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lora C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serene
What a beautiful, peaceful get-a-way! We were a family with two toddlers and two teens, plus adults, and the layout of the house gave everyone the opportunity to have privacy and quiet when it was needed. The kitchen was well stocked - we were able to prepare our traditional Thanksgiving dinner with room for all of the cooks :-) participating. The outdoor space... I can't imagine a more perfect setting. Even though it was chilly, the waterslide was so much fun that everyone was in the water despite the temps - of course, to warm up afterwards there was the sauna... We kayaked and swam and ended each day roasting marshmallows over the fire in the firepit. It more than met my expectations in every way. This is the best part of Florida, beautiful surroundings, crystal clear water, manatees, stingray, fish all in a quiet, tranquil environment. Vesco was thoughtful and quick to respond to any requests. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Loved it
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kara T.

Liked: Cleanliness
An absolute gem!
This property was beyond perfect for our family trip! The yard, river access, and included kayaks/paddle boards were our favorite parts. The view from the screened in porch was lovely for sipping coffee. We grilled and ate dinners on the main deck, and enjoyed a fire in the fire pit almost every night. Superb location just minutes from the state park and close drive to crystal river, weeki wachi and so much more. We even paddled to a local bar/restaurant multiple times and saw manatees, otters, and a wide range of birds along the way. The hosts were incredibly attentive and kind, providing a wealth of knowledge about the area and quick to answer any questions about the property. We feel grateful to have experienced this absolute oasis as a family, and dream of returning some day in the future. Huge thank you to Veso and Kirsten!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Jim
Great location. Comfortable river home. East kayak to the state park area. Owner immediately responds to inquiries. Crumps Landing and the Freezer restaurants are a must.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deedra B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation
The layout of the house was perfect for us. The property is beautiful. You are provided with so much to do for no additional cost! Most rentals want to charge you extra for kayaks, paddle boards, floats, etc but not here it is all included! We had an amazing vacation and saw so many animals right from the backyard.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A piece of Heaven
This place is absolutely stunning! So much to do and enjoy! We didn't have enough time to explore this trip but we will be back! We snorkeled, kayaked, and fished every day! The kids really enjoyed the slide! Mom and dad enjoyed the peace and tranquility this place has to offer! Not to mention the sauna on site! This place has it all! Veso was very attentive and answered all our questions within minutes of sending a message. This house has history with the tiles in the rocks along the river which brings a beautiful style and uniqueness! There is plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy so be ready to endulge in nature! We love this place so much that we will be back next year! Im sure you will love as much as we do!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geoff M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place on the Springs
Everything you could want for outdoor entertainment. Right on the springs and a nicely layed out home. Really enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angelica H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
This property is beautiful, host is incredibly responsive, and both the adults and children in our group had a great time. Thank you!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tamara D., Sarasota, FL

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome River Retreat
The property was as awesome as the listing describes! We spent every day fishing, kayaking, seeing manatees, turtles and more. Everyone had a great time. The owner was excellent with directions and instructions of how to use all of the equipment and checking in. The downstairs was packed with floats we used every day, outside games, water shoes even! Plenty of dishes and a nice kitchen to do all of your cooking, along with a great fire pit for roasting marshmallows. The kids were excited to see a Mama and baby manatee and even a lady who sells popsicles on the river, definetly a great trip for all!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer and Jonathan V.

Liked: Cleanliness
A natural beauty
Our stay was absolutely fantastic! The property and amenities exceeded our expectations. The house is thoughtfully furnished, spacious, and set up to entertain. The lagoon and slide kept us occupied most of our stay. Outstanding aesthetic all around, and so much fun. The grounds and the river are beautiful. You have easy access to the clear, clean spring fed river. We really enjoyed using the kayaks and paddle boards provided. The hosts were friendly and very easy to communicate with. We had a truly unique, amazing time and we hope to return for a longer stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina M., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful experience
Great location, great rental & great experiences
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

kristy t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
The property was all that was promised and then some! It was definitely a slice of paradise on the beautiful spring. My husband and I brought our 3 daughters ages 23, 24, and 27 along with their significant others and grandson who is 8. Everyone had a blast. It doesn’t matter your age there is something here for everyone. Property was clean and well taken care of as well as all the extras. Instructions on everything you needed while using the property. We would absolutely stay here again. The only bad part was leaving.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023