Entire home

This Retreat sits directly on the Suwannee River and is your getaway to Nature

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December 2024

Photo gallery for This Retreat sits directly on the Suwannee River and is your getaway to Nature

Terrace/patio
Miscellaneous
Aerial view
Dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathrooms223 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Chiefland, FL
  • Manatee Springs State Park
    13 min drive
  • Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
    21 min drive
  • Fanning Springs State Park
    37 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Chiefland

Seaside stay .A stay at this vacation home places you within half a mile (1 km) of Suwannee River and 6 miles (10 km) of Manatee Springs State Park. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is within 9 miles (15 km) and Chiefland Farmers Flea Market is within 12 miles (20 km).

What's nearby

  • Manatee Springs State Park - 13 min drive
  • Chiefland Farmers Flea Market - 21 min drive
  • Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - 21 min drive
  • Eddie Buie Park - 25 min drive
  • Fanning Springs State Park - 37 min drive

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 81 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Treasure Camp on the Suwannee - ‬16 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

This Retreat sits directly on the Suwannee River and is your getaway to Nature

Great new deck structure on river boat house! The best room on the Suwannee. Sit high above the river with a line dropped in or a book in hand and watch the water flow below.
Go back in time to a place on the Suwannee that is reminiscent of the 50s.
A quiet retreat where nature, the river and fishing is right out your back door.
A beautiful private dock to lounge on or fish from, as well as a sloped beach which is perfect for your kayaks/canoes, with a tie up for larger boats, and a floating dock and easy river access. A free county boat ramp is just a few houses down. The property is approximately 28 minutes by boat to the Gulf of Mexico for salt water enthusiasts. This is a perfect location for those who are serious fishermen or kayak paddlers. Our neighborhood is a peaceful, relaxing and safe one. Wildlife co-exist with deer and local birds frequenting the premises.
Our single-dwelling home will sleep seven easily and has a nice yard to relax and picnic in. The fire pit and grill are available for cooking up your daily catch or a nice steak. The dishwasher works great inside so you will not have to deal with daily chores. A collection of over 400 books are in the library for the evenings when your day events are done, and internet is available. The bedding is super comfortable and we take pride in keeping the home immaculately clean.
The property is 4.9 miles from Manatee State Park -- a perfect swimming hole in the summer and with wintering manatees to view. It is a 27-minute drive to historic Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico, and a 20-minute drive to Shell Mound known as a kayakers playground. It is an interesting historical site you won't want to miss! If you like to hike, just walk out the front door as we are near the brush trails of both the State Park and Florida Water Management Preserve. We are also only 10 miles from the Lower Suwannee Refuge, great for biking or hiking, and also just a short drive to Gulf Hammock area which is a hunter's paradise. Bring your bicycles and enjoy the beautiful and mostly shaded Nature Coast Rail Trail which can be accessed in nearby Chiefland.
The town of Chiefland is 10 minutes from the house and has a variety of restaurants, antique stores, shops and groceries. Other areas to explore are Fanning Springs, Old Town, Suwannee (the town), Crystal River, as well as many nature parks nearby. Gainesville and Ocala are roughly one hour away if you want more metro activities. If you don’t own a boat/kayak/canoe/bike, there are plenty of charter and rental companies in the area.
This area of the Suwannee is what Ol' Florida used to be -- a place to get away and just relax, fish, bike, kayak, get back to nature. We look forward to hosting you and if you have any questions we are right next door.

Property manager

Mary Beth Green

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Blender
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

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
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • No elevators
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golfing on site
  • Hiking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Marina nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2400 sq ft (223 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 22

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Yard is fenced in.

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: Small one day gatherings may be acceptable.
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Small one day gatherings may be acceptable. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Retro River Retreat a Getaway to Relaxation and Nature Chiefland

This Retreat sits directly on the Suwannee River and is your getaway to Nature Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Susanne V.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Remote retro river cabin
Great location Great river view Loved the raised screened-in dock porch. The house could use some updating. I dont have allergies but found house seemed to trigger a runny nose situation while there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Niki M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location, wonderful owners.
The property was beautiful and well cared for. The house was also very well cared for. The area is a very quiet and private place. We would absolutely love to rent this property again just not through Vrbo. They were the only horrible part of the experience. Property however is definitely a five star for my family and I.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing retreat
What a perfect place to disconnect from everything and relax!! The owners are wondering host and neighbors. We're already looking forward to our next visit
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Katie K.

Nosy Neighbors
I wasn’t going to give a review at all, I was raised if you don’t have anything nice to say then keep to yourself. The owners are next door and I mean next door, they see and watch everything you do. They have stuff in the rental so they are coming in and out all day. And they are watching you the entire time as well as their neighbors across the street. It’s truly unsettling. The house is old, needs lots of upgrades. The kitchen and the cabinets are gross, the bathrooms are even more so. The beds are hard as rocks. The back yard is great lots of area to play corn hole and stuff but you have the owners right there. We never had more then 7 spend the night but she thinks we did bc he knows better then us. If you don’t mind someone in your business 24/7 then signup for this place otherwise I would pass. I have been a customer of Vrbo for years and this is by far the worst experience. To be accused of things that never happened, I mean how could I hide anything they were right there. The house had no issues when we left. I did what was asked…I think someone is just finding a way to keep her security deposit.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Todd R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Vacation
We looooved this house! Would stay again in a heartbeat. Clean, spacious and "Old Florida"! Lots of outing opportunities close by and within about an hour's drive from the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay on Suwannee River
Rustic River is a retro property sitting on bank of the Suwannee River in a remote area which is what we were looking for. Plenty of good restaurants in area within 20 - 30 minute drive, great bike trails and golf at the throwback Chiefland Golf & Country Club. The house is campy but very serviceable and met all of our needs. Mary Beth and Joe are great hosts.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laurie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway on the Suwannee River
The house is very clean and sleeps 7 very comfortably. It has a great screened dock on the river which is very nice and relaxing. The location is very close to springs and restaurants. Owners were very friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

SHARON B.

Liked: Cleanliness
convenient location
Comfortable. Served our needs quite well and the location was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tradition in the making
I’m a huge fan of the Suwannee River experience, the opportunity to comfortably share that with my friends and family is all made possible with the Retro River Retreat!! I will definitely bring my tribe back year after year!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rene s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Relaxing place in a quiet neighborhood. Loved the boat house and fishing off the dock. Close to several springs we visited. Great restaurants nearby. Rented a boat one day for trip on the Suwanee.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rita K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome ! getaway
Spacious, Great Views! Near everything. The people are so friendly, everywhere! Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly H., Longwood

Liked: Cleanliness
All about the porch, the water, and the round dining table!
We spent a quiet few days with our family on the most serene river. Visiting the Suwannee River was on my husband's bucket list, but there are very few places to stay. Mary's place came up as as retro river retreat and we booked it. It was like walking back in time, not only the home but the scenery. Many Florida waterways are packed full of boats and people but not here. It was absolutely beautiful on the water. And Oh! the porch! so wonderful to sit and have coffee in the morning while my boy fished his heart out. We spent our evenings, after the sun went down around the table playing games. Three bathrooms and three bedrooms was such a find for my large family. The house looked like I had just walked into my Grandmother's home 50 years ago. Everything was clean and comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked with pans and utensils. WE will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet T., Titusville

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven
Comfortable clean and beautiful, Great views. Thanks for sharing paradise!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
The place was very well kept and clean, the views were beautiful, and the host was wonderfully kind and very accommodating! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a beautiful quiet stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful stay
A comfortable house that is very clean and has a great boat deck on the river. Plenty of seating both inside and outside. Adequately supplied. Owners are friendly and available to help.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
A True Natural Florida Experience
The place for nature. Plenty of experiences available...river, hiking, nearby springs, and base to adventure into the surrounding areas. Also great for downtime from everyday life. Host are available and gracious. Look forward to another stay in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine C., Miami

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving Getaway
For our family our stay was an extremely peaceful getaway on the Suwannee River. The home was a very nostalgic place. It reminded me of my grandparents home growing up. It is a very roomy home. All 6 of us were spread out with enough room. The home has everything you need.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tim L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing views, spacious, amazing boat house/dock; had a great time!
We loved our stay here! The house is very roomy and really well stocked in the kitchen and other amenities. The boat dock is fabulous! House was very clean, furniture was really comfortable . Communication with the owner was excellent. The views of the river were so relaxing and just beautiful. It is a bit off the beaten path, but that is part of its charm. Boat ramp is very close. Highly recommend and we will stay here again if in the area. Thanks Mary Beth & Joe! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marcia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome riverside retreat!
Loved the brand new dockside boathouse!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sharing the Suwannee with the family!!
We came to the retro retreat to share our “the parents” love for the river with our kids!! Great success!!! We had a blast!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Wes D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Retro provides a much needed reprieve
Wonderful location. Liked the " well distributed " house plan. Nice folks. Enjoyed the stay despite inclement weather. Make sure you're prepared to be nearly "off grid"

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful River Relaxation
This was a wonderfully peaceful place to get away for the weekend. The house was clean and spacious, and we loved relaxing on the dock and enjoying the river views from the living room!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Luke F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kayaker’s Paradise
Retro River Retreat provided the perfect experience for our vacation. There is a little beach which provides easy access for launching our kayak into the Suwannee River—which we did each morning we stayed. The house is also a very short drive to Manatee Springs State Park which offers some great hiking, and the 72 degree springs were a welcome spot to cool off and escape the summer heat. At nighttime, the screened in dock overlooking the Suwannee was perfect for watching the sunset without having to worry about mosquitoes or any other bugs. All in all, this was an ideal getaway and allowed us to reconnect with nature. We will definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charity P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Our family had a wonderful stay at this property and will be returning in the near future!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valerie K., Jacksonville, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little getaway
Very relaxing, the boathouse was awesome. The family loved the house. Would definitely stay again. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021