A meandering drive through 5 acres of tropical flora, large oaks draped with Spanish moss, and the calming sound of water falling into a spring-fed pond are some first impressions of this magical place of vanishing “Old Florida”. The home is reminiscent of a French Colonial tropical home, beautifully appointed with rattan and Tommy Bahama furnishings. A salt-water pool and relaxing hot tub is as refreshing as the nature surrounding you. Top off the day by swimming with the gentle Manatees in the Springs of the Crystal River…. Or you may want to spend the day at nearby Gulf beaches or fish in the many waterways. This area is appropriately named “The Nature Coast” for the many encounters with nature it provides. Plenty of flower and fern gardens are on the property as well as citrus in season. Abundant fresh seafood is a mainstay here, either caught by you or in one of many fine restaurants. Relax in the evening sitting on the front porch and listening to the tropical sounds of nature… imagine yourself in the most exotic place in the world. Perfect romantic getaway or solo retreat! *** NOTE: Our nightly base rate is for four people. Each additional guest is $35 per night per guest. *** ALSO: We have an on-site host who is available, if needed. Otherwise, she will remain very low profile to ensure your privacy. *** ONE MORE THING: The water on the property is a self-contained pond, no ocean access.
Property manager
Joy Keen
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
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Base price is for two guests. Each additional guest after first two is $35 per guest per night.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether 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 required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Crystal River
Located in Crystal River, this holiday home is by the sea. Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Crystal River, FL
What's nearby
Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive - 4.8 km
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive - 4.9 km
Hunter Spring Park - 10 min drive - 6.4 km
Three Sisters Springs - 11 min drive - 6.6 km
Getting around
Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 94 min drive
Restaurants
Cody's Original Roadhouse - 8 min drive
Burger King - 8 min drive
Sara's Diner - 8 min drive
Cracker's Bar & Grill - 10 min drive
Arby's - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does A SLICE OF "OLD FLORIDA" AMONG GRANDFATHER OAKS. have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
Is A SLICE OF "OLD FLORIDA" AMONG GRANDFATHER OAKS. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at A SLICE OF "OLD FLORIDA" AMONG GRANDFATHER OAKS.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A SLICE OF "OLD FLORIDA" AMONG GRANDFATHER OAKS.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A SLICE OF "OLD FLORIDA" AMONG GRANDFATHER OAKS. located?
Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk and within 3 miles (5 km) of Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and Crystal River Preserve State Park. A Crystal River Kayak Company and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 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.
The home was gorgeous and well appointed. The trees, pond, and plants around the property made it feel like a tropical paradise. The waterfall sealed the deal. The pool was so nice and cold and the hot tub was perfect for relaxing.
Just as wonderful as the first time! We loved every bit of our stay. One suggestion would be to stock some card and board games. We had to run back out to purchase our own set. Also, please make sure you bring bug spray. There’s enough mosquitos to carry you away outside the screened area. Can’t wait to return!
We thoroughly enjoyed staying in this super comfortable home. The grounds are just beautiful. The hot tub and pool inside the screened enclosure were my favorite aspects of this home away from home.
We spent 3 days here and its was amazing. The place is beautiful and you are away from all the noise and craziness of the city. Maria is the caretaker and lives inside but you never see her after checking in. We will definitely come back.
Absolutely beautiful property, inside and out. Got a quick tour as we arrived. Kids loved the pool and hot tub. I loved the outside couch relaxing with a coffee listening to the waterfall.
We loved our stay! Our girls loved fishing in the pond as well as swimming in the pool and hot tub! The property was so cool and we literally felt like we were away from everything. The kitchen was well stocked! We enjoyed the springs nearby and grilling out our fresh catch from our fishing trip. Would return if we are ever back in the area. Maria was also super helpful and always available if we needed her.
Beautiful place on a large lot. No like the "cookie cutter " houses we usually rent that are all the same. This one was unique. Less than 10 minutes to a beautiful beach. Maria the host was extremely helpful, there when we arrived and when we needed something she was there in minutes !!
I recently booked this property for a work trip, and we had a great experience from start to finish. Maria was so helpful and welcoming, she even had baked treats for us when we arrived. The property is one of the more unique ones I have stayed at, and was a great home base to come back to every night. We will be staying here if we are back in the area in the future!
Lovely and unique property. Best of old Florida. We loved the porch looking out on the pond and waterfall for our morning coffee. Very comfortable beds and furniture. High end kitchen gear - obviously not furnished as a rental. Close to many of Floridas natural clear springs. I would happily return and can recommend without reservation.
Had a wonderful stay here with peaceful, quiet and beautiful surroundings. Maria was so helpful and informative and a pleasure to talk with. Would definitely revisit this property.
Comfortable home in beautiful "old" Florida. House was well stocked above and beyond what is normally provided in a rental. Maria, the property manager, was wonderful.
From the start, this property was everything we could have hoped for. Quiet, private (even with property manager on location). Maria was helpful and responded quickly to messages. Owners were also super responsive. House was well stocked and clean. We cannot wait to go back! Already looking at our calendar!
This quirky, delightful house was an ideal "home base" for our group of 3 couples. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Maria, who lives on-site (in a different house), and she gave us a tour of the space and pointed out all the amenities (including balloons, as two of us were celebrating birthdays!). The next day, after a before-dawn snorkeling tour with the resident manatees, we warmed up in the hot tub, then spent a lazy, wonderful day playing cards on the lanai, napping on the porch, and watching wildlife in the garden and pond. We'd definitely like to come back for a longer stay!! Highly recommend!
This was our third time staying; I swear this house is a balm for the soul. Everything is so well thought out to may you feel at home right away. Joy and Maria are best of class when it comes to hosting.
Joy, was very nice to work with from beginning to end. Maria, their onsite manager was there to greet us and we never saw her again.... unless it was me tracking her down for a question. The house, the property, the jacuzzi, the pool were awesome. Giant master suite with a GIANT master tub. Great, great place to just sit, unwind and relax. Will visit again!
I almost want to keep what a great place this is a secret, but the property, the owner and Maria the property manager are so great I feel everyone should know. This jewel is hidden from the world, but still close to what you need. The home is well stocked with everything you to cook a meal plus all the extra touches like shampoo, body wash, cleaning supplies, etc. If you want to escape the world, this is your home away from home.
This was our second trip back and it will not be our last. It has all the amenities and sits on a serene gorgeous piece of property. Maria is the sweetest person and is attentive to all your needs.
We had the most peaceful vacation at this location. It’s a perfect in between for staying in and relaxing and going out to the shops in citrus and visiting rainbow spring kayaking. We had fun fishing and eating the bluegill we caught. Maria was the most pleasant host we’ve ever met! Thank you so much for allowing us to rent your home :)
Nikki G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2020
About the host
Hosted by Joy Keen
We are a blend of Florida pioneer and Tennessee hillbilly! David is a fifth generation Floridian, whose ancestors were true Florida pioneers in the early 1800's, rooted in citrus, cattle and pineapple plantations. Joy's family history began in the hills of East Tennessee. Together we have sought to provide unique properties that evoke these rich heritages for travelers who want to step away from busy lives and decompress in a simple, quiet paradise. In addition to this "Old Florida" home, we have gorgeous place in the Tennessee hills. Check out the Dixie Lee Bed & Barn!
Why they chose this property
This property is simply enchanting! From sitting on the screened-in porch listening to the lull of the waterfall into the lovely spring fed pond, to snuggling in front of a cozy fireplace or soaking in the hot tub under the moss-draped oak trees and vast starry sky, there's simply nothing else like it!
What makes this property unique
We found this property one night on the internet and were amazed at its beauty. We immediately drove across the state the next day, made a cash offer and bought it. We love it so much we want to share it with others who have an appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds this property. The sense of well being it gives our guests makes us happy to share it.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests