Entire home

Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat

Photo gallery for Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat

Living area
Covered boathouse. A great place to spend time on a rainy day.
Property grounds
Interior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Welaka, FL
  • Place, Welaka Town Hall
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Silver Glen Springs Recreation
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 4

Owners suite bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat

A great home for a multitude of purposes, such as wedding parties, fishing groups, family reunions, two couples vacationing together, and many more. Why do you ask? This private home is unique because it has a huge master bedroom suite and because of its location it is accessible by water to the St. Johns River, Glen Springs, Welaka Springs, water-front docking dining, fishing, boat slips, fish-cleaning station, covered boat house with outside lounge/sun/shade areas; and not to mention the space that all can enjoy comfortably inside as well.
I have a concierge on-site in the guest house to answer all your questions and remedy any problems.

Location by Boat
Location is about one thousand feet of canal travel to direct access to the St. John's River, which is about 3 minutes from the river. Then, it is 5 minutes to Welaka Springs, 10 minutes to Ocklawaha River, 30-45 minutes to Glen Springs, and 15 minutes from the riverfront dining Renegade's. There is parking for 4 boats. There is also parking for 3-4 boat trailers.

Location by Walking
Across the street is a small park to walk your pets and see a beautiful sunset over the St. John's River.

Location by Driving
Free ice at 223 Sportsman Drive, 1-minute drive.
Restaurants & Bars: "Shrimps R Us" and "Log Cabin", 3 minutes, "Renegade's" on the water. All three usually have live entertainment on weekends, 4-10 minutes on Highway 309.

Fishing
Catch fish off the dock as most people catch more fish from the dock than they catch from the boat. You can clean your fresh caught fish in the fish cleaning station equipped with a sink and running water.

Boat Slips
You can bring up to two twenty-four-foot boats to dock in your backyard.

Outside Area
There is an outside private 12'x50' waterfront dock with lots of seating and a large sunshade and dining area. The 12'x30' screened porch has two comfortable Tommy Bahama wicker chairs and a Tommy Bahama comfortable wicker couch. There is a glass dining table that seats four. The water view and easy access to the backyard and dock area make for a great social gathering.

Private Parking
The driveway can park nine cars. Trailers are allowed.

Inside the Separate Owner's Guest House Suite


Inside the Main House
16 years ago, this home was custom-built as a vacation home for a multi-millionaire, and its true quality shows. Guests are sure to enjoy a memorable vacation in this fully furnished, four-bedroom/2-bath home.

Bedrooms
The main/master bedroom has a king-sized bed, while the remaining two rooms are each furnished with queen-sized beds, dressers, chests, and nightstands and are comfortable for two people in each bedroom. The fourth bedroom has two twin beds.

Living Room
The large living room is furnished with extremely comfortable furniture. I have just replaced the couch and loveseat with ones that have four reclining seats. An excellent setting to watch a 72-inch big-screen TV with Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Board games and an assortment of reading materials are available for book exchange.

The Kitchen
The kitchen is equipped with luxury appliances, dishes, accessories, gadgets, pots, and pans that a gourmet chef could ask for. The kitchen is perfect for informal dining with a four-person breakfast bar and high-top chairs. There is a semi-formal dining room that seats eight or more when you add leaves to the table.
There is a gas and charcoal grill that will please the most particular griller.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed outside only.
If you use the fish cleaning sink, you clean the fish cleaning sink and area, Do not throw fish guts in the canal, put them in the river
It is discouraged to allow pets to be left alone in house or in yard.
If you must leave a pet alone, the pet must be put in your cage or my cage which is in the laundry room, There is a radio to play music for the pet,

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4494627
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy
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

About the area

Welaka

Located in Welaka, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Ravine Gardens State Park and Palatka Municipal Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium and Willard Hazen Ball Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Lake Broward Park and Larimer Arts Center. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding.
Map
Welaka, FL

What's nearby

  • Welaka Town Hall - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Bimini Road - 43 min drive - 55.7 km
  • Silver Glen Springs Recreation - 49 min drive - 47.5 km
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church - 59 min drive - 86.5 km

Getting around

  • Palatka Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Long’s Log Cabin Bar & Package Store - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Mema's Family Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shrimps R Us - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unbeatable Waterfront Deal: Special Offers on 4BR Luxury Canal Retreat located?

This family-friendly Welaka holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Welaka Spring and Welaka Town Hall. Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium and Ocala National Forest are also within 3 miles (5 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. 171 out of 200 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 200 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 200 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 200 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 200 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always enjoy staying here
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2026
Always nice having you come back. Hurry on back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heath R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Absolutely wonderful place for relaxing and enjoying water activities.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2026
Thank you for a great review. Come back soon. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean , spacious, loved the outside area ! Everyone was nice ! Host was awesome. Definitely will be back .
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 April 2026
Thank you for the great review. I would love you to come back again. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location, quiet and friendly people
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 February 2026
Thanks for a great review, Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great tucked-away location in a house that really does feel like a home away from home. Thank you Mr. Jim!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2026
Thanks for the great review. Hurry on back. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Manda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a great time and enjoyed the home. Found everything we needed and relaxed in with the tub at the end of the day. Dock was useful and everything was clean. Will definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location. Quiet. Fishing was great. House is fantastic.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2026
Thanks for a great review. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yes. Location was great and home was nice and clean
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2026
Thank you for your review. Please come again. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mindy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was quick to respond and fix any issues and questions that we had during our stay. Amenities were in good condition, and our guests staying with us had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 February 2026
Hi Mindy Thank you for a great review. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay, clean and com
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 November 2025
Thanks for the great review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawn W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 November 2025
Thanks for the great review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is my new favorite on the St. Johns river. Michelle was awesome! She took great care of us. The house and dock are very comfortable, with plenty of space for everyone to hang out. Fishing and sightseeing were just fantastic. Highly recommend! If you can't have fun here, you ain't trying.
Stayed 16 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 December 2025
Thank you for the great review. Michelle is great. I'm glad you had a great time Hurry on back. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, great condition, and has everything you ever needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colby T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2025
Thanks for the 5 star review
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was very nice, clean and cool. We were met with cold air when we first opened the door, that was incredibly welcoming on a hot Florida day. The beds were very comfortable. There was plenty of closet room and cabinet space. The books and games available were a bonus. The screened in porch was so nice to use in the morning and evening.The host was easy to contact and very good to work with. The dock was nice, had plenty of seating and provided some nice shade. He has a pontoon boat available to rent daily, which is really convenient if you wanted to go out on the water. The area was very safe and we felt comfortable walking around. Many people have golf carts and all would wave. The neighbors on both sides are very friendly and kind. There were some cons. There were mouse droppings in a cabinet in the master bathroom and the oven drawer in the kitchen. Both washing machines had mold/ mildew in them. There were a lot of light bulbs that were burnt out. Luckily we found a big box of them and were able to replace them without having to go buy a bunch. The dock could use some work as some boards are very squishy. The host was there most days for a majority of the day doing yard work. I appreciate his hard work, but would have liked some sort of notification as we didn't feel we had the privacy we would usually get at a rental home. Overall, the pros far outweighed the cons and we would definitely stay here again.
Sunset from the screened in porch
Fish cleaning station
Back of the home
Dock
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2026
First, thank you for a 5-star review. I'm sorry that I had to work at the house while you were there. I had an extreme amount of damage to all my flowerbeds and I had to remove all the dead material so the house would look good. I have a pest service that is supposed to eliminate mice. I will call them and have them retreat the house. I will have to research how to remove the mildew from the washing machines and then apply the fix to them. I hope to see you back again. Mr Jim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
“This was the perfect place for a family vacation! The home was comfortable and well-suited for kids, who especially loved catching fish from under the shaded dock. Having Michelle share details about local events was such a thoughtful touch and made our stay even more memorable. We’d definitely come back!”
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kade H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Repeat stay. Mr. Jim’s place is very convenient. We always bring the boat, love the dock at the end of the canal. Michelle is always super sweet and accommodating. Thanks again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I stayed for only 2 nights, wishing now we would of rented this beautiful home for longer. Michelle, our on site concierge was absolutely AMAZING! From check in to check out! We will most definitely be back!.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

best home base for fishing and hanging out I've found going on 30 something years. Really relaxing near good food good people good fishing.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time! Property is perfect and we arrived by boat. Easy in and out. House is clean and has everything you need. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frankie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very comfortable and the dock was great. The outdoor space could be cleaner. The owner was responsive to our requests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2025
Thanks for the great review. My job is to clean the exterior, but I have been in Bangkok for the past two months. I will get right on it.
Verified

8/10 Good

Tim A.

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

Good place

Great location to explore
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 January 2025
Thanks for the nice review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

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

Great rental

Thanks for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 April 2025
Thank you for the 5-star rating. Hurry on back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alena C.

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

Fishing Stay

Property was conveniently located for our fishing tournament.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 December 2024
Thank you for the 5-star review. Hurry on back.

About the host

Hosted by James Koestering

Host profile image
I am 71 years old and recently divorced. I have been a custom home builder in Minneapolis for the past 38 years and retired to Florida in October 2016. I bought this house and another smaller house. I travel the world a lot, My last trip before the vires was a 1-month trip traveling in Madagascar followed by a 75-day safari traveling 1500 kilometers' thru Africa, Tent camping on the plains with the wild animals' It was an epic adventure of a lifetime. My next trip will be traveling the Amazon River. For many years I had a vacation house on the Mississippi River that I rented weekly on HomeAway, we always had a 5-star rating. You will find that this home has a 5 star rating when you get here. I enjoy fishing and traveling, I have a large woodworking shop that I like to putter in.
I now have a girlfriend, Donna, and she helps me with my VRBO.

Why they chose this property

When we lived in Minneapolis my wife and I took vacations to many areas of Texas, California, Arizona, Alabama, and Florida looking for a perfect blend of nature viewing, snorkeling and sport fishing. We found it here. When the shrimp are running you can net them right in the backyard. The backyard faces east so you have the morning sun rather than the hot afternoon sun in the backyard. There is a large grass yard on the side yard to play games. I also have a croquet set and other sports equipment that you can use. You will find more things to do than you will have time to do them so, stay for a longer time.

What makes this property unique

We are next to the Welaka Springs and occasionally get manatees right at the dock. A while ago I came out to the dock and there was a manatee floating next to the dock, I thought it had died so I went over and touched it and it rolled over and a baby popped up. I left so she could nurse in peace. You get the morning sunrise in the back of the house and the sunset over the river and the park in front of the house. You are just a 4–5-minute canal ride and you are in the St Johns River. It is a very quiet location as one neighbor is in their 90's and the other is in a nursing home. The house was an extra wide double wide mobile home, but it is the finest quality made. It was originally built as a summer home for a multi-millionaire. There is a covered boat house and when it rains it's a great place to fish and listen to the rain on the metal roof. The canal is 8-9 foot deep so it's great for fishing right off the dock. You do not need a fishing license to fish off the dock in Florida. There is a huge sunshade on the dock, so you can fish in the shade. There is a screened-in porch in the back of the entire house that is in the shade after 11:00AM.

Languages:

English

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