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Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Hudson Beach
  • Place, Weeki Wachee Springs
  • Place, Weeki Wachee River

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Welcome to Rock's Retreat. Located an hour North of Tampa and just minutes from the famous Weeki Wachee mermaids, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront home has just about everything you need to stay amused! Play arcade games in our downstairs game room or challenge your family to a friendly game of cornhole, darts, pool or ladder ball. Nature lover? You've come to the right place! It's very common to see manatee, dolphin & a variety of seabirds while you're enjoying yourself on our backyard beach or toasting marshmallows in our fire pit. Or maybe you're just chilling on one of our two balconies having coffee in the morning or playing a board game in the evening. Use our kayaks and pedal boat to explore the local waterways. Or get picked up at our dock for an airboat tour (additional fees apply). Close to shopping & dining, while perfectly hidden! We're pet friendly too! So, bring your well-behaved fur-babies and come stay for a couple days, or a week, or even a month! We know you're gonna LOVE IT here!! The elevator is currently non-operational. We're sorry for any inconvenience.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
No amenities for very young children
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
We welcome well-behaved dogs, large or small
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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
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

About the area

Hudson

Located in Hudson, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Weeki Wachee Springs and Bowlero Spring Hill are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Adventure Coast Fun Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Hudson, FL

What's nearby

  • Show Palace Dinner Theater - 5 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Nature Coast Botanical Gardens - 8 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Hudson Beach - 11 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 19 min drive - 21.3 km
  • Weeki Wachee River - 24 min drive - 24.8 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Aripeka Elks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Hudson Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Weekiwachee Preserve and within 6 miles (10 km) of Show Palace Dinner Theater and Colorama Music. Cow Creek and Nature Coast Botanical Gardens are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

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

Relaxing stay

We truly enjoyed our time at Rocks Retreat. The home was clean and spacious. The two balconies were great. We got to fish , make smores and visit with masters on the backyard beach. The game room was a hit for all of us. The host was phenomenal as well as maintenance, after it rained he came quickly and cleaned the water out of the boats for us! We really enjoyed kayaking and going out in the boat. We will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

New Year's at Rock's Retreat.

Rocks retreat was a great stay, Sandi is a terrific host, easy communication throughout our booking and thoughtful,She even left a welcome basket for us and our pup which was very sweet.We had a blast, Rocks retreqt was fun for everyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

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

Wonderful home!

We had a great stay! The kids had a blast in the garage with the games. We loved the kayaks and the view!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing property! Super clean house. Loved the gorgeous balcony & the game room. We’d gladly stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gayla S.

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

Relaxing

Enjoyed all of the different gathering areas of the house. Spent alot of time on the upper deck.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam F., Alachua, Fl

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

Great getaway!

Awesome getaway. We saw so much sea life. Manatee, dolphin and one alligator in 3 days. My son loved the beach area and my 91 year old father enjoyed playing video games with us. We took the paddle boat out a few times. Great relaxing vacation with excellent host. We will be returning! Highly recommend this VRBO.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

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

Amazing, wonderful, relaxing, Perfect!

We enjoyed every minute, from watching the sun rise from the back porch to kayaking with manatees, watching a dolphin and turtle swim by, enjoying the fabulous game room, grilling on the charcoal grill, paddle boating, and relaxing in the clean spacious home. On our last night, we took a sunset dinner cruise on the Island Rose just above 10 minutes away in Hernando Beach. Highly recommend this awesome place. Excellent communication with host and the home was very well stocked. Just get groceries, unpack, settle in and enjoy!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kari S.

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

Fabulous Get Away!

WOW! This place is PERFECT!! The house was extremely clean and well maintained. The game room downstairs was so much fun, arcade games, darts, pool table and more. The elevator was awesome for bringing all your belongings upstairs (wish we had one at our second floor condo LOL). Our favorite part was sitting on the balcony and listening to the birds and watching the water. We even saw a dolphin swimming in the canal! Sandi was VERY quick at responding to any correspondence and requests. She is very sweet and accommodating! I would highly recommend staying at Rock's Retreat, I know we will be back again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori B.

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

Wonderful weekend getaway

My two sons , myself and our parrots came.down for an event for the birds . Sadly the event changed locations last minute and we didn't make it to the reason we came down but we still enjoyed our stay . The home was clean and comfortable . We thoroughly enjoyed the darts, pac man , and pool table as well as fire pit. We wanted to use the paddle boat but never seemed to find time . We wished we brought fishing poles because there were quite a few fish near the dock. The goodie basket with parrot treats was such a nice touch ! The birds loved them Communication was on point and we would definitely return !
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sara C.

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

Feels Like Home

Rock's Retreat in Aripeka just feels like home. The home has a relaxing, unpretentious, let's stay home vibe that can't be beat. It was exactly what we were hoping for and what we needed. It has beautiful water views from just about every window! There is plenty of room to spread out and the home is very clean. Our two dogs had a time as lovely as ours. The elevator allowed both of them to avoid the stairs. This was a huge plus as they are both seniors. It was chilly and rainy during our Thanksgiving stay and we did not mind one bit. Relaxing out in the balcony, watching dolphins in the canal, playing games in the enclosed garage, fishing off the dock, enjoying a fire, and watching movies made for the getaway we wanted. The Stone Crab Company is within walking distance and has fresh seafood and a smoked kingfish dip that is heavenly. Ceparanos Pizza is just over 5 miles away and is really good! The little post office is a nice history stop (also within walking distance).
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina L.

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

Natural Florida

We had a great stay and loved using the kayaks and paddle boat. It was so peaceful and enjoyed the fire pit and beach area as well. We saw birds, manatees and an alligator with beautiful views from the balcony. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOHN G.

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

Perfect, quiet, out of the way place.

If you’re looking for quiet look at old Florida this is it! Sandi, the host is amazing! Anything you need she’s on it! The house is situated on some back water coming off the gulf. We were able to watch manitees and dolphins while having morning coffee on the upstairs patio! Aripeka is off the main road, but close enough to some fine dining, fun bars and shopping.We enjoyed the outside bar and were even able to fish, never know what you’ll catch!. This was our third year renting this house and enjoyed everything this house has to offer!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

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

Excellent hosts

Beautiful home. Well stocked and the host was amazing with anything needed. We stayed for a month visiting family. Had everything we needed to host dinner for a large group. Watch out for stray dogs in the neighborhood if you’re traveling with a pet.
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

fran m.

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

Christmas stay

Very nice place. Great stay. Lots of things to keep everyone occupied. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

jerry s.

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

relax time

Just relaxed a little and did a inshore charter also ate out and just take in the scenery
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

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

Beautiful home

House was very clean and welcoming! Host was very nice! The welcome basket was a hit with the kids after 14 hrs in the car. Everything was perfect. The kids loved the gar room, paddle boat and I even squeezed in a trip on the kayaks at sunset(highly recommended!) Only bad thing was having to head back home!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing stay!

We had an amazing time here! Made for a great weekend of being on the water, playing games and sitting around the fire with the family would definitely recommend this stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Best Place Ever

What a beautiful place!!! Great views really spacious and super clean!!! We actually can’t wait to be here again!!! Thank you sooooo much Sandi!!! 💜
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marty P.

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

Great Getaway!

Plenty of things to do. Great location on the water but away from the touristy areas. House is very clean and well maintained. Owner is very responsive and respectful. Owner thought of everything. Felt right at home!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

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

A nice getaway spot on the salt water...

We loved it .Clean .. Relaxing definitely will be back ...House had everything we needed plus more ...
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandy S.

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

Great stay

The games on the first floor entertained us while it rained for 2 days. Caught some fish off the dock when the rain stopped. Very spacious, clean and well kept house!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

L C., Wolcott, CT

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

Weekend on the River

Rock's Retreat is such an awesome place! It was more than enough space for our party of 4 adults and one small dog. The entire home was very clean and easy to access, and Sandi provided some great personal touches like a welcome basket with snacks. The game room on the ground level was such a great hang-out space, and we all loved the expansive deck including our 16yo dog. It was by far his favorite spot to hang out. And if all that isn't enough, there are also kayaks, a paddleboat, grill and firepit on the premises. We could have easily spent the entire weekend at Rock's and had plenty to do! Thank you, Sandi, for a wonderful stay. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

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

A Slice of Heaven

Unforgettable Waterfront Getaway!

Oh man, Rock's Retreat gave me the most amazing long weekend ever! Seriously, this place is like a hidden treasure. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew it was going to be a great vacation.

Let's talk about those views from the top level – simply awesome. Waking up to the sun dancing on the canal and the sounds of nature was like a daily dose of zen. I basically lived on the balcony, with my morning coffee and a front-row seat to boats and lots of wildlife.

Inside Rock's Retreat is just as awesome as the outside. The place is super clean and well-taken-care-of.

The game room is the real star of the show but the outdoor stuff is just as cool. We roasted marshmallows and had plenty of stories flowing around the firepit. Plus, they've got this sandy beach thing going on – you can dip your toes in the sand right by the canal.

The host was fantastic too. She really went above and beyond. She had all the essentials covered and made sure we felt at home. The welcome basket was a really nice touch! 
In my opinion, Rock's Retreat isn't just a place to stay, it's a full-on slice of paradise. I'm telling you, every second there turned into a memory I won't forget. I'm already counting down the days till I can chill out and have a blast there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerald H.

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

Clean and thoughtful setup

We had a nice short stay. Everything was as advertised which I admit I only half expect when booking one of these. Especially when they advertise things like a game room or kayaks that you can use. Everything was in working order and cleaned and ready for use. Also, almost everything we might need was there in the house for us. For example, there was firewood in the firepit, charcoal and lighter fluid and even a working lighter on the grill which also was clean and working. There was good attention to detail and even a nice note for us when we checked in.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt B., Douglasville, USA

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

A+

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Great host, location, and home. Highly recommended for anyone with ADA needs. The elevator worked flawlessly, shower was easy to enter, master bedroom double-doors made entry/exit easy. The back deck with binoculars made it easy to observe all the wildlife. Sand Hill Cranes visited every day. We will surely come back again. Thanks, Sandi
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Sandi

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

If you love nature, you'll love this place! Manatee mating season runs from March to November, and it's very common to spot manatees in the canal behind the house on a regular basis. Seabirds are abundant, and you will occasionally get lucky & spot a dolphin feeding in the canal or a playful otter searching for his next meal! Great location for avid fishermen or anyone just wanting to 'get away from it all'!

What makes this property unique

Outdoor elevator, backyard sand beach area, fire pit, game room, pet friendly, two minutes from public boat ramp & little store. Beautiful sunsets off the local bridges. Flexible check-in/out times (when available).

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests