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The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF

Photo gallery for The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF

A kitchen with a wooden ceiling, a stainless steel refrigerator, white cabinets, and a wooden table.
A room with a red door, a window with sheer curtains, a sign reading 'the Nest EST. 2025', two small stools, and two black ladders leaning against the wall.
A kitchen with a refrigerator, wooden cabinets, a dining table, and a ladder.
A loft bedroom with a bunk bed, a ladder, a small window, and a desk.
A small cabin with a red door, wooden deck, and a gravel driveway.

Reviews

4.0 out of 10
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet
  • Living area
  • Bathtub
  • Non-smoking

Explore the area

View map
Gainesville, FL
  • Place, Thomas Center
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Hippodrome State Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Number of living rooms

About this property

The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF

Experience tiny house living in Gainesville’s charming Oakview neighborhood, just about a mile from the University of Florida and vibrant downtown. The Nest has a private entrance and dedicated parking, offering a peaceful backyard retreat while still being close to the energy of the city. Whether you're in town for a Gator game, visiting family at UF, or simply looking for a quiet place to land, The Nest offers a comfortable and unique stay.

Inside you'll find two cozy loft bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen—everything you need in a thoughtfully designed small space. Step outside and enjoy a walkable downtown location with local coffee shops, wine bars, breweries, and restaurants just minutes away. After a day exploring campus or downtown, return to your peaceful hideaway, listen to the birds, and settle into the calm of The Nest.

Perfect for game weekends, visiting UF families, couples, or anyone seeking a quiet writer’s or artist’s retreat in the middle of the city. The Nest is especially popular for UF game weekends, campus visits, and couples looking for a quiet getaway close to downtown.

Where you'll land...

The Nest is open and filled with natural light. The main living area includes a full kitchen with new appliances, cookware, and kitchenware. You'll also find a toaster, microwave, Keurig single-serve K-cup coffee maker, and a kettle for tea.

The cozy living area features a futon-style sofa that folds down into an extra single bed. Linens are stored in the hope chest, which also doubles as additional seating.

The bathroom includes a full-size shower/tub with a rainfall showerhead and detachable sprayer.

Two bright loft bedrooms sit above the main living space and are accessed by ladders.

Bedroom 1 – The Crane Roost
This loft features a brand-new queen mattress with plenty of pillows and bedside tables with dimmable reading lamps. A tiny door opens to a small balcony—perfect for birdwatching.

Bedroom 2 – The Chickadee Bunk
This cozy loft includes a brand-new full mattress and a snug, tucked-in feel.

Outside, you’ll find a cozy seating area perfect for relaxing, stargazing, or enjoying the birds in this peaceful backyard oasis. The gravel parking area accommodates two cars (parked one behind the other), and the pathway to the house is lit with soft string lights. Cornhole is available upon request.

Other Things to Note

The Nest is elevated and requires climbing four steps to enter. The loft sleeping areas are accessed by ladders, which may not be suitable for all guests.

The Nest is a private tiny home located in the backyard of the host's residence, and some windows have views toward the Nest.

Smoking is not permitted.

The home is bright, brand new, and full of charm, and we hope you’ll love staying here as much as we’ve loved creating it.

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5286900vb
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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Gainesville

Gainesville is home to this holiday home. Hippodrome State Theatre and Matheson History Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Thomas Center. Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention and Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting.
Map
Gainesville, FL

What's nearby

  • Thomas Center - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Hippodrome State Theatre - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • University of Florida - 5 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Matheson History Museum - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 7 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪El Indio - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Nest: a 2-loft bungalow in charming Gainesville, close to downtown and UF located?

Situated in Gainesville, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Thomas Center and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from University of Florida. Hippodrome State Theatre and Matheson History Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

4.0
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

4.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

6.0/10

Communication

8.0/10

Location

4.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
I normally don't write reviews, but I messaged the host to let them know how the property diverged from the expectations I had from reading the listing and they said they would make adjustments. It's been about a month and it seems that the listing hasn't changed.The listing omits photos and explicit references to other buildings being on the property. I arrived anticipating that the tiny house would be the only building on the property, but it turns out that the host's house is only a few yards away.There is also direct line of sight from the host's back windows to most of the windows of the tiny house. Since all of the curtains are sheer, and the frosted glass film on the bathroom window only works during the day, this created a lack of privacy. I ended up hanging a blanket over the living room window to create a place to change clothing at night.The deadbolt lock has a key entrance and the host of course knows the door code for the lower lock. The tiny house lacks the assurance that the guest can secure the entryway at night, even in the form of a chain-based or flip-out door stop.There was also a cockroach infestation during my stay. When I told the host this, they said it was common in FL. While it may be common, it is unacceptable for a rental. I have lived in FL and never had one. Given the lack of adjustments to the listing over a month, I suspect not much may have been done there either.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 August 2026
I was very sorry to hear that your stay did not meet your expectations. I was surprised by this feedback, as we had regular and positive communication throughout your extended stay, and these concerns were not shared until after checkout. Had I known, I would have been happy to address them immediately. The Nest is regularly treated for pests by a professional company. When I was notified of the cockroach issue, I contacted them immediately, and they came out the same day. I am happy to report that the issue has been resolved. I appreciate the feedback regarding privacy and the proximity of the Nest to the main house. The listing describes the Nest as a private tiny home in a backyard near downtown Gainesville, but I understand that clearer photos and language would be helpful, and I am making those updates. Regarding the door lock, the Nest has a secure deadbolt and a system that allows access in the event of an emergency while providing security for guests. I understand guests may have different expectations around additional interior security features. I am also sorry the window coverings did not provide the level of nighttime privacy you expected. I have since added additional privacy options. I genuinely value guest feedback and take pride in providing a clean, comfortable, and welcoming space. I wish I had known about these concerns during your stay so I could have addressed them then. I appreciate you bringing them to my attention and wish you all the best.

About the host

Hosted by Amanda J Bush

Host profile image
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