Entire home

The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

Photo gallery for The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

A pool area with lounge chairs and a fire feature.
A deck with white railings overlooking a body of water, with a clear sky and distant land visible.
A spacious living area with a dining table, chairs, a staircase, and a view to the outside.
A modern kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
A spacious kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island, and a large window providing natural light.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
Located along the water, this 4-bedroom vacation home accommodates 8 guests and features 4 bathrooms. It includes 1 separate living room, 1 hot tub, and 1 outdoor pool. Enjoy the private boat dock for water activities and personal motor watercraft onsite. Explore the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial and Bradenton Area Convention Center nearby.

Highlights

  • Cook, dine, and unwind
    Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Your private hideaway
    Guests love the secluded location for peace and quiet.
4 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Dock
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Toys
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Ellenton, FL
  • Place, Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, IMG Academy
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

The Captains Quarters

2 King Beds and 2 Queen Beds

4 bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bathroom

Captains Quarters en Suite Bathroom

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

Downstairs full bathroom

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

Driftwood Dreams and Edgewater Retreat shared bathroom

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

🟦 Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat

Your Private Waterfront Paradise on the Manatee River

Welcome to the Blue Heron Riverfront Resort, a stunning 3,500 sq ft retreat perched on the widest stretch of the Manatee River—just 20–30 minutes from Sarasota, 45 minutes from Tampa, and close to some of Florida’s most iconic beaches including Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and St. Pete Beach.

Spend your days kayaking, fishing, or exploring the coastline, then return to your private waterfront oasis where every sunset feels magical.

🌴 The Space: Your Dream Waterfront Escape

This spacious three-story riverfront home is designed for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Perfect for families, couples, snowbirds, and business travelers, the resort-like setting includes:

Waterfront pool

Oversized hot tub

Private pier with incredible river views

Kayaks, fishing gear, and loads of outdoor games

Multiple indoor/outdoor lounging areas for work or play

Whether you’re sipping morning coffee at sunrise or unwinding in the spa at dusk, this home delivers peace, luxury, and fun in equal measure.

🎮 Endless Fun & Amenities

Enjoy an unbeatable lineup of entertainment:

Gran Board electronic darts

Outdoor foosball

Ping pong

Pool table and lots more

Kayaks & fishing gear

Fire pit for s’mores under the stars

Every corner of the resort is designed to create experiences you’ll never forget.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Kitchen

Calling all food lovers! The gourmet kitchen features:

KitchenAid appliances (microwave & oven)

Sub-Zero refrigerator

Bosch Induction Cooktop

Stainless steel & cast-iron cookware

Dozens of spices

Nearly every small appliance you could dream of

Whether you’re cooking breakfast for two or a celebratory meal for eight, you’ll have everything you need.

🛏️ Bedrooms With Personality — Sleeps 8

🦩 Flamingo Suite (Primary – King Bed)

King Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed

Spa-style bathroom with soaking tub

Private balcony with sweeping river views

In-room coffee & tea station

🐚 Manatee Room (Queen) & 🕊 Heron Hideaway (King)

Located on the opposite side of the house

Can be closed off for privacy

Share a large, beautifully designed bathroom

Ideal for families or friends traveling together

🦅 Osprey Loft (Queen)

3rd-floor loft with panoramic river views

Watch the sunrise or enjoy evening cocktails with unmatched scenery

Note: All bedrooms are on upper floors; no ground-floor bedrooms.

🏖️ Extras to Make Your Stay Effortless

Beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and coolers

Golf clubs

Smart TVs in common areas + Firesticks in all bedrooms

Four central AC units for perfect climate control

Pool safety alarms

Fast Wi-Fi and multiple workspace options

🎣 Love the Water? We’ve Got You Covered.

Fishing: Local guides can pick you up right from the dock!

Boating: Bring your boat or jet skis — tie up to our floating dock

Beach Days: Grab the gear + enjoy your free beach parking pass to Pass-a-Grille (St. Pete Beach – 30 mins)

💼 Perfect for Business or Extended Stays

Washer/dryer + detergent

Iron & ironing board

Hairdryers in each bathroom

Multiple indoor/outdoor work areas

📌 Important Details

Max occupancy: 8 guests (including children)

Parking: Up to 4 cars (driveway only — no street parking)

Quiet hours: 10 PM – 8 AM (strictly enforced)

No pets, no parties, no unregistered guests

Surveillance: Exterior cameras on front, sides, and entry points

Safety: Smoke detectors, CO monitor, fire extinguisher, first aid kit

📅 Cancellation Policy (Summary)

100% refund for cancellations 30+ days prior to arrival

No refunds for weather, red tide, beach conditions, or other issues beyond owner control

Cancellations must be made in writing via booking platform or email

🚫 Not a Party House

Please respect the home, the neighbors, and the community. Violations of guest limits or noise policies may result in immediate termination of your stay without refund.

✨ Your Florida Escape Awaits

From river adventures to beach days to peaceful sunsets by the pool, Blue Heron Riverfront Resort is where luxury, nature, and relaxation meet.

We look forward to hosting you.

With gratitude,

Katie & Terry

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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, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
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 # 1353118vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 security system and a first aid kit
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

Ellenton

Located in Ellenton, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Mall at University Town Center, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Tampa Bay and Coquina Beach. Consider Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar for a night out or Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex if you're travelling with kids.
Map
Ellenton, FL

What's nearby

  • Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Ellenton Premium Outlets - 6 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Riverwalk - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch - 19 min drive - 27.4 km
  • IMG Academy - 24 min drive - 15.9 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Woody's River Roo - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat have a pool?

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

How much does it cost to stay at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

As of 1 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat on 6 Dec 2026 start from AU$5,101, 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.

Is The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Blue Heron Riverfront Retreat located?

This family-friendly Ellenton holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park and Ellenton Premium Outlets. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex and Manatee Performing Arts Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Katie Kerr

Host profile image
My husband and I purchased our home in 2012. We have done lots of work on it. We also own another home at the beach and will spend the summers there

Why they chose this property

It's like your own private island. No homes surround 3 sided of our home. (350 feet of seawall

What makes this property unique

Magnificent water views from all 3 levels of our home. Brand new pool. Centrally located to Sarasota and Tampa. Located in a very old school florida part of town. We are NOT in a gated community. You will be amazed when you get to the water at the end of the street. Extremely private. Residential

Languages:

English

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