Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes
Welcome to Let’s Live Canal Cottage in Old Homosassa! Our three bedroom, two bath cottage is located on a canal off of the Homosassa River, with nearby gulf access. Bring your small boat or golf cart to enjoy the area. There is a boat ramp at McRaes’s down the road and your small boat can be stored at our dock. Culvert access to the Homosassa River. This property also includes use of five kayaks and two bicycles. Get in your kayak and go to dinner! We are just minutes away on a beautiful walk to The Shed at McRae’s, The Freezer, The Monkey Bar and Monkey Island. There are so many activities that are so easily accessible from this property. Come enjoy the manatees and everything the nature cost has to offer! Enjoy this little slice of heaven!
**Guests must agree to a waiver upon booking for use of the dock, kayaks, and canal as requested by our homeowner's insurance. We are required to have a waiver for use of water and water related activities to maintain coverage. Waiver is available under "rental agreement" tab in this listing.
Optional pull out bed guests (in master) available for small extra fee of $10. Please let us know upon booking if this will be needed as this bed is not prepared prior to all check ins and extra linens are not provided with stay.
Dishonesty regarding the number of guests that will be staying on the property will not be tolerated. ESPECIALLY if the number of guests exceeds the capacity limits that are set for the house. These limits are set for a reason. We do not provide air mattresses for extra bedding as the number of beds already in the house are ample for the guest capacity. Thank you.
🛥️Docking at our cottage: One vessel can be docked in the back of our home at a maximum of 15 feet. We are located beyond a height restricted tube/culvert, therefore vessels with center consoles, fixed canopies, and towers cannot pass through the culvert to dock at the property. Experienced boaters who are familiar with their vessel and tides may fit a pontoon through the culvert, however, we are ideally set up for docking a fishing skiff. We are located two minutes from two boat ramps and ample daily parking if our dock cannot accommodate your vessel. *Please contact me about the size of your boat that you plan to dock before you book! Let’s make sure it fits and can access the river through the culvert!
We are also a pet free property!
Please note that scallop season is a very busy time at the cottage as well as in the area. We often host parties of six at the cottage and are generally fully booked from early July through August. We work diligently to try to accommodate early check in requests, but also always want to make sure the house is ideal for our next check in and our guests are happy. Early check ins and late departures for especially larger groups during this time are more difficult to accommodate. Thank you for understanding!
Please keep your party to registered guests only on the property. We do not allow extended visits and events/parties with guests who are not staying on the property. Please understand that this is an insurance liability. We also like to keep our amazing neighbors happy 😃 *Dishonesty regarding pets and smoking inside the home is not permitted. A $250 fee will be incurred for additional cleaning expenses. Please read full description of our property before booking.
We would love to reiterate that our family absolutely loves our guests. We enjoy sharing our vacation home with others and are so happy when our guests enjoy it as much as we do. We are a smaller cottage in a quiet neighbor and not a large palace. The description of our home is very accurate with bed sizes, pictures of each room, and we are very clear about guest capacity limits as we do not want our guests to be uncomfortable during their stay. There are larger homes in the area that do fit larger parties. We, however, enjoy the comfort of our cozy cottage. While you are staying at our property, we want you all to be comfortable and have an enjoyable time. As your host, I do give our guests every opportunity for something to be addressed or rectified during your stay; whether that be number or towels or more blankets, we are happy to help you! Please before reviewing give us the opportunity to provide you with what you may need. It is important to us, but we cannot fix an issue that we are unaware of. We are people too and understand everyone’s needs may be different. Thank you so much! Kindly, The Rost Family
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Homosassa Springs Waterfront Home Perfect For Fishing, Boating And Scalloping
Homosassa
Homosassa Springs Waterfront Home Perfect For Fishing, Boating And Scalloping
We appreciate you adhering to our house rules. Our home sleeps a MAXIMUM of 6 adult guests. We cannot accommodate any more than six guests.
Our home is suitable for a maximum of 6 adult guests. Due to keeping our home clean and sanitary for future guests, please DO NOT use couches as beds.
Our home is on a very small and quiet side street with no on street parking. There is enough room for two vehicles and one boat with trailer.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2545499vb
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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Homosassa
Located in Homosassa, this cottage is on the waterfront. Riverhaven Marina and A Crystal River Kayak Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
Three Sisters Springs - 14 min drive - 18.4 km
Weeki Wachee Springs - 32 min drive - 47.3 km
Getting around
Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 69 min drive
Restaurants
RaceTrac - 8 min drive
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters - 7 min drive
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant - 7 min drive
Crumps Landing - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes?
As of 17 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes on 22 Sept 2026 start from £305, 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 Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Waterfront Canal Home in beautiful Old Homosassa! 5 Kayaks, Dock, Bikes located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum. Tiger Tail Island and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property was absolutely amazing, and our host was fantastic from start to finish! The home was so incredibly well-stocked with everything we could possibly need that we didn't even have to leave the property during our stay. The decor was a full Easter/spring theme, which was just delightful and added such a cheerful, welcoming touch to the atmosphere. On top of that, there were even fun things to find hidden around the property, making it feel like a little scavenger hunt. We had a wonderful time and can't recommend this place enough!
Diana D.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2026
Thank you so much for this incredibly kind and thoughtful review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful stay and enjoyed all the little details throughout the home. We truly love creating a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience for our guests, so it means so much to hear that the Easter and spring decorations, along with the hidden surprises around the property, made your visit extra special.
We’re also so happy that you found the home well stocked and comfortable enough to fully relax and enjoy your time without needing to leave. Your kind words genuinely mean the world to us. Thank you again for staying with us and for such a wonderful recommendation — we would absolutely love to welcome you back again in the future!
House was in a very set back community that was nice and quite. The kitchen was fully stocked with cookware and lots of spices for just about anything you would like to cook. I have never stayed in such a comfortable home, most are very bare and stark. The kayaks were a great way to explore the canals and surrounding areas. Very close to many attractions and things to do. Will definitely be back!
Diane W.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy you enjoyed the peaceful setting and felt comfortable and at home during your stay. We try very hard to make the house feel welcoming and well stocked, so it means a lot to hear that you appreciated the kitchen, cookware, and little extras. We’re also glad you were able to enjoy the kayaks and explore the canals — it’s one of our favorite parts of the area too. Thank you again for staying with us, and we would absolutely love to host you again on your next visit!
Everything was as advertised and maybe even better! Great location, kitchen had everything we needed, very quiet neighborhood.
Beverly L.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that the home exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the location, well-stocked kitchen, and peaceful neighborhood. We truly appreciate you choosing our home for your stay and would love to welcome you back again anytime!
Perfect getaway! We had everything we needed to cook and sleep like angels. We enjoyed the quaint art and antique shops of Homosassa. We kayaked a few times and enjoyed an amazing swim with manatees in Homosassa Springs with Blue Heaven Tours. It was a peaceful placeTo gather family and regenerate. Thank you for sharing this piece of paradise!
Amy M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that the cottage provided the perfect peaceful getaway for your family. It sounds like you truly experienced some of the best parts of Homosassa — from the local shops and kayaking to the unforgettable manatee swim adventure.
We’re especially glad the home gave you a comfortable place to relax, reconnect, and recharge together. Comments like yours mean so much to us, and we truly appreciate you choosing our little piece of paradise for your stay. We would absolutely love to welcome you back again in the future!
House was very clean and comfortable. Easy walk to several restaurants, boat ramp and quiet neighborhood.
Audrey K.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy to hear that you found the house clean, comfortable, and conveniently located near the restaurants and boat ramp. We’re also glad you enjoyed the peaceful neighborhood atmosphere. Thank you again for staying with us, and we hope to host you again in the future!
Thank you so much for your review! We’re very glad to hear the home was exactly as advertised and that you enjoyed your stay. We truly appreciate you choosing our place and would love to host you again anytime!
Thank you for your review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. We appreciate you staying with us and hope to host you again in the future!
I cannot say enough good things about this little slice of peaceful heaven!!! The neighborhood is quaint, quiet, and so beautiful. Shannon is the most welcoming and responsive host, and the cottage is stunning. Just when you think it couldn’t get more magical, the place lights up at night into a peaceful evening wonderland. I had the best night sleep there I’ve had in decades. The use of the kayaks and the waterfront access was so special for my niece and I to enjoy the water and nature that surrounds us. You can easily walk bike or boat to many places. I cannot wait to return!
Cristy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
return!
Thank you so much for such an incredibly beautiful and heartfelt review! Your kind words truly mean the world to us. We’re so happy to hear that the cottage and neighborhood gave you the peaceful and relaxing experience we hope every guest can enjoy.
We greatly appreciate your thoughtful comments. Creating a welcoming and memorable stay for our guests is something we care deeply about, and it means so much to hear that you felt that during your visit. We also love that you enjoyed the evening atmosphere, the waterfront setting, and the opportunity to explore the area by kayak with your niece. Those special moments surrounded by nature are exactly what make Old Homosassa so magical.
Thank you again for staying with us and for sharing such kind feedback. We absolutely cannot wait to welcome you back for another relaxing getaway!
Property was well taken care of. Loved the old Florida feel.
nicole m.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the old Florida feel and appreciated the care we put into the property. That relaxed, classic Florida charm is exactly what we hope guests experience during their stay. We truly appreciate you choosing our home and would love to welcome you back again anytime!
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that you loved the home and found it comfortable during your stay. We truly appreciate you choosing our place and hope to host you again soon!
Stayed 3 nights with 2 friends, home was clean and very cozy, had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, the owner Shannon was awesome, area had lots to do a great restaurants. Very relaxing scenery
Eileen G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your friends had a comfortable and relaxing stay. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, the nearby restaurants and activities, and the peaceful scenery around the area.
We truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you again for staying with us, and we’d love to welcome you back again in the future!
Our host was most helpful & we enjoyed our time there
Shannon C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and found the hosting experience helpful and welcoming. We truly appreciate you choosing our home and hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future!
We really enjoyed our stay. Everything was as described and more. Neighborhood was quiet and relaxing. We will definitely will be back.
Melissa B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that everything met — and exceeded — your expectations. It’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy the quiet and relaxing neighborhood during your stay. We truly appreciate you choosing our home, and we would absolutely love to welcome you back again in the future!
Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear you had a nice stay and appreciate you choosing our home. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future!
This well-established waterfront neighborhood was very peaceful and pleasant during our brief visit. Our family had a delightful time here!
Linda B.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun 2022
Thank you so much, Linda and Family! We are so happy you enjoyed everything that our little slice of paradise and our friendly, peaceful neighborhood have to offer! Please come back any time!
Dear Dave and Family,
Thank you so much for being so wonderful! We are so happy you all enjoyed your stay! We also truly appreciate you all bringing our packages in the house! Please come back and join us again!
Shannon and Family
We absolutely loved staying here. Lovely cottage. Very clean and organized with everything you could need. It is very close proximity to local restaurants and the river/ marina. We enjoyed having the bicycles and kayaks available to use.We felt completely at home. Shannon was an awesome host and very easy and pleasant to communicate with.I would definitely recommend this place and would come back again next time we visit Homosassa.
Terri M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you felt at home and enjoyed the cottage, along with all the amenities and nearby attractions. It’s great to know the bicycles and kayaks helped make your stay even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your kind words as we always want guests to feel welcomed and well taken care of. Thank you again for staying with us and for recommending our home. We would absolutely love to host you again on your next trip to Homosassa!
Thank you so much again for booking with us, Deborah! We were more than happy to accommodate your guests and they were kind to our housekeeper which means the world to us. They even left her some breakfast pastries. It meant the world to us.
Slainte!
Shannon and Family
Had a good time. Nice area and restaurants within walking distance. Lots of fun stuff to do with friends and family.
Jason D.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2022
Thank you for you awesome review, Jason! We are so happy that you all enjoyed your trip and the fun things area has to offer! One of our favorite parts of the house is that we can walk to dinner and live music; very happy that you enjoyed that as well! We would love to host you all again!
Slainte,
Shannon and Family
This was our second stay and had a great time. The canal location provides easy access to the river and the home is the perfect getaway. Thank you our host, Shannon and the Rost family.
Michael P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for staying with us again! It truly means a lot to us when guests return for another visit. We’re so happy to hear you had another great stay and enjoyed the canal access and peaceful getaway atmosphere of the home.
Thank you SO much for your kind words. It’s always our goal to make guests feel welcome and comfortable during their time here. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you back again for your next Homosassa getaway!
We enjoyed the house and the location! The property had everything we needed! We also loved how it was decorated! We felt safe and at home!
Michelle B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2022
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your awesome words, Michelle! We strive to help make our guests feel happy and at home with our decor. You made my day! There is a lot of love that goes into creating our happy cottage on the canal and we really enjoy when guests feel that! ❤️
Please join us again if you are in the area! We were so happy to host you!
Our second stay at the property since we loved it so much, this time for our wedding in the area! Shannon was beyond accommodating and the home is always so beautifullt decorated. It gave my new spouse and I such comfort being able to stay at this cozy cottage. Can't recommend enough!
Morgan H.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for such a heartfelt review! It truly means the world to us that you chose to stay with us again — especially for such a special occasion as your wedding. Congratulations to you both!
We’re so happy the cottage could provide comfort and a cozy place to celebrate this exciting new chapter together. We greatly appreciate your kind words, and it was absolutely our pleasure to help make your stay memorable. Thank you again for your continued support and recommendation. We would love to welcome you both back again for future anniversaries and celebrations!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Deborah
23 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
The place was amazing and the owner very easy to get in touch with. She was very helpful and friendly. The cute little house had everything we needed and more! I would like to go back next year! The weather was perfect this trip!
I will use Vrbo again, this was my first time.
House looks just like the photos.
It’s on a quiet back street that very peaceful.
Owners were very easy to deal with and communication was great.
Would love to stay here again!
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that the home met your expectations and that you enjoyed the peaceful setting of the neighborhood. We truly appreciate your kind words about the communication and hosting experience as well. It was a pleasure having you stay with us, and we would absolutely love to welcome you back again in the future!
About the host
Hosted by Shannon McGuire-Rost
We would love to take the time to tell you a little about ourselves. We are a family of five including three kiddos, ages 14, 12, and 10. Our two youngest are just on the brink of 13 and 11! Our family absolutely loves everything Florida. We are no strangers to the Orlando theme parks circuit and knew eventually we wanted to live close enough to enjoy the completely amazing "chaos" that Orlando has to offer, but also retreat to the quiet when we were done theme park trips.
We discovered the beautiful area of Citrus County on one of our family trips and on a suggestion of a friend, visited Homosassa. Within one hour, my hard working husband who never relaxes, was talking to the FANTASTIC locals and enjoying the view at The Shed at McRae's. Our homeschooled kids were talking to local fisherman and learning about cleaning their catches while I listened to some excellent live music and watched to boats come in. As the vocalist in a local cover band in our home area, I was blown away at the quality of live music in the area. It is AMAZING! (You must attend an open mic at The Shed on a Thursday evening! Stellar!!) Then you add the manatees! The manatees sealed the deal! Fabulous people, beautiful water and surroundings and MANATEES! What more could we ask for?
When coming to Florida, we were always drawn back to Homosassa and knew we needed to make this slice of heaven our second home. And now we are so excited to share this second home, our little piece of paradise, with you! We could not be more excited to share our home with you so you can come and make as many amazing memories as we have!
There are so many great things to do in our area! Take the kayaks out and explore! The Springs are a must see! We know you will love it here as much as we do! We are immersed in nature on our little canal front cottage and close enough to places like the Orlando theme parks, Clearwater Beach, Cedar Key, and Tampa for day trips! There is so much to explore and enjoy! The Rosts
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests