NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands.
Newly renovated 1972 ranch-style home is located in a beloved peaceful neighborhood on the Southside of Gainesville just off of Williston Road and within minutes of the University of Florida, UF Health, VA, I-75, shopping, and all the amenities the city has to offer.
The 1445 sq ft house is tucked away on a private road offering plenty of privacy including a large fenced in backyard with an outdoor dining space, propane grill, and bonfire!
This beautiful home features a large Living Room with a 72” Roku TV, Queen Sleeper Sofa and a designated remote workspace. The Dining Room and Kitchen Combo offers the newest amenities with all the upgrades. Going out the Sliding Glass Doors into the backyard you are welcomed into a Private Fully Fenced in Yard with Wood Burning Fire pit perfect for all your large gatherings.
Down the main hallway you will find two (2) Guest Bedrooms; one (1) Queen Bed and one (1) King Bed. They share a fully remodeled Hallway Guest Bathroom with a Tub/Shower Combo. The Master Bedroom offers a King Bed, Walk-in Closet, and private attached en-suite fully remodeled Bathroom with a Walk-in Shower.
On the opposite side of the house, through the Kitchen, you will find a Game Room with a foosball table, the Laundry Room with full-size Washer and Dryer, and the 4th bedroom with two (2) Twin Beds plus a private entrance.
The interiors boast beautifully designed furnishings, new vinyl wood-grain flooring and plenty of space for gatherings amongst family and friends. This home is truly a wonderful retreat in heart of Gainesville, Florida!
***Please Note: This property is located on a private lime rock dirt road.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
$250 Non-Refundable Event Fee
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$50 Non-Refundable Pet Fee; Per Stay (2 Pets Max)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Free Parking on Driveway and Roadside in front of the house ONLY. Up to four (4) standard sized vehicles can fit. NO PARKING on front grass lawn.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: $250 Non-Refundable Event Fee
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 first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Gainesville
Gainesville is home to this holiday home. Curtis M. Phillips Center and Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Florida Museum of Natural History and Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Travelling with kids? Consider Thomas Center, or check out an event or a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Sweetwater Wetlands Park - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
Bivens Arm Nature Park - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
University of Florida - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
Getting around
Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
Spark at Embers - 4 min drive
Wawa - 4 min drive
Circle K - 4 min drive
Dutch Bros Coffee - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands.?
As of 24 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands. on 24 June 2026 start from AU$504, 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.
How much is parking at NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is NEW! Gainesville Peaceful Retreat - Family & Pet-Friendly! Close to UF & Shands. located?
This family-friendly Gainesville holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Meridian Acute Care and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. University of Florida is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.
Reviews
7.0
Good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The home was great. A couple out dated things but that didnt bother us. Nice area, nice backyard and easy to get to. Dirt road with dips so go slow. Lovely stay! Would visit again!
Property was upgraded and very clean. Close to campus, restaurants, etc. Departure was great....just lock the door.
The neighborhood was older and more rustic (dirt road to house), but felt very safe
Lance R.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept 2024
Hi Lance, thank you for the kind words. We greatly appreciate you and it was a pleasure hosting your group. Kindly, Elena
Verified
4/10 Poor
Henrietta A.
11 Aug 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, location
Rent with caution
The house sits on an unpaved road. Wasn't aware of this and we had my husband's sports car. Upon check in, first thing you notice is how newly renovated this charming old ranch is. They did a very nice job. Looking closer there were a lot of small black bugs on the sofa and pillows in living room. Some were alive some dead. We did find small white spiders on pillows in living room, on yellow chairs and in the bed. Management company was great about responding. My kids were very unhappy so we checked out next morning. We didn't even use the yard but it is huge and backs to woods. Bring bug spray for sure. The back bedroom with twin beds is hot. Must be an addition so the air doesn't cool that room. Even with ceiling fan on I recommend bringing an old school box fan. I could be wrong but it felt like the house was vacant for a while before we rented it and whoever did the deep cleaning didn't do a good job!!!!
Henrietta A.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept 2024
Hi Henrietta,
We appreciate your transparency and take every word to heart. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t have a good experience as we strive to exceed expectations and ensure all our guests are treated with respect and kindness.
We do have a disclaimer on the listing that the property is on a private unpaved lime rock dirt road. We’re working with the neighbors to see if we can get the private road paved. Unfortunately, that’s something that’s out of our control as of right now.
In the south, the bugs do find their way inside after it rains. We have routine monthly pest control; but it is Gainesville, FL and it’s called the swamp for a reason. We did respond immediately with a solution for the few dead bugs and a spider that you came across even with it being late at night.
Also, the addition converted bonus room does have an air vent and ceiling fan. Thank you for the suggestion of providing additional floor fans and we will also get maintenance to make sure the ducts are clear.
As for the housekeeping; we only hire the best and we personally inspect the home prior to guests arrival every time. We take pictures and videos.
Please remember that we initiated a full refund and did everything we could to resolve all issues. We have put a lot of love and time into this renovation and it would have been much appreciated if a little more kindness and understanding would have been given to us the same way we catered to your needs in a timely and respectful manner. You received a free night and didn’t have to pay housekeeping after you departed. We took care of everything and haven’t had an issue since.
Wishing you the best,
Elena
Verified
8/10 Good
Prasanta R.
30 Dec 2024
Liked: Check-in
Prasanta R.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
About the host
Hosted by Elena; Local Haven Stays
As a proud UF Alumni, I have recently returned to my roots in the historic district within the heart of Gainesville, Florida!
I am passionate about hosting, travel, short-term rentals specializing in elevated luxury and unique spaces. I have been in the hospitality industry for 15 years and love meeting new people! I’ve been told I never meet a stranger.
There’s something magical about submersing yourself within local culture and community. I believe in authentic human connections while providing beautiful spaces of solidarity and comfort.
Why they chose this property
The Old Florida charm with its rich history and moss draped large Oak Trees makes this peaceful neighborhood the ideal family getaway. Its prime location is within a short distance to the best of everything Gainesville has to offer; yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle around the University of Florida and Archer Road.
What makes this property unique
This spacious home is cozy and warm. The moment you walk through the door you immediately feel at home. The modern updates, fully stocked necessities and amenities, plus the large fenced in backyard with a built-in bonfire pit, BBQ grill, outdoor furniture and games makes it a perfect place for family gatherings, reunions, and of course Gator Games.