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Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool !

Lakefront holiday home with water park and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool !

Ready for some family fun in the sun?
Sunset at Howard Park Beach (Daughter/Granddaughter on the beach)
Peaceful, quiet location with secluded pool and porch area
Property grounds
A welcoming first Impression when you enter your Home away from Home

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Tarpon Springs, FL
  • Place, Innisbrook Golf Club
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Sunset Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom Pool View (with work desk)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet

1 Queen Bed

Master Suite

1 King Bed

Pool facing Sun Room

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Sleeping Area (Family Room)

1 Double Futon

Studio (Bedroom/Office)

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest Bathroom

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

Master Bathroom

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

Spaces

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

About this property

Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool !

My “Home-away-from-home” is back online for you to enjoy (I lived there myself for the last year, but now I’m back In Panama to prepare another vacation opportunity for you).

This home is the place you are looking for … when you need that break from work … when you crave some family time … when you just love to enjoy water, sun and beach … all that and so much more is what this home invites you to experience.

For a detailed description, I refer to the photos that can tell far more than I ever could. They tell the story of relaxation, comfort and luxury that characterize this fabulous home and location. In addition, a brief descriptive outline is below.

This 4-bedroom house + 1 sunroom is just ½ hour (21 miles) away from Tampa International Airport and as close as 8 minutes (4 miles) to Florida’s most pristine beaches. Right next door, the famous Innisbrook Resort features 4 top rated Golf courses including the Copperhead course played every March for the annual PGA TOUR Championship.

The quiet neighborhood (last house in a cul-de-sac) surely guarantees peaceful evenings at the pool side, barbecuing on a high-quality Weber grill and enjoying the warm Florida evenings outdoors protected by a covered porch. During the day, you’ll appreciate the shaded secluded pool area while sipping on your favorite drink and relaxing in the pool.

What about the beaches? Prepare to be amazed! Just 4.5 miles away, the great beach of Tarpon Springs Fred Howard Park awaits you. Other beaches nearby are Sunset Beach (4 miles), Honeymoon Island State Park Beaches (8.5 miles - great for shelling), Clearwater Beach (15 miles) and Sand Key Park Beach (16 miles).

Our beaches offer all of the water sports and activities you could want: Fishing Charters & Tours; Boat Tours; Dolphin & Whale Watching; Waterskiing & Jet Skiing; Surfing; Windsurfing & Kitesurfing; Parasailing & Paragliding; Scuba & Snorkeling … did I forget something? Maybe sign up for a Sponge Diving boat’s tour where you will see a sponge diver dressing up in an authentic suit used around 1900 when Tarpon Springs was called the “Sponge Capital of the World”. You can still smell and taste this unique charm of this Greek community while strolling the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs Marina.

Chartering a boat or catching a ferry allows you to explore some islands as well, among them the Anclote Key Preserve State Park featuring a light house and offering beaches, swimming and boating. The uninhabited natural Caladesi Island State Park offers beautiful beaches. Oh, by the way, anyone in the mood to start a sea shell collection with an original Florida Sand Dollar shell or Florida starfish shell?

Has your child ever seen the world famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids? It was a great experience for my granddaughter and is just 30 minutes north of here ... combine your fun trip with great boating and kayaking on the Weeki Wachee river.

Any other Florida natural attractions - such as visiting the Manatees in Crystal River and all world known attractions of Florida are only 1 – 4 hours away.

Back to your home away from home: For transparency, I like to advise that the rates initially displayed by this website are my base rates covering up to 6 guests (most typical request). Any additional guest (up to the maximum of 8 guests) is charged $15.00 per night due to higher wear and tear, cleaning and material and supply cost.

My house provides an open split floor plan with 1 master bedroom, 2 regular bedrooms; 1 Studio (featuring office space and quality bunk bed for 2); 1 Sunroom (featuring a pull-out for the teens enjoying staying away from the main family area ); 2 baths, kitchen, family room, living room, HEATED pool during the months of December thru April (upon request) in a large enclosed patio area with covered sitting area.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
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
We provide high chair, baby playpen
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
ONLY Family events, advice # of people (max. 15)
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Approval needed! Pet Fee $150 (2)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strict non-smoking policy, pool/patio smoking okay

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) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: ONLY Family events, advice # of people (max. 15)
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tarpon Springs

Located in Tarpon Springs, this holiday home is near theme parks and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach. Consider Old McMicky's Farm for a night out or Tarpon Springs Aquarium if you're travelling with kids. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and horse riding.
Map
Tarpon Springs, FL

What's nearby

  • Innisbrook Golf Club - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Lake Tarpon - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral - 5 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks - 7 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Sunset Beach - 8 min drive - 6.8 km

Getting around

  • St. Petersburg, FL (PIE-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl.) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cody's Roadhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tampa Cigar Cave - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪SUBWAY - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hotcakes - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool ! have a pool?

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

Is Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool ! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool !?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool !?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Home away from Home? Paradise in the Sun? Why not call it both! HEATED Pool ! located?

This family-friendly Tarpon Springs holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Innisbrook Golf Club and Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Anderson Park and Lake Tarpon are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 147 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Quiet area. Close to stores and shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house. The way it was decorated made it feel so homey. The pool was wonderful. Beds were comfortable. Host was fantastic. Check in was very easy. We really enjoyed it and will go again. 4 generations, including my mom who will be 100 in December. What a wonderful time. Kitchen area was really nice and accommodated several people trying to cook at once! Thank you Michael!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl S.

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

Tarpon Springs

The home was just what we expected. Owner was responsive and friendly. Would recommend this property to anyone who is visiting the area.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

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

Awesome home

House was just as described, beautifully decorated, many extras in house. Nice, safe neighborhood with friendly neighbors. Host made it easy to check in and get in to the house. Everything was great!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Willie B.

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

Great for Families

Everything you need for a family vacation!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

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

Family Wedding

Great place for larger group
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Great experience

We had a great time at the house. It was clean, fully supplied with everything we needed and close to the downtown and sponge decks (less than 10 minute drive). I recommend staying here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Darlene W.

Liked: Check-in, location
Not quite as listed. Definitely not up to the standards we are accustomed to.Communication was awkward going through a third-party because owner was out of town.We were not notified about dishwasher being broken, it was replaced a few days later, we were not told the jacuzzi tub did work, the pool area was not clean with weeds growing between cobblestones . Some of the screens in the lanai were torn and back screen door the lanai had a torn screen in it,.The cobblestones were loose in areas and shifted when walking on them. Which made it a bit challenging for some of our 60 ladies.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R., Millbrook AL

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

Paradise Found!

Thr property was exactly as pictured! Immaculately clean! The house felt like "home"! Big enough to have personal space when needed! It had games and pool toys which were perfect for our grandkids! Plenty of room for my sister and I to cook! Bedrooms were great size! VERY comfy beds! We even met a few of the neighbors! They were very nice too! Definitely will be enjoying this property again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John R., NYC

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

Felt like home

What else to say. From the minute I opened the front door it felt like home. The list and pictures 100% accurate. Clean as whistle. Owners immediately responsive when called upon (only once did I need them). Great location in Tarpon Springs. Everything you might need for an extended stay less than a 5 minute drive away. Kudos 😊
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise A.

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

I'll be back!

Property location was terrific! Quiet neighborhood, location convenient to everything you would want to do in Tarpon. Hospital close by. Home was very well furnished and clean. No complaints about the beds for sure! Pool area was fabulous and pool was warm. A refreshing treat at the end of January! Used the washer and dryer...great set. Home is well stocked so go there first before ordering extras! Loved our time in this home and definitely will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H.

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

Great house

This was a perfect place to stay if you have kids. The pool is shaded which allowed us to be in it from morning until night! We loved how warm and clean it was and the lights in it at night! We’d go back again just for the pool. The house is located close to beaches and restaurants if you want to go out. We didn’t bring anything for the beach but we found an umbrella and some beach toys so we were all set for a day out! This was our first vacation out with four small kids and we would definitely stay again. Everything is exactly like he said!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Jeff G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

First vacation to Tarpon Springs

This was our first vacation tarpon Springs. The house was located in the perfect location. Very close to golf courses, breweries, and great restaurants. The house also had everything you need to cook great meals too. The only thing you need to know about the house is the sun on the pool deck area. We were under the impression that there would be areas of full sun. This was not the case...the entire pool deck gets filtered sun. This is probably great for some visitors, but if your looking for full sun you need to get creative. We ended up sitting in lawn chairs in the front yard. Overall, it's a great location and the property manager was very responsive.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia B.

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

Great Property!!

We had a wonderful stay! My husband, Father-n-law, and Pomsky were all very comfortable with plenty of space for everyone to relax both together and separately. The pool was immaculate and wonderful - and we loved the surrounding plants and trees in the yard! The covered outdoor area was a great place to hang out! We loved taking dog walks in the neighborhood; and we loved cooking in the beautiful kitchen. The bedrooms and baths were beautiful! Convenient Laundry and pool/ping pong in the garage! Communication with Michael and Fran was great… and when a major weather system moved in and wreaked havoc on our travel plans, Both Michael who was out of the country and local property helper Fran were quick to help us arrange an extra night’s stay. We were so grateful. The house was close to beautiful beaches such as Sunset Beach and Honeymoon Island, and there were great restaurants and shops nearby… amazing Italian, of course fabulous seafood, delicious breakfast places, and Greek bakery delights. It was a wonderful experience - and we would highly recommend this spacious and comfortable home away from home! Thank you so much!!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha F.

Beautiful home away from home!

We loved our stay at this property! Our family of 8 stayed here over New Year’s Eve, and everything was perfect. It is located in a safe neighborhood, just a short drive to a beach and within close proximity of necessary stores. The house itself is spacious, VERY clean, and nicely furnished and decorated. There were 3 bedrooms plus a sunroom/bedroom with comfortable beds in all. There was plenty of room for us all to either congregate for family games or to spread out so we weren’t on top of each other. The kitchen was amazing!: State-of-the-art appliances and definitely the best-stocked spice/condiments/kitchen supplies cabinets of any VRBO I’ve ever stayed at! We had everything we needed to cook all our meals. The pool area was beautiful, although a cold snap prevented us from swimming during our stay. We did use the patio table and chairs one evening to play board games. The owner, Michael, was truly awesome! He went above and beyond to make sure our stay was pleasant and that we had everything we needed. From contacting us beforehand through email, to ensuring we were happy when we arrived, to anticipating any needs that might have arisen (like heating when the temperature plunged!), Michael was welcoming, attentive, professional, and charmingly friendly. I can’t say enough what a fabulous host he was for us. I would highly recommend staying at this property when in Tampa! We would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017

2/10 Terrible

Ilonka R M.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

House in dire need of repairs. DON’T STAY!!!

House needed a good cleaning, dust everywhere even on A/C vents A/C in secondary bedrooms not working Pots and pans so scratched that were unusable Microwave handle was brokenMetal coffee pot so old that coffee tasted awful Spices old,dry, expired BBQ burners didn’t stay lit, dirty. Low propaneNo hot water in master bath/no grab bars-unsafe for elderly people Kitchen and bath towels worn out and smellyBedrooms rugs filthy Owner didn’t answer my emails
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent home and host! Smooth check-in, well stocked kitchen, very clean, nice pool and outdoor space, and comfortable for entire family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abby C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family/graduation vacation was amazing. We stayed at the house quite a bit. Swam in the pool, played board games and cooked. We were comfortable and happy! The area has a lot to offer. We went to Busch Gardens FL aquarium and beach. Nice bowling alley too Countryside. The home was quiet and comfortable. Fran responded to our questions and notified us when someone was coming for the pool maintenance. Thanks again to our hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea D.

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

Great house

The house was everything advertised! Great pool, comfy beds, lots of space! Loved it! And so did the kids!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betty Ann D.

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

Excellent family vacation

Perfect house for my husband, myself, 2 adult kids and 2 spouses, as well as 2 one year olds.Heated pool was perfect! Space was more than we needed. Kitchen was very well appointed, and there were plenty of towels and bed linens.Our host, Michael, went to the trouble of getting us an extra crib for the second grandchild. We were graciously allowed an early check-in as well.Check-in was smooth, and Fran, the manager, was helpful in every way during our stay. Neighborhood was safe, and with very little traffic, as it was on a cul-de-sac.I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Tarpon

Pretty good. Pool could use a little cleaning but it wasn’t unusable. Overall very good.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Sally C.

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

Nice location.

Older home, not as updated or as clean as expected. Leftover items in freezer (green ice cubes/jello shots?), grimy stove top. Was told they realized the DW was broken prior to our arrival, but they got that replaced with very little inconvenience to us. Could not get any of the TV's to work. Outdoor space was very dirty, but the pool was ok. Fenced yard has some large holes in the lower part of the fence that needed blocking off. Overall I was disappointed in the home, but had a great time in Tarpon Springs with family. Would return to the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Corey F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Tarpon Springs stay

Overall house was clean and the kitchen was great.The kitchen had everything we needed to prep and cook with. The pool and pool area was fantastic and so was the grille. The living area was very relaxing and comfortable. The second bath toilet was constantly running could not get it to stop. Both spare bedroom TVs would not work even with the cable or using smart settings for Netflix. Overall a great stay for our group
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Great spot-Would stay here again

House had everything we needed. Great location, very quiet neighborhood. Property was well maintained. Dining, shopping all very nearby.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric W.

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

Quiet friendly neighborhood

Plenty adventures within 10 min and several other day trips also to be had.
Stayed 20 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Michael Zumdieck

Host profile image
As part of my business travel I have been to over 100 different countries but found only a few worthy to be considered for a retirement home.

I have spent the first 35 years of my life in Germany successfully launching a family business in the food import and export industry. But in 1986 Florida's beauty, beaches, water and sun called me to move to this beautiful state. I never regretted it. I surely know how many European travelers feel when they explore the pristine beaches of the Gulf coast and bathe day after day in the Florida sun - yes, I know, because it's how I felt. All that together with opportunities like watching dolphins playing in the water and following my boat are unforgettable experiences and do plant the seed to make Florida your home.

My kids (in picture above) surely can testify to the beauty and the endless watersport activities ... they live in Germany but show up every year to spend more time in paradise.

Why they chose this property

Why I'm so sure you'll enjoy this property? I purchased this house 15 years ago and invested significantly in renovation and improvements. It has always been my private home - there was no intention to open it as a vacation rentals --- but, my travel schedule causes me to be away on international travel 200 days every year ... that surely makes it a great idea to make this home your home while I'm gone.

I love this idyllic true Greek community (I believe the largest Greek community in the United States), the street fairs providing food, music and antiques are a celebration of one unique and warm neighborhood community.

What makes this property unique

I just fell in love with the shady (now heated) pool area of this house. It surely is a blessing when you return home from our sunny beaches and can safely (not getting a sunburn) sip your drink while enjoying the shade the oak trees are providing for my pool.

Languages:

English, German