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The Horseman's Retreat

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A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and a granite countertop.
A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a built-in oven, and a large sink.
A modern living room with hardwood flooring, a flat-screen TV, a wooden entertainment unit, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A bedroom with a bed, desk, chair, and a ceiling fan.
An aerial view of a residential area with two houses, a large tree, and a paved driveway.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top-rated comfy beds
    Guests liked the comfy beds here.
  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Ocala, FL
  • Place, The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Bubba Raceway Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1 (Master)

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 (Bedroom 2)

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Horseman's Retreat

For work or play, you have found the perfect place to stay! This newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features a split plan for privacy. Located 12.7 miles from the World Equestrian Center, the home sits on just over a half acre on a quiet cul-de-sac. The home is equipped with keyless entry for easy check-in and fully stocked with all amenities needed for a relaxing short- or long-term stay to include; TVs in all rooms, full size washer/dryer, and a fully stocked kitchen for cooking meals. The split plan offers two large bedrooms, each with a private bath. Both bedrooms have Roku TVs and a King size bed, with the master bedroom featuring an adjustable King size bed. The living room features a 65" Roku TV and two full size sofas with one being a (pullout) sleeper to accommodate two guests. The dining room table seats six. There is a large (mostly fenced) back yard. Guests will have access to the entire home with the exception of one (locked) hallway closet where host supplies are stored.

Our (horse farm) neighbors access their property from a private drive off the dead end cul-d-sac. Please do not proceed beyond the cul-d-sac pavement (on the dirt drive) as you would then enter private property not owned by us.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 19
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
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on the premises. A $300 pet fee will be assessed for each unauthorized pet brought into the house.
Unauthorized Guests, defined as guests not registered within the reservation, will be assessed an Additional Guest fee of $40 per guest, per night.
Replacement cost for damaged linens: Body towels $20, Face/Hand $10, Wash $8, Sheets $30, Quilts $40, Duvets $30, Comforters $60.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2912390vb
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

Ocala

Located in Ocala, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ocala Downtown Square and Silver Springs State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP and Reilly Arts Center. Snorkelling and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby.
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Map
Ocala, FL

What's nearby

  • The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Bubba Raceway Park - 6 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP - 9 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Ocala Downtown Square - 10 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Reilly Arts Center - 10 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

  • Ocala Station - 10 min drive
  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Arby's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Horseman's Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Horseman's Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Horseman's Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Horseman's Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Horseman's Retreat located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP, and Reilly Arts Center. Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Discovery Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 18 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

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

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was well stocked of items you don’t typically find at other locations. Hair dryer, shampoo, kitchen condiments etc
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May, 2026
Thank you, we look forward to your next stay with us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick W.

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

Wonderful stay!!

We stayed here for a cheer comp and my family loved the house and the location. Very clean, comfortable beds, lots of room! We will definitely book here again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Dec, 2024
Thank you Brittany, it was a pleasure to serve as your sweet family's host. We look forward to your return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeniffer D.

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

This stay was awesome

I enjoyed my stay house was very clean and organized. Will book again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar, 2025
Thank you Jeniffer, it was a pleasure to serve as your host.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie V.

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

Very nice place

Just spent one night. The home was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr, 2025
Thank you so much for staying with us Julie!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lisa f.

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

Perfect place

It was exactly what we needed. Each room having its own bathroom is perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul, 2024
Thank you staying with us Lisa. We'd love to have you back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

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

Nice country home

Host Denise is amazing ! Home was very clean and organized !
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan, 2025
Thank you Lizzy! And thank you for taking such great care of the place. You are the absolute dream guest and we'd love to have you back any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam H.

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

Great Place

Very Clean. Spacious. Great location. Host very easy to communicate with. This home will not disappoint. Everything you need.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul, 2025
Thank you Pam, it was an absolute pleasure to serve as your host! We look forward to your next visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paris A.

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

Perfect Home

The property was extremly clean and well maintained. Host went above and beyond to return forgotten items. Very happy with our stay !
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec, 2024
Thank you Paris! We would love to have you back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed only one night but all facilities were as described and made for a comfortable stay in Ocala on a somewhat chilly damp night. Beware that the next door neighbor actively discourages approaching the fence that encloses her horses.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

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

Fantastic!

This property went above and beyond our expectations. The home was cozy, tastefully furnished and stocked with everything you could ever think of needing.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov, 2024
Thank you Diane! And thank you for taking such great care of our place!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine W.

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

Great house! Better than anticipated!

My cousin, daughter, and I stayed for the weekend for the Rock the Country Festival at the World Equestrian Center. It was a short 13 mile drive. The house was well equipped with everything, and the host very accomodating. Beds and all furniture were incredibly comfortable! Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jun, 2024
We so enjoyed hosting you and your family Chris and look forward to your return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Davine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
My husband was pleasantly surprised as the home was more spacious than it appeared from outside, and the inside was nicely decorated.The property was well maintained and equipped with everything we could have needed for our weekend stay. Our family enjoyed the space and it was homey. If our 4 and 6 year old boys can comment on how nice the home was, I think that's a win.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jefrey P.

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

Pleasant Getaway

This small, but we'll appointed gem is nestled in a quiet cul de sac amid large oaks. It is close to town yet embraces a rural feel. Stargazing and wildlife are just a step out the front door. Comfortable beds with clean and well-supplied baths amid a tastefully decorated split plan are enhanced by a full kitchen that has just what you will need. Enjoy this getaway as a respite from the crowds and traffic, and just maybe you will never want to leave.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul, 2024
Thank you Jefrey! We enjoyed serving as your hosts and would love to have you back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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

Super helpful

Denise was an awesome help during our stay and with a bit of a travel debacle trying to get to Ocala. Above and beyond! We will be back!!!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2024
Thank you Dawn!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat H.

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

Cute! Cute! Cute!

This property shows tender loving care. The property owners has shown attention to the details. Beautifully decorated yet very comfortable and welcoming. The kitchen is comprehensively finished with utensils making meal prep easy. The house is extremely well maintained and clean. If we are in the area again, we will definitely book. Wonderful stay with responsive and welcoming owners.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept, 2023
Thank you for the kind words Pat, and thank you for taking such great care of the place. We'd love to have you and your family back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

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

Perfectly lovely 2 bedroom/2 bath home with everything.

I loved it. As a Grandma, it was clean, attractive, everything easily accessible, easy to enter and close up, and did I say LOVELY. thank you so much. Couldn't have asked for a better place to spend an evening and pet the horses next door.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov, 2022
Thank you Amy! We’re thrilled that you loved it! Thank you for taking such great care of the place. We’d love to have you back any time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Linda P.

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

Horseman Getaway

Very nice remodeled property located in a neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. The property was clean, comfortable beds, updated kitchen and bathrooms, and had a well stocked kitchen but could use a salad spinner. A very nice added touch was the Crystal Spring water cooler on the property, brand new coffee pot with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, condiments and accessories. In addition, all of the light switches were labeled throughout the home. Communication with the host was excellent and access to the property was easy. We would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec, 2024
Thank you Linda, I am so glad you enjoyed your stay, finding the property clean, comfortable, and well stocked. However, I am baffled by the 4 Star review as the 4 Star rating is not reflective of your superb written review. We strive hard to earn a 5 Star review from every guest, and this is the first time we have received a request for a salad spinner. As you are aware, we do offer in the home; full size washer/dryer and laundry supplies (detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover, iron, full size ironing board), extra toiletries in the bathrooms (new toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair supplies, tissues, Q-tips, lotions), the fully stocked kitchen includes a complete cookware set (pots/pans), bakeware set, mixing bowl set, utensil sets, cabinet full of basic spices for making meals, crock pot, flat griddle, mixer, drip coffee maker (and all coffee supplies), Keurig (with pods), a fresh coffee bean grinder, Instapot, rice cooker, and cleaning supplies for guest use. I hope that you will return and give us the opportunity to earn your 5 Star review!
Verified

8/10 Good

Aimee B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to horse properties north of Ocala!

We had a great stay at the property and would likely stay there again in the future as It was in good proximity to the farm we had our horses at. Convenient to a lot of things in the Ocala. We had a few issues cleanliness when we got there, but it was taken care of immediately by the owner. She came and personally cleaned everything herself and it was much better afterwards. We understood that the prior people staying there didn’t leave in a timely manner so that was why it was not as clean. There are a couple things that could use attention or repair but overall great property.
Stayed 17 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Apr, 2025
Thank you for the honest review Aimee. The guests scheduled to check out the morning of your arrival had stayed for 3 months and mistakenly thought they were to check out the following day, so at 11:00 (check out time) they were actually walking the Greenway Trail! This only allowed about 2 hours to clean before your arrival. After your stay, I spent 8 straight hours cleaning so the place is absolutely ready for your return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie R.

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

Lovely Cottage

This property went above and beyond our expectations in every way. The home is beautifully remodeled, spotlessly clean, and thoughtfully organized. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a convenient Ocala neighborhood, it was exactly what we needed for a relaxing stay.Each bedroom having its own bathroom was a huge plus, and the beds were incredibly comfortable. The kitchen was fully stocked with everything you might need—including a drip coffee pot AND a Keurig! We especially appreciated the available condiments in the fridge, the coffee, tea, and hot chocolate Keurig pods. AND the labeled light switches throughout the home is such a thoughtful touch!Denise, the host, was amazing to communicate with and was responsive, friendly, and professional. Check-in was seamless, and the entire experience felt easy and welcoming after a long, long day on the road. We would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Apr, 2025
Thank you Leslie, it was an absolute pleasure to serve as your family's host. We look forward to your next stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim S.

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

Awesome house in an outstanding location

We loved this place. We stayed for all of February and a bit of March. Being on a cul-de-sac in a development on the far north side of Ocala, it’s like being out in the country, which means it’s nice and quite with lots of mature trees around. The house has recently been remodeled so nearly everything is brand new. For example, it’s got a really nice side-by-side fridge. The beds are super comfortable. The owners provide free chilled/heated bottled water, which is a really nice perk. It’s got a huge, mostly fenced, back yard with a privacy fence between the house and the back neighbors, which is awesome. Even though it’s on the edge of town with easy access to the countryside, it’s still just a few minutes from a grocery store. Denise and Darin were great hosts. Any question got an almost instant response. We will definitely be staying again!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2024
Thank you Jim!

About the host

Hosted by Denise Vitale

Host profile image
While my husband and I are native Floridians, we have also lived abroad for several years. We returned to the United States in 2015 and opened our first vacation rental in 2022. My husband is retired law enforcement, serving his community for 20+ years and I am retired from our local school system. We thoroughly enjoy spending time with our grandchildren.

Why they chose this property

The Horseman's Retreat is located in an established, quiet neighborhood.

What makes this property unique

The split plan home sits on just over a half an acre on a dead end cul-d-sac. This provides plenty of room for parking and to maneuver a trailer. However, careful not to block the horse farm neighbor's entrance to their property, which is located off the cul-d-sac. Once the pavement ends, the neighbor's property begins.

Languages:

English

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