THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS
If you are looking for a great house to hang out with friends and family, this is the place! Relaxing, Spacious home facing west so that you can enjoy the outdoor space & pool without harsh afternoon sun! From scalloping in the summer to swimming with manatees in the winter there is something for everyone to enjoy. IF THIS HOME IS BOOKED PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER PROPERTY FOR AVAILABILTY! VRBO # 2342296 (The Salty Pelican) The openness of this home is its best feature, including the large open kitchen with HUGE kitchen island & sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor pool side living area. The smart TV on the patio makes it ideal to swim, grill out, fish and watch TV all while still outdoors enjoying the very best of the Nature Coast without the afternoon sun! Make yourself comfortable in any of the three spacious bedrooms. This waterfront home sleeps 8 people (Max 6 adults). The pool overlooks the wide deep water canal. Bring your boat or you can launch our kayaks right from the floating dock. There is also a boat launch just 3 minutes away from the property. All bedrooms have smart TV's. In the living room you will find a twin size trundle bed that sleeps two, perfect for children. The screened in sunroom/Lanai/patio has a large flat screen smart TV that overlooks the pool, water and floating dock. It is the perfect location for hanging out after a long day on the water. This home is located on a deep canal with Gulf access. VERY large boats access this canal easily. There is one bridge going out to the Gulf but it is 40 feet high, so NO height restrictions. The house is about 5 miles from the scalloping grounds & approximately 5-10 minutes drive from King’s Bay, 3 sisters springs, and hunter springs and 35 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico by boat There is room in the driveway for two vehicles & a boat trailer. No parking in garage, grass or street areas. PLEASE NOTE: * Security cameras are present recording 24/7 around the exterior of the house. a. Two facing the front yard b. One facing the side door c. One facing the back yard and dock d. One inside of garage
* Pool heater is set to 84 degrees. (Winter Months Only) Pool heat temperature varies based on weather & outdoor temperature. Owner has no control on cold weather and cannot be held liable for any reason if pool heater cannot get temperature to 84 degrees. Owner will run pool pumps and heater for a maximum of 10 hours per day. A pool cover is provided to keep pool warm when not using. If pool cover is left off, water will not stay warm. If pool pumps or heater settings are changed you will forfeit your full deposit. * WE DO NOT OFFER BICYCLES. We have asked VRBO to correct this on the website but it still has them listed under amenities. I've noted below some answers to common comments/inquiry: ** WE RECOMMEND ENVERYONE PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE. ** Check In is at 4pm. ** Entire property is NO smoking/ vaping (including outdoor spaces) ** The pool “spa” area at this property is NOT a hot tub/jacuzzi. The "spa" does not heat up above the temperature of the pool. This is only a feature of the pool. ** Fireplace is a decorative fireplace only. Not a working fireplace. **FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED at anytime within 1000 yards of the home. You will forfeit your full deposit if you or your guests violate this rule. ** NO PETS ALLOWED
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
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
See Welcome binder for Check out procedures
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Any violation of rental agreement will result in removal from the property. Primary guest must present government photo ID. NO SMOKEING/VAPING.
Security cameras are present/recording 24 hrs. No events/parties/gatherings of more than the max amount of guest allowed.
Check-in only if primary guest is present; secondary guests can't check in alone. No grass/street/garage parking (trailers included), 1 boat per stay
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2457732vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
About the area
Crystal River
Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Indian Waters, a neighbourhood in Crystal River. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Crystal River Preserve State Park and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
Crystal River Preserve State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Crystal River Archaeological State Park - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Crystal River Watersports Marina - 1 min drive - 1.4 km
Three Sisters Springs - 7 min drive - 7.5 km
Restaurants
McDonald's - 6 min drive
Subway - 5 min drive
Denny's - 20 min walk
Bayside Kraft Kitchen - 5 min drive
Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is THE RIVER COTTAGE! COME RELAX & UNWIND. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HEATED POOL, KAYAKS located?
Located in Indian Waters, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Crystal River Preserve State Park, Crystal River Watersports Marina and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins. Crystal River Archaeological State Park is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great home in Crystal river. My family and I had a great time at the property. The house had kayaks that we used to go fishing and exploring. The host was very responsive!
Fantastic space for a family to spend a week. Lovely screened in pool area that has a great sitting area outside with a TV. Open the living room to the outside during mornings and evenings for a seamless flow between outdoor and indoor spaces. Top notch hosts and location - will be back!
Steve H.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Awesome review from awesome guests! Thank you. Come back soon, we would love to host you again.
Had a great stay with friends at the cottage for a weekend of scalloping! Great location for boating and plenty of room for 3 couples! We’ll definitely be staying again in the future! Thank you!
Jenifer W.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Thank you! We would love to have you all back! Scallop season is definitely a fun time.
This house was perfect for our weekend getaway. The house was very clean and the kitchen had all the amenities you need. The pool and the outside porch area was absolutely perfect and such a great place for everybody to relax and spend time together. We rented a boat from twin Rivers, Marina, and we were able to dock it right at the house! I definitely wouldstay here again!
Kathy S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Thank you! you all were wonderful guests and we would love for you to come back again. So glad you had a great time.
We really enjoyed our stay. The boat ramp is close to the house and the floating dock was large enough for our boat. The house did not feel cramped with four adults and four kids. We loved the lanai area, the large overhangs allowed us to enjoy sitting outside during the afternoon rains.
Nate F.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
So happy you enjoyed your stay! Come back anytime.
The home is very clean, neat and well equipped. It had everything we needed, and was a pleasure to walk into. The host was very friendly and fast to respond on any questions, a bonus was the home had kayaks that were not on any of the photos or information on the home, we were very happy about that. The pool was great too always warm and welcoming. The location was very convenient while being a quiet peaceful place, boat rental from three rivers marina was so close and easy to access we loved using a pontoon with the homes dock. Every room had large TV's in and great viewing options, wifi was fast and reliable. The OLNY negative in this whole experience, was the master bedroom king bed, the mattress is shot and has a huge dent on one side from someone's use over a long time, it MUST be replaced, it was a crazy thing to contend with, us trying to sleep on one side of the bed because the other was not ok. I would recommend this property all day long, we were two adults and four teens and we had a great time.
Clint m.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Great review, Thank you! We will get that mattress replaced ASAP! So happy you let us know. Wish we could have gotten it changed out during your stay. For next time please let us know, and we will try or hardest to get that fixed. We would love for you all to come back anytime.
This place has all the comforts of Home. We stayed there almost 3 weeks. Plenty of room. The Host was always available and quick to respond. The Springs and the Gulf are just a quick boat ride. We will definitely stay here again.
Tammy L.
Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jul 2025
Thank you Tammy! You and your husband were a joy to host, thank you for taking such great care of our home.
Had such a great week. The house was clean and beautiful. We really enjoyed having the pool at the house to take a dip and cool off. We had 7 people and didn’t feel crowded for space. Communication with the property manager was easy and they were quick to respond to messages. The boat ride in and out of the canel was beautiful at sunset with lots of wildlife to see including manatees.
Holley C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Great guests! Loved having you all stay, come back anytime.
Wonderful home in Crystal River! Quiet and peaceful neighborhood with canal access for kayaking. The house itself was perfect for us, and Melissa was a fantastic host, immediately answering all my questions. Will definitely stay here again if given the opportunity!
Cory F.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2025
Hi Cory,
Thanks for the great review! We’re glad you had a good time, and we look foward to seeing you again!
Thanks
Melissa and Jose
This is a great place to stay while in CR. It is clean, well stocked, and has a great open floor plan for family and friends! The location is perfect- close to a boat ramp and easy access to the springs and scallop grounds! I highly recommend this home for your vacation!
Jami A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2023
Thank you Jami! We always love having you and your family stay. Can not wait to have you all back again!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tricia R.
9 Jun 2019
Excellent place to stay
The home is beautiful and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s close to all the points of interest. The outdoor area is a wonderful place to relax, swim and watch the resident turtles and the occasional dolphin.
Tricia R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2023
Thanks for the great review! Glad you all liked the property. We hope you all will come back again and again.
Fantastic property with a great floor plan. We enjoyed fishing, the kayaks, paddelboards, and the pool was lovely (even in the rain). Highly recommended, and hope to stay again soon!
Lindsey H.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2024
Thank you Lindsey! You all were wonderful guest. We would LOVE to have you all back again!
Melissa
About the host
Hosted by River Cottage
We enjoy getting to know all of our guest and their families. We love sharing our home with others so they may fall in love with Crystal River just the way we did.
Why they chose this property
The beautiful waterfront canal and the quietness of the neighborhood is the absolute best!
What makes this property unique
The open living/dining/outdoor floorplan is the best thing about this property. Everyone can be spread out but still together no matter what they are doing. Kids playing in the pool, someone grilling, others watching TV either in the living room or lanai. They are all still together.