Historic charm + modern comfort in a renovated 100-year-old Florida cracker house! Located in Altoona near Ocala National Forest and the natural springs, this home features:
✔ Fully updated interior ✔ Stylish kitchen + full bath ✔ Cozy, bright rooms ✔ Private yard + peaceful setting ✔ Minutes to Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs & endless outdoor adventures ✔ Less than to Orlando theme parks
Perfect for couples, small families, or anyone who loves old Florida vibes with new-home comfort. The space Step back in time without giving up modern comfort. This beautifully restored 100-year-old Florida cracker home offers a one-of-a-kind stay filled with charm, history, and cozy simplicity. With authentic low ceilings, original character, and thoughtful upgrades, this intimate retreat blends rustic heritage with today’s comforts.
Inside, you’ll find a one-bedroom, one-bath layout designed for relaxation. The bedroom provides a peaceful place to unwind with a queen bed and Roku TV, while the living room features a queen sleeper sofa and Roku TV, perfect for additional guests or families traveling together. The home is bright, inviting, and filled with touches that honor its past while offering everything you need for a modern getaway.
Our property is just minutes from the Ocala National Forest, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re here to hunt, ride, or paddle, this is your ideal base camp.
Why You’ll Love It:
Hunters Welcome – Enjoy easy access to prime hunting areas. Plenty of Parking – Spacious turnaround for large boats, RVs, and horse trailers (parking only, no hookups). Horse-Friendly – Trails are right across the street, so saddle up and explore. Kayaker’s Paradise – Close to natural springs and Lake Dorr for serene paddling.
Unwind after a day of adventure in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Cook inside or out. Relax Fireside, rocking on the front porch, watching your favorite streaming movie, or just read a book.
Book your stay and experience the best of Florida’s outdoors! Whether you ’re exploring Florida’s springs, forests, wildlife areas, or the excitement of nearby Orlando theme parks and attractions, this cracker house is a warm and authentic home base—quiet, charming, and truly unique. Guest access The entire home and the outside area is available to guest. The storage garage is owner access only. Other things to note Our home is a restored 100-year-old Florida cracker cottage, and maintaining its original character is important to us. Because of this, some areas of the house have lower ceiling heights than modern homes.
What to expect: • Main living area: Standard 8-foot ceilings • Lower-ceiling areas: Bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room • Guests 6 feet tall or above may need to mind their head when moving through the far end of the house and these specific rooms.
We welcome guests of all heights and want you to be comfortable—we simply want to ensure you’re aware of the unique layout before arrival.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4957292vb
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
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
Altoona
Located in Altoona, this holiday home is in a rural area. Eustis Square and Eustis Mini Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area and Fern Prairie Preserve. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and horse riding nearby.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area - 24 min drive - 38.2 km
Silver Glen Springs Recreation - 24 min drive - 39.4 km
Renninger's Antique Center - 24 min drive - 33.4 km
Wekiwa Springs State Park - 26 min drive - 38.2 km
Getting around
DeLand Station - 34 min drive
Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Shell - 14 min walk
The Mason Jar - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Taco Bell - 5 min drive
Fish N' Chix - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
As of 17 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm on 2 Jun, 2026 start from S$127, 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 Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Ocala National Forest and within 9 miles (15 km) of Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society and Marsh Memorial Park. Eustis Square and Carver Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This home was a wonderful experience. Absolutely beautiful location close to so many activities. The home was furnished with everything you could want for a stay and the little extras made it even better. Would definitely stay here again and already recommended it to others. Clean and comfortable. Owner was very responsive and accommodating.
Ross M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jan, 2026
Thank you so much for the kind review, I truly appreciate that. I’m really glad you enjoyed the location, the comfort of the home, and the little extras we try to provide. It means a lot that you’d recommend the place to others and would stay again. You were a great guest and you’re always welcome back.
— Terri
This place was way better than advertised. Very clean and comfortable. The property manager went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. We have been recommending this place to everyone we meet. And will definitely be booking it for friends and family that want to come visiting in the area. Ed and Sandi Beckley Michigan
During an extreme cold snap host kept us informed and offered assist if needed. Nice little cottage!
Lisa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb, 2026
Thank you so much for staying with us—especially during a Florida freeze we honestly haven’t seen in years. We welcome you back anytime. Stay warm and safe!
The house was extremely clean and comfortable. The area was safe and quiet. The owner made sure we were comfortable and informed us of an event going on in the community in case we were interested. Highly recommend this house.
We were visiting family in the area, and this was the perfect place for my husband and me. The house was comfortable and full of little extra comforts. We were close enough to Silver Springs for kayaking and Mount Dora for walking their boardwalk. The house was clean and even had Christmas decorations. The host was quick at communicating and very helpful.
Donna N.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Leandro
15 Feb, 2026
Leandro
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
About the host
Hosted by Terri Martinez
What makes this property unique
✅ 1. Location Advantages
Proximity to attractions (e.g., lakes, parks, downtown areas like Eustis, Leesburg, Tavares). Scenic views (lakes, forest, or nature trails). Easy access to outdoor activities (kayaking, hiking, horseback riding).
✅ 2. Special Amenities
Front porch rocking chairs Outdoor cooking and fire pit.
✅ 3. Design & Atmosphere
Rustic cabin vibe, modern comfort, with cozy equestrian style.
✅ 4. Guest Experience
Local guidebook. Includes local businesses (boat rentals, horseback riding, tours). Events or experiences (wine tastings, guided nature walks).
✅ 5. Niche Appeal
Perfect for equestrian travelers. Ideal for romantic getaways, hunters, bikers, small families or remote work retreats.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests