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Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024

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Crooked Lake Bungalow
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024

The Howell's 1920s lakefront bungalow on Crooked Lake is an ideal family vacation spot in Babson Park, Florida. It's been lovingly restored and well-maintained for decades, with its most recent renovation in 2024. The owners have welcomed vacation renters for over 20 years, with many guests returning for 10+ consecutive years.

Spring-fed Crooked Lake is over 4,200 acres and is an "Outstanding Florida Water." Outstanding Florida Waters are rivers, lakes, and other water features designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as "worthy of special protection because of their natural attributes." Outstanding Florida Waters have special restrictions on any new activities that would lower water quality or otherwise degrade the body of water.

Crooked Lake is an ideal lake for many water activities. Fishing for tournament bass and speckled perch (Florida Crappie) is a year-round sport. Boating, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, water skiing, and kayaking are fun family activities. Watching stunning sunsets or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach are also options. Bring your own boat and watercraft. A cement boat launch is available on the property.

In a quiet private-home neighborhood along the Scenic Ridge Highway, our Bungalow offers comfortable space for 6: Living room with satellite TV, DVD, and DVR; Dining Room; fully equipped kitchen; Sunroom overlooking the lake with dining table and seating area; 3 bedrooms, and two full baths. The primary bedroom has a King bed and an adjoining bath with shower and tub. The lake-view bedroom offers a King bed, and the third bedroom has a queen bed.

Just off the sunroom with panoramic views of the lake, there is a spacious lakefront covered porch for reading your favorite novel, cooking on the gas grill, dining, and gathering in the comfortable seating area less than 40 steps from the water’s edge.

On the beach, you will find for your enjoyment a large tiki hut, a shaded hammock under the palm trees, Adirondack chairs, and two kayaks.

For bird watchers, we often see strolling sandhill cranes, soaring bald eagles and ospreys, colorful wood ducks, anhinga, herons, black-bellied whistling ducks, Florida mallards, herons, and other wildlife.

Local restaurants within 10 miles include:
The Coop (Comfort food), The Crooked Bass Grill and Tavern, L'incontro (fine Italian), Crazy Fish Bar & Grill (casual seafood), Manny's Chop House (steak house), Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak (on Lake Pierce), and Blue Palmetto Cafe at Bok Tower Gardens (quick bites),

Things to do within a one-hour drive include:
*Bok Tower Gardens
*Lake Kissimmee State Park
*Streamsong Golf, Dining and Spa
*Ridge Audubon Center and Museum
*Lake Wales History Center
*Polk Museum of Art
*Tiger Creek Preserve
*Legoland
*Circle B Bar Reserve
*Lake Myrtle Sports Center
*Florida Skydiving Center
*Webber International University
*Warner Southern College

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 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 allowed: in designated areas

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 required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Babson Park

Located in Babson Park, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Lake Wales Art Museum and Lake Wales History Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Mountain Lake and Oakwood Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Crystal Lake Park, or check out an event or a game at Jump Florida Skydiving. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in Babson ParkOpens in a new window
Map
Babson Park, FL

What's nearby

  • Crooked Lake - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ridge Audubon Nature Reserve - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Bok Tower Gardens - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • LEGOLAND® Florida - 21 min drive - 31.6 km
  • Reunion Resort Golf Course - 47 min drive - 67.7 km

Getting around

  • Winter Haven Station - 26 min drive
  • Avon Park, FL (AVO-Avon Park Executive) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Crooked Bass Grill and Tavern - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪China Wok - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024?

As of 28 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024 on 16 May 2026 start from AU$371, 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 Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront Howell Bungalow on Crooked Lake, built in 1929, renovated in 2024 located?

This family-friendly Babson Park holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Crooked Lake and Ridge Audubon Nature Reserve. Lake Easy and Fire House Trail 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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

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

Super lake house

This property is perfect for what we were looking for. We are planning on returning for certain and hopefully our adult children can join us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy & Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jolene and Marty’s place could not have been a better experience. This charming cottage sits right on the lake with a beach and an absolutely beautiful view. Sitting on the porch or on the sand, you get the full experience. Jolene has provided everything you could want. We walked in the park in Lake Wales a few miles away, again beautiful place and friendly people. We ate at the Crooked Bass, great food!! We enjoyed meals on the deck after grilling out. Publix is a few short miles away for everything you need. We had the BEST experience. Come check out this place, you won’t be disappointed!!
Evening sunset
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt G.

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

All perfect

Nicest rental in central FL - everything was awesome and better than expected
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

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

Bungalow Crooked Lake

Home was larger than I thought it would be. It is well kept and owners were extremely nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail W.

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

Great Property!!

The Crooked Lake Bungalow is a perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation. The house is just wonderful and has everything you need for your stay. We will definitely use it again. Thank you Jolene
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

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

Great lake house

We went for Christmas and it was freezing. Our hosts made sure the house was nice and warm for us! Our stay was very nice. We even caught a couple of fish!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gay W.

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

Peaceful and Scenic

This lovely bungalow on scenic Crooked Lake is spacious, and beautiful with all the amenities you could ask for. The hosts are welcoming and informative, and responsive to any needs. We thoroughly enjoyed a truly peaceful respite in this beautiful property.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz B.

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

Charming cottage!

Felt like home for the weekend, so we’ll equipped! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen J.

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

Tropical Island Vibe on the mainland of Florida

Serenity and beauty, two words to describe this beautiful oasis sitting in the heart of Florida. We were here to graduate a son out of college and we enjoyed downtime that was needed. We plan on visiting again with Mrs. Jolene for our anniversary.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gay W.

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

Peace and Tranquillity

Such a peaceful lakeside retreat! This is our second time staying in this lovely getaway…it feels like home. Perfectly well-equipped including all possible amenities, plus kayaks for exploring the lake. Proximity to beautiful Bok Tower and Gardens is an added bonus. We highly recommend this tranquil spot, and hope to visit again often.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay G.

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

Beautiful lakefront bungalow

Easy to book. Great communication from the renters who live right next door. They checked in and made sure everything was to.our liking, which was very kind of them. Will definitely be renting this property again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JB K.

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

Stunning 1920s Bungalow

We've rented many VRBO rentals over the years, and this lakefront bungalow was top-notch! Marty and Jolene are excellent hosts. The home was immaculately clean and has all the amenities you could ask for. We highly recommend this lovely home and we hope to go back again soon. Thank You!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gay W.

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

Peaceful lakefront holiday

Once again this idyllic lakefront property exceeded our expectations! Comfortable and welcoming, fully equipped kitchen, sandy beach with kayaks, everything in perfect working order and friendly helpful hosts! We were even lucky enough to view the festive Crooked Lake holiday boat parade…loved it!! Thanks again Jolene and Marty!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dara P.

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

Perfect lake house

This is the perfect house for relaxing by the lake. The house is very clean and fully stocked with everything you could need. There is a lovely large patio in the back perfect for enjoying the lake views. The best part is the tiki hut on the beach! There is a marina and many restaurants nearby. The owners are a pleasure. We will be back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail W.

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

Girls Week

My girl friends had so much fun! They are already talking about next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynda K.

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

wonderful reunion with old friends

Crooked Lake clear and warm . a delight to swim and kayak . spotlessly clean bungalow . well appointed kitchen and bath with more than we could need . lovely hosts . only problem one of us had a recent knee surgery so had problems getting up and down steps . hopefully this will not be a problem next time as we would like very much to go back . Thanks for a lovely stay .
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie & Tabitha M.

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

Little Piece of Heaven!

Our family stayed at the cottage while visiting family in town. The cottage was better than expected! The bedrooms were comfortable and the kitchen well equiped. It was very clean and truthfully, I was a little worried about bugs....but we didn't see a single one! Anything we forgot, we found avaliable in the cottage! The best part was sipping coffee on the back porch overlooking the lake each morning. Those sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking! I could get used to that! We will definitly be booking again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamara T.

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

Gorgeous 1920's Lake Bungalow

The minute we arrived at this beautiful 1920's lake front bungalow, I felt right at home. Reminded me so much of my grandmother's house. The place was cozy and updated but still had that "vintage" feel. The rooms were all spacious. Every amenity was available. They thought of everything! The covered porch facing the lake was a great place to relax in a rocking chair. Then to sit by the lake under the chickee hut was just what I needed. Watching and listening to all the birds. Even saw a Bald Eagle. Took one day to visit Bok Tower and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately we were unable to kayak but plan to next visit. The owners were fabulous and so nice! I highly recommend this rental for a nice getaway. We will definitely be back!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan F.

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

Beautiful sunsets, gorgeous lake views in a peaceful setting.

This Annual family trip to Bok Tower Gardens turned out to be one of the best times ever…..we really enjoyed our stay at this perfect cottage. The amount of care put into this home rings true ….everywhere you turn. The children enjoyed the kayaks and fishing while adults relaxed on the huge covered porch overlooking the sanded shoreline and beautiful lake. Thank you Jolene and Marty for a pleasant and memorial vacation! We will be back xo Susan and family
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna B. B.

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

Fabulous!

The beauty of this place is beyond belief. Top it off with wonderful hosts, makes this one of the best experiences! Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Howell for making our our stay over Thanksgiving just magic!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mekayla K.

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

Amazing!

Me and my sister and our families booked this house for a long weekend for my mom for Mother’s Day and it was amazing! They have everything that you would need from beach towels to cooking needs! We all had a blast and we can’t wait to go back! ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison W.

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

Amazing Getaway

We had an amazing stay at this property. It was better than expected. The owners were so nice and accommodating. We relaxed on the beach, kayaked, grilled, fished, and enjoyed every second. Perfect family vacation especially during Covid to get away from it all. Very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JJ R.

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

Great little spot for Frostproof area

Beautiful breathtaking views. House was very clean and comfortable. Mrs. Jolene was a sweetheart and took care of us and was very accommodating.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B.

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

Relaxing get away at the lake!

We had a lovely time in this very well appointed home that is right on the water. The home had lots of extra supplies and every household item we could want to make our stay more convenient. It was great to be able to cook meals and eat on the porch. No need to leave the lake! Our hosts were extremely helpful and made the visit easy and enjoyable. This home is a rare gem on Crooked Lake. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

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

Lake getaway

This place was perfect in every way. We will definitely be back.

About the host

Hosted by Jolene Howell

Host profile image
Marty and Jolene Howell have been enjoying Crooked Lake since childhood and have welcomed visitors to their 1920s vacation rental bungalow for more than 20 years. Retired and living nearby on the lake, they also enjoy the quiet natural beauty of birdwatching, fishing and the stunning sunsets.

Languages:

English
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