Entire home

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

Photo gallery for Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

Pool
Outdoor dining
Exterior
4 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms149 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Homosassa, FL
  • Place, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, 7 Sisters Springs
  • Place, Three Sisters Springs
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Homosassa

With a stay at this vacation home in Homosassa, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and a 4-minute drive from Citrus County Dog Park. .This vacation home is 8.2 mi (13.2 km) from Three Sisters Springs and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum.

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Citrus County Dog Park - 5 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 14 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 14 min drive - 14.3 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Manatee Pub - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

4/2 Riverfront vacation rental located on the Homosassa River in Homosassa, Florida.

Perfect for large families or families vacationing together.

River and water lovers would be hard pressed to find a place that is as unique and fun as this property. When we started renting the property in July of 2019, we did so with hopes of connecting to families and sharing our passion for the river, the wildlife and the serenity the springs have to offer. The feedback from our guests has been amazing and knowing we’re building future nature lovers and fans of the Homosassa River gives us great pride.

-- Family perfect!
-- 200 + feet of Riverfront
-- Decks galore
-- Fire pits with firewood included.
-- Waterslide into private lagoon
-- Clear shallow river, low boat traffic
-- Neighbors the Homosassa Wildlife Park (you’ll feel like you’re staying in the park!)
-- 600 square foot raised deck provides amazing views.
-- 400 square foot river deck offers additional private area for gathering and meals.
-- Boat dock available (if your plans including bringing your own boat - See BOAT CLEARANCE requirements below)
-- 4 Kayaks and 2 Stand-up Paddle Boards to use
-- No canals, only fresh spring fed river to enjoy!

Situated near the headwaters of the Homosassa River, the property features over 200 feet of riverfront on nearly an acre of land, a private lagoon and a water slide for young and old alike.

The house features two wings that share a large common area in between. This allows large families or multiple families to vacation together yet still have their own space. A substantial butcher block table counter provides seating for up to 10 and multiple tables and chairs are available on the screened porch, large deck and patio.

The home features a 600 square foot raised outdoor deck that provides breathtaking views of the riverfront and is the perfect platform for outdoor cooking and gathering. A gas grill and propane are provided for your convenience.

A water level patio provides shade and a great place to enjoy meals at the water’s edge.

The clear shallow spring-fed river (72 degrees year-round) allows for great snorkeling and viewing of schools of fish and of course, manatee! In season, manatee are routinely seen in the backyard and the rental includes 4 kayaks and 2 SUP (Standup Paddleboards) for exploring the river and exploring the springs.

Spend evenings around your choice of 2 available fire pits, one which can be enjoyed from the backyard patio and the other near the river's edge for a more rustic experience.

The property also features a private boatwell that can accommodate boats up to 25 feet in length comfortably.

**Master Bedroom#1: King Bed
**Master Bedroom#2: King Bed
**Bedroom 3: Queen Bed
**Bedroom 4: Double Bed
***There is a single day bed that can accommodate the 9th guest is necessary.

-------------------MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS-----------------------
Minimum stay requirements vary throughout the year. Discounts for stays of longer than 7 days are also available.


***Bridge Clearance for Boats***
The property’s location on the springs is protected by a low bridge. If you have a boat that has a T-top or fixed top you will not be able to access the property from the waterway. Low clearance boats are the only means to accessing this property via water. Depending on tide, you will need an air draft (distance from the water line to the highest point on boat, including antennas) of less than 80”. On an average day, the bridge clearance ranges from 72” to 80”. Please inquire if you need additional information

*NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features exterior security cameras, all facing out away from the house. They do not look into interior spaces.

Policies:
- No fireworks
- No smoking indoors.
- Pets. Please contact us for a copy of "Common Sense Pet Rules".
- No events, parties or large gatherings
- Please reach out to Owners for long term stays or if calendar does not show availability
- Guests on the property are limited to 9 including adults(6) and children(3).
- Rental Agreement must be signed and returned to complete reservation.


Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a sauna or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Outdoors only. Violation forfeits security deposit

Location highlights

  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Paddleboard
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 32

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please see Checkout Instructions posted on the refrigerator for complete checklist.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Pre-approval required and subject to Pet Fee.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Adult supervision of children required @ all times

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No unlisted guests w/o prior approval.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Reviews

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 144 out of 145 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 145 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 145 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Aurelia M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice, comfortable home on a beautiful piece of property on the river. Plenty of amenities for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clay M.

Liked: Cleanliness
What an incredible place. Veso has done a great job with this property. The house has everything you need to be able to relax, enjoy nature and make great memories with your family. The location is set on a very quiet part of the river. We felt like we had our own private spring. We came across manatees 25 yards from the backyard. Highly recommend this stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D.

Liked: Cleanliness
We love this property! This has been our third time staying here and my bother's 5th time! Crystal clear waters :)
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a tranquil paradise, this is it. Location is perfect. Secluded, but close to everything. We were a group of 6 adults and had plenty of room and some. Lagoon was wonderful, as was the beautiful crystal clear river. Enjoyed the kayaks! Saw manatee, stingrays, blue crab, wood ducks and lots of fish. This was, by far, one of the nicest vrbo's we've stayed in. Thank you to the owners for an amazing stay and for being pet friendly! Our dog loved it. We are a bit heartsick to leave. Would love to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

m c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elis S.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna A., Catlett, Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a gem of a location, the best of all the waterfront backyards around. Checking in was a breeze and there were plenty of extra blankets and pillows. The house is nothing fancy but it was clean & organized.
Backyard spring
Backyard
Spring fed pool backyard
Nice large backyard space
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christian P.

Liked: Cleanliness
An absolutely magical place. The river is crystal clear and having access anytime of day is wonderful.We swam with the manatees that came right to the steps twice! We saw otters, stingrays, crabs, and so much more. The home is beautiful and so peaceful. The kids were in the lagoon every minute they could be. The hosts were kind, caring, and informative. They make you truly feel like their home is your home. The 11 am check out was a huge bonus! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing trip

We came here for the first time with friends and family for our son’s birthday and it did not disappoint. The house was perfect and all of the local restaurants were great. We were definitely the envy of the river whenever someone was boating by and saw the kids playing on the slide into the pool. Cannot wait to come back next year. The owners seem like very nice and genuine people as well who wish for you to have the best experience possible.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect family vacation

We enjoyed our time at the house so much that our kids didn’t want to leave to do anything else. Vero responded quickly to any questions we had and everything we needed was there for us. The house looks exactly like the pictures but better. The location is perfect and we’re already booked for next year!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roman K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing stay!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren B., Sarasota

Liked: Cleanliness

Nothing short of magic

We booked this house last minute for a birthday trip with adults. Brought up our 13’ whaler which was the perfect size for the area- boatable to 6 restaurants/ bars. Close to the public boat ramp, with a perfect covered boat slip. No issues with depth to and from boat ramp and around the area. Crystal clear spring water at the property. Photos do NOT do it justice. We had manatee encounters daily, numerous. Otters, ducks, plenty of fish. The mostly fenced property was incredible for our dogs. Most places near by are dog friendly on patio. The screened in porch was a bonus, however the bugs weren’t bad at all!The pool and slide were a blast. Floats, life jackets, paddle boards, kayaks for everyone. Fire pit was beautiful, and love the variety of seating areas around the property. Couldn’t be easier to hop in the water and onto your paddle board and be right at the spring head! Loved the night lighting around the patio and pool. Didn’t use the sauna but plan to if we come back in the cooler months. Close to Publix and Walmart. Great grill, open kitchen for cooking and eating together. Great floor plan for two families. I can’t WAIT to come back !
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

satori a.

Liked: Cleanliness

Book this place!!

We stayed for 4 nights with our five year old and some friends with children the same age. The house layout was wonderful for two families giving us each our own side. The property was amazing and the backyard lagoon and slide were a hit! Unknown to the host, some of the kayaks were in poor condition. They were very responsive about the situation though and it didn't put a damper on our trip. We rented a pontoon boat one of our days which I'd highly recommend. We pretty much cooked all of our meals at the house, but if you have younger kids I'd definitely suggest Crumps Landing for a meal out. We ate there one night and there is a playground right near the outdoor seating. Perfect for parents to let their kids play while you enjoy a moment within eyesight. Overall it was a wonderful house, great location, very clean, and we would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome!!

Will book another stay soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

5 stars

Wonderful vacation home. Plenty of space for our family. Thanks for sharing this piece of paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

cheryl f.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our Happy Place!

Love this property so much! We love it so much, we are “repeat guests”! Unfortunately our recent stay came right after Hurricane Debby left the area. However, our host, Veso, was extremely communicative even days before our stay. He provided updates on storm aftermath daily and worked very hard to get the property cleared and ready for our arrival. Despite the River breaching the property (as expected during a hurricane), everything met our expectations! Looking forward to future family time here again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kayra E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Vacay

This place is AMAZING!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle, Orlando, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place to relax and enjoy nature

We had a wonderful time here. We loved swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking in the river. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Tropical Paradise

This house is everything it claims to be and more. We truly felt like we were in a tropical paradise in the back yard. We had manatees visit on Wednesday and Thursday when the springs were quieter. Our guests were all 35+ years old and the slide took us back to our childhood. All supplies promised were there. Communication with the owner was top notch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful location!

The Backyard Manatee Club was a wonderful experience! The adults and kids enjoyed the slide and the private lagoon/pool. We also enjoyed paddleboarding and kayaking the crystal clear river. We were able to view fish and manatees, snorkle spring boils, and swim with very little boat traffic. If the spring water is too cold for your enjoyment there is also a sauna on the property grounds! The house is setup nicely for two families to each have their own “wing” with a common area in the middle that contains the kitchen and livingroom. The property is also close to grocery stores and local restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veso for D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best Vacation EVER

This was our 4th stay and by far, it is my entire families favorite vacation trip! We have been all over the country experiencing adventurous trips, and this one is just 2.5 hours from our home. So relaxing, so convenient, so fun, so easy..... so breath taking!! We already booked next year, can't wait!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliana S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing days!

My family and I rented the house with some friends for 5 days! It was the best place we've ever rented! The house has everything you need to cook. Also a lot of games to play. The backyard is an amusement park for both, adults and children! We loved it a lot. The owner was very kind and fast with the answers. We definitely want to come back. I highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful location and great host!!

We loved our stay!! The location is beautiful and the springs are just steps away!! I highly recommend this place!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing get away

The property is exactly as described we were on the water every day the private lagoon was awesome on the days the river was busy we were able to relax . The kids loved everything about it we felt very comfortable letting them float around the river. The local neighbors were all very friendly. We got the see the manatee’s almost everyday sometimes multiple times this is a very cool place to stay can’t wait to stay again also Veso is one of the best host very informative and helpful didn’t mind all of my questions
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024