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WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees

Photo gallery for WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees

Guest photo. Kayaking the beautifulHalls River.
Exterior detail
Exterior
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Den

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees

Come stay in this beautifully decorated, freshly remodeled home featuring a spacious and relaxing open floor plan with all new furniture throughout the house.

Kayaks included! You can enjoy nature, fish and kayak right from the backyard.

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 host,

Joanne

Property manager

Gary and Joanne Bartell
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Of course we love kids!
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Events

No events allowed
Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outdoors only. Must pick up butts.

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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Homosassa

Located in Homosassa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Homosassa, FL

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 8 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 9 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Hunter Spring Park - 10 min drive - 10.3 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Citrus County Dog Park and Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and A Crystal River Kayak Company 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Renee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to relax

Enjoyed our stay and will be back next year.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hilda Kay C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Matelon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

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

8/10 Good

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Northern Escape

We stayed
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

Very relaxing place. The nature around you is so wonderful and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amelia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Halls River

The area is beautiful
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and convenient

This home is Tucktaway on a quiet spot of the river. We had easy access to kayaking and multiple state parks. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven W., Villa Grove, Colorado

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Old Florida experience

Immaculate and clean home. Great Old Florida feel. Easy booking and pet friendly. Highly recommend a stay here. Close to the best Florida springs.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina W., Ft. Lauderdale

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful woodsy setting

The hostess, Joanne, was amazingly accommodating. The property was in the midst of quiet and wildlife. Nearby are restaurants, shopping, boat adventures, private beach, and small city life. Good place for a getaway!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phil S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

ethan b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Awesome! House was perfect. Great location. River and kayaking was wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Memorial Day

Quiet neighborhood right on the river. Kayaks available to use, great host and great time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

The property was as listed with a couple nice touches like the welcome board. We enjoyed the access to kayaks. Joanne was a great host helping us navigate finding fun things while kayaking in the river. I highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pauleah T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful, clean, beautiful retreat

I loved kayaking the river and touring nearby springs. There is so much to do here. The neighborhood was beautiful and everything was perfect. My mom stayed with me and said that it was her favorite rental. The kitchen layout was awesome and we also loved the large yard. We would love to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ava D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Singh beauty and peace ❤️❤️

We loved our stay! It was so peaceful and quiet! Our son loves being able to fish from the backyard. The kayaks were an added bonus. We had a manatee visit during our stay! Great central location! We will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Halls River Pleasure

This is our 2nd trip to this home and and enjoyed each time, Joanne is a great host and very caring about your stay. Recommend this house and location when in this area without a doubt. Kayaking down the river is so peaceful and the wildlife is so beautiful. Will be back for sure.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Mark K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

“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

10/10 Excellent

Russell H., Jacksonville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

Always an awesome stay here. Despite losing half the weekend to 40mph winds we had a great time. 3 friends who had a great fishing weekend. Joanne is always so helpful and does a great job communicating. Looking forward to another trip
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte D., Southern Pines, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Kimberly T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

It was everything we hoped for and much more!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Gary and Joanne Bartell

Host profile image
We'd like to introduce ourselves. We are Gary and Joanne Bartell and we are the property managers for Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs Florida. We moved to Homosassa in 1988 to raise our family and quickly got involved with local politics to help shape the future of our community. Gary served as a County Commissioner from 1990 to 2010 and was chairman of the Tourist Development Council for 14 years. Joanne was a founding board member of the Nature Coast Envirothon, a high school environmental education and scholarship program. We both enjoyed spending countless hours over the years educating the youth of the community about the rare and precious natural resources found in this area. Our vision has always been to protect and preserve these amazing natural resources for generations to come.
We are delighted with the opportunity to share this home and the beautiful surrounding area with you.

What makes this property unique

The Halls River is a rare piece of Old Florida. Largely undeveloped, the river is a birder's paradise, a fisherman's delight, and a photographer's dream. Blue Crab, Turtles, Bass, Redfish, Snook, Trout, Ladyfish, Mullet, Bream, Sunfish, and various other species of fish can all be seen swimming about in the Halls River. In the sky above you will find Bald Eagles, Green Herons, White Pelicans, Wood Storks, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills and many more species of fabulous waterbirds. Along the river you may find dolphin chasing mullet, experience a manatee nursing a newborn calf, or take delight in watching an ever playful family of river otter. Along the shore you will enjoy the antics of a family of emus and a flock of Welsh Harlequin ducks that free range along the shoreline and swim in the river. Most days the morning sunrises and evening sunsets are aglow with brilliant colors that will take your breath away. For the adventurous, night time kayaking reveals brilliant stars and planets above - and - with a flashlight shone on the water the surface appears as a sheet of glass and you can see fish, turtles, and other creatures underwater as if you are watching them through a window. Amazing, breathtaking, and captivating moments and memories await you at Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Florida.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests