5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10
Your Private Family Retreat Near the University of Florida
Welcome to The Pond House, a serene and spacious 5-bedroom retreat set on a full acre of peaceful natural surroundings just 2 miles from the University of Florida. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and memorable gatherings, this home offers the perfect setting for UF graduations, game day weekends, holidays, and extended family stays.
Here, you’ll enjoy the rare combination of privacy, nature, and proximity to everything Gainesville has to offer.
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A Home Designed for Gathering
From the moment you arrive, The Pond House invites you to slow down and settle in. With expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, everyone can be together while still having room to relax.
The open and welcoming layout makes it easy to: • share meals • celebrate milestones • enjoy game nights • unwind after a day on campus
The large dining areas and fully equipped gourmet kitchen are ideal for preparing everything from casual breakfasts to graduation celebrations.
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Outdoor Living at Its Best
The outdoor spaces are where The Pond House truly shines.
Spend your days:
☀️ Swimming in the large private pool 🌿 Enjoying the wide open green space for kids to play 🍽 Dining together outdoors 🔥 Relaxing by the fire pits under the stars ☕ Sipping morning coffee with tranquil pond views
The one-acre setting creates a peaceful, private atmosphere that feels like a true escape — while still being minutes from UF.
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Fun for All Ages
Inside, the game room brings everyone together for friendly competition and evening entertainment, featuring:
🎱 Pool table 🎮 Nintendo gaming system
Whether it’s kids, teens, or adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Comfort for Up to 10 Guests
With five beautifully appointed bedrooms, the home comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests, making it ideal for: • multi-generation families • two families traveling together • graduation gatherings • group getaways
There is plenty of space to spread out, recharge, and feel at home.
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Perfect for UF Events & Gainesville Visits
The Pond House is especially loved by guests visiting for:
🎓 UF Graduations 🏈 Football weekends 👨👩👧 Parent & family visits 🎉 Celebrations and reunions
Being just 2 miles from the University of Florida, you’re close to campus, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions — while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
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Thoughtful Amenities
✔ Large private pool ✔ Game room with pool table & Nintendo ✔ Fully equipped gourmet kitchen ✔ Spacious indoor & outdoor dining areas ✔ Fire pits for evening gatherings ✔ Fast Wi-Fi ✔ Parking for multiple vehicles ✔ 1-acre private setting with pond views
Every detail is designed to make your stay comfortable, easy, and memorable.
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The Experience
More than just a place to stay, The Pond House is a place to: • reconnect • celebrate • relax • create lasting family memories
Whether you’re cheering on a Gator, celebrating a milestone, or simply escaping for a peaceful getaway, this home offers the space and setting to make it special. Wildlife Notice – Natural Pond Area
Our pond is part of Florida’s natural ecosystem and is occasionally visited by a small local alligator.
He is not aggressive and usually stays in or near the water, but for everyone’s safety: • Do not feed the alligator • Do not approach or attempt to touch • Do not throw objects into the pond • No swimming or fishing in the pond • Please supervise children and pets at all times near the water
During warmer months, he may rest on the edge of the pond to sunbathe.
This is very common in Florida and completely safe as long as these simple rules are respected.
We love our peaceful backyard and the wildlife that comes with it — thank you for helping us keep both guests and nature safe. This is a private, serene retreat intended for quiet enjoyment. Parties, events, and unregistered guests are not permitted
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet hours 10pm–8am. No parties or events. Driveway parking only. Thank you for helping us keep a peaceful, family-friendly retreat.
Excessive noise or disturbances reported by neighbors or authorities may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.
The host reserves the right to address noise complaints promptly and take appropriate action, including contacting local authorities if necessary.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3655488vb
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
Note from host: Small and quiet gatherings upon request only.
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
About the area
Gainesville
Located in Sugarfoot, a neighbourhood in Gainesville, this holiday home is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History and Florida Museum of Natural History are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention and Thomas Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Haile Village Playground. Kayaking, water tubing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 8 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
Mi Apá Latin Café - 4 min drive
Las Carretas - 20 min walk
Checkers - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 on 28 Aug 2026 start from AU$719, 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 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 4 total).
How much is parking at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 located?
This family-friendly Gainesville holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Regal Royal Park and University of Florida. Regal Royal Park and Spyglass Dog Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property was perfect for all of our needs for our adult children and grandchildren! We enjoyed the beautiful and comfortable gathering spaces along with the open areas and the abundace of natural light of the house with outdoor light coming in.The natural pond setting with interesting creatures and screen enclosed pool entertained all ages.The home was clean and host was helpful and kind. Thank you for everything.
We could not have asked for a better house for our family to gather for the weekend of our daughter’s wedding. We were lacking for nothing. It was so well stocked and so pristine. My husband and I enjoyed our morning coffee while watching the birds in the pond. Although we did not use the pool, it was beautiful. The pool table was enjoyed even though it was chilly outside. I could think of no reason anyone would not enjoy The Pond House. Thank you for providing it! We will find a reason to stay there in the future.
This house is perfect for a girls weekend! Very clean and has everything you could want to make your stay comfortable.The kitchen is very well equipped too!The house has several different rooms to gather as well as an outside room, which we spent most of our time in.
Two weeks, lots of room and well-appointed, generous basic supplies, loverly views and settings, splendid back yard, nice quiet neighborhood, everything worked well, very much enjoyed our stay.
The home was beautiful and the kitchen was well stocked with everything you could possibly need. We enjoyed the wildlife around the pond.
Diana S.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2025
Thank you so much Diana for your great rating, thank you for being wonderful guests. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay at the pond house, and would be happy to host you again.
We stayed in the Pond House Friday and Saturday night for the FL/FSU game. We had three adult couples and two college students. The house was the perfect size for us, plenty of room. We grilled out Friday and Saturday night, grille was great, kitchen is excellent, fully equipped. Check in and check out was easy and communication with the host was seamless. Weather was cold so we used both the gas and the real wood firepits. Brought our own wood. Great backyard and pond. I highly recommend this house and would definitely come back again with my family.
We enjoyed our stay here and had everything we needed! It was clean and perfect for our extended family for a long weekend. The beds were comfy and we loved the pool table area and the pool!! Thank you!
Had a wonderful stay here! The entire house was spotless, and you could tell the owners take great pride in keeping everything clean and comfortable. Each bathroom had thoughtful little touches like Q-tips, razor, toothbrush, ear plugs which made our stay more welcoming. Plenty of paper products were supplied throughout the house, too.The decor was beautiful. The layout was perfect for our family get-together, giving everyone space while feeling connected. We didn't get a chance to enjoy the pool this time, but we would absolutely love to come back and make use of it.The host was responsive and helpful from start to finish. Overall, an excellent stay. We would definitely stay here again.
This vacation home is a winner! The home was spacious, comfortable and very clean. The kitchen and bathrooms were so thoughtfully stocked, as well as a game room and a pool table. The pool was a hit! It was in a good neighborhood. The host was great. I can't think of anything that was negative about it. All in all, the house was very inviting, and I would definitely book it again.
Carol E.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Hello Carol
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the pond house .
Thank you so much for your great rating.
We would be happy to host you again!
We were here for my daughter’s graduation. This house surpassed our expectations. The beds were comfortable, the neighborhood was very peaceful and the kitchen was well stocked. The pool was relaxing. We don’t have the opportunity to be together often and this place just made it perfect.
The pond house was very centrally located but tucked away on a side street. The house was very spacious and had several different areas to come together as a group or find a quiet place to relax. We also enjoyed the large back yard.
kerry b.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr 2025
Hello Kerry
thank you so much for your great rating Kerry,
We hope to host you again soon!
This house was stunning! It has it all plus a great host! Whether you are here for a gator game, a relaxing family retreat or in our case both, you won’t regret it. The home is stocked with fun, games, and everyday essentials most rentals don’t have, even had more than 1 roll of paper towels and toilet paper. The home was stocked with coffee, Nespresso and even creamer. We had a family party of 8 with plenty of space to split up and have our alone time as well. You can tell this host cares about their property. You will love it and we will definitely be back.
This house provided so much space for our family of teens and young adults to spread out or hang out together playing pool, swimming, eating, playing games.
Carrie H.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 2025
Hello Carrie
Thank you so much for your great rating.
We would be delighted to host you again!
We had a delightful time together at the pond house! Plenty of space for our family. Great kitchen for cooking a Thanksgiving meal for all of us. Peaceful surroundings by the pond and fun in the pool!
Shannon S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
About the host
Hosted by Kathleen
We are a French–Argentinian family with four children and a deep love for nature, travel, and meaningful gatherings. As longtime Airbnb guests since 2014, we had the privilege of staying in beautiful homes around the world and learned firsthand what makes a place feel truly special, welcoming, and effortless.
In 2023, we decided to share our own vision of hospitality by opening The Pond House — a peaceful property where families and friends can slow down, reconnect, and create lasting memories together. Our lifestyle is centered around balance, the outdoors, and spending quality time with the people we love, and we designed this home to reflect exactly that feeling.
As animal lovers and experienced travelers, we care deeply about comfort, thoughtful details, and providing a stay that feels both personal and seamless. We hope you feel at home from the moment you arrive and enjoy The Pond House as much as we do.
Why they chose this property
We chose this area for its unique blend of peace, space, and proximity to everything Gainesville has to offer. Just minutes from the University of Florida, the neighborhood allows our guests to be close to campus, stadium events, shopping, and restaurants while still enjoying the privacy of a quiet, residential setting.
What makes this location truly special is its authentic Gainesville character and strong sense of community. The area has a rich cultural history and a long-standing neighborhood spirit that gives it a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Surrounded by greenery and mature trees, it’s perfect for morning walks, outdoor time with the family, and relaxing after a busy day at UF. For us, it offers the ideal balance between convenience and the feeling of a peaceful retreat — which is exactly what we wanted our guests to experience at The Pond House.
What makes this property unique
What sets The Pond House apart is the rare combination of space, nature, and location. Set on a full private acre just minutes from the University of Florida, it offers the peaceful feeling of a retreat while keeping you close to everything Gainesville has to offer.
The tranquil pond views, expansive outdoor areas, and mature greenery create a setting that is incredibly hard to find this close to campus. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee by the water, spending the afternoon in the large private pool, or gathering around the fire pits in the evening, the home is designed for connection and relaxation.
Inside, the house is equally made for shared experiences — from the gourmet kitchen and large dining spaces for group meals to the game room with pool table and Nintendo for all ages.
It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a private, nature-filled gathering space where families and friends can slow down, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.
Languages:
English, French, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests