Place, Santa Fe River-Hartzog Conservation Easement
5 min walk
Santa Fe River
Place, Santa Fe River
14 min walk
Ginnie Spring
Place, Ginnie Spring
39 min drive
Rooms & beds
0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
About this property
Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage
Stay seven night or more for a 10% discount on your entire stay! The Hideaway Cottage is located on the banks of the Santa Fe River, surrounded by hundreds of natural fresh water springs, off of SR 138, then on approximately 2 miles of lime rock country roads, between Fort White and Branford, Florida on a beautiful wooded 3 acre lot (adjacent to Owners home and 3 acre lot) with a winding boardwalk to the riverdeck and floating dock on the Santa Fe River. Enjoy sitting around the fire-pit in the evenings, on the cottage deck, or the floating dock, while watching wildlife; including deer, turkeys, hawks, rabbits, raccoons, otters, manatees, beaver, and other wildlife near the cottage.
Just minutes up river from the cottage; is the mouth of the beautiful, crystal clear, Ichetucknee River, Gilchrist Blue State Park, Ginnie Springs and the Hwy 47 public boat ramp. Down-river just minutes are three very popular boat camps/boat ramps on the Santa Fe River; SR 129 Bridge public boat ramp, Sandy Point Private boat ramp, and Ella Ray's private boat ramp, where many amateur and professional anglers put in the river then head just a few miles downstream to the Suwannee.
If you are a Gator Fan and interested in attending UF Gators games the cottage is approximately 45 minutes away from the stadium, enjoy a special retreat at the Hideaway Cottage on the Gator football weekends. Autumn is a perfect time of year to enjoy the Springs and the Rivers.
The cottage is 12 miles from the well know diving capital of Branford, Florida on the beautiful Suwannee River. Alachua, Columbia, Gilchrist, and Suwannee counties boast of all the beautiful clear blue-green springs that emerge from the limestone karst throughout the area. Free diving, cave diving, and snorkling in our springs are a popular year round activity. This is truly a diver's paradise!
Several beautiful Florida State Parks are just a short drive of the Hideaway Cottage; Ichetucknee Springs State Park/North and South entrances, Gilchrist Blue State Park, Ginnie Springs Park, O'Leno State Park, & River Rise State Park. Many local county parks feature natural springs in the area. Also there numberous biking trails in the area, paved and natural located within miles of us for the cyclists.
We also have one of the only natural waterparks in North Florida, Bob's waterpark on the Suwannee River near Branford, Florida
The historic towns of Fort White, (13 miles) and High Springs, (19 miles) are on HWY 27 to the east of the cottage. The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is just a few minutes north of us. Kayakers, paddle boarders, canoeist, tubers, snorkelers and divers enjoy this section of the Santa Fe where small boats and fishermen abound. Many private natural game hunting camps populate the area for the avid hunter.
The cottage sleeps 2 comfortably, in the studio space, with one Queen bed, a full size, fold out Clack Clak sofa and a fold away cot. Cooking is easy in a fully equipped kitchen containing a coffeepot, microwave, electric stove, oven, and refrigerator in an open dining area with a table and 4 chairs. Total square feet of the cottage indoors is 450 sf.
A ROKU TV, DVD player and WIFI are available. Enjoy the wide front deck area morning and night nestled into the edges of the natural woods teaming with humming birds, butterflies, owls, deer and wild turkeys.
Be sure to check out the excellent restaurants and live entertainment that are near the cottage and also located in Lake City, Branford, High Springs, Trenton, and Bell, all of these towns are within a short diving distance of the cottage.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Only registered guests should occupy the property, cottage and/or use the amenities. No visitors!
NO SMOKING on ANY part of the property, decks, or river. Please clean out refrigerator and freezer and take all remaining groceries with you.
Additional charges will be assessed for damaged/taken: pillows, rugs, linens, towels, kitchen towels, placemats, dinnerware, glasses, silverware, etc.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Is Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage?
As of 26 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage on 17 Apr 2026 start from £82, 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 at Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps from Santa Fe River-Hartzog Conservation Easement and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Fort White Wildlife and Environmental Area. Sampson Lake and Suwannee River are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Loved our visit. The owners were accommodating and informative about the area. As Florida residents, this will be a regular visit.
Rick F.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2026
Thank you for your review! Yes, we are both generational Floridians. We love our state and especially north Florida. Our area is traditionally known as Freshwater Spring Country. Thankfully our part of the state is still very rural and peaceful. We love having great guests like you. Come again!
This was a great place to stay. It is secluded but near the Springs. The owners were pleasant. The owner even sent my daughter's ring back that they found after we left.
Really enjoyed our stay. The property was so nice.
Robin H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2023
So glad that you two came and stayed at the Hideaway Cottage! Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of nature as well as the all the deer and turkeys that come to visit. We’d love to see you again!
Thank you! We are centrally located to all the major springs on the Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers. We also have 4 State Park within 10-15 miles of our cottage. We enjoyed reading your remarks in our guest book. Please come again.
Our stay was amazing. Exactly what we were looking for. Lots of nature around the property and close to different springs. We definitely will be back.Thank you
Stefanie F.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2025
So happy you had such beautiful weather. The springs aren’t crowed in the Spring or Fall. Happy anniversary I hope you enjoyed the blueberry muffins and champagne. Come again!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marilyn W.
22 Jun 2018
very enjoyable
very enjoyable . Nice Great Location.
Marilyn W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Marilyn,
We are so glad that you had an enjoyable stay at the Hideaway Cottage. The area is very conducive to peace and quiet. So glad you chose us to spend your vacation time on the Santa Fe River.
The Hideaway Cottage is an amazing get away. Quiet peaceful location perfect for a getaway weekend. Close to many springs along the Santa Fe. Owners were very accommodating and personable. So glad they have shared their piece of paradise.We will definitely book again.
Karen P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Mar 2025
Thank you so much! We enjoyed meeting both of you. Spring time is a great time to visit. Low volume of people on the river and so many beautiful springs as well as state parks in our area. The cottage is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
We loved staying here! Perfect location for any and all outdoor activities on the rivers and springs. We loved relaxing on the floating dock and sitting around the fire in the evening. Lisa and Mike were extremely hospitable and communicative. We can’t wait to stay there again!
harlee k.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2024
We are so happy you enjoyed all the area has to offer. Spring’s, Rivers, State Parks, Biking trails, and being out in nature. We are fortunate that we are centrally located to all of these places. Also sitting on the floating dock is like sitting in the middle of the river. Glad you enjoyed the chimenea fire pit right by the cottage and watching sunsets on the dock. We have wonderful family owned restaurants in all directions from the cottage. So you don’t have to cook if you don’t want to bother. Please come back again!
The property was beautiful! The owners were super nice and welcomed us as soon as we got there. The cottage was perfect! Hope to visit again!!
Joanna W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jul 2023
Come back for a longer stay! We will give a 10% discount for stays 7 days or longer. There is so much to see and do in and around the three rivers area. Hundreds of springs, the Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers will keep you relaxed and enjoying the sights/sounds of nature for days.
We had a great few days in the hide away cottage! It had everything we needed & very clean! We enjoyed visiting the springs near by! Thank you Mike for making us feel very welcomed when we arrived!
Melissa W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2022
Thank you! There are hundreds of clear springs, 4 Florida State parks and 3 beautiful rivers, Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee in our part of North Florida. We hope you will come and stay longer when you can. Fall and spring times of the year yield fewer people and boats on the rivers. Hope to see you again soon.
Mike and Laura are gracious and helpful hosts. Extremely friendly and welcoming, you feel right at home on their beautiful property, which they take great care of. I’d love to visit again :)
Daniel R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2021
Thank you! We love to share our place with people who love nature, the outdoors and wildlife. We hope you got to see a lot of the springs and rivers while you were here. Come see us again!
I absolutely loved staying in the Hideaway Cottage.
The owners were beyond fabulous, friendly, gave great suggestions on where to eat or go and enjoy the springs.
I just hope I get the chance to return soon.
Shelia R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2022
So glad you had a great time at the cottage! We so enjoyed meeting you and your husband. We find that guests appreciate all the great information in the cottage notebook and find that it is very helpful. The package of state park info, rack cards, and location directions are invaluable to those new to this area. We can’t wait to see you again soon.
Mike and Laura
Hideaway Cottage and the riverside property it is nestled in were just what we we were hoping - Cozy, peaceful and an easy launchpad for wilderness adventures. We kayaked the Santa Fe from their dock and saw so much wildlife on or near the property,. Mike was very helpful and on hand when needed.
Lea J.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Feb 2025
Leave your worries and cares behind at the Hideaway Cottage. Plenty of wildlife, on and off the river. Thanks Lea for staying and enjoying our little peace of heaven in North Florida. We are so fortunate to own property that is the real Florida landscape surrounded by three wild rivers, the Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and the Suwannee Rivers. Please come again!
Cabin was clean and well equipped. The property was beautiful, the wildlife abundant as the deer,birds and owls welcomed me to their sanctuary. My soul still smiles...............
Diane C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2025
It was so nice to meet and talk with you. If you enjoy communing with nature and wildlife, this is the place to come. During the week, it is so quiet and peaceful. My favorite time is dusk and watching the sunsets on the floating dock. I hope you and you wife will come back soon!
Loved this place definitely we'll be back. They are amazing hosts
The property was very clean and organized. Miss Laura even made us blue Berry bread for our breakfast in the morning. Being able to go down the dock and enjoy the river was nice.
Ashly M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2022
Come again! There is so much to see and do! We enjoyed meeting the two of you!
Glad you had a wonderful weekend at the cottage!
Quiet, relaxing place on the river. The best hosts you could ever want. If you want to get away and have some peace, this is the place.
TJ G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2023
Being immersed in nature, visiting freshwater springs, boating down three major rivers, Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and the Suwannee, seeing mullet, manatees, deer, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, hawks, owls, ibis and herons. Thanks for visiting us. We enjoyed meeting you both. Come back!
The home was clean, set up well and very attractive. The property was amazing. Highly recommend.
Richard S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2022
We are so happy you had a nice get-away here at the Hideaways cottages. Visiting the springs and rivers in North Florida are the best!
About the host
Hosted by Mike/Laura Null
Mike and Laura are retired from Columbia County School District, Mike, (2016) was a business administrator and Laura, (2012) was K-12, National Board Certified Fine Arts Educator and Adjunt instructor for the local college in Lake City. They love spending our time on all three of the rivers in the area. They have covered many water miles in their kayaks; Mike fishes, catch and release, Laura takes photos of the rivers, limerock bluffs, animals, flora and fauna. Laura is 5th genration Floridian from Tampa, Hillsborough County. Mike is 3rd generation Floridian from Lake City, Columbia County. Laura and Mike have great knowledge of the area and all the nearby places you'll want to see.
Why they chose this property
We purchased this property after looking for a river place for 4+ years to spend our retirement. We split our time between Lake City and our river place due to our community volunteer projects with: the Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association, The Orchard Community Church, and the Gateway Art Gallery. We love spending time on the river, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. We fell in love the quiet of the natural, wooded, and secluded area. We enjoy watching wildlife, birds, turkey, hawks, and deer. It has been a dream come true to buy a place on the Santa Fe River, the home to many of Florida's most beautiful springs.
What makes this property unique
You will enjoy the peace, and quite of the river, as well as the beauty of nature with amazing wildlife. Located in a rural farming community called Holly Springs, in Gilchrist County, home of three amazing rivers and 70+ gorgeous springs. The cottage is on 3 acres, with 300 feet on the Santa Fe River surrounded by wooded privacy. Enjoy evening walks down the boardwalk to the floating dock, set out the chairs, share a refreshing snack or drink. We thank our Good Lord for the opportunity to enjoy and share this serene cottage with other river lovers.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests