Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River
Welcome to Blue Frog River House, a peaceful waterfront retreat nestled in Dunnellon’s scenic Blue Cove community with direct access to the crystal-clear Rainbow River.
This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is designed for relaxing river days, sunset dinners on the deck, and unforgettable gatherings with family and friends. Whether you're floating down the river, kayaking from the private dock, or unwinding after a day at the horse shows, Blue Frog River House offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and adventure.
This 3-story riverfront home offers multiple living areas, spacious bedrooms, and inviting outdoor spaces designed for both gathering and relaxation. The main living level features warm wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking and entertaining, with bar seating and an adjacent dining area highlighted by a vibrant Florida-inspired mural that celebrates the local landscape. Upstairs and downstairs living areas provide comfortable spaces for groups to spread out, making the home ideal for families, friends, or equestrian guests traveling together. The bottom level of the house contains the studio space, complete with a queen-size bed, living room, kitchenette, bathroom with walk-in shower, laundry area and its own dedicated mini-split air conditioning unit. This studio space steps immediately onto the deck. The main level, accessed by stairs, consists of the full kitchen, dining room, living room, large screened porch, two bedrooms and a hall bathroom with shower/tub combination. The top floor is one large master bedroom with two full-size beds and a master bathroom with double sinks and separate shower and bathtub.
The outdoor spaces are what truly make Blue Frog River House special. Guests can enjoy a private dock with direct Rainbow River access only 300 meters away (approx 5-minute paddle), and expansive waterfront deck overlooking Blue Cove, a screened-in patio perfect for morning coffee, an outdoor dining and grill area, and fire pit gathering space under the trees. Spend the day kayaking, tubing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water while enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.
The house is perfect for equestrian guests, as Blue Frog River House is conveniently located for visitors attending events at the World Equestrian Center — less than 30 minutes away and HITS Ocala — approximately 35 minutes away. After a long day at the showgrounds, return to a quiet waterfront setting where you can truly relax and recharge.
Just minutes away, local favorites include Dunnellon’s charming riverfront dining and outdoor activities. One such favorite is Swampy's Bar & Grille, a lively restaurant on the Rainbow River known for its waterfront deck and relaxed Florida atmosphere — the perfect stop after a day of tubing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
Nearby attractions also include Rainbow Springs State Park, KP Hole Park tubing launch, and historic Downtown Dunnellon shops and restaurants.
Guests love Blue Frog River House for its direct Rainbow River access from the property, its private dock for kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, and swimming, the spacious 4 bedroom | 3 bathroom layout, multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and its convenient location to WEC Ocala and HITS Ocala.
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Stunning upper Rainbow River view even from inside the home! Kayaks/paddleboards
Dunnellon
Stunning upper Rainbow River view even from inside the home! Kayaks/paddleboards
Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No fencing between properties. Secure pets.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
During summer months, set thermostats to 74 degrees before leaving.
Do not lock the handle of the main entry and exit door. Only use the keypad to lock and unlock.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number DWE5202897
Property # 5199754vb
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Dunnellon
Dunnellon is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow River. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Florida Horse Park or Citrus County Speedway.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala - 31 min drive - 35.3 km
Three Sisters Springs - 34 min drive - 34.5 km
Restaurants
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 4 min drive
Front Porch Restaurant & Pie - 4 min drive
Riviera Maya - 4 min drive
Taco Bell - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River?
As of 29 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River on 1 October 2026 start from NZ$1,249, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Riverfront 4-bedroom dog-friendly home on Blue Cove and the Rainbow River located?
Situated in Dunnellon, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Blue Run of Dunnellon Park and Rainbow River. Rainbow Springs State Park and Lake Rousseau are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Clean home with everything you need for your stay. Watch out for ticks if you have small children and dogs. Not sure about swimming in lake but we were able to paddle board. If you bring your own stuff there is companies that will transport you to the beginning of spring and they pick you up at the end. Would definitely stay here again and would recommend curtains upstairs.
Angel G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2026
Thank you, Angel. We’re glad that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for the advice about the curtains upstairs.
We had an absolutely wonderful stay! The home was exactly as described—beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean, and thoughtfully equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable vacation. The layout was perfect for our group, with plenty of space to relax, gather together, and enjoy the property.One of our favorite features was the easy access to the river. The provided kayaks made it incredibly convenient to get out on the water and explore. We also enjoyed spending time fishing right off the dock, which was a huge bonus and made for a relaxing way to start and end each day.The location was fantastic, offering the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility. We especially appreciated the attention to detail throughout the home, from the comfortable furnishings to the well-stocked kitchen and inviting outdoor spaces.Communication with the host was excellent from start to finish. Check-in was seamless, and it was clear that a great deal of care has gone into creating a welcoming guest experience.One thing future guests should be aware of is that the driveway is quite steep. It wasn’t a problem for us, but it’s something to keep in mind when arriving and departing.This was one of the best vacation rentals we’ve stayed in, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing waterfront getaway with great amenities and easy access to outdoor activities.
Katherine P.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time on the river and at the house. You’re welcome back anytime!
About the host
Hosted by Marti Richardson
I’m originally from CA and currently living in CO. We’ve had rental properties in both locations and have enjoyed sharing our space with travelers, as well as meeting new people. We have a bed and breakfast in Normandy, France, which is spectacular and a wonderful way to meet international travelers. In addition to hosting, I like to spend my time reading, improving my French, spending time with friends, and traveling with my husband.
Why they chose this property
Blue Cove is a small neighborhood community in Dunnellon. It is quiet and secluded, which is a welcome reprieve from the busyness of the river in high season, but it’s also close enough to enjoy the river whenever you want.
We have numerous birds, cute little turtles, lots of fish, and even some deer that wander through the property.
What makes this property unique
This property gets amazing sunrises. Our favorite thing to do is grab a cup of coffee and sit on the screen porch, waiting for the sunrise while listening to the birds. It is the perfect start to the day!