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The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland.

Cottage in Lake Helen with kitchen

Photo gallery for The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland.

Room
Room
Living area
Room
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4640 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Lake Helen, FL
  • Place, Halifax Health - UF Health - Medical Center of Deltona
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Stetson University
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Blue Spring State Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area

About this property

The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland.

Nestled in a beautiful paved and gardened backyard space. My 640 sq/ft private cottage is behind my home in the small quiet town of Lake Helen, only a mile off of I-4.
The cottage is filled with all the amenities that will make you feel at home.
The cottage has one queen bed and the sofa bed is perfect for children. Also a pack and play for little ones.
The cottage is perfect for two but will suit 4.
The cottage is located in my back yard behind my home, surrounded by a 7' vinyl privacy fence.
There is a large screened-in porch on the front of the cottage, with an overhead fan.
Guests have access to the entire back yard, gardens, and water feature.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Air conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Make sure you don’t forget anything.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
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

About the area

Lake Helen

Lake Helen is home to this cottage. Gillespie Museum and Sands Theatre Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Chipper Jones Little League Complex and Chisholm Center Playground. Sunshine Bowling Center and AMF Deltona Lanes are also worth visiting.
View more Cottages in Lake HelenOpens in a new window
Map
Lake Helen, FL

What's nearby

  • Colby Alderman Park - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Halifax Health - UF Health - Medical Center of Deltona - 4 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Stetson University - 11 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Blue Spring State Park - 14 min drive - 14.3 km

Getting around

  • DeLand Station - 15 min drive
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. located?

Situated in Lake Helen, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Colby Alderman Park, Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp and AdventHealth DeLand Victoria Medical Park. Ed Stone Park and Victoria Hills Golf Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ren Brady P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A really lovely little property, especially the adorable front porch! I would have appreciated some more kitchen supplies, but aside from that it was a perfect stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert & Joy F.

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

The perfect stay

Love my stay what a wonderful place to get away I didn’t want to leave. It was very clean and had everything you needed for a long stay. Love the porch to have your morning coffee and to start your day Would love to stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandon T.

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

Perfect stay

Place was quaint and peaceful. Communication with owner was easy and private. Perfect for couple or small family. Would use again if and when we are back in the area
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This location was perfect! Quiet yet close to where we wanted to go. Our hostess was amazing and the place beautiful. Check in was easy! We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

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

Excellent place to stay

Was surprised with how nice this property was for the stay, would recommend and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Wonderful! The cottage was so adorable! Very clean and well equipped! Easy check in, beautiful clean space ...truly a gift after a long day of travel. Will be sure to return. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley P.

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

Truly a beautiful place

Our stay with the kiddos was amazing. During our time there, there was a Christmas parade wife and kids loved it.definitely a place to stay which is beautiful and peaceful and the host was amazing!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam S.

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

Wonderfully Cozy, Excellent Host

This isn't our first time staying and won't be our last! The location is great, has everything we need for a short stay (or longer) and the host is wonderful, quick to respond, and super helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon E.

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

Would recommend

Clean and cozy
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Maci B.

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

Family visit

Overall the property was good. At first I felt awkward that I was staying in someone’s back yard however, the privacy and professionalism was still there. Perfect for a place to lay your head at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beckie T.

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

The hidden gem is truly a hidden GEM

Everything was fantastic.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

A true hidden gem

Clean and Cute. We had an amazing stay at this cute cottage. Everything was as described and the host was great. I will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley P.

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

Just perfect!!

Just amazing an very peaceful a the host was amazing too. Definitely going to stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

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

Quick trip to see the manatees

This cozy cottage was the perfect place to stay for our trip to Blue Springs State Park! We got to see lots of manatees, a few alligators and many birds there. Jennell was great to work with. The place is so comfortable and welcoming. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

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

Peaceful Getaway

Loved the quiet serenity of this charming cottage
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

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

Nice Stay!

We totally enjoyed our stay in the hidden gem. Quiet, relaxing and clean, with everything you need at your disposal. Would highly recommend this place. 👍 💕
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

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

A little getaway

Cottage was exactly as shown and owner was great to work with. The neighborhood was quiet and safe - even walked down to the lake one afternoon. We loved sitting in the 3 season room in the mornings drinking our coffee and even a quick catnap in a few afternoons. Will definitely stay again when going to the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alfonso Reyes h.

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

“Exceptional Stay – Clean, Cozy, and Private“

“We came to Florida for a 10-day family vacation and arrived two days early to visit relatives. If I had known about this beautiful little house earlier, I would have rented it for our entire stay. Everything was super clean, well organized, peaceful, and very private — we absolutely loved it! I also really appreciated that we didn’t need any contact with the owners; the privacy was excellent. Totally recommended — one of the best stays we’ve ever had!Even my teenagers asked if they could stay and live here, haha. Honestly, we’re planning to stay here every time we come back.The only thing I would suggest is adding a washer and dryer — sometimes it’s nice to be able to do laundry during the stay.”
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie M.

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

Home away from home

Traveling alone I was a little skeptical in picking an area I had never been in. For me there was comfort in knowing Jenelle lived in front of the cottage. It was very quiet and I didn’t feel unsafe there. It was well stocked and wasn’t lacking in anything. I would definately rent again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

HiddenGem Review

A small cottage in Lake Helen which is behind the main house. Very clean, with all the necessities. Thought it was a good value for the rental price.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Lovely Weekend Stay

The Hidden Gem Cottage was perfect for my weekend stay while attending Stetson Homecoming events in Deland. The size and setup of the cottage worked perfectly for just me but would also be comfortable for a couple or small family.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven P.

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

2 Week stay

Everything was great. Fan on AC could be quieter.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Dale S.

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

very relaxing

Quaint
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph S.

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

Cute Cottage

I enjoyed the peaceful vibe that the gardening area had. I enjoyed sitting outside at night on the patio. I felt safe the whole time. It was very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne S.

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

Well equipped and comfortable property

The property is very well equipped and very clean. The host was very welcoming and helpful. Would return without hesitation.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jennell henderson

Host profile image
I am from Cape Cod Mass, lived here for 8 years a La a child and moved here when I my daughter turned 4. So I have been here longer and consider myself a Floridian.

Why they chose this property

I absolutely love lake Helen its small town atmosphere reminds me of the cape. The little events we have make it feel homey here.

What makes this property unique

My Little Gem is hidden from the main road spacious with beautiful gardens. I have tried to make my yard like my favorite story growing up the secret garden. It’s a lot for one person but it’s what I love to do.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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