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Boathouse w/ Screened Porch: Riverfront Escape!

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Chiefland Vacation Rental | 3BR | 3BA | Step-Free Entry | 2,028 Sq Ft
Screened Patio Over Boathouse
Living Room | Single-Story Home | Central A/C & Heating
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 72028 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Chiefland, Florida
  • Manatee Springs State Park
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Chiefland Farmers Flea Market
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms

Full Bathroom

Full Bathroom

Full Bathroom

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Boathouse w/ Screened Porch: Riverfront Escape!

'Retro River Retreat' | Floating Boat Dock | Nature Lover's Escape

Dive into waterfront fun at this 3-bedroom, 3-bath vacation rental in Chiefland! This property, situated right on the water with a floating boat dock, offers easy access to outdoor adventure. Spend the day exploring Manatee Springs State Park or taking a stroll along Main Street. Afterward, return home to the inviting fire pit and screened porch and enjoy a relaxing night with your crew.

-- THE PROPERTY --

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
- Bedroom 1: 1 queen bed
- Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed
- Bedroom 3: 1 queen bed, 1 full futon
- Additional Sleeping: 1 queen air mattress, 1 portable crib

INDOOR LIVING
- 2 Smart TVs, DVD & VCR players, video library
- Dining table
- Board games, books

OUTDOOR LIVING
- 2-boat floating dock, boathouse w/ screened patio
- Screened porch
- Charcoal grill (charcoal not provided)
- Fire pit (wood provided)
- Fenced yard

KITCHEN 
- Stove/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher
- Dishware/flatware, cooking basics
- Drip coffee maker (coffee provided)
- Microwave, blender, Crockpot, toaster
- Trash bags & paper towels

GENERAL 
- Free WiFi
- Central A/C & heating, window A/C units, ceiling fans
- Washer/dryer & laundry detergent
- Linens/towels, beach towels, hair dryer
- Power generator

ACCESSIBILITY
- Single-story home, step-free entry

FAQ
- Limited cell phone service

PARKING
- Driveway (3 vehicles)
- Space for 2 boat trailers

-- THE LOCATION --

- On-site access to Suwannee River near biking & hiking trails
- 12 miles to South Main Street
- 6 miles to Manatee Springs State Park & Chiefland Golf & Country Club
- 43 miles to the Gulf of Mexico (accessible by boat)
- 26 miles to Cedar Key
- 54 miles to Gainesville Regional Airport

-- REST EASY WITH US --

Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you’ll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we’ll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we’ll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.

-- POLICIES --

- No smoking
- No pets allowed
- No events, parties, or large gatherings
- Must be at least 22 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This single-story home offers step-free entry
- The property does have cell phone service, but it may be spotty due to the rural location
- Please be mindful of wildlife in the area, including alligators in the river

Property manager

Evolve

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Water view

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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
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

About the neighborhood

Chiefland

Located in Chiefland, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Dakotah Winery and Hart Springs Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Manatee Springs State Park and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Motor boating offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting nearby.
Map
Chiefland, Florida

What's nearby

  • Manatee Springs State Park - 13 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Chiefland Farmers Flea Market - 21 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - 21 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Eddie Buie Park - 25 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Fanning Springs State Park - 38 min drive - 27.7 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Treasure Camp on the Suwannee - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Boathouse w/ Screened Porch: Riverfront Escape! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Boathouse w/ Screened Porch: Riverfront Escape! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Suwannee River and within 9 mi (15 km) of Manatee Springs State Park and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Chiefland Farmers Flea Market and Eddie Buie Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

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

Consultant

Great quiet location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

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

Quiet Place on the Suwannee River

Friends and I were kayaking the southern part of the Suwannee and needed a home base on the river. We enjoyed our stay. The place is definitely retro but it’s on a great piece of land on the river. The dock and boathouse were awesome to relax on and the yard is plenty big. Beds were comfortable as was the living room. Everything in the house was clean and a lot of space for us to hang out in the evenings after being on the river. Wi-Fi worked great, which was good because there was no cell signal. If we ever decide to kayak down that way again we would definitely look into staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Susanne V.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

Liked: Check-in, communication

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Alexia T. K.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Heaven

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome riverside retreat!

Loved the brand new dockside boathouse!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

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

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

Wesley D.

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

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"
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

About the host

Hosted by Evolve

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish