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Relax at This Canalfront Retreat on Florida's St. Johns River

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What a nice place to stay! This is what the house looks like from the Canal.

What a nice place to stay! This is what the house looks like from the Canal. We have awesome skies here in Central Florida! Does is get any better? The solar-heated pool is steps from the back door Life is good. Air-conditioned porch looks out over the pool and the Canal. See what Old Florida looks and feels like.  Mint juleps, anyone? View of the canal from the front of the boatlift. (Normally owner-occupied.) "Marvin" the Manatee -- he was munching on algae on a boat tied up at the dock Hawk taking a breather, across the canal from the Cottage. Wild turkeys in the neighbor's yard. Easy in-and-out ladder at the bulkhead. This guy hangs out at the dock every now and then. Astor Bridge as seen from a nearby rooftop restaurant.

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Last updated: 05/08/2013
Check availability
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  • Minimum stay:N/A
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:Yes
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

Astor Bridge Cottage, a delightful 3 bedroom, 3 bath canalfront cottage on the St. Johns River in historic Astor, FL, is available for your vacation rental. Bring your family, your friends — even your dog! Everybody will love the solar-heated pool from April through October (closed in winter months). No children 12 or under, please. Mapquest finds the Cottage to be just over an hour and a half from the Orlando attractions, a long drive for daily trips. But, that's okay -- you're probably here for the fishing, anyway!

With some of the best freshwater fishing in all of Central Florida, Astor is known for its beauty, its fishing, its gentle way of life. You can plan a chartered fishing trip with the amazing Capt. Steve Niemoeller or one of the other local guides available for you. They are knowledgeable about the area and can show you where the fish are. Or, if you bring your own boat, there is a public ramp within a quarter mile of the Cottage.

Astor Bridge Cottage also works well for vacation activities other than fishing. It's a great place for a 'Girls' Weekend', a romantic weekend, a place to relax if you're in the area for Nascar races, Bike Week or Biketoberfest in Daytona.

Using the Cottage as a starting point, you can go antiquing in Mount Dora, explore the Ocala National Forest, visit the Orlando attractions, or head out to the ocean in Daytona Beach. Click on the website address below so you can see more pictures of the house and grounds and links to area activities.

Bring your clothes, food, a First Aid Kit and a bathing suit. We provide the rest.

Bring your own boat or rent one locally and keep it at the Cottage. Please note, we keep our own boat at the Cottage but it is NOT included in the rental of the Cottage and Guests are asked to respect the typical boaters' courtesy: if you're not invited on, you're not allowed on. Many thanks!


Keywords: cottage, house, retreat, rental, waterfront vacation rental, riverfront, waterfront, secluded, pet friendly

Property Type

      • House

      Accommodation Type

          • Vacation Rental

          Meals

              • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

              Suitability

              • Not Suitable For Children:

                No children 12 or under -- Because of the pool and proximity of house to the canal, this property is not really suitable for small children....morecollapse

              • Pets Considered:

                Small & medium dogs only -- one medium-sized crate provided...morecollapse

              • Minimum Age Limit For Renters:

                Adult signing Rental Agreement must be at least 25....morecollapse

              • Non Smoking Only:

                Ash trays provided for outside smoking only....morecollapse

              Bedrooms

              • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
              • Upstairs master bedroom
              • 1 king
              • Master bedroom suite, upstairs. Walk-in closet, cable TV.
              • Downstairs master bedroom
              • 1 king
              • Downstairs master bedroom. Over-sized bath tub. Laundry.
              • Guest room
              • 2 twin/ single
              • Details:

                Two Master Suites furnished with King Size beds. One bedroom is furnished with twin beds....morecollapse

              Bathrooms

              • 4.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
              • Pool bathroom.
              • toilet, shower
              • Full facility convenient to pool area.
              • Outdoor shower
              • outdoor shower
              • Adjacent to pool area.
              • Upstairs master bath
              • shower, toilet
              • Large, step-in shower.
              • Downstairs master bath
              • toilet, combination tub/shower
              • Shared bathroom
              • combination tub/shower, toilet

              Kitchen & Dining

              • Kitchen:

                Fully equipped kitchen. Bring your own 'special' equipment (pasta maker? electric mixer?). This being close to Margaritaville, there IS a blender!...morecollapse

              • Dining:

                Dining room table can be expanded to sit six; kitchen table sits four....morecollapse

              • Refrigerator:

                In-door ice maker....morecollapse

              • Toaster
              • Dishwasher
              • Microwave

              Amenities

              • Air Conditioning:

                Central air throughout the house --absolutely essential in Florida!...morecollapse

              • Parking Off Street:

                Parking in the driveway for up to 6 vehicles...morecollapse

              • Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer:

                Ample parking for your trailerable 'toys'...morecollapse

              • Hair Dryer
              • Towels Provided
              • Washing Machine
              • Clothes Dryer

              Other Amenities

                  • Details:

                    Room on bulkhead to tie up large boat (pontoon boat, for instance); Public boat ramp within 1/4 mile of the Cottage is available free of charge. Dog friendly property with medium size crate provided. Owner-occupied boathouse with lift (up to 10,000 lbs.) is available by special request at additional cost....morecollapse

                  Entertainment

                  • Video Library:

                    Our growing library of movies should keep you entertained if you decide to stay indoors....morecollapse

                  • Books:

                    Help yourself to the paperbacks. (Try to leave one, if you take one.)...morecollapse

                  Communications

                  • Mobile Phone:

                    Cellphone reception in the area is 'spotty' and can vary widely depending on your carrier....morecollapse

                  Pool & Spa

                      • Private Pool:

                        Solar-heated, open for use from April to October. Out-door shower (w/ heated water)....morecollapse

                      Outdoor Features

                      • Lanai / Gazebo:

                        Some call it deck, some call it lanai ... whatever you call it, you can also call it home for awhile!...morecollapse

                      • Outdoor Grill
                      • Gazebo

                      Theme

                      • Romantic
                      • Away From It All
                      • Adventure

                      Location & View

                          • Waterfront:

                            Deep water canalfront, just off the St. Johns River...morecollapse

                          Activities

                          • Restaurants
                          • Sight Seeing
                          • Scenic Drives
                          • Boating
                          • Antiquing
                          • Bird Watching
                          • Wildlife Viewing
                          • ATM/Bank
                          • Snorkeling/Diving
                          • Freshwater Fishing
                          • Hiking
                          • Kayaking
                          • Swimming
                          • Fishing
                          • Water Skiing
                          • Hunting

                          Other Activities

                              • Details:

                                This area is all about leisurely life on the river. Boating, fishing, hanging out ... that's what Astor is known for. Some day trips might interest you -- Silver Springs, antiquing, the beach at Daytona, Ocala National Forest. But, mostly you'll want to try boating and fishing on one of the most scenic rivers you'll find anywhere. Abundant wildlife will keep you busy -- anything from manatees in the cooler weather to alligators all year. The Ocala National Forest is home to the Florida black bear and more birds than you can name (turkey, sandhill crane, red-shouldered hawk, and owl to name a few). You'll want to return every year, once you experience the beauty and tranquility of the St. Johns River....morecollapse

                               

                              Reviews

                              Write a review
                              • Best place to stay in Astor

                                Best place to stay in Astor

                                • Guest R Clarke
                                • Date of stay 03/29/13
                                • Review Submitted 04/09/13
                                My friend and I stayed at the Astor Bridge Cottage for a weekend to get away from work. The Cottage is spacious and very clean. We hired a guide to take us fishing and he picked us up right at the dock. We caught a total of 10 large Bass, the largest was close to 8lbs. Donna was great to deal with and she took care of our every needs. Great place to bring the family or just fishing buddies. We are already planning our next trip. Thanks Donna, You are a true professional. We had a great time

                                Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                                Owner response: I'm thrilled you had such good luck fishing on the St. Johns -- it has been spectacular this year! Come back anytime. We'd love to see you again!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Gotta' love Astor Bridge Cottage

                                Gotta' love Astor Bridge Cottage

                                • Guest Suz
                                • Date of stay 03/14/13
                                • Review Submitted 03/22/13
                                We all thoroughly enjoyed staying in Astor at Astor Bridge Cottage. Thanks for the “goodies” you left for us and for having the place in such nice condition. We enjoyed exploring on the river, eating at local restaurants and just hanging out on the dock. We even caught a few specs. I definitely plan to rent Astor Bridge Cottage again!

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, pet owners.

                                Owner response: Glad you enjoyed your stay, Susan. Come back anytime!!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Cozy and comfortable

                                Cozy and comfortable

                                • Guest Diane N.
                                • Date of stay 03/04/13
                                • Review Submitted 03/18/13
                                Our stay didn't turn out as we hoped as Rex developed a virus on the way. However I couldn't think of a better place place to get well. Very peaceful and comfortable with everything anyone could need. Didn't get to do much, but I did catch a crappy off the deck. Our chihuahua had a great time and wanted to take the dog bed home. He loved laying in th sun while I fished. Found out it was "Bike Week" so there were a lot of bikers about. All in all we had a pleasant stay. Would have preferred brighter lighting.

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners.

                                Owner response: Thanks for the good review -- we'll take a look at the lighting and see how it can be improved. We hope you'll come back (and Rex will be feeling better next time!).

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Two day rental

                                Two day rental

                                • Guest Peachie
                                • Date of stay 01/20/13
                                • Review Submitted 01/25/13
                                My friend and I spent two totally relaxing days at The Astor Bridge Cottage. The cottage way easy to find, and close to places to dine. The accommodations were totally equipped with everything we could have needed. I don't know if the owners staged the Sandhill Cranes in the front yard, but they were a charming touch. We loved watching feed; however, Sammy, the Beagle had never seen birds that large, and was totally intimidated. Great place to fish, hike, or just relax. Thanks for a fantastic experience, will be returning in the future.

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway.

                                Owner response: Wish we could take credit for the cranes -- but glad they accommodated you! We're at the Cottage ourselves at this very moment ... there was a fog rolling in over the canal this morning and the cranes were "honking" in the distance. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. Come back anytime!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Vacation at St. John's River

                                Vacation at St. John's River

                                • Guest Caryn W.
                                • Date of stay 08/24/12
                                • Review Submitted 09/10/12
                                Although we had to wait to see which way Hurricaine Irene went, it was great. Plenty of room. The fenced yard was great for our dog. We really overpacked, because there was everything we could possibly need in the house. Nice neighborhood. We'll defiantly be back.

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Astor Bridge Cottage

                                Astor Bridge Cottage

                                • Guest J and L
                                • Date of stay 06/22/12
                                • Review Submitted 07/09/12
                                We did not get to enjoy the rental as much as we would have liked. We were there to see family and had a medical emergency while there. However, the cottage is spacious and comfortably furnished. It sits on a canal and has a pool. It is a very serene location. Great for people who fish, or who simply want to get away. I would definitely rent it again.

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers.

                                Owner response: Thanks so much for staying with us. I'm sorry you had to leave early -- please come again and finish your visit!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Excellent fishing and a beautiful spot!

                                Excellent fishing and a beautiful spot!

                                • Guest Jane
                                • Date of stay 03/31/12
                                • Review Submitted 04/15/12
                                Our family (ages 10 to 84) spent a wonderful, relaxing week at the Astor Bridge Cottage - with lots of (successful!) fishing trips. We also enjoyed the pool, bicycling around the neighborhood, and snorkeling in the springs located near Astor. The house was very spacious and well-accommodated, and the owners provided lots of amenities that really made it feel like a "home away from home." All in all - a great week!

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway.

                                Owner response: Glad we were able to accomodate your extended family -- and we're especially glad the fishing was good, too!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Awesome place to get away and relax!

                                Awesome place to get away and relax!

                                • Guest Karen S.
                                • Date of stay 02/17/12
                                • Review Submitted 02/27/12
                                First of all, working with Donna was great. She was very accommodating to our needs and was always prompt in answering my many questions. The listing is accurately described and even seemed roomier than what I had anticipated. Spent a relaxing week just hanging out. Fished (successfully) off the dock and had a wonderful day on the St John's. Enjoyed nature watching the most. Heron's, egrets, otters, turkeys and sandhill cranes visited daily. The home is well provisioned, which made cooking meals at home a breeze. The only disappointing spot is that it wasn't sunny/warm enough to use the pool, but we thoroughly enjoyed the back yard and fire pit. Thank you Donna for making our visit a memorable stay. I would recommend this house to any one that likes to fish. The boating and fishing opportunities are unsurpassed. Convenient location to hit the Atlantic beaches too! We hope to be back again to explore the St. John's River in more depth.

                                Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, adventure seekers.

                                Owner response: Thanks so much for the positive write-up about Astor Bridge Cottage! I'm thrilled that you had such a good time -- I'll try to do better about the weather the next time you stay with us ... do come back!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Outstanding location and vacation home

                                Outstanding location and vacation home

                                • Guest Jenn
                                • Date of stay 08/12/11
                                • Review Submitted 08/21/11
                                We stayed at the Astor Bridge Cottage for the weekend. There were 3 couples and we all had a great time. On Saturday we went to Silver Glen Springs which was a quick 30 minute boat trip after we got out on the main lake. The house had every amenity imagineable and was very comfortable and quiet. I would recommend it for a week or a weekend and we surely plan to make a return trip!!! Thanks for the great memories!

                                Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                                Owner response: Thanks! Come and stay with us anytime ... it was a pleasure having you as our guests.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • ASTOR COTTAGE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY ON THE ST. JOHNS RIVER

                                ASTOR COTTAGE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY ON THE ST. JOHNS RIVER

                                • Guest Astor Junkies
                                • Date of stay 03/24/11
                                • Review Submitted 04/07/11
                                Our stay at Astor cottage was more than what we expected having stayed at many other places in Astor. The house was perfect and my teenage son found the extra "garage" room with the dart board to be his own private place. The fenced in yard for the dogs was an added plus and the dock was large and comfortable. We will be back, thank you for your hospitality. Nancy and Mark

                                Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                               
                              $150 per night (up to 4), $200 per night (up to 6); two night minimum
                              $900 per week (up to 4), $1200 per week (up to 6)
                              Rates for 'event' weeks and holidays:
                              - $200 per night (up to 4), $275 per night (up to 6); two night minimum
                              - $1200 per week (up to 4), $1650 per week (up to 6)
                              Monthly rate $2500 (May through October only)
                              Refundable pet damage deposit ($100 per pet)
                              $100 for housekeeping and insurance (min. $1500 coverage)
                              

                              Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.


                              This owner accepts: Credit cards.
                              Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

                               

                              Calendar

                              Last updated: 05/08/2013
                              Check availability
                              23 Available
                              21 Unavailable
                              22 Today
                              23 Selected dates
                              24 Special offer
                               

                              Location

                              This property's address is hidden.

                               

                              Owner info

                              Year Purchased: 2010

                              About the owner: Donna grew up in Central Florida but lived 'up north' for many years. When the time was right, she convinced Charles that Florida was the place to be. Leaving the hectic life of New York City behind them, they have been in Florida now since 2007.

                              Why the Owner Chose Astor:
                              They chose this house because they love the laid back atmosphere of Astor and they enjoy sharing this secluded retreat on the St. Johns River -- especially with people who have never experienced Old Florida at its best!

                              The Unique Benefits at this House:
                              With its extensive amenities, Astor Bridge Cottage is a home away from home. A fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, cable TV and WiFi Internet connection just begin to tell the story. Tie your boat to the bulkhead. (Owner-occupied boat house with a 10,000 lb. lift available for an extra fee.) The location is centrally located, not far from the Atlantic ocean, a short drive from Silver Springs and the Ocala National Forest ... even the Gulf of Mexico is near enough for a day trip. According to Mapquest, the Cottage is an hour and a half from the Orlando area attractions. You can find plenty to do or you can just bring a book and relax by the solar-heated pool. Small and medium-sized dogs are welcome (we even have a crate, if you need it). Sorry, no children under 12.


                              Contact us

                              • Primary: 386-290-6727
                              • Fax: 386-256-7281

                              Links to more information:

                               

                              Photos

                              • What a nice place to stay! This is what the house looks like from the Canal.

                                What a nice place to stay! This is what the house looks like from the Canal.

                              • Does is get any better? The solar-heated pool is steps from the back door

                                Does is get any better? The solar-heated pool is steps from the back door

                              • See what Old Florida looks and feels like.  Mint juleps, anyone?

                                See what Old Florida looks and feels like. Mint juleps, anyone?

                              • "Marvin" the Manatee -- he was munching on algae on a boat tied up at the dock

                                "Marvin" the Manatee -- he was munching on algae on a boat tied up at the dock

                              • Wild turkeys in the neighbor's yard.

                                Wild turkeys in the neighbor's yard.

                              • This guy hangs out at the dock every now and then.

                                This guy hangs out at the dock every now and then.

                              • We have awesome skies here in Central Florida!

                                We have awesome skies here in Central Florida!

                              • Life is good. Air-conditioned porch looks out over the pool and the Canal.

                                Life is good. Air-conditioned porch looks out over the pool and the Canal.

                              • View of the canal from the front of the boatlift. (Normally owner-occupied.)

                                View of the canal from the front of the boatlift. (Normally owner-occupied.)

                              • Hawk taking a breather, across the canal from the Cottage.

                                Hawk taking a breather, across the canal from the Cottage.

                              • Easy in-and-out ladder at the bulkhead.

                                Easy in-and-out ladder at the bulkhead.

                              • Astor Bridge as seen from a nearby rooftop restaurant.

                                Astor Bridge as seen from a nearby rooftop restaurant.

                              Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #335802

                              There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                              This listing was first published here in 2011.
                              Date last modified - Friday, January 18, 2013

                              13

                              3 Bedroom / 4.5 Bathroom
                              Sleeps 6


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                              Owner

                              386-290-6727

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