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Water Lovers Retreat

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Outdoor dining
Bar (on property)
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Interior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Sanford, FL
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Seminole Towne Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • St. Johns Rivership
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Sanford

In Sanford .Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Sanford houseboat, you'll find Black Bear Wilderness Area and Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Lake Monroe and Lake Monroe Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • Lake Monroe - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Seminole Towne Center - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Central Florida Regional Hospital - 7 min drive - 5.8 km
  • St. Johns Rivership - 9 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • DeBary Station - 6 min drive
  • Sanford Station - 8 min drive
  • Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cracker Barrel - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Water Lovers Retreat

Completely renovated custom 50’x14’ stationary houseboat available for short/long term rentals. Enjoy the beautiful world famous St. John’s river. One of the only two rivers in the world that flows north. Be surrounded by its natural beauty and wildlife. Experience the luxury of waking up in your own private setting surrounded by nature.
This custom spacious 50’ house boat allows you to feel as if you are waking in your own private oasis. The beautiful and spacious 14’x16’ master suite offers you a private sitting area with a full size sofa, as well as a comfortable queen size bed, and 42” flat screen television, a nice closet with custom shelving, full bathroom with a fully tiled shower, vanity and tiled floors. As well as your own private 8’x14’ outdoor deck for your private coffee in the morning, or beverage in the evening.
The galley offers a beautiful leather sofa, which opens into a comfortable queen size bed for additional sleeping space. The full size fully stocked kitchen allows you to entertain and bring all the comforts of home with its full refrigerator, microwave,oven/stove, sink and plenty of cabinet and counter space.
The galley is also equipped with an electric fireplace, center-island, as well as a32” flat screen television, not leaving out the gorgeous views of the St. John’s river. The second outdoor living area is equipped with a barbecue, a beautiful and comfortable outdoor patio set that includes a custom table with a fire-pit.
You will never run short of activities while on vacation. Our resort offers a large pool for your swimming pleasure, several outdoor sitting areas, deli on premise, ship store, beautiful sceni, laundry facilities, and private parking at your slip. Boat rentals are available at the resort as well as marinas nearby for your further enjoyment of the St. John’s river.
Close to all local beaches, Orlando theme parks, the world famous Daytona International Speedway, as well as Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
Book your next memorable vacation today to experience luxury and nature at its finest!

Similar properties

Interior

Water Lovers Retreat.... For all Nature and Water lovers....

  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 1 review
Water Lovers Retreat.... For all Nature and Water lovers....

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed in outside areas only......

Location highlights

  • Near the marina

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

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

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: Children are welcomed......

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
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 first aid kit
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. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Sanford Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Sanford Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford

Water Lovers Retreat Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 97 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 100 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick Vacation Get Away
Just wanted some time with family in a quiet space, It was beautiful, the wild life was amazing. A bit of a walk to the marina, but definetly worth it.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and Spacious!
We really enjoyed our stay from the beginning of researching the property all the way through checking out. I spoke with Mark several times before we even checked in because I am a stickler for details and planning. We wanted to rent a pontoon boat from Marc and I had a lot of questons Mark was more than patient, answered all of my questions and invited me to contact him at any time. The houseboat look exactly like the pictures and you couldn't even tell you were on a houseboat. Only reason for 4 stars on locaton instead of 5 was the houseboat was located at the far end of the dock and the lights along the dock weren't all on. This has nothing to do with Mark, but you might want a small flashlight because some areas were really dark.We loved being at to see the sunrise and sunsets and just hopping on the pontoon and being on the river. We definitely plan on coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sanford
We had a wonderful experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique river stay!
This stay was one of our highlights of our trip. The river is beautiful. We rented a pontoon from the owner and spent the day on the river. We would highly recommend this if you have a spare day!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

JOHN N.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Not happy
The boat itself was fine.Advertised dish tv. Not availableThe fire pit had been taken outThere was grill as advertized. leearly
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine E., Loxahatchee USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Get Away
Relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun
Mark was very nice. Houseboat really neat and clean. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Summerfield

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
We were looking for a peaceful and quiet location to get away for the weekend. Host keeps this houseboat very clean! It was exactly what we looking for. Peaceful river and we also enjoyed a little fishing right off the boat.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway & Awesome Host!!
My wife & I really enjoyed our weekend celebrating our first wedding anniversary at the boathouse! Everything was exactly as described in the listing and more. Mark met us at the parking lot when we arrived & gave us a tour around the marina before taking us to the boathouse. He was sure to let us know that he is always available if we had any questions or needed anything. Everyone around was very friendly as well. We seen turtles, gators, and even caught some fish! It was a great trip to say the least!!! Mark is an outstanding host!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lonnie O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely amazing
Everything was great! The host was amazing and meets you at the property to give you a tour so you can enjoy everything available to you. It is the perfect location. The boat is the the end lot so you can see and enjoy the river from all sides of the boat. Extremely peaceful and beautiful. We did purchase our own pillows and a sheet to be more comfortable. There were two smaller pillows and a decorative quilt like cover on the bed but no sheet. Absolutely recommend going to the deli- amazing real people. Will 100% be back. This will be our new spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great houseboat vacation!
Owner is on site and such a great host. Houseboat is at the end of the dock along the river and is so peaceful. We absolutely loved our stay, thank you!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely location on the St John river
We enjoyed our stay very much. Beautiful location at the end of the dock looking out over the river and very comfortable accommodations. Just as we expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann C., Cassleberry, FL, United States

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent celebration
My husband and I came to celebrate his birthday. Mark was very hospitable and set the entire weekend up for success. We brought our own jetski and per Mark's reference, Boat Tree Marina launched and retrieved it for us. We were able to see sunrise and sunset and enjoy the beauty of the area. The bed was comfortable. The accommodations were excellent. I would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul G., Palm Bay

Liked: Cleanliness
Honeymoon Haven
Exceptional! Houseboat was the perfect place at the very end of the dock with an unrestricted view of sunrise and sunset. Mark was a great host, answered every question patiently and if we had a need, he filled it! We will be back! Thank you for making this special 💗
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
Lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas F.

Liked: Cleanliness
nothing but awesome
Experience was amazing Marcos an amazing, helpful host very informative and made us feel comfortable with Thursday. I would recommend this place to anybody we will definitely be back. I might even think about taking the kids. experience was amazing Marcos an amazing, helpful host very informative and made us feel comfortable with Thursday. I would recommend this place to anybody we will definitely be back. I might even think about taking the kids. If they’re being good.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacy T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Water Lovers Retreat
Our host Mark was beyond accommodating. He was extremely helpful and made sure we didn’t need anything. We loved our stay, the view boat access it was great!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful in every way!
Mark is always the perfect host. This has become our annual getaway for my husband's birthday. Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Water paradise
This was a great find! Very clean. All at the end of the dock. Lots of wildlife and fish! Mark was a fantastic host, very accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

gary v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Excellent getaway. Everything was set to please
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
Mark was a wonderful host. Went thru and showed us the entire property and area. There is plenty to do on the lake. The boat house it self is a great place to stay. Very clean and great amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna M., Pittsburgh PA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience!
Mark and his wife were absolutely incredible. The house boat was just perfect. Well stocked, clean and one of a kind. Mark and his wife clearly spend a lot of time to ensure your trip and stay are stellar. Their Hospitality was above and beyond. We will be booking this house boat again! See you again soon and Thanks so much for making our stay seamlessly perfect!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful host!
Mark was wonderful to work with. We had a great time, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

John J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Seamless check-in process and extremely clean
The inside of the houseboat is on par with a very nice home. Great views of the river and nice privacy off of the back deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very Pleased!
I travel to the area often for business and wanted to mix it up. Mark is great! My flight was delayed and he met me at 1 am. I am also a life long boater. The property was exactly as described, no issues at all, and Mark made the experience better. He is available 24/7 and a wonderful man. Thanks for everything Mark.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022