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

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise

Beach
Dining
Smart TV, fireplace
Property grounds
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6149 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    3 min drive
  • A Crystal River Kayak Company
    7 min drive
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
    8 min drive

Room options

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includes taxes & fees
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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.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of this holiday home's great location. During your stay, you'll be close to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 2 bathrooms in the holiday home.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine and 2 bathrooms
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and 5 minutes from Citrus County Dog Park
Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Gary and Joanne Bartell

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart 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.
  • In-room 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
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling 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

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

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

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

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

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

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 148 out of 157 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 157 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 157 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 157 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 157 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

Patsy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pauleah T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unable to stay
Sadly Hurricane Helene flooded the property. Owner and Vrbo were very prompt with info and refund. Will try again !
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tina P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
We enjoyed our stay. The home was so clean and in a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place!
This is one of our favorite places to stay. Plenty of parking, clean and Joanne is a great hostess! This home is roomy and the AC works great. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nita C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Northern Escape
We stayed
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful pet friendly spot!
We had a fabulous time in this tranquil cottage! Joanne really goes out of her way to be sure the guest has a great experience. Upon arrival it was very clean and all the essentials present. We were traveling with our pets and they were so happy to play in the fenced backyard. We also took a trip on the river with the kayaks. It was a really hot day and we meet some local folks who parked their boats for a swim or float in the shallows. We would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amelia W.

Liked: Cleanliness
So much fun
Had a great time thank you for letting us enjoy your cute home . It was a blast will be back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina A.

Liked: Cleanliness
So Chill
Our family of four had a wonderful, relaxing time @ this river house! Ms. Joanne is an exceptional hostess & is very responsive in all communications. I don’t know how else to explain it but the vibe in this house is so chill. There are kayaks on site for use which is awesome! The house is clean, comfy & is equipped w all the essentials for a home away from home. The neighborhood is quiet & close to anything you want to do in the area. Thanks, we’d definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Have to buy kayaks now!
So my husband, young daughter and I decided to take a last minute trip and ended up in Homasassa Springs. Wanting to do something a little outside of the normal beach trip. This was an amazing experience. The house is exactly as advertised and probably the cleanest of any vacation property we have ever stayed in. The kayaks were a total game changer. They gave us something fun to do (even had some awesome neighbors who joined us on a jaunt up the river). Joanne was exceptionally communicative, and was kind enough to give us recommendations for places to visit and eat. The experience from beginnig to end was 5 stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matelon D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome!
Great location, super clean, loved kayaking!! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

bart b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place!
This place was great, close to everything and still a 5 minute kayak from a beautiful river. The place looks better inside than outside, and was well furnished and clean. The coolest thing was the Blackstone grill. I do wish the creek in the back had a nice clean bottom, instead of the mucky murky one, but the water was clean at least. We never did see any manatees, because apparently the usually come up river in the winter time.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phil S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place for a family getaway
Our family was looking for an all in one place by the river to stay, and Joanne’s house hit the mark. The house was large enough for a family of five to sleep comfortably, and with the water out back we spent hours fishing and kayaking. We also loved making s’mores each night at the fire pit. The property was calm, quiet, and beautiful, and from start to finish I couldn’t have been happier with communication and support from our host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

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