House boat

Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River

Photo gallery for Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River

the sweet yellow boat
living room french doors open to front porch
full kitchen delights any chef
great blue heron fishing
official greeters . . .the turtles

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4550 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View in a map
Sanford, FL
  • Place, Black Bear Wilderness Area
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Monroe
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River

Poised to delight, Floating Cottage provides a magical space to relax, replenish and explore. The sweet yellow cottage defines social distancing, afloat on the river. It is thoroughly cleaned and refreshed between guests, including being sanitized and disinfected.

Relax on the front porch, enjoy the warm breeze while watching turtles swim to the porch to beg for a treat. Refresh in the peaceful comfort of the fully equipped small home.

The cathedral ceilinged living room is bathed in natural light, has hardwood floors, and embraces the outside. Its French doors expand the living area to include the protected front porch. A full size sofa bed, electric potbelly stove, TV and versatile work/dining table grace the homey Floating Cottage.

No ordinary boat galley, the fully equipped kitchen meets the needs of the casual to the gourmet chef with an electric stove, full size side by side refrigerator with door ice dispenser, dishwasher, granite counter tops and tile back splashes. Microwave, toaster, utensils and dinnerware are included.

Walk up the stairs to the carpeted loft bedroom with queen size bed, walk-in closet and be surprised by the stained glass window. The loft is air-conditioned. Open the shades and screened windows to enjoy the gentle river breeze.

The cleverly outfitted bath has a full size shower, flush comfort toilet and stocked closet for linens and toiletries, plus a view-catching window.

The cottage is approached from the dock through the back porch.

The French doors to the front porch open the cottage to a full view of the marina surrounded by local forests. With four comfortable chairs, guests of the cottage may choose to sit for hours simply enjoying the quiet peace of the marina. Watch boaters come and go from trips up the lazy St. Johns River or to Lake Monroe to visit Sanford. Turtles swim to the cottage to greet the guests An occasional manatee can be seen from the porch. Herons and egrets are common sights as guests share the lovely outdoors with feathered friends.

Floating Cottage is designed with comfort and efficiency built into the 550 square feet of living space. The movement of the water beneath the hull is barely perceptible while relaxing those who experience a stay in the cottage.

Floating Cottage is berthed in the rural Boat Tree Marina, just north of Lake Monroe on the scenic St. Johns River, a river of abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. The marina offers a casual deli and restaurant, bait shop, laundry and pool. The marina restaurant and pool are currently closed due to a change in ownership. This is a temporary situation. When it reopens, cottage guests may use the pool from morning until the restaurant closes! Stroll to the deli for breakfast and lunch served by the friendly staff. Yes, beer is available for thirsty patrons.

Guests of Floating Cottage enjoy a 15% discount on boat rentals for half and full days. The friendly staff at the office will assist with boat reservations as well as with local information on fishing.

Don't miss visiting quaint Old-town Sanford, home to cobblestone streets and brick-lined store fronts, restored nineteenth-century Victorian homes, lovely towering oaks draped with Spanish moss, numerous art galleries, unique shops, pubs and great restaurants. Catch the open market with crafts and produce at the square.

Follow Sanford365.com to explore local events and discover what is happening in the Sanford area.

The Riverwalk on Lake Monroe, over a mile long, has shady places aplenty to watch lake activity or beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

This magical cottage will delight!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Air conditioning
Laundry

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please contact owner to discuss toddler safety
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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:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Host will email simple check-out hints the day before guest departure.
Please leave overhead fan in living room on at high speed.
Please leave AC on "cool" setting at 70 degrees.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Floating Cottage is a smoke free environment.
Minimum two day stay required.

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cleaning fee: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Frequently asked questions

Does Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?

As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River on 26 Jun 2026 start from £109, 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.

Is Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 2 miles (3 km) of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Black Bear Wilderness Area and Lake Monroe. Lake Monroe Park is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

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. 158 out of 167 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 167 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 167 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 167 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 167 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

CORRINA i.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, amazing host and would 100% stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2026
I'm glad that you and your daughter enjoyed your stay. Thank you for your great communication. We would welcome your return when you'd enjoy another cottage respite. Thank you for selecting the cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location and views
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2025
Thank you for choosing to stay afloat in the cottage and for your excellent communication. It was my pleasure to host you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pops P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything and everyone was wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb 2026
Thanks very much for selecting the cottage. We're thrilled that you enjoyed your sojourn afloat. It would be our pleasure to host you at any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shilo T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was amazing and the host was very accommodating!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jan 2026
Thanks to you and your family for being great guests!!! We would be happy to host you at any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What can I say. Cute, Clean and Cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jan 2026
Thank you! It was my pleasure to be your host.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay a the floating cottage! Kim was fantastic in her communication, providing timely updates and very fast answers to our questions. The cottage was spotless and exactly as described. And it was located in the right spot for us, as we spent the weekend in nature. Turtles were fun, and the visiting gator was super cool (but no feeding the gators!).
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
It was a joy to host Keith! His communication was excellent as was his care for the cottage and the environment. I would welcome his return at any time. Highly recommended as guests!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy P.

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

Beautiful cottage and scenery

Very clean and i loved the porch.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

June M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was very neat clean and a lot of very thought touches. It is super unique and cute! The turtles didn’t disappoint. It is the ideal location for the things we were looking to do. Only draw back was the view of FPL plant. And it felt a little box in with the other floating house boat and the big boat on the other. We did enjoy our time there!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Thank you for selecting the cottage for a brief respite. I agree that the two surrounding boats are not ideally placed. The marina moved them adjacent to the cottage while their permanent dock repairs are underway. Hopefully, soon, the cottage will, once again, have open space on both sides. I appreciate your comments. The cottage and the turtles would welcome your return at any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

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

Memorial Day stay

Floating Cottage was prefect for our long weekend stay. Cottage was so cute, clean and very well equipped with everything we needed. It was a beautiful spot to sit in the evening and watch to different wild life swim by. The host was super friendly and checking in and out was a breeze. I would definitely recommend and will go back again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2025
Thank you for your kind words. You were a delight to host and you made it easy with your great communication. I'll share your review with my cottage angels . . . the team that helps to keep everything perfect for guests. I will welcome your return, any time you'd like a few days afloat.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sharon o.

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

Love this place

Second time staying here and will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2022
Thanks, Sharon! Glad you enjoyed your time afloat again. You are always welcome!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra D.

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

Idyllic Retreat

We continue to return year after year because of how much we enjoy everything about this cottage. The setting, the creature comforts and the excellent attention from our host and her associates assures that we will be shortly planning our next stay.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2025
I appreciate your review, and I appreciate your return trips to the cottage. It's truly a joy to host your visits Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra E.

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

Long weekend family getaway

Owner was very hospitable and considerate, cottage was nice and clean, with nice view by the porch, good place to relax and enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Sept 2023
It was my pleasure to host you and your family. Thank you for your stay, your excellent communication and for your review. I'd welcome your return at any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is amazing! Kim was super responsive and informative. We had no issues checking in. There wasn't a thing that we needed that we didnt have. Watching the turtles and all of the sea life was a highlight. The floating cottage is a MUST! We'll definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

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

Fabulous Getaway

Our stay at the floating cottage was perfect! It is a beautiful and quiet location! We enjoyed the turtles and were extremely pleased with Connie's Deli! Such wonderful people! We hope to book with Kim again at this cute-as-a-bug cottage!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb 2025
Thank you so much for choosing to stay in the sweet yellow cottage. I really appreciate your kind words about the deli, the cottage and the environment. I'd welcome your return any time as a Frequent Floater!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don W.

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

Wonderful stay at the marina!

We stayed at the Floating Cottage for several weeks to get away from Michigan winter. We had a wonderful stay, and loved living on the water. Kim was a great host and the marina staff were very friendly and helpful. Great stay!
Stayed 48 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2023
You were great guests! Thank you for your kind words about you cottage stay and friendly folks at the marina.
Verified

8/10 Good

Thomas K.

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

Floating cottage

Nice cottage, as expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2024
Thank you for selecting your stay at the cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

The wee floating cottage

We were delighted to find the Floating Cottage just as we thought it should look/offer, based on the information on the website. The host was extraordinarily organized and helpful in preparing for our visit...as well as checking out. We found this cottage to be relaxing, charming, cozy and cheerful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Feb 2025
Thank you for your kind review. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your brief Cottage stay and would welcome your return any time. Thanks, too, for your great communication.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry R.

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

Adorable cottage

Kim was an amazing host and we loved the cottage it’s a very special little place loved downtown Sanford and Lake Monroe was beautiful at sunset
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2022
Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm pleased that you enjoyed your stay and took the time to enjoy the sunset. You are welcome to return at any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine F.

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

A Beautiful And Unique Experience

Kim was an excellent hostess. My son and I loved the little cottage as well as all of the wild life that surrounds it. Thank you for the wonderful accommodations.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2024
I am thrilled that you both enjoyed your stay in the sweet yellow cottage AND the critters. It was my pleasure to host you both. Thank you for selecting the cottage for your brief respite!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori C.

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

Most serene setting!!

Beautifully maintained and well-prepared property! The host is SUPER, ready at all times to answer questions and assist in any way! We are already planning our next visit!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2024
Many, many thanks to you and your family . . . for selecting the cottage for your brief respite and for your superb communication. The three of you are welcome, always, at the sweet yellow cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy H.

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

Amazing trip

The Floating Cottage was an amazing experience. It was very relaxing(turtles do not disappoint), clean, and the host was so accommodating. We really enjoyed our time on the river😊
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2021
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your stay afloat! Thank you for your kind comments, your stay, and your respect for the cottage and the river.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tommy E.

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

Great Getaway!

Very relaxing. Everything was very clean. Will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jun 2021
Thank you, Tommy, for your stay and for your kind words! I'd be happy to host you again whenever you want some time afloat. Kim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

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

Quick weekend get away

Such a lovely boat home. I live in the area, but was looking for a stay vacation and it the jackpot. I would happily stay again for longer. If you are thinking about staying here, you will not be disappointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jun 2020
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your brief staycation aboard the sweet yellow boat and please know that the cottage (and the turtles) would welcome your return at any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

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

Weeekend getatway

Just such a lovely lil gem that provided such a much needed getaway. Love that we could dock our wave runner right beside us too! Have to say, we already miss feeding the turtles but we will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept 2023
Thank you for your stay, your review, your great communication and for being wonderful guests! The turtles will be the official welcoming party for your next stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Candice z.

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

Amazing!!!

Everything online was exactly as we found it. The accommodations were amazing. Little gem, cabana Live, was very friendly and a great clean place. Would highly recommend stay here for a relaxing time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul 2023
Thank you for your stay as well as for your kind review. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your time afloat!

About the host

Hosted by Paul Johnson

Host profile image
Kim stayed in the cottage while enjoying a photography trek. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to purchase it and to make the cottage available to others as a vacation rental. A retired nurse and hospital executive, Kim enjoys sun and nature. Photographing wildlife and landscapes is a passion for her, a passion with infinite possibilities in the St. Johns River area. Kim encourages you to bring your camera! She is available to chat with guests via email or phone.

Please contact Kim for monthly discount information. Repeat guests - Frequent Floaters - are honored with a ten percent discount off the nightly price.

Why they chose this property

Floating Cottage is unique, charming, beautifully appointed and sits on one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. The marina where it is permanently berthed is small, quiet and offers full amenities, including pool (temporarily closed), laundry and discounted boat rentals to cottage guests. The restaurant (temporarily closed) adjoining the pool has fire pits to warm any winter chill, and a full bar! The deli has good basic breakfast and lunch offerings is just steps away. A designated Clean Water Marina, it is surrounded by forests and is shared with abundant wildlife. The cottage offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in cozy comfort. Folks who want to hike, to bike, to boat up the river will enjoy returning to the cottage.

What makes this property unique

The cottage has a unique attraction: when the turtles in the river sense that it is occupied, they swim up to the front porch to greet guests. This charming cottage has great curb appeal, has 550 square feet of living area, a full gourmet kitchen and lovely furnishings. Being lulled to sleep by the barely perceptible movement of water beneath guarantees relaxation. Floating Cottage was featured on the HGTV program "Tiny House Hunters". Bathed in light, the cathedral ceilinged cottage feels spacious and comfortable. Nearby Old Town Sanford offers night life, great restaurants and pubs, art galleries and a glimpse of history with its eighteenth century buildings, cobblestone streets and restored Victorian homes.

Languages:

English

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