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Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

Photo gallery for Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

Pool
Terrace/patio
Large raised deck with grill and seating for your family and friends.
Football, frisbee, playing catch... plenty of room to run.
Clear shallow river provides plenty of room for swimming and exploring.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • 7 Sisters Springs
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

East Wing Bedroom #2

1 Double Bed

East Wing Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

North Wing Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

North Wing Walkout Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

East Wing Bathroom

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

North Wing Bathroom

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

Spaces

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

About this property

Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club.

4/2 Riverfront vacation rental located on the Homosassa River in Homosassa, Florida.

Perfect for large families or families vacationing together.

River and water lovers would be hard pressed to find a place that is as unique and fun as this property. When we started renting the property in July of 2019, we did so with hopes of connecting to families and sharing our passion for the river, the wildlife and the serenity the springs have to offer. The feedback from our guests has been amazing and knowing we’re building future nature lovers and fans of the Homosassa River gives us great pride.

-- Family perfect!
-- 200 + feet of Riverfront
-- Decks galore
-- Fire pits with firewood included.
-- Waterslide into private lagoon
-- Clear shallow river, low boat traffic
-- Neighbors the Homosassa Wildlife Park (you’ll feel like you’re staying in the park!)
-- 600 square foot raised deck provides amazing views.
-- 400 square foot river deck offers additional private area for gathering and meals.
-- Boat dock available (if your plans including bringing your own boat - See BOAT CLEARANCE requirements below)
-- 4 Kayaks and 2 Stand-up Paddle Boards to use
-- No canals, only fresh spring fed river to enjoy!

Situated near the headwaters of the Homosassa River, the property features over 200 feet of riverfront on nearly an acre of land, a private lagoon and a water slide for young and old alike.

The house features two wings that share a large common area in between. This allows large families or multiple families to vacation together yet still have their own space. A substantial butcher block table counter provides seating for up to 10 and multiple tables and chairs are available on the screened porch, large deck and patio.

The home features a 600 square foot raised outdoor deck that provides breathtaking views of the riverfront and is the perfect platform for outdoor cooking and gathering. A gas grill and propane are provided for your convenience.

A water level patio provides shade and a great place to enjoy meals at the water’s edge.

The clear shallow spring-fed river (72 degrees year-round) allows for great snorkeling and viewing of schools of fish and of course, manatee! In season, manatee are routinely seen in the backyard and the rental includes 4 kayaks and 2 SUP (Standup Paddleboards) for exploring the river and exploring the springs.

Spend evenings around your choice of 2 available fire pits, one which can be enjoyed from the backyard patio and the other near the river's edge for a more rustic experience.

The property also features a private boatwell that can accommodate boats up to 25 feet in length comfortably.

**Master Bedroom#1: King Bed
**Master Bedroom#2: King Bed
**Bedroom 3: Queen Bed
**Bedroom 4: Double Bed
***There is a single day bed that can accommodate the 9th guest is necessary.

-------------------MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS-----------------------
Minimum stay requirements vary throughout the year. Discounts for stays of longer than 7 days are also available.


***Bridge Clearance for Boats***
The property’s location on the springs is protected by a low bridge. If you have a boat that has a T-top or fixed top you will not be able to access the property from the waterway. Low clearance boats are the only means to accessing this property via water. Depending on tide, you will need an air draft (distance from the water line to the highest point on boat, including antennas) of less than 80”. On an average day, the bridge clearance ranges from 72” to 80”. Please inquire if you need additional information

*NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features exterior security cameras, all facing out away from the house. They do not look into interior spaces.

Policies:
- No fireworks
- No smoking indoors.
- Pets. Please contact us for a copy of "Common Sense Pet Rules".
- No events, parties or large gatherings
- Please reach out to Owners for long term stays or if calendar does not show availability
- Guests on the property are limited to 9 including adults(6) and children(3).
- Rental Agreement must be signed and returned to complete reservation.


Property manager

Veso and Kirsten Dimitrijevich
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 32
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Adult supervision of children required @ all times
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Events

No events allowed
No unlisted guests w/o prior approval.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pre-approval required and subject to Pet Fee.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outdoors only. Violation forfeits security deposit
The most important rule is respect for our neighbors. They are the arbitrators of noise levels, trespassing, disrespecting the property or river.
No Spring Break Types. No dumping of scallop shells in river, pool or boat well. Violation will result in forfeiture of security deposit.
A completed Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver is required. Failure to return within 7 days of receipt will result in cancellation.

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
Note from host: No unlisted guests w/o prior approval.
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 and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Homosassa

Located in Homosassa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Riverhaven Marina and A Crystal River Kayak Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Homosassa, FL

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Homosassa Butterfly - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 15 min drive - 13.2 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer Tiki Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private River Escape! Waterfront Home. The Backyard Manatee Club. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Citrus County Dog Park and Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) away.

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. 133 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 134 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Roman K.

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

Amazing stay!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren B.

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

Nothing short of magic

We booked this house last minute for a birthday trip with adults. Brought up our 13’ whaler which was the perfect size for the area- boatable to 6 restaurants/ bars. Close to the public boat ramp, with a perfect covered boat slip. No issues with depth to and from boat ramp and around the area. Crystal clear spring water at the property. Photos do NOT do it justice. We had manatee encounters daily, numerous. Otters, ducks, plenty of fish. The mostly fenced property was incredible for our dogs. Most places near by are dog friendly on patio. The screened in porch was a bonus, however the bugs weren’t bad at all!The pool and slide were a blast. Floats, life jackets, paddle boards, kayaks for everyone. Fire pit was beautiful, and love the variety of seating areas around the property. Couldn’t be easier to hop in the water and onto your paddle board and be right at the spring head! Loved the night lighting around the patio and pool. Didn’t use the sauna but plan to if we come back in the cooler months. Close to Publix and Walmart. Great grill, open kitchen for cooking and eating together. Great floor plan for two families. I can’t WAIT to come back !
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

satori a.

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

Book this place!!

We stayed for 4 nights with our five year old and some friends with children the same age. The house layout was wonderful for two families giving us each our own side. The property was amazing and the backyard lagoon and slide were a hit! Unknown to the host, some of the kayaks were in poor condition. They were very responsive about the situation though and it didn't put a damper on our trip. We rented a pontoon boat one of our days which I'd highly recommend. We pretty much cooked all of our meals at the house, but if you have younger kids I'd definitely suggest Crumps Landing for a meal out. We ate there one night and there is a playground right near the outdoor seating. Perfect for parents to let their kids play while you enjoy a moment within eyesight. Overall it was a wonderful house, great location, very clean, and we would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

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

Awesome!!

Will book another stay soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

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

5 stars

Wonderful vacation home. Plenty of space for our family. Thanks for sharing this piece of paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

cheryl f.

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

Our Happy Place!

Love this property so much! We love it so much, we are “repeat guests”! Unfortunately our recent stay came right after Hurricane Debby left the area. However, our host, Veso, was extremely communicative even days before our stay. He provided updates on storm aftermath daily and worked very hard to get the property cleared and ready for our arrival. Despite the River breaching the property (as expected during a hurricane), everything met our expectations! Looking forward to future family time here again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kayra E.

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

Vacay

This place is AMAZING!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle

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

Great place to relax and enjoy nature

We had a wonderful time here. We loved swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking in the river. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie P.

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

Tropical Paradise

This house is everything it claims to be and more. We truly felt like we were in a tropical paradise in the back yard. We had manatees visit on Wednesday and Thursday when the springs were quieter. Our guests were all 35+ years old and the slide took us back to our childhood. All supplies promised were there. Communication with the owner was top notch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie N.

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

Wonderful location!

The Backyard Manatee Club was a wonderful experience! The adults and kids enjoyed the slide and the private lagoon/pool. We also enjoyed paddleboarding and kayaking the crystal clear river. We were able to view fish and manatees, snorkle spring boils, and swim with very little boat traffic. If the spring water is too cold for your enjoyment there is also a sauna on the property grounds! The house is setup nicely for two families to each have their own “wing” with a common area in the middle that contains the kitchen and livingroom. The property is also close to grocery stores and local restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veso for D.

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

Best Vacation EVER

This was our 4th stay and by far, it is my entire families favorite vacation trip! We have been all over the country experiencing adventurous trips, and this one is just 2.5 hours from our home. So relaxing, so convenient, so fun, so easy..... so breath taking!! We already booked next year, can't wait!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliana S.

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

Amazing days!

My family and I rented the house with some friends for 5 days! It was the best place we've ever rented! The house has everything you need to cook. Also a lot of games to play. The backyard is an amusement park for both, adults and children! We loved it a lot. The owner was very kind and fast with the answers. We definitely want to come back. I highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

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

Wonderful location and great host!!

We loved our stay!! The location is beautiful and the springs are just steps away!! I highly recommend this place!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

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

Relaxing get away

The property is exactly as described we were on the water every day the private lagoon was awesome on the days the river was busy we were able to relax . The kids loved everything about it we felt very comfortable letting them float around the river. The local neighbors were all very friendly. We got the see the manatee’s almost everyday sometimes multiple times this is a very cool place to stay can’t wait to stay again also Veso is one of the best host very informative and helpful didn’t mind all of my questions
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

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

Wake me because I’m dreaming

This place had everything you could think of and even some of the stuff you didn’t think of! It was clean. The air conditioning worked amazing. The property was breathtaking. Would definitely stay there again! And again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara F.

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

Great family vacation spot

Second year staying and we love it! So much fun with everything we need!! Hoping to return next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lora C.

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

Serene

What a beautiful, peaceful get-a-way! We were a family with two toddlers and two teens, plus adults, and the layout of the house gave everyone the opportunity to have privacy and quiet when it was needed. The kitchen was well stocked - we were able to prepare our traditional Thanksgiving dinner with room for all of the cooks :-) participating. The outdoor space... I can't imagine a more perfect setting. Even though it was chilly, the waterslide was so much fun that everyone was in the water despite the temps - of course, to warm up afterwards there was the sauna... We kayaked and swam and ended each day roasting marshmallows over the fire in the firepit. It more than met my expectations in every way. This is the best part of Florida, beautiful surroundings, crystal clear water, manatees, stingray, fish all in a quiet, tranquil environment. Vesco was thoughtful and quick to respond to any requests. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence S.

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

Loved it

Loved it
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kara T.

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

An absolute gem!

This property was beyond perfect for our family trip! The yard, river access, and included kayaks/paddle boards were our favorite parts. The view from the screened in porch was lovely for sipping coffee. We grilled and ate dinners on the main deck, and enjoyed a fire in the fire pit almost every night. Superb location just minutes from the state park and close drive to crystal river, weeki wachi and so much more. We even paddled to a local bar/restaurant multiple times and saw manatees, otters, and a wide range of birds along the way. The hosts were incredibly attentive and kind, providing a wealth of knowledge about the area and quick to answer any questions about the property. We feel grateful to have experienced this absolute oasis as a family, and dream of returning some day in the future. Huge thank you to Veso and Kirsten!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

James S.

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

Jim

Great location. Comfortable river home. East kayak to the state park area. Owner immediately responds to inquiries. Crumps Landing and the Freezer restaurants are a must.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deedra B.

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

Great Vacation

The layout of the house was perfect for us. The property is beautiful. You are provided with so much to do for no additional cost! Most rentals want to charge you extra for kayaks, paddle boards, floats, etc but not here it is all included! We had an amazing vacation and saw so many animals right from the backyard.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey H.

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

A piece of Heaven

This place is absolutely stunning! So much to do and enjoy! We didn't have enough time to explore this trip but we will be back! We snorkeled, kayaked, and fished every day! The kids really enjoyed the slide! Mom and dad enjoyed the peace and tranquility this place has to offer! Not to mention the sauna on site! This place has it all! Veso was very attentive and answered all our questions within minutes of sending a message. This house has history with the tiles in the rocks along the river which brings a beautiful style and uniqueness! There is plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy so be ready to endulge in nature! We love this place so much that we will be back next year! Im sure you will love as much as we do!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geoff M.

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

Great Place on the Springs

Everything you could want for outdoor entertainment. Right on the springs and a nicely layed out home. Really enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angelica H.

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

Great stay

This property is beautiful, host is incredibly responsive, and both the adults and children in our group had a great time. Thank you!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tamara D., Sarasota, FL

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

Awesome River Retreat

The property was as awesome as the listing describes! We spent every day fishing, kayaking, seeing manatees, turtles and more. Everyone had a great time. The owner was excellent with directions and instructions of how to use all of the equipment and checking in. The downstairs was packed with floats we used every day, outside games, water shoes even! Plenty of dishes and a nice kitchen to do all of your cooking, along with a great fire pit for roasting marshmallows. The kids were excited to see a Mama and baby manatee and even a lady who sells popsicles on the river, definetly a great trip for all!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Veso and Kirsten Dimitrijevich

Host profile image
Contact me directly to learn about other available discounts.
veso.dimitrijevich@gmail.com
248-302.9098

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests