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Lake Forest Retreat

Photo gallery for Lake Forest Retreat

Exterior detail
Property grounds
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
DeLand, FL
  • Stetson University
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Lake Beresford Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Blue Spring State Park
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Sofa Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Lake Forest Retreat

Large private apartment with full kitchen and accessories. Secure/central location near to Hontoon Island, Blue Springs and less than a hour to Daytona Beach and Orlando Theme Parks. We are family and pet friendly with large outside yard with ourdoor patio and bbq grill.

1 queen size bed, full pull out sofa bed, full size tall air mattress and single convertible ottoman.

We have parking area for up to 25ft boat trailer with 3 marinas and boat ramps within a mile.

Great boating, fishing, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing and swimming only minutes away. We are currently arranging discounts for our guests for local boat rentals, fishing guides, canoes, kayaks and virtually any other local needs.

We can be flexible with check in and check out times depending on your travel requirements.

We will do what we can to make sure you and your family enjoy your stay and create great memories.

Please email us if you have any questions or need any special requests.

Safe Travels


Property manager

Rita Arthur

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Great place for children
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Nice bbq grill, outside patio and fire pit.
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Pets

Pets allowed: less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Hugh side yard great for dogs
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We have a couple of places for outdoor smoking set
Small dogs under 15lbs 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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: Nice bbq grill, outside patio and fire pit.
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

About the area

DeLand

Located in DeLand, this apartment is in a rural area and on a river. Sands Theatre Center and Stockton-Lindquist House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Blue Spring State Park and Ocala National Forest. Chisholm Center Playground and Chipper Jones Little League Complex are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, waterskiing and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
DeLand, FL

What's nearby

  • Stetson Mansion - 11 min drive - 10.7 km
  • African American Museum of Arts - 13 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Stetson University - 14 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Lake Beresford Park - 18 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Blue Spring State Park - 28 min drive - 22.6 km

Getting around

  • DeLand Station - 6 min drive
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Forest Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Lake Forest Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Forest Retreat?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Lake Forest Retreat located?

Situated on a river, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Ocala National Forest, Stetson Mansion and Barkley Square Dog Park. Bill Dreggors Park and Liberty Independent Baptist Church are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Eddie R.

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

Great place to relax

Very peaceful, great yard for the dog friendly neighborhood
Stayed 62 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Laura M.

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

Nice stay

We stayed for 5 nights to attend a rowing camp nearby. Everything was fine and the host graciously allowed us a late check out.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy M.

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

Great place to stay!

Terry was so communicative. Everything I needed was there. I could cook dinner, walk my dog and the bed slept great. Quiet location and easy to get to town. I will definitely be staying again. You should, too!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clarence B.

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

Relaxing quiet stay.

Google Maps gave us routes to get to Deleon State Park and Blue Springs State Park without going into downtown Deland on 40 mph roads. Hotoon State Park on same road as rental has a ferry to take free to island.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard R.

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

Pleasant quiet secure

Love it price is right would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

ken h.

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

perfect little home away from home

comfortable place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

lonnie c.

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

Great place

Good but had to leave because of state of emergency hurricane only stayed 3 nights the host wants to give us a refund for the rest of the trip but vrbo does not want to
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

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

Pristine place

Unit was as described, great accommodations, excellent host, close to everything, will definitely be back
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

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

Quaint, Quiet & Perfect Location

We throughly enjoyed our stay in this quaint & quiet location. It was a perfect home base for us to explore the many parks, springs, & trails in the area. Clean & comfortable with great communication from/with Terry.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

Quiet, relaxing neighborhood

We stayed 3 nights in this lovely home and thoroughly enjoyed the setting and older style home. Very unique. Terry is very kind and easy going. We recommend this place for those looking for a quiet get away.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie G.

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

Hidden Gem

A cozy little apartment right on Lake Beresford.There is alot to do, Terry and Rita know the area and make great suggestions, or just relax and keep to yourself. The Cranes and Turkeys and wildlife come right to the front yard. Very Peaceful. I enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend it. Truly felt like home.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda A.

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

Month Long Retreat in Great Location

We thoroughly enjoyed our winter escape at this Lake Forest Retreat. The location is great - far enough out of town to be quiet and surrounded by beautiful nature yet still less than 10-15 minutes access to historic downtown DeLand, grocery stores, and any other "city" needs. Lake and river accesses a few minutes away which we used with our kayaks and small boat. Good dining options close as well. Terry & Rita are both lovely, welcoming people who do everything possible to make sure their guests have a good VRBO experience and a great stay. We'd definitely look at staying here again if we were to return to the area.
Stayed 29 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betsy D.

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

Lake Forest Retreat

I had a long term stay due to relocating after a Hurricane. I can not express how the hosts Terry and Rita made me feel at home. The accommodation is neat and tidy good for a one night stay or long term. I was travelling alone although the accommodation can also . The area is single family homes with an abundance of wildlife to view with a cute convenience shop right down the road for last minute items. Welcome book guides you to local area restaurants and sights to see. Highly recommended !!!
Stayed 99 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kayla S.

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

So kind

The home was super nice and me and my grandpa fell in love with the home and it's Soo nice and quiet. Terry and his mom are such wonderful and kind people
Stayed 19 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nadya J.

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

Lugar tranquilo

El administrador fue amable, la zona es tranquila , los niños disfrutaron del gran patio
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

linda S.

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

bike week

close enough to Daytona and everything else yet far enough away we could ride with very little traffic
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerry W.

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

Painless

Great stay. Smooth as clockwork
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Kelly P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Cute on the outside. But the inside not so much. The place needs to be cleaned a lot.

This was a last minute booking for us with are 3 little dogs for family, but I couldn't believe how dirty the rugs were, the fridge was yellow. There was hair in shower. I took pictures cause they need new cleaners.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tom C., Venice

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

Great place very close to the river

Will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lesley S., Kailua, Honolulu County, Hawaii

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

Lovely country setting

We enjoyed our stay very much. We were in Deland to do some business and exploring, and Lake Forest Retreat was a wonderful home base. We loved the peaceful backyard and the birds who visited. Terry and his family were very welcoming. We're hoping to return soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Denise O.

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

Owner was lovely! Place was as described.

We had a wonderful time. We were so grateful for a place we could have our two Boston Terriers! Relatively clean but old stained couch and rugs other than that EXCELLENT. We would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debbie M.

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

Very friendly and courteous property managers. Prompt in answering questions and made us feel welco

Great area
Stayed 18 nights in Apr 2022

6/10 Okay

Robert P.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location

Getaway

Could have been a little bigger
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bobby C.

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

Nestled in a quiet area.

A nice little place that is convenient to the St. John's River and state parks.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rodney V.

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

Great place to stay

Better than crowded hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

About the host

Hosted by Rita Arthur

Host profile image
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