Entire home

Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat

Photo gallery for Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat

Front view from parking
Front entry view
Driveway entry
Entry facing barn
Screened porch

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Alachua, FL
  • University of Florida
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Gainesville Raceway
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

First floor bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat

Unwind in a nature lovers paradise with fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation great for the whole family.

Handcrafted home located on wooded 30 acres offering peace and serenity. Your relaxation will begin on your journey down the country road that leads to the home. You may see some deer. Enjoy time with family sitting by the bonfire, exploring the property finding yourself by a creek or fishing at the pond. You will find multiple areas to hang out; a hanging swing on the master bedroom porch, back deck, or front screened room.
For the chefs you will enjoy a fully functional kitchen. Visit the farmers market in High Springs on Friday 3-7 or Saturday am in Gainesville 9-12 and create farm to table delights.
Don’t enjoy cooking well 15-25 minutes you will find great restaurants and breweries in High Springs, Alachua, or Gainesville.
Nature lovers visit Cellon Park and see the largest Oak tree in Florida, hike Mills Creek close by or adventure to O’leno State Park, The Prarie, or Devils Millhopper the options are endless. For the adventurous ones you can hike to the Sante Fe river from the property.
Day trips include Lake Sante Fe, Lake Butler, Ginny Springs, Ichetuknee and Gilchrest Blue Springs - check out Rum 138.
Families can enjoy mini golf in High Springs, disc golf, BMX trails, antiquing, and beautiful parks.
Other popular attractions are the Sante Fe State College Working Zoo, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and the Butterfly Rainforest.
Check out our informational binder for all of these attractions and basic info.

Property manager

Melissa Leimer
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Must watch for bugs and snakes when exploring property. Recommend to walk with a stick to clear webs. No guns or fireworks.
No gun fire - no fireworks - no indoor fires.
No access to barn. Please return items used like fishing poles and kayak. Please do not flush anything down the toilets except toilet paper.

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
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Alachua

Located in Alachua, this holiday home is in a rural area. Mill Creek Preserve and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Reverend Gerald Criswell Park and High Springs Civic Center Park. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Map
Alachua, FL

What's nearby

  • University of Florida - 30 min drive - 31.1 km
  • Sante Fe College - 31 min drive - 35.3 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 32 min drive - 30.6 km
  • Shands at the University of Florida - 32 min drive - 31.4 km
  • Gainesville Raceway - 32 min drive - 26.8 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bacon's BBQ and Catering - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Govinda's Dinners To Go - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bacon's Barbecue - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat ?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Jacaru Hideaway Nature Lovers Retreat located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Santa Fe River and within 12 miles (20 km) of Mill Creek Preserve and Reverend Gerald Criswell Park. Alachua Library Branch and Plantation Oaks are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 15 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lidia W.

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

Relaxing cabin in the woods

Gorgeous property to enjoy outside beauty's. Sorrounding is stunning. Two porches outside and campfire were most enjoyable for our group. House inside is more like mountain cabin which gives cozy feeling. Thank you for letting us stay! Lidia
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ali B.

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

Great for a group

Amazing property and plenty of room inside! Pantry was well stocked and the kitchen had everything we could need.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

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

Nice

Nice, quiet, unique lay out, dated but clean. Held our large size family well.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

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

Wedding

The place was amazing and was perfect for me and my daughter & my sisters and husbands to stay while we were in town for my son's wedding.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace H.

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

Great for large group visits to UF

We booked this for our family to stay in while attending graduation festivities in Gainesville. We brought many things we ended up not needing: tongs, coffee, sugar, large platter, knives. The ice machine was broken in the freezer, but it was stocked with two bags of ice so that lasted through the weekend. . Highly recommend in you’re in town for a UF function.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

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

Nice location, off the beaten path.

Hostess is amazing! Location is perfect for a little gwt away from others.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect Getaway

We loved the house and property! The house fits at least 10 people. The wood work inside is beautiful. It’s a cozy house, stocked with everything you can think of. The property is beautiful, too. We enjoyed taking walks on the property and having campfires out by the little pond at night. We highly recommend and will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

bruce p.

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

better than listing

Cant believe how cool and unique the hose is. Thanks so much. See you next year
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

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

Cabin getaway

We had a wonderful stay at this cabin getaway!! Nicely tucked away, private and very clean!! The picture’s definitely did not do it justice….we will be staying again on our next trip back!! Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Brian K.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness

Family reuion 2023

The listing never described that the retreat was a mile down a dirt road. The outside of the property was NOT main.tained. The spiders should be on the outside not on the inside - pest control is a MUST at this location. The deck could use a good power washing. The gutters which all had covers also need to be cleaned. If going outside to venture on the premises, you will need shoes or boots and long pants. The windows, wood floor and refrigerator weren't cleaned properly. The grill had not been emptied from previous occupants. The woodchairs by the pond are dry rotted and unsafe to sit in. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teresa G.

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

Great spot for our family to gather for graduation weekend

The house was exactly as shown. We were comfortable talking around the table and in the family/living room. The kitchen was well stocked. We loved seeing the goats and were treated by a hummingbird visit our first morning. We enjoyed a walk down the dirt road and loved the trees.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chuck C.

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

Old Florida Hideaway

Jacaru is a unique house in an "old Florida" setting. By "old Florida" I mean it is really way back in the woods and gives you a feeling of "old Florida", the real Florida (not the Disney/Orlando) version) is about. The natural setting is wonderful and the house is truly unique, spacious and well-maintained. Host Melissa is one of the nicest, most responsive and helpful hosts I have ever worked with. She will do whatever she can to help. This property was a wonderful place for our family of nine to stay and extended family of 14 to gather to celebrate a Christmas Family Reunion. Wonderful memories were created there!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Abby S.

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

Perfect for our son's wedding weekend!

Melissa was great to work with and the house was clean and cozy to be as big as it is! We loved how secluded it is as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristine H.

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

Beautiful vacation!

The property was beautiful, beds comfortable, we had a great time!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

pauline m.

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

Trip to the springs

This was a lovely home for our mini vacation to visit the springs. Property is as described and lots of room to relax with friends and family. Kitchen has everything you need to cook meals. Even has a friendly peacock that visits in the morning!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Cynthia G.

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

Great place for family groups

A great property for family groups to stay! Room to roam around and fun fishing in the pond! Quiet, private location adds to the relaxation and enjoyment. Outdoor deck and seating around the property could use some cleaning. Overall we were pleased with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris M., Clearwater Fl

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

Relaxing.

Had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Melissa Leimer

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests