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Historic Riverfront Hideaway

Riverside cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Historic Riverfront Hideaway

Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6155.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
  • Place, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
  • Place, EverBank Stadium
  • Airport, Jacksonville, FL (JAX-Jacksonville Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Living Room

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

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

About this property

Historic Riverfront Hideaway

Note: If you see this property on Craigslist or any other site, it is a scam. We are currently only listing it on VRBO.

Kick your feet up, sit back and relax at this riverside retreat! This historic log cabin was once owned by the Boy Scouts of America. With its original stone mason chimney and wood burning fireplace, rustic log walls and exposed wood ceiling, it will surely evoke feelings of nostalgia and old time Americana. The historic cabin has since been expanded and updated to include all the modern comforts of home. There is surely something here for everyone! Relax outside in the hammock overlooking the river at sunrise or try your hand at crabbing, fishing, or kayaking*. In the evening, treat yourself to s'mores over the rustic fire pit while star gazing or play some board games snuggled up together or put your feet up with a great movie on the large flatscreen. If you're looking for a change of scenery, you are minutes away from the Jacksonville Zoo or the sites and museums in downtown Jacksonville. Every historic First Coast location is within your grasp. This property comes equipped with crab traps, fishing poles, and beach towels & chairs for your entertainment. If you would like to bring your boat, ask about the use of the 10,000 lb. boat lift to keep your boat high and dry or rent a captained boat for the day and enjoy a day on the majestic rivers of Jacksonville. We invite you to come visit this historic riverfront hideaway!
(*Note: kayak rental is an add'l fee of $75 + tax per stay).

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Property may not be suitable for young children.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Requires an additional fee of $75 per pet.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is permitted only on the exterior areas.
Due to limited parking on site and limited facilities, we are not accepting large parties and events.
Boat lift usage fee is $50 + tax. Kayak rental fee is $75 + tax for the duration of your stay.

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 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

Jacksonville

Located on the waterfront, this cottage is in Northwest, a neighbourhood in Jacksonville. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Gateway Town Center and Five Points Shopping Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at EverBank Stadium or VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Jacksonville, FL

What's nearby

  • Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center - 9 min drive - 9.2 km
  • VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
  • EverBank Stadium - 12 min drive - 11.5 km
  • Jacksonville University - 21 min drive - 19.9 km

Getting around

  • Jefferson Station - 8 min drive
  • Jacksonville Station - 10 min drive
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Golden Egg Roll Chinese Restaurant - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪The Pig Bar-B-Q on Lem Turner - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Chicken Koop - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Riverfront Hideaway pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic Riverfront Hideaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Riverfront Hideaway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Riverfront Hideaway located?

Located in Northwest, this cottage is 1.9 mi (3 km) from Winton Drive Park and 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Gateway Town Center. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 184 out of 202 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 202 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 202 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 202 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 202 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Janet B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great host, beautiful view, pet friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house and property would love to stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

susan w.

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

Great view

We enjoyed our visit
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorraine M.

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

Getaway on the Ribault River

Our second stay at this lovely house was great. It’s quiet, private and has a wonderful backyard on the river. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a peaceful, secluded spot in the very busy Jacksonville area.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee P.

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

A relaxing oasis amidst the city's hustle.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful stay at this charming waterfront property. It offered a peaceful escape with plenty of amenities, yet was still close to downtown. The A/C kept everything cool, the furniture was comfortable, and I loved that it was dog-friendly, complete with a large fenced yard (just keep an eye near the water). Overall, an excellent experience, and I’ll definitely book again when I’m back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

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

Relaxed on the River

The historical riverfront log cabin was a delight. Well kept and well manicured around the cabin. Our stay was relaxing, quiet, and serene along the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marnie D.

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

Beautiful Home on the Water

Clean, comfortable place for some peace and quiet and fishing! Our dog loved the ability to be outside and the view was incredible. The building itself is very unique, being an old Scout cabin, and the architectural details preserved really make the place outstanding. Great hosts and a place packed with everything you need.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori P.

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

Relaxing hideaway

We took the boat and used the lift in the back which was amazing. The property was pretty and had a relaxing time sitting on the back porch. Loved the rustic feel of the cabin. Owner was very responsive when messaged. Had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hollie O.

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

Relaxing Hideaway

The home is beautiful. The house was clean and had everything we needed to have a great stay. Great outdoor area for our dog. We loved fishing off the dock and the boat lift worked wonderfully.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelli Y., Des Moines iowa

Wonderful Home

We had a wonderful stay! What a lovely home! Loved fishing of the dock! The home has all the amenities you would need! The owners were amazing! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Linda C.

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

So relaxing!!

This is our 2nd stay, and I know it will not be our last. Sitting by the river is just the best way to relax and get a break from the stress of life. We love the rustic home and decorations that changes with the seasons. Thank you so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Farrah P., Raleigh, NC

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

Amazing week with my son!

This sweet cabin provided the best spring break getaway for me, my 14yr old son and our sweet dog. It has everything you could possibly need. So peaceful and beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous and the cabin is just so special. We spent a lot of time out on fishing charters and it was so nice to come back to this peaceful retreat each day. Our dog Barkley had so much fun running around the yard with no leash. We would def stay here again!!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P., Plantation, FL

Fabulous!!

We stayed at this house from 7/19 thru 7/22 and just adored this house. It had everything one could possibly need. We didn’t lack for anything. Katie is a great decorator and it was obvious she is very detail oriented. The area is off the beaten path and very quiet. We would like to come back when it’s not so hot so we can enjoy the outside and maybe sit by the fire pit. All and all it was a fantastic trip and I would recommend this house to anyone who just wants to get away.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen D., Largo

Beautiful stay on the river !!!!

Katie and Everett have made this little spot the ultimate family getaway. We were in Jacksonville for a family wedding and for our little family this was soooo much better than a hotel. There was plenty of room, fun fishing and crabbing, cooking out and enjoying the deck on the river. We couldn't have asked for a better place. There wasn't a single thing we didn't have. The family even played bocci ball and we had a fire and made smores for our 2 year old grandson and some family visiting from China. If we ever need to go to Jacksonville, we would not hesitate to stay again! Kathy Davis July 22 through July 26, 2016
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Lauren T.

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

Historic Retreat on the River

My son and I spent a week at this Historic Hideaway. There are so many perks and positives that I am unsure where to start! The house itself was impeccably clean. The kitchen offered everything that we needed and much more - spices, pantry staples, pots and pans galore, ample dishes and glasses, hot pads, grill tongs, tongs for s'mores, equipment for cooking over the fire pit. It's all there. The great room is just that - great. It is as spacious as it looks in the pictures and there are two large areas - one facing the super-big TV/sound system and one facing the amazing fireplace. We were lucky enough to have chilly weather and we used the fireplace two evenings and one morning. Fire was quick to catch and the smoke billowed up through the chimney instead of into the house. Delightful. The master bedroom is ample size and is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows/doors on the river side (privacy blinds blocked out unwanted light in the evenings). The bed in the master is very cozy and the linens are soft and of quality. The second bedroom has two twin beds and is petite yet roomy enough. That room opens to the dining room (there is a door) and to the great room (also a door). The bathrooms are ample, with the one in the master having a large walk-in shower. Copious linens are provided in the laundry room - - beach towels, extra towels/rags, comforters, blankets. We brought our own dog crate, but FYI, there is on on-site in the large (like huge) closet off of the master. In the house we found fishing rods/reels and a fish net. We made good use of the two crab traps on the dock - we caught a dozen or so blue crabs of varying sizes. Fishing off of the dock we caught a channel bass (about 3 pounds) and several small blue gill. We rented the kayaks and enjoyed paddling around the inlets to the immediate left of the property. Several life jackets of varying sizes are in the closet off of the master. The backyard is completely contained - - either by fence or by water; so we were able to let our fur baby run aplenty around off leash. The grounds are beautiful with several spaces for sitting/gathering outdoors and adorned with an array of beautiful flora. The property also offers tiki torches, a Weber grill, and a fire pit. We sat on the benches around the fire pit two nights - delightful. In the evenings and in the morning, we sat outside and could see dozens of fish jumping and several varieties of water fowl. Thank you to our hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was excellent. Quick to respond. The cabin is a gem. We had the best time.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed this property. Very beautiful, historic, plenty of room for family. Will return when in Jacksonville. I caught 8 crabs! Yay!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Most beautiful house we have ever stayed in-exceeded all our expectations! Clean,cozy, comfortable, complete! Beautiful view of river. Everything you could want and more. Absolutely gorgeous!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This location was such a treat, and the property and riverfront were beautiful and peaceful. I’ve never experienced a rental that was fully equipped like this one was, it made the our time feel like home. The hosts were lovely, and very accommodating and empathetic to requests.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just the best. Cannot wait to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maggie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is in a perfect setting and absolutely amazing. We loved the quirkiness and character of the property and they way the history is preserved and celebrated. We have nothing negative to say and will definitely be looking to stay here again when we are in town.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice R.

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

Perfect spot

Very peaceful, quiet, relaxing. Everything you need is there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber J.

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

Work & Vacation

We chose this house due its size for our family & location for my husband's work related class. I can't say enough good things about the location, convenience for shopping, eating out, the beaches. The house has everything you could imagine a house needing. There's beach gear, fishing gear, games, dvds, lunch box, kayaks for rent if you contact the hosts, grill, printer/fax machine. They have fans, baby gates, dog kennel, play pen. You really just need to pack comforts & pick up what groceries you'd need. This was the best rental we've ever stayed at!! Definitely use the information binder. It's got some really cool suggestions in it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresia S.

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

Beautiful place

Great view of the river. Comfy and peaceful. Beautiful house. The back porch was my favorite spot. Great place!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerry H.

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

Great location on river. Ifyou like to fish and crab it is a relaxing location.

Relaxing adventure. Great communication with owners. Will stay again this fall.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Beata Engl

Host profile image
Chris & I enjoy traveling and exploring with our 3 children and our sweet dog, Luna. We have previously lived in New York City and San Francisco, CA, but when we arrived in the Jacksonville area in 2014, we fell in love its sandy beaches, mossy oaks, and the Southern hospitality and charm. We have decided that the Jacksonville area is our favorite place to live and we warmly welcome you here! -Beata & Chris

Why they chose this property

The previous owners of this beautiful property, Katie and Everett, have done a great job setting it up as a vacation rental and have been welcoming guests since 2014. When Chris & I came across the log cabin and it's nostalgic charm in early 2020, we knew that we wanted to continue Katie & Everett's legacy and that it would be the perfect place to continue to welcome guests during their stay in the Jacksonville area.

What makes this property unique

This unique property boasts a historic log cabin that was built around a hundred years ago, when there was nothing but fields around it. Historically, it was owned by the American Boy Scouts, as well as a German-American Group. It features a beautiful stone chimney surrounded by rustic log walls and a wooden ceiling. It is situated directly on the river, allowing you to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. It is the perfect place to get away from everyday life!

Languages:

English, German, Polish

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