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The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

Riverside holiday home with fitness centre and outdoor pool

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Overlooking the Manatee River. 350 feet of waterfront. A dock that extends 250
Over 350 feet of breathtaking waterfront views
Relax
Large living room with 77 inch smart tv
Large open kitchen with luxury appliances

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8325.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Ellenton, FL
  • Place, Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, LECOM Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, IMG Academy
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Driftwood Dreams

1 Queen Bed

Edgewater Escape

1 King Bed

Sunrise Sanctuary

1 Queen Bed

The Captains Quarters

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Captains Quarters en Suite Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Downstairs full bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Driftwood Dreams and Edgewater Retreat shared bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Pool bathroom

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area

About this property

The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

🟦 Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

Your Private Waterfront Paradise on the Manatee River

Welcome to the Blue Heron Riverfront Resort, a stunning 3,500 sq ft retreat perched on the widest stretch of the Manatee River—just 20–30 minutes from Sarasota, 45 minutes from Tampa, and close to some of Florida’s most iconic beaches including Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and St. Pete Beach.

Spend your days kayaking, fishing, or exploring the coastline, then return to your private waterfront oasis where every sunset feels magical.

🌴 The Space: Your Dream Waterfront Escape

This spacious three-story riverfront home is designed for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Perfect for families, couples, snowbirds, and business travelers, the resort-like setting includes:

Waterfront pool

Oversized hot tub

Private pier with incredible river views

Kayaks, fishing gear, and loads of outdoor games

Multiple indoor/outdoor lounging areas for work or play

Whether you’re sipping morning coffee at sunrise or unwinding in the spa at dusk, this home delivers peace, luxury, and fun in equal measure.

🎮 Endless Fun & Amenities

Enjoy an unbeatable lineup of entertainment:

Gran Board electronic darts

Outdoor foosball

Ping pong

Pool table and lots more

Kayaks & fishing gear

Fire pit for s’mores under the stars

Every corner of the resort is designed to create experiences you’ll never forget.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Kitchen

Calling all food lovers! The gourmet kitchen features:

KitchenAid appliances (microwave & oven)

Sub-Zero refrigerator

Bosch Induction Cooktop

Stainless steel & cast-iron cookware

Dozens of spices

Nearly every small appliance you could dream of

Whether you’re cooking breakfast for two or a celebratory meal for eight, you’ll have everything you need.

🛏️ Bedrooms With Personality — Sleeps 8

🦩 Flamingo Suite (Primary – King Bed)

King Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed

Spa-style bathroom with soaking tub

Private balcony with sweeping river views

In-room coffee & tea station

🐚 Manatee Room (Queen) & 🕊 Heron Hideaway (King)

Located on the opposite side of the house

Can be closed off for privacy

Share a large, beautifully designed bathroom

Ideal for families or friends traveling together

🦅 Osprey Loft (Queen)

3rd-floor loft with panoramic river views

Watch the sunrise or enjoy evening cocktails with unmatched scenery

Note: All bedrooms are on upper floors; no ground-floor bedrooms.

🏖️ Extras to Make Your Stay Effortless

Beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and coolers

Golf clubs

Smart TVs in common areas + Firesticks in all bedrooms

Four central AC units for perfect climate control

Pool safety alarms

Fast Wi-Fi and multiple workspace options

🎣 Love the Water? We’ve Got You Covered.

Fishing: Local guides can pick you up right from the dock!

Boating: Bring your boat or jet skis — tie up to our floating dock

Beach Days: Grab the gear + enjoy your free beach parking pass to Pass-a-Grille (St. Pete Beach – 30 mins)

💼 Perfect for Business or Extended Stays

Washer/dryer + detergent

Iron & ironing board

Hairdryers in each bathroom

Multiple indoor/outdoor work areas

📌 Important Details

Max occupancy: 8 guests (including children)

Parking: Up to 4 cars (driveway only — no street parking)

Quiet hours: 10 PM – 8 AM (strictly enforced)

No pets, no parties, no unregistered guests

Surveillance: Exterior cameras on front, sides, and entry points

Safety: Smoke detectors, CO monitor, fire extinguisher, first aid kit

📅 Cancellation Policy (Summary)

100% refund for cancellations 30+ days prior to arrival

No refunds for weather, red tide, beach conditions, or other issues beyond owner control

Cancellations must be made in writing via booking platform or email

🚫 Not a Party House

Please respect the home, the neighbors, and the community. Violations of guest limits or noise policies may result in immediate termination of your stay without refund.

✨ Your Florida Escape Awaits

From river adventures to beach days to peaceful sunsets by the pool, Blue Heron Riverfront Resort is where luxury, nature, and relaxation meet.

We look forward to hosting you.

With gratitude,

Katie & Terry

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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 security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Ellenton

Located in Ellenton, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Mall at University Town Center, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Tampa Bay and Coquina Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, or check out an event or a game at LECOM Park.
View more Holiday homes in EllentonOpens in a new window
Map
Ellenton, FL

What's nearby

  • Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Riverwalk - 7 min drive - 6.1 km
  • LECOM Park - 10 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch - 19 min drive - 24.9 km
  • IMG Academy - 20 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shake Station - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Woody's River Roo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat located?

This family-friendly Ellenton holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park and Ellenton Premium Outlets. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

john g., Waukesha County WI

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

Magnificent property. The owners/managers are superb.

See above response.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Amazing & Beautiful

The property was better than described. The host was easy to communicate with & quick to respond. Great location with easy access to anything & everything. The views from the house, lanai, pool & new dock we're beyond beautiful & amazing! We were able to watch Dolphins & Manatees from poolside which was incredible. The house was well kept & appointed. This will definitely be our girst choice when we're in the Tampa area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

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

Friends staycation

My friends and I live locally in St. Petersburg. We rented the River House to enjoy some time away from work, but still close to home. We rented a boat which worked out great because there is a brand new dock/pier that is not shown in the pictures. And the boat ramp is only a few blocks from the house. We had a great time, the house is exactly as pictured and had everything we needed (laundry supplies, towels, etc.) and the owners were very accommodating and easy to communicate with.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kirstin S.

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

Perfect Getaway

We had a fantastic stay here. The house was perfect. We had a dinner party and our guests loved the property. The view was so tranquil and relaxing, the pool and hot tub were great and my husband enjoyed fishing off the dock. The kitchen was extremely well outfitted and we were able to host 8 people for dinner easily there were plenty of serving dishes and tableware. The games and movies that were available are a nice touch. The bed in the master is very comfortable and the view is exceptional. Katie is a fantastic and responsive host. We we were even able to go fishing and get picked up on the dock. The labeling throughout the home was so helpful and there were so many nice and thoughtful touches throughout. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommended this home.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie J.

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

Wonderful stay at a beautiful house!

The house is wonderful! The house was extremely clean and the owners have the cabinets, etc. labeled so you know where everything can be found. They have thought of everything and have included a lot of extras that are available for guests to use. (kayaks, games, beach chairs and umbrella, golf clubs, shampoo/conditioner in the showers, even extra sunblock) The owners are wonderful... so nice and very responsive when we had questions. The house is beautiful and spacious and the backyard is amazing. Our favorite part of the trip was relaxing in the pool and looking out over the huge Manatee River. We even saw a school of sting rays while out on the kayaks one morning. It was very private and so enjoyable. We hope to be able to return to this home again in the future! :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

john m.

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

Photos are on point

Usually stay on anna maria island but decided to stay a few minutes away from it this time. Love the gulf best fishing and sunsets. This property is the most private you can get the owners are awesome. House is amazing plenty of room and stocked with all essentials and i do mean everything. Spices,cookware,every appliance imaginable,even a drawer stocked with zip lock bags really a simple item but details like this really? You will not find find another property like this. I cannot tell how many times ive been disappointed by photos and reviews.This house is within 5 mins of walmart and restaurants. Only regret is didn't get to bring the boat this time. The dock goes out 100ft water is atleast 4ft at low tide at end of dock. Caught a couple small snook and mangrove snapper in canal. As much as we like anna maria island this is close enough without the congestion as its gets more of vacation destination. The boat ramp is a mile away and is the best way to avoid the drive across the bridge and trying to find a parking spot on the island trust me not an easy task anymore. Backyard, pool ,dock,kayaks and a house that is stocked with everything you need everyday stop looking this is it. Thanks katie again hope to book again soon
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

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

Worth Every Penny!

Stayed a week with the family and enjoyed every minute. Just a short drive from both Tampa and Sarasota. Very clean home and the view is breathtaking.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great, very comfortable location for golf/water sport and relaxing/shopping

We were a party of four adults and stayed for roughly 14 days in mid October 2022. The location of the house is perfect for golfing. There are plenty of very good courses within 30 minutes drive. The infrastructure and the equipment of the house is outstanding (at the pool, in the kitchen, in the baths, in the sleeping rooms). We used the great pool a lot and took advantage of the easy access to the beach in St. Petersburg (parking spot). You can also easily spend the full day in and around the house. There is plenty of space. Katie (the host) gave very helpful information and was very responsive and friendly right from the beginning until we left. We can only recommend to stay there.
Stayed 15 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruth C.

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

Our yearly family vacation

The home and backyard are beautiful. Any time we had questions, Katie responded immediately. Katie and Terry suggested several places to visit and restaurants and all were great. They suggested Whiskey Joes close to the house on the Manatee River. Amazing food and beautiful view. The grandkids had a great time spent most of it in the pool, plenty of floaties and pool toys. Fishing off the dock was awesome, and saw dolphins and a manta ray in the river. We will definitely be staying here again. Highly recommend this home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

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

Relaxing Get away

The house was great! We have rented houses on past trips and this house was far and above the rest. The owners were very responsive before and during our trip. The house had everything we needed (Beach chairs, Umbrella, Cooler, Games etc…). There was plenty of room for my family of eight. Everyone enjoyed the pool and the view of the river, this is where we spent most of our time at the house. We hope to be able to stay again in the future. Thank you very much Katie & Terry!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Katie Kerr

Host profile image
My husband and I purchased our home in 2012. We have done lots of work on it. We also own another home at the beach and will spend the summers there

Why they chose this property

It's like your own private island. No homes surround 3 sided of our home. (350 feet of seawall

What makes this property unique

Magnificent water views from all 3 levels of our home. Brand new pool. Centrally located to Sarasota and Tampa. Located in a very old school florida part of town. We are NOT in a gated community. You will be amazed when you get to the water at the end of the street. Extremely private. Residential

Languages:

English

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