2 Acre Lakefront Estate - Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
About the property
- Estate4200 sqft
- Bedrooms5
- Sleeps20
- Bathrooms3
- Half Baths1
- Mininum Stay3 - 7 nights
3 Bdrms and gameroom/bunkhouse in main house plus 2 bdrm cabin.
This 2 acre retreat featuring beautiful giant oak trees on clear water springfed Lake Hiawatha in North Hillsborough county is only 20 minutes north of Tampa Airport, 30 minutes from Tarpon Springs and the Gulf of Mexico, and an easy day trip to all the tourist attractions in Tampa and Orlando.
The Lakehouse compound has been our secret retreat for family and friends for many years. The property consists of 3 Bedrooms (plus den/game room) in the main house and 2 bedrooms in the Fishing Cabin
If you only wish to rent the 2 bedroom fishing cabin, see VRBO #960460.
If you only want to rent the Main house - please contact us for pricing.
At the lake, we have a covered dockhouse with kayaks, canoe and many other watersports available. The 12 passenger pontoon boat and bass boat are usually available with a captain if you give us advance notice.
We are also open to partial or full trades with people that have other interesting properties!
If you want a day at the Gulf beaches, we can arrange access to our beach and beach toys at our beach home in Madeira Beach about 45 minutes drive. We can also arrange fishing, sailing, kayaking or other water activities in the Gulf of Mexico there if you'd like to make that part of your vacation. (See our beach house at VRBO #215413)
Lake Hiawatha is a great Bass fishing lake - we have caught Bass up to 11 lbs - and there are lots of them, along with Crappie, Bream and Bluegill. We never go out without catching fish!
The lake tends to be very quiet with very little boat traffic as there is no public access. Consequently there are rarely more than a couple boats out there if any. You will often find yourself in the only boat or kayak on the lake.
The mahogany lakeside Gazebo was made in Thailand and shipped to Florida - It is the perfect place for your morning coffee and reading or cocktails in the evening. The huge deck on the boat house is the perfect place for sunsets or yoga in the morning.
There is a large two person hammock strung up under the oak trees right by the lake in which you can usually find someone curled up reading or napping.
There is a large fire pit and stack of seasoned oak, which is usually the evening gathering place.
This is a relaxed and casual retreat for people who are looking for somewhere that is a comfortable place to kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy a slower paced lifestyle with the kids, your friends and your four-legged family members.
This is country style living so you aren't going to find designer furniture and expensive fixtures. It is a casual lake retreat and the opposite of pretentious. The home and cabin are older construction and have a rustic lakehouse atmosphere - so if you are looking for modern marble countertops and new fixtures, you might want to look elsewhere.
All the best that Florida has to offer is within a short drive, so you get the best of both worlds at your private lakefront retreat.
If you've tried Florida beachfront living - you owe it to yourself to try this other lesser known Florida lifestyle that is a slower pace with fresh air, beautiful water and abundant wildlife. We love it out there and we are sure you will as well.
Owner
Owner
- Response rate:
- 90%
- Response time:
- within a few hours
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 16, 2018
About Owner
We are in the deep ocean exploration business, and have recovered valuable cargoes from shipwrecks around the world. Our exploits have been featured on our Discovery Channel series and in National Geographic and network TV. You'll discover some of our finds and memorabilia in this property, which is our place to find some tranquility away from our crazy life. You may even go home with a shipwreck artifact as a memento of your stay with us! This place holds amazing memories for our family and friends - it is often the gathering place for our extended families for parties and spontaneous events alike.
Owner purchased this Estate in 2000
Why Owner chose Keystone
Since moving to the Tampa area in 1985, I scoured the local area for the perfect lake property to make our family compound. About twenty years ago, we discovered Lake Hiawatha, which I think is by far the best lake in the entire area. It is the second largest lake, but has no public access so very little boat traffic. Sections of the lake shore are still natural woods with large adjacent protected land. Three freshwater springs feed the lake, so when other lakes have lowered water levels, this lake is always high, the water beautiful, clear and filled with fish. The lake supports an amazingly healthy natural environment for wildlife. We have a bald eagle, ospreys, owls, blue jays, cardinals, a family of sandhill cranes and herons among other birds. The fishing is some of the best in the area. I have personally caught two bass over 10 lbs, and on any given trip it is not unusual to catch a dozen of more bass. There are large schools of Crappie and monster bream and bluegill. It feels like you are truly in the middle of nowhere, with amazing hiking trails not far away in the huge JB Starkey County park that has miles and miles of hiking, biking and pet exploration trails and campsites. On the other hand, shopping centers, cinemas and many restaurants are 10-15 minutes away - and you can be at Tampa airport in less than 20 minutes, Bush Gardens or Disney World in 90 minutes.
What makes this Estate unique
The lake is big enough with sufficient breeze for zipping around in the Hobie cat or windsurfer. We can organize use of the bass boat or the pontoon boat which is perfect for sunset cruises - which both require a Captain which can be arranged in advance. Upon request, we also have a smaller flatbottom boat that can be made available, as well as fishing equipment. Swimming is great - the water is always clear and warm. It is shallow enough close to shore for kids to play, but about 6 feet deep off the end of the dock. The boat house provides a shady roof area and full sundeck up top. It is a favorite place to hang out and read. This is a side of Florida that most visitors don't get to experience, but one that we fell in love with - and I am sure you will too!
Amenities
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Air Conditioning
- Accessible
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Satellite or Cable
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 20
- Master Bedroom - Main house1 king, 1 baby crib, Huge 3-panel sliding door opens to amazing lake view
- Bedroom 2 - Main house1 king, Relaxing view of shady oaks
- Huge gameroom w Bunk Beds1 sleep sofa /futon, 2 bunk bed, 1 murphy bed, TV, Movies, Games, Bumper Pool - Great for a bunch of kids
- Fishing Cabin Master Bedroom1 queen, Separate private, quiet cabin directly on lake
- Fishing Cabin Guest Bedroom1 double, 1 baby crib, 1 bunk bed, Futon opens to full bed and bunk bed on top
- Bedroom 3 - Main House1 king, Lakeview with sliding doors to the porch
- Notes specify each rooms location. .
Bathrooms
- 3 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower, jetted tub, MAIN: Master bath with view of lake!
- Bathroom 2toilet, shower, MAIN: shared bath (RMs 2+3) Double shower. Great for pets!
- Fishing Cabin Bathroomtoilet, shower, FISHING CABIN: Shared bath
- Outdoor Bathtoilet, OUTDOOR:Rustic, but perfect for use while enjoying the lake
- Notes specify Bathrooms location.
Location Type
- Lake View
- LakefrontStep out from your screened in patio onto 200 ft of lush green grass waterfront. Enhance your view of the lake by relaxing on the large boat house's roof deck.
- RuralJust minutes away from shops, restaurants, and fuel.
- Waterfront
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Iron & Board
- Air ConditioningCentral air
- FireplaceFire pit outside next to cabana with lots of dry firewood, and beautiful view of the lake!
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- InternetCable and High speed internet (TVs available in both homes) WiFi login provided at check in
- Clothes Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Living RoomBoth living rooms have amazing lake views!
- ParkingCovered parking available upon request. Plenty of additional parking!
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
Kitchen
- Coffee MakerBoth drip and keurig coffee makers available
- Dishes & Utensils
- DishwasherMAIN house only
- KitchenMAIN: Kitchen is open with plenty of counter space for prepping or serving. Cook with a view of the Lake!
- Microwave
- Oven
- Pantry ItemsBasic cooking supplies available for guests use.
- RefrigeratorRefrigerator-Freezer in main house and cabin
- Stove
- Toaster
Dining
- DiningLots of seating for parties - multiple folding tables and chairs, as well as two high table on the porch that seat additional 8. We often entertain scores of people here!
- Dining Area
- comfy seating for 10 people
Entertainment
- Pool TableBumper pool table available
- BooksThis place is a reader's paradise! Both homes have a selection of favorites available.
- Game Room
- GamesPing Pong table, lots and lots of boardgames and other fun stuff for the entire family.
- Music Library
- Ping Pong Table
- DVD Player
- Satellite / CableWe have both cable and Direct TV on the property.
- StereoMAIN: Sonos Stereo System plays virtually any musical selection if you are familiar with Sonos and have the app. Outdoor battery Bluetooth speakers also available to connect to your phone.
- TelevisionLarge screen TV in living room with cable and movies. High speed internet, TVs and cable/satellite access in 3 bedrooms and game room.
- Toys
- Video GamesWide selection provided
- Video LibraryDVDs provided.
Outside
- BicyclesPlease let us know in advance whether you will be using bikes and how many you are going to need.
- BoatWe can organize use of the bass boat or the pontoon boat - perfect for sunset cruises or fishing. Both require a Captain which can be arranged in advance. Good fishing right on the dock!
- Deck / PatioTwo screened patios, One on main house, and one on cabin. Large deck on the dock on top of boathouse. Stairs are steep on the top deck,, so limited accessibility.
- GolfMany golf courses in the area.
- Kayak / Canoe4 kayaks, one canoe, one paddle boat, one Hobie cat. More kayaks can be made available on request in advance. Please let us know in advance if you want Hobie access so we can rig.
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Lawn / Garden
- Outdoor GrillVery large grill on porch
- Tennis1/2 miles drive, walk or bike to the local public rec center with two large tennis lit courts.
- Water Sports Gear
Suitability
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- wheelchair accessibleMain house is all ground floor level with one step down into living room. Shower in guest bathroom is accessible for wheelchair.
Onsite Services
- Car Available
- Massage
- Private Chef
Attractions
- cinemas
- museums
- playground
- recreation center
- restaurants
- theme parks
Leisure Activities
- paddle boating
- antiquing
- boating
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- outlet shopping
- bird watching
- photography
- scenic drives
- shopping
- sight seeing
- walking
- wildlife viewing
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- Babysitter
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- massage therapist
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- pier fishing
- basketball court
- deepsea fishing
- equestrian events
- fishing
- fly fishing
- freshwater fishing
- golf privileges optional
- hiking
- hot air ballooning
- kayaking
- cycling
- rock climbing
- sailing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- snorkeling/diving
- sound/bay fishing
- spelunking
- surf fishing
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
- water tubing
Notes
- For more information on things to do in the Tampa Bay Area, go to the Visit Tampa Bay Website: www.visittampabay.com
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.
8 Reviews
Latest reviews
Superb setting and hosts!
Beautiful place for our family reunion.
Perfect setting for our business retreat! Relaxed, got a lot of work done and had fun.
Great location and the lake and amenities perfect for our group!
AMAZING LAKE RETREAT!
Spectacular view, kind and attentive host!
Location
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
Please provide at least 2 week advance notice if you are going to want to use any boats on the property, or would like to use bikes.