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5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10

Family-friendly stay near University of Florida

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Photo gallery for 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10

Dining
Smart TV, fireplace, video games, music library
Dining
Outdoor pool
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10279 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Gainesville, FL
  • Place, Regal Royal Park
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Regal Royal Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪21 min drive‬

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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
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About the area

Gainesville

Sugarfoot stay.Your stay at this Sugarfoot vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of University of Florida and Regal Royal Park. Regal Royal Park and Spyglass Dog Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Vacation homes in GainesvilleOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Regal Royal Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Regal Royal Park - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • University of Florida - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 7 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Shands at the University of Florida - 9 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mi Apá Latin Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Las Carretas - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Gator's Dockside - ‬17 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.

5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10

Your Private Family Retreat Near the University of Florida

Welcome to The Pond House, a serene and spacious 5-bedroom retreat set on a full acre of peaceful natural surroundings just 2 miles from the University of Florida. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and memorable gatherings, this home offers the perfect setting for UF graduations, game day weekends, holidays, and extended family stays.

Here, you’ll enjoy the rare combination of privacy, nature, and proximity to everything Gainesville has to offer.

⸻

A Home Designed for Gathering

From the moment you arrive, The Pond House invites you to slow down and settle in. With expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, everyone can be together while still having room to relax.

The open and welcoming layout makes it easy to:
   •   share meals
   •   celebrate milestones
   •   enjoy game nights
   •   unwind after a day on campus

The large dining areas and fully equipped gourmet kitchen are ideal for preparing everything from casual breakfasts to graduation celebrations.

⸻

Outdoor Living at Its Best

The outdoor spaces are where The Pond House truly shines.

Spend your days:

☀️ Swimming in the large private pool
🌿 Enjoying the wide open green space for kids to play
🍽 Dining together outdoors
🔥 Relaxing by the fire pits under the stars
☕ Sipping morning coffee with tranquil pond views

The one-acre setting creates a peaceful, private atmosphere that feels like a true escape — while still being minutes from UF.

⸻

Fun for All Ages

Inside, the game room brings everyone together for friendly competition and evening entertainment, featuring:

🎱 Pool table
🎮 Nintendo gaming system

Whether it’s kids, teens, or adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

⸻

Comfort for Up to 10 Guests

With five beautifully appointed bedrooms, the home comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests, making it ideal for:
   •   multi-generation families
   •   two families traveling together
   •   graduation gatherings
   •   group getaways

There is plenty of space to spread out, recharge, and feel at home.

⸻

Perfect for UF Events & Gainesville Visits

The Pond House is especially loved by guests visiting for:

🎓 UF Graduations
🏈 Football weekends
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent & family visits
🎉 Celebrations and reunions

Being just 2 miles from the University of Florida, you’re close to campus, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions — while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

⸻

Thoughtful Amenities

✔ Large private pool
✔ Game room with pool table & Nintendo
✔ Fully equipped gourmet kitchen
✔ Spacious indoor & outdoor dining areas
✔ Fire pits for evening gatherings
✔ Fast Wi-Fi
✔ Parking for multiple vehicles
✔ 1-acre private setting with pond views

Every detail is designed to make your stay comfortable, easy, and memorable.

⸻

The Experience

More than just a place to stay, The Pond House is a place to:
   •   reconnect
   •   celebrate
   •   relax
   •   create lasting family memories

Whether you’re cheering on a Gator, celebrating a milestone, or simply escaping for a peaceful getaway, this home offers the space and setting to make it special. Wildlife Notice – Natural Pond Area

Our pond is part of Florida’s natural ecosystem and is occasionally visited by a small local alligator.

He is not aggressive and usually stays in or near the water, but for everyone’s safety:
   •   Do not feed the alligator
   •   Do not approach or attempt to touch
   •   Do not throw objects into the pond
   •   No swimming or fishing in the pond
   •   Please supervise children and pets at all times near the water

During warmer months, he may rest on the edge of the pond to sunbathe.

This is very common in Florida and completely safe as long as these simple rules are respected.

We love our peaceful backyard and the wildlife that comes with it — thank you for helping us keep both guests and nature safe. This is a private, serene retreat intended for quiet enjoyment.
Parties, events, and unregistered guests are not permitted

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 4 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a hospital
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Electric car charging station
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Living plant wall
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Recycling
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet
  • Water dispenser
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Quiet hours 10pm–8am. No parties or events. Driveway parking only. Thank you for helping us keep a peaceful, family-friendly retreat.
Excessive noise or disturbances reported by neighbors or authorities may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.
The host reserves the right to address noise complaints promptly and take appropriate action, including contacting local authorities if necessary.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 4 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: The pet fee is $50

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed
Small and quiet gatherings upon request only.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 and quiet gatherings upon request only.
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, 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 and quiet gatherings upon request only. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super cool house. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sydna A.

Liked: Cleanliness
We could not have asked for a better house for our family to gather for the weekend of our daughter’s wedding. We were lacking for nothing. It was so well stocked and so pristine. My husband and I enjoyed our morning coffee while watching the birds in the pond. Although we did not use the pool, it was beautiful. The pool table was enjoyed even though it was chilly outside. I could think of no reason anyone would not enjoy The Pond House. Thank you for providing it! We will find a reason to stay there in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our family had a wonderful stay! The property was perfect, and every detail was attended to. Definitely a five star property!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beauty B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was perfect- clean; great layout; and comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house is AMAZING. Wish we were staying longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter G., Delray Beach

Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed in the Pond House Friday and Saturday night for the FL/FSU game. We had three adult couples and two college students. The house was the perfect size for us, plenty of room. We grilled out Friday and Saturday night, grille was great, kitchen is excellent, fully equipped. Check in and check out was easy and communication with the host was seamless. Weather was cold so we used both the gas and the real wood firepits. Brought our own wood. Great backyard and pond. I highly recommend this house and would definitely come back again with my family.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Had a wonderful stay here! The entire house was spotless, and you could tell the owners take great pride in keeping everything clean and comfortable. Each bathroom had thoughtful little touches like Q-tips, razor, toothbrush, ear plugs which made our stay more welcoming. Plenty of paper products were supplied throughout the house, too.The decor was beautiful. The layout was perfect for our family get-together, giving everyone space while feeling connected. We didn't get a chance to enjoy the pool this time, but we would absolutely love to come back and make use of it.The host was responsive and helpful from start to finish. Overall, an excellent stay. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay! Great house! Great host!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lourdes M.

Liked: Cleanliness
WOW! Each of us LOVED everything about this gorgeous home! Overall, it was quite spacious, beautifully decorated, full of amenities & anything we could have needed! The 8 of us enjoyed ourselves immensely! This lovely, ample and peacefully situated home made our weekend extra special and enjoyable!! We’re already talking about planning a return trip! The hosts responsiveness to a couple questions we had was immediate, kind and super hospitable! The house was generously stocked with fabulous coffee and pantry supplies, ample bathroom/bedroom supplies including towels, pillows, toiletries, blankets, etc. So much room for everyone, with lots of comfortable gathering areas! The outdoor game/lounge area was a hit w/all of us. It was a great place to chill & talk. Although we didn’t use the pool since it was too chilly that weekend, it’s such a welcoming space. The backyard is beyond gorgeous! There is a lovely pond & we even met the resident mellow little gator we named Gary the gator. There’s a great outdoor fire pit area all surrounded by lush greenery and huge, majestic trees - just gorgeous! The back patio also has a large & useful gas grill that we enjoyed using. Check-in and check-out was seamless. I’d like to make special note of the kindness of our host/owners in accommodating a special request we had on our last day there. So, so grateful!!! THANK YOU for making our trip so special! We look forward to coming back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg T.

Liked: Cleanliness
This house was stunning! It has it all plus a great host! Whether you are here for a gator game, a relaxing family retreat or in our case both, you won’t regret it. The home is stocked with fun, games, and everyday essentials most rentals don’t have, even had more than 1 roll of paper towels and toilet paper. The home was stocked with coffee, Nespresso and even creamer. We had a family party of 8 with plenty of space to split up and have our alone time as well. You can tell this host cares about their property. You will love it and we will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
We found this house to be AMAZING! Everything was just as described and all of the rooms are large. It is a very expansive home. Huge pool and game room area. Huge kitchen. Huge dining table (we played cards!).....huge driveway. All so tucked away in a cool, old Gainesville neighborhood. The pond was so pretty, and it even had a friendly small gator in it that would watch from a distance. We rode our bikes to the stadium for game day and thought it was an easy 2.5 mile ride. You won't be disappointed!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

lauren a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol E.

Liked: Cleanliness
This vacation home is a winner! The home was spacious, comfortable and very clean. The kitchen and bathrooms were so thoughtfully stocked, as well as a game room and a pool table. The pool was a hit! It was in a good neighborhood. The host was great. I can't think of anything that was negative about it. All in all, the house was very inviting, and I would definitely book it again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location close to UF with so much room for a family to enjoy. Seamless stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous house right around the corner from 34th St and University Ave., though you would think you're out in the country. The large backyard opens to large pond (hence the name). You can't even see the house next door, and you can barely see the one across the pond, so it very much feels like you have the entire pond to yourself. We saw numerous animals during our stay--a five foot alligator, deer, raccoons, armadillos, frogs, cranes, etc. The house is large, comfortable, and well-stocked. The pool has a lovely, enclosed, converted carport with plenty of sitting space, shade, and a pool table. Overall it was everything we could've hoped for and would love to stay again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana K.

Liked: Cleanliness
This house is perfect for a girls weekend! Very clean and has everything you could want to make your stay comfortable.The kitchen is very well equipped too!The house has several different rooms to gather as well as an outside room, which we spent most of our time in.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing atmosphere and well-equipped home for a crowd.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Diana S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Home

The home was beautiful and the kitchen was well stocked with everything you could possibly need. We enjoyed the wildlife around the pond.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing place 10/10

We were here for my daughter’s graduation. This house surpassed our expectations. The beds were comfortable, the neighborhood was very peaceful and the kitchen was well stocked. The pool was relaxing. We don’t have the opportunity to be together often and this place just made it perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place for graduation gathering

House full of amenities: firepit, wood and starter logs included, smores sticks; coffee - keurig/pot/ expresso machines; tvs in all bedrooms (unfortunately not by pool, pool table); pool toys; pool table- loads of fun; even football to play by pool. Do be aware, gators are in the pond. Just do not feed them and understand they are active when its mating season. It was entertaining though. Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Pond house

This house provided so much space for our family of teens and young adults to spread out or hang out together playing pool, swimming, eating, playing games.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cedric W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Property

We were really impressed with the property. The layout was fantastic and had all of the amenities we desired. Definitely recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

kerry b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hidden Gem

The pond house was very centrally located but tucked away on a side street. The house was very spacious and had several different areas to come together as a group or find a quiet place to relax. We also enjoyed the large back yard.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place

Will definitely come back. Wish we were there longer.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

fvhaven, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness

very nice location and setting

Two weeks, lots of room and well-appointed, generous basic supplies, loverly views and settings, splendid back yard, nice quiet neighborhood, everything worked well, very much enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025