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Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise

Photo gallery for Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise

Guest photo. Kayaking the beautifulHalls River.
The backyard! This is the view from living room, kitchen & the riverside bedroom
This beautiful home invites guests with an open floor plan and private backyard
The living room has a fireplace & 49" TV & overlooks the river and wooded area
The kitchen and living room have views of the back yard and river

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Den

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise

Kayaks included! You can enjoy nature, fish and kayak right from the backyard in this beautiful waterfront vacation home.

Scenic and Relaxing, Halls River Retreat is located in the coveted north end of Homosassa Springs, only minutes from the centers of Crystal River, Homosassa Springs and Old Homosassa.

The Retreat is located on the Halls River, part of the Homosassa River, a pristine spring fed river where manatee come to give birth and relax away from the hustle and bustle of boat traffic on the main part of the river. It is a kayaker’s paradise.

The Halls and Homosassa Rivers offer year round world class fishing opportunities - and are home to an abundance of wildlife in the water, on shore and in the air!

AMENITIES and SPECIAL FEATURES

Kayaks for Guest Use. Single and tandem

Explore the unspoiled shores of the Halls River and the Homosassa River

Incredible Fishing and a Nature Lover’s Paradise

SWIM WITH THE MANATEE - Watch, get up-close, and swim with the Gentle Giants of Homosassa. Did you know that the waters of Citrus County (Homosassa and Crystal River) are the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with the manatee in the wild?

Kayak alongside Emu Island Florida and enjoy the antics of a mob of rare blue-eyed white and blonde emus

Screened room and a large outdoor deck overlook a spring fed canal where you can relax, fish and enjoy nature

BBQ grill in screened porch

Outdoor fire pit (we do not supply firewood 🪵)

Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay

Large fenced-in back yard

This waterfront home is only minutes from shopping, the world famous Three Sisters Springs, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and Crystal River. It is only an hour’s drive to some of Florida’s best theme parks, zoo, museums and attractions!

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. All of the nature photos on this page were taken either in the backyard or within a very short paddle from the Retreat.

Amazing, breathtaking, and captivating moments and memories await you at Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs Florida.

Prior to and throughout your stay, we are just a text or phone call away.

Your hosts,

Joanne and Gary

Additional notes about rates and cleaning policy:
1) House is to be left in the same clean condition as the time of check-in.
2) Rates are based on 4 guests; add $10.00 per night, per additional guest.

Property manager

Gary and Joanne Bartell
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Of course we love kids!
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Events

No events allowed
Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outdoors only. Must pick up butts.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Homosassa

Located in Homosassa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Homosassa, FL

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 7 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 11 min drive - 9.4 km
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 14 min drive - 15.2 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Waterfront • Scenic & Relaxing • Manatees • Kayaker’s Paradise located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Citrus County Dog Park and Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and A Crystal River Kayak Company are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 148 out of 157 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 157 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 157 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 157 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 157 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patsy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pauleah T.

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

Unable to stay

Sadly Hurricane Helene flooded the property. Owner and Vrbo were very prompt with info and refund. Will try again !
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tina P.

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

Great location

We enjoyed our stay. The home was so clean and in a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole D.

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

Great place!

This is one of our favorite places to stay. Plenty of parking, clean and Joanne is a great hostess! This home is roomy and the AC works great. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nita C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

James D.

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

Northern Escape

We stayed
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa O.

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

Peaceful pet friendly spot!

We had a fabulous time in this tranquil cottage! Joanne really goes out of her way to be sure the guest has a great experience. Upon arrival it was very clean and all the essentials present. We were traveling with our pets and they were so happy to play in the fenced backyard. We also took a trip on the river with the kayaks. It was a really hot day and we meet some local folks who parked their boats for a swim or float in the shallows. We would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amelia W.

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

So much fun

Had a great time thank you for letting us enjoy your cute home . It was a blast will be back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina A.

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

So Chill

Our family of four had a wonderful, relaxing time @ this river house! Ms. Joanne is an exceptional hostess & is very responsive in all communications. I don’t know how else to explain it but the vibe in this house is so chill. There are kayaks on site for use which is awesome! The house is clean, comfy & is equipped w all the essentials for a home away from home. The neighborhood is quiet & close to anything you want to do in the area. Thanks, we’d definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley C.

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

Have to buy kayaks now!

So my husband, young daughter and I decided to take a last minute trip and ended up in Homasassa Springs. Wanting to do something a little outside of the normal beach trip. This was an amazing experience. The house is exactly as advertised and probably the cleanest of any vacation property we have ever stayed in. The kayaks were a total game changer. They gave us something fun to do (even had some awesome neighbors who joined us on a jaunt up the river). Joanne was exceptionally communicative, and was kind enough to give us recommendations for places to visit and eat. The experience from beginnig to end was 5 stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matelon D.

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

Awesome!

Great location, super clean, loved kayaking!! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

bart b.

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

Great place!

This place was great, close to everything and still a 5 minute kayak from a beautiful river. The place looks better inside than outside, and was well furnished and clean. The coolest thing was the Blackstone grill. I do wish the creek in the back had a nice clean bottom, instead of the mucky murky one, but the water was clean at least. We never did see any manatees, because apparently the usually come up river in the winter time.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phil S.

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

Perfect place for a family getaway

Our family was looking for an all in one place by the river to stay, and Joanne’s house hit the mark. The house was large enough for a family of five to sleep comfortably, and with the water out back we spent hours fishing and kayaking. We also loved making s’mores each night at the fire pit. The property was calm, quiet, and beautiful, and from start to finish I couldn’t have been happier with communication and support from our host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jay H.

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

Peaceful Retreat

My wife and I along with our 2 small dogs had a very relaxing, peaceful week at Hall’s River Retreat. This is our 2nd time staying and we will be back. Joanne is an exceptional hostess and she had everything clean and stocked when we arrived. Beds are very comfortable and the fenced in yard was perfect for our two shorkies. Kayaking right from the back yard was amazing, and she has multiple single and dual kayak and paddles available from the kayak launch (right in the backyard !). We enjoyed Crumps Landing, the Cracker, and Wallace’s Green House (amazing pork chop) for dinner, and the Tangerine Tree for lunch. So much to do within a short drive…3 sister springs, airboats, and pontoon rentals from Homosassa to Crystal River. Great hidden gem !
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark K.

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

“Old Florida” Getaway

Our stay at the house on the water was quiet and enjoyable. We got to see manatees right off the property seawall. Also got to see otters from the property. Kayaks available enabled us to see Emu Island and more manatees. Joanne was a great host and also interesting to ask questions to about the history of the area. We would definitely like to return for another stay to the house on the water!
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Ginny H.

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

Kayak from the house

Nice.
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann H., Lenexa KS 66219

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

Peaceful location

Enjoyed our morning coffee on the screened in porch. Took the kayaks out 2 mornings. The emus at the end of the canal are a hoot!! Joanne is a 5 out of 5 host!!! Answered my questions about the area, things to do and recommendations of places to eat before we arrived and responded timely when we were there. Lastly, though it may seem trivial, the bath towels were simply the best we have ever had at a VRBO! So good my husband wants to buy some for home!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilda Kay C.

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

Great Florida experience

The cottage is adorable - comfortable and clean. Location is very private but convenient to everything. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte D., Southern Pines, NC

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

A little piece of heaven

Wonderful property. Most comfortable bed I have ever slept in away from home. Nice sheets and towels too. A lot of effort has been put towards guests comfort, inculding outside towels, bug repellent, lots of kayaks and paddles and life jackets. I would definitely stay here again! And we did get to see 2 manatees right at the back of the house, amazing!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim O., Calhoun GA

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

Just Amazing

Joanne was wonderful, she ran over and decorated for Christmas for us. She very warmly welcomed us. We saw manatees for the first few mornings, including a pod with babies. We were able to kayak which was just beautiful. We would absolutely stay here again! :)
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Magical

We came to celebrate our girl turning 7 by seeing manatees. It has been a bucketlist item for us and when our daughter asked, we agreed!! This is the most amazing property with the best host, sweet Joeann. She made sure everything was perfect for our arrival and even added balloons and party goodies to celebrate our daughter. We saw manatees directory off the house dock and many more out in the water. Perfect central spot to discover every adventure!! We will absolutely be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

pamela M.

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

Clear River

The lake front home was beautiful, Joanne offered many personal touches to may you feel at home. She was responsive to all our questions !!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joelle W., Candler

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

Fall Getaway

We had a lovely time during our stay. The location was great and the neighborhood was quiet. The home was spacious yet cozy and everything we could have needed was provided. We kayaked in the mornings and explored the area in the afternoons. I was excited to get a manatee visit in our canal two times! The hosts provided great sightseeing and restaurant recommendations and honestly I didn't want to leave. I hope that we get a chance to return in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

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

Halls River

The area is beautiful
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gary and Joanne Bartell

Host profile image
We'd like to introduce ourselves. We are Gary and Joanne Bartell and we are the property managers for Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs Florida. We moved to Homosassa in 1988 to raise our family and quickly got involved with local politics to help shape the future of our community. Gary served as a County Commissioner from 1990 to 2010 and was chairman of the Tourist Development Council for 14 years. Joanne was a founding board member of the Nature Coast Envirothon, a high school environmental education and scholarship program. We both enjoyed spending countless hours over the years educating the youth of the community about the rare and precious natural resources found in this area. Our vision has always been to protect and preserve these amazing natural resources for generations to come.
We are delighted with the opportunity to share this home and the beautiful surrounding area with you.

What makes this property unique

The Halls River is a rare piece of Old Florida. Largely undeveloped, the river is a birder's paradise, a fisherman's delight, and a photographer's dream. Blue Crab, Turtles, Bass, Redfish, Snook, Trout, Ladyfish, Mullet, Bream, Sunfish, and various other species of fish can all be seen swimming about in the Halls River. In the sky above you will find Bald Eagles, Green Herons, White Pelicans, Wood Storks, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills and many more species of fabulous waterbirds. Along the river you may find dolphin chasing mullet, experience a manatee nursing a newborn calf, or take delight in watching an ever playful family of river otter. Along the shore you will enjoy the antics of a family of emus and a flock of Welsh Harlequin ducks that free range along the shoreline and swim in the river. Most days the morning sunrises and evening sunsets are aglow with brilliant colors that will take your breath away. For the adventurous, night time kayaking reveals brilliant stars and planets above - and - with a flashlight shone on the water the surface appears as a sheet of glass and you can see fish, turtles, and other creatures underwater as if you are watching them through a window. Amazing, breathtaking, and captivating moments and memories await you at Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Florida.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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