Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly
Your Fall Getaway at Blue Heron Lakehouse
Slow mornings, peaceful lake views, and golden-hour sunsets—fall is a wonderful time to settle into lake life at Blue Heron.
Escape to your private waterfront retreat on Lake Hernando, part of Florida’s Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. This single-level, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sleeps up to 8 guests and offers comfortable spaces for family vacations, fishing trips, couples getaways, and multigenerational gatherings. Pets are welcome, too!
Enjoy coffee in the sunroom, spend the afternoon fishing or paddling from your private dock, then gather for a grilled dinner, games, and sunset views.
THE HOME & SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
The open living areas bring everyone together, while the split-bedroom layout offers privacy when it’s time to unwind.
• Primary bedroom: King bed with a Nectar hybrid mattress, blackout curtains, a 65-inch TV, and an adjoining bathroom with a large shower and grab bars. • Second bedroom: Comfortable king bed. • Third bedroom: Daybed that converts from a twin to a king, and a separate twin bed. • Additional sleeping space: The modular living room sectional can be arranged into a king-sized bed.
The home also includes two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and a washer and dryer.
WATERFRONT LIVING—EQUIPMENT INCLUDED
Your private dock is included with your stay. Cast a line, watch the birds, launch a kayak, or simply relax beside the water.
Provided for guests:
• Four kayaks: tandem adult for 1 or 2, fishing adult kayak, and 2 kid-sized kayaks for up to 130 lbs. • Two stand-up paddleboards • Life jackets • Fishing poles • Minnow net and bucket
Bring your favorite tackle and enjoy fishing right from the dock. Keep an eye out for herons, osprey, otters, and other wildlife throughout your stay.
A step-free boardwalk connects the patio outside the sunroom to the dock. One section is steep, so please use caution.
COFFEE, COOKING & TIME TOGETHER
Start the morning at the coffee bar and take your cup into the bright sunroom overlooking the lake.
Large kitchen windows keep the water in view while you prepare meals. Quality cookware, a Wonder Oven Pro, blender, and crockpot make cooking easy, whether you’re preparing breakfast or setting dinner to cook before a day of exploring.
The propane grill is ready for relaxed dinners at home. Gather around the dining table, then settle into the spacious living room for a movie or conversation.
FAMILY FUN & THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS
There’s plenty to enjoy between lake adventures:
• Cornhole • BOARD electronic game system • Giant Jenga • Magnetic building tiles • Children’s books • Star projector for little stargazers
Spacious gathering areas, flexible sleeping arrangements, and two full bathrooms make Blue Heron a welcoming home base for families traveling together.
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and essential supplies are provided to help make your stay easy.
PET-FRIENDLY LAKE LIFE
Bring your furry family members along! A dog door connects the sunroom to a small fenced yard, while a larger fenced area offers more room to explore the main backyard. A fence separates that space from the lake. EXPLORE FLORIDA’S NATURE COAST
Balance quiet days at home with outings to nearby attractions:
• Rainbow Springs and Rainbow River • Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs • Silver Springs • Withlacoochee State Trail for biking and walking • Airboat tours • Downtown Inverness shops, parks, and restaurants • Golf options including Skyview and Juliette Falls • Local waterfront dining
Blue Heron feels peaceful and tucked away while remaining convenient to everyday essentials:
• Publix and CVS: approximately 5.5 miles • Target and Walmart: approximately 8 miles
HELPFUL ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
The home has a single-level layout, a step-free entrance, and grab bars in the primary shower. The boardwalk to the dock has no steps, though one section is steep.
MAKE TIME FOR A FALL LAKE ESCAPE
Whether you’re planning a weekend together or a full week to unwind, Blue Heron offers lake adventures, comfortable beds, thoughtful amenities, and room to reconnect.
Relax • Explore • Repeat
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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Fall Specials Available! Access to secret spring, free canoes, Pet Friendly. Nature Lovers paradise! Discounts applied for stays longer than 7 days and 30 days!
Hernando
Fall Specials Available! Access to secret spring, free canoes, Pet Friendly. Nature Lovers paradise! Discounts applied for stays longer than 7 days and 30 days!
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Parking is limited. NO noise after 9pm.
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Lock the doors
Leave used towels on floor and leave sheets and blankets on the beds. We will take it from there!
If departing on Thursday or Friday, please set the Flash Trash bin at the end of the driveway if time allows.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5358158
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 6
Note from host: Parking is limited. NO noise after 9pm.
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 first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Hernando
Located in Hernando, this vacation home is on a lake. Lakeside Golf and Country Club and Regal Citrus Cinemas are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rainbow Springs State Park and Fort Cooper State Park. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
Lakeside Golf and Country Club - 5 min drive - 4.8 km
Regal Citrus Cinemas - 9 min drive - 9.2 km
Bark Central Dog Park - 10 min drive - 9.5 km
Skyview At Terra Vista - 11 min drive - 10.0 km
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum - 12 min drive - 11.9 km
Restaurants
Wendy's - 10 min drive
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Dunkin' - 10 min drive
Burger Station - 3 min drive
Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club - Meadows - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly?
As of Sep 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly on Sep 28, 2026 start from $322, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Blue Heron Lakehouse • Private Dock • Kayaks/Paddleboards • Family/Pet Friendly located?
Located on a lake, this family-friendly vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Lakeside Golf and Country Club, Bark Central Dog Park, and Skyview At Terra Vista. Whispering Pines Park and Wallace Brooks Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Beautiful home with every amenity possible. Perfect setup for dogs and children, stunning lake views, host was extremely accommodating! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 25, 2026
Thank you so much, Emily, for your wonderful review! It means the world to us that you enjoyed the lake views and found the home well-equipped for both your family and your dogs. We loved hosting you and are so grateful you chose Blue Heron Lakehouse for your getaway. We’d be thrilled to welcome you back anytime!
— Laura & James
The house was just as advertised..beautiful, peaceful, very clean. Laura and James did everything to make our trip perfect!! Our little dog got spoiled because of the freedom he had running around without a leash!! WE WILL FOR SURE BE BACK, HOPEFULLY SOON!!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 26, 2026
Terry & Marian, thank you for such a lovely review! We’re so glad you found the lakehouse peaceful and comfortable, and it makes us smile to hear your little dog enjoyed the freedom to run around. We loved hosting you and would be delighted to welcome you all back soon!
With gratitude,
Laura & James
A New Hidden Gem found! Everything was over the top fantastic Laura was Amazing checked in with us to make sure our stay was perfect! We highly recommend this new property we used kayak and caught many bass 13 ? Maybe 20 bites Laura carries everything one might need. Thank you for 6 great days of our short get a way! We will definitely be back Impressive taste best of the best
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2026
Thank you, Chrissy! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay—and catching 13 bass,wow! 🎣 Lake Hernando is full of bass, but we haven’t had time ourselves to slow down and catch many. I’m so glad you did!
We loved hosting you and can’t wait to welcome you back!
About the host
Hosted by Laura Karnes
Semi-retired, but definitely not slowing down! My husband James and I love travel, new adventures, and creating exceptional guest experiences. As hosts, we believe the little details matter—from a spotless home and thoughtful amenities to sharing local tips that help guests experience the area like a local. We look forward to welcoming you and helping make your stay one to remember.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with this neighborhood because it offers the perfect balance of peaceful lakefront living and endless outdoor adventure. Blue Heron Lakehouse sits directly on the open waters of Lake Hernando, where every window frames beautiful lake views and wildlife is part of everyday life. Guests can spend the day boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, or simply relaxing while watching the sunset over the water.
What makes this location truly special is that while it feels like a private retreat, you’re just minutes from some of Florida’s best attractions. Explore Rainbow River and Rainbow Springs State Park, bike the scenic Withlacoochee State Trail, play championship golf at Juliette Falls or Skyview, swim with manatees in Crystal River, or enjoy local restaurants and charming downtown Inverness.
What makes this property unique
What truly sets Blue Heron Lakehouse apart is the combination of peaceful seclusion and easy access to adventure. In one vacation, you can fish from your private dock, kayak on the lake, explore crystal-clear springs, bike one of Florida’s most scenic trails, play championship golf, or simply relax and reconnect while watching herons, otters, and spectacular sunsets.
We designed the home with families and friends in mind. It’s a single-level home with spacious gathering areas, a gourmet kitchen, comfortable king bedrooms, a private dock, a fenced yard for four-legged family members, and thoughtful extras that make guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Every detail has been chosen with one goal in mind: creating the kind of place where memories are made and guests can’t wait to return.