Entire house boat

Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river

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Terrace/patio
Exterior
1 bedroom, premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • RestaurantRestaurantRestaurant
  • BarBarBar
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Sanford, FL
  • Popular LocationCentral Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens3 min drive
  • Popular LocationSeminole Towne Center7 min drive
  • Popular LocationGemini Springs Park7 min drive
  • AirportOrlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)16 min drive

Space details

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4
51 sq m
Bedroom 1
    1 queen bed
Bathroom 1
    Shower

Room options

About the area

Sanford

At this houseboat you'll be 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from Black Bear Wilderness Area. Highlights at this houseboat include a kitchen, free WiFi and a patio. .For a drink, you can stop by the houseboat's own poolside bar. Enjoy access to kayaking and motor boating. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and a coffee shop/cafe. .Attractions in proximity to this Sanford houseboat include Blue Springs State Park and King's Landing.

What's nearby

  • Lake Monroe - 3 min drive
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 3 min drive
  • Seminole Towne Center - 7 min drive
  • Gemini Springs Park - 7 min drive
  • St. Johns Rivership - 9 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river

Poised to delight, Floating Cottage provides a magical space to relax, replenish and explore. The sweet yellow cottage defines social distancing, afloat on the river. It is thoroughly cleaned and refreshed between guests, including being sanitized and disinfected.

Relax on the front porch, enjoy the warm breeze while watching turtles swim to the porch to beg for a treat. Refresh in the peaceful comfort of the fully equipped small home.

The cathedral ceilinged living room is bathed in natural light, has hardwood floors, and embraces the outside. Its French doors expand the living area to include the protected front porch. A full size sofa bed, electric potbelly stove, TV and versatile work/dining table grace the homey Floating Cottage.

No ordinary boat galley, the fully equipped kitchen meets the needs of the casual to the gourmet chef with a five burner gas stove, full size side by side refrigerator with door ice dispenser, dishwasher, granite counter tops and tile back splashes. Microwave, toaster, utensils and dinnerware are included.

Walk up the stairs to the carpeted loft bedroom with queen size bed, walk-in closet and be surprised by the stained glass window. The loft is air-conditioned. Open the shades and screened windows to enjoy the gentle river breeze.

The cleverly outfitted bath has a full size shower, flush comfort toilet and stocked closet for linens and toiletries, plus a view-catching window.

The cottage is approached from the dock through the back porch. Notice the gas barbecue for outdoor cooking. It is self-igniting and simple to use.

The French doors to the front porch open the cottage to a full view of the marina surrounded by local forests. With four comfortable chairs, guests of the cottage may choose to sit for hours simply enjoying the quiet peace of the marina. Watch boaters come and go from trips up the lazy St. Johns River or to Lake Monroe to visit Sanford. Turtles swim to the cottage to greet the guests An occasional manatee can be seen from the porch. Herons and egrets are common sights as guests share the lovely outdoors with feathered friends.

Floating Cottage is designed with comfort and efficiency built into the 550 square feet of living space. The movement of the water beneath the hull is barely perceptible while relaxing those who experience a stay in the cottage.

Floating Cottage is berthed in the rural Boat Tree Marina, just north of Lake Monroe on the scenic St. Johns River, a river of abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. The marina offers a casual deli and restaurant, bait shop, laundry and pool. The new restaurant, Cabana Live is opened in the summer of 2023 and will offer a significant discount to cottage guests. There is a pool-side bar associated with the restaurant. Cottage guests may use the pool from morning until the restaurant closes! Stroll to the deli for breakfast and lunch served by the friendly staff. Yes, beer is available for thirsty patrons. Guests of Floating Cottage enjoy a 15% discount on boat rentals for half and full days. The friendly staff at the office will assist with boat reservations as well as with local information on fishing.

Don't miss visiting quaint Old-town Sanford, home to cobblestone streets and brick-lined store fronts, restored nineteenth-century Victorian homes, lovely towering oaks draped with Spanish moss, numerous art galleries, unique shops, pubs and great restaurants. Catch the open market with crafts and produce at the square.

Follow Sanford365.com to explore local events and discover what is happening in the Sanford area.

The Riverwalk on Lake Monroe, over a mile long, has shady places aplenty to watch lake activity or beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

This magical cottage will delight!

Property manager

Kim Hadden

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • On-site parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Ice maker
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Premium bedding
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • 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.
  • Accessible parking space
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near the boardwalk
  • Near the airport
  • Near a train station
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Boating on site
  • Motor-boating on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Marina 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

  • 2 floors
  • 1 building
  • Built in 2014
  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Unit size: 550 sq ft (51 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email with check-in information
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.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.
  • Note from host: Please contact owner to discuss toddler safety

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Cleaning fee: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock in all accommodation. Contactless check-in is available.

Property is also known as

Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Gently On The River
Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Sanford
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat Sanford

Frequently asked questions

Does Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river have a pool?

Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river has a pool and a communal pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river?

No, Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river?

No, pets are not allowed.

Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the river Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 136 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 143 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 143 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debra D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter Respite
This was our second winter stay at this charming cottage, having had such a wonderful first experience. The cottage continued to delight as we became even more familiar with what the area had to offer. Kim was an excellent hostess as were her on-site assistants. We were well taken care of and appreciated their attention to our needs. We look forward to when we have an opportunity to return.
Stayed 41 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

judy s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
The floating cottage is wonderful. You walk in and you instantly feel at home and that you could spend a lot of time here. Out host was great - she gave us detailed information and made sure that our stay was a great experience. The turtles were fun watch. We will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

James B., Mint Hill, United States of America

Liked: Cleanliness
Very Relaxing
Another great stay on the "floating cottage". From our first trip many years ago to now it has remained our home away from home. The yellow boat is always neat and clean, with most anything you need aboard. Kim, the host, is very informative and responds quickly whenever we have contacted her. The boat is within walking distance to two places for food and drink and many activities are available by a short drive. The full-size kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and a grill on the rear deck, make it great for extended stays. We love staying on the floating cottage and look forward to another trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Little Gem
This was the 1st time that my wife and I stayed in a boathouse. The owner keeps the property meticulously clean and provides crystal clear communication throughout the process. Everything was done remotely and there was no need for any direct interaction. The accommodations were very comfortable and the owner made everything you can think of available, including a couple of small fishing poles that we used to fish off the patio and dock. It was very peaceful just sitting on the patio and watching the friendly turtles hover for food. Right off the dock is Connie’s Deli which serves breakfast and lunch. Connie and her staff are very friendly and the food was great. In the evening, you can just walk across the parking lot to Cabana’s which is basically a sports bar with tons of TVs and a pool area. People were very nice and we really liked their food. If you drive into Sanford, it’s a cute little town with a bunch of shops and restaurants. We had lunch in the German restaurant which was a lot of fun and had live music in the middle of the day. Will definitely consider renting here again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great "float"!!!
This is my 4th Annual Christmas Float! Kim is a super host, and responds quickly to comments and concerns. She even provides turtle food! Everything about the Floating Cottage is just right for a solo Floater! (FYI: The bathroom is "tiny" and the walk-in shower is just big enough to stand in.) The bed is comfy and the furnishings are accommodating. The kitchen is "full size" and is stocked with everything you need to make a meal (including a toaster!). Kim wisely provides a couple of folding tables, which I find handy to have. The "back deck" offers a pleasant space to sit and read...and to feed the turtles! There is a washer/dryer available (a detached building near the onsite restaurant, you pay with a credit card). Kim's wi-fi service is excellent, and easily streams movies. Honestly, I'd live there if I could! Can't wait until my 5th Annual Christmas Float in 2024!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was very unique. We felt like we had the marina all to ourselves most days! The kitchen was equipped better than most places I have stayed at previously. If I'm ever in the area, I would stay here again! The host Kim kept me informed of local activities which was a nice touch and appreciated! Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Stacy D., Boynton Beach USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Simply Paradise
I would give 10 stars if it was an option! Kim is the most amazing property manager! She is so detailed that it makes your trip so enjoyable. The floating cottage is so peaceful, clean, and so close to everything. You literally just need to bring your suitcase. The turtles greet you the minute you step foot on the patio. They are so cute and a bonus to this slice of paradise in FL. Thank you Kim and we will be booking again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S., Homestead, FL

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful, relaxing, home away from home.
I am a huge fan of tiny house living and this floating cottage was the perfect tiny house. Full kitchen and bath, comfortable bed (even the hideabed) and a perfect back porch on the water. And the breakfast/lunch deli just steps away has good food served by nice people. However, my biggest compliment goes to the owner. She is the best! We had a few minor issues that were taken care of immediately with the greatest of care. She made us feel like welcome friends in her home. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth K., Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness
Weeekend getatway
Just such a lovely lil gem that provided such a much needed getaway. Love that we could dock our wave runner right beside us too! Have to say, we already miss feeding the turtles but we will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Sherry L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relax while afloat!
This was our second stay at this quaint property. From the time we decided to stay again thru our check out Kim was terrific. She stayed in contact with us thru the entire process. This is one of the most relaxing vacations we have every taken, and the second time around lived up to our expectations from the first experience. We cannot wait to book again for another week afloat! Thanks Kim for being such a wonderful host!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023