Entire home

Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6

Photo gallery for Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6

Large beautiful pool.
Main living room. Hardwood floors, view of front yard and pool out back.
Master bedroom. Cedar closet. Plenty of space.
Florida room with loads of seating, games, books and xbox.
Kitchen with plenty of amenities.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
DeBary, FL
  • Gemini Springs Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • DeBary Golf & Country Club
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6

This 1950's vintage Florida-inspired theme home is nestled in the quiet town of Debary, Florida. Surrounded by historic locations, famous state parks, biking, hiking, and waterways. Beaches are 30 minutes away and all the theme parks are within 45 minutes from the front door.

Highlights of renting this home:

- Sleeps 6
- private screen enclosed pool-NOT heated- with plenty of seating and gas grill
- full bedding, blankets, and complete towel sets for each guest plus extra
- bathroom amenities of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and extra toiletries
-kitchen is stocked as if you're right at home, appliances, spices, and more
-pool towels, extras, and floats when available
-coolers, picnic basket, beach chairs, towels, and extras for day use adventures
-large private end-of-street and privacy fenced home provides a retreat feel
-We are hospitality-driven to make your stay memorable
-required rental agreement signed after booking
-monthly stays require an additional cleaning charge. Determined at booking.

River City's Retreat family-friendly vacation home is the essence of historic tropical Florida charm. We host up to 6 people. 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms (no master bath), living room, Florida room, and a kitchen and dining combo, and your own private pool. This historic charmer has original hardwood floors, arched doorways, and updated conveniences. The laundry room has a washer/dryer and detergent for your use.

Your days can be filled with swimming in your private pool, playing games in the Florida room, reading books from our library shelves, or cooking family meals in the farmhouse-style kitchen filled with everything you need. The home has a supply of most essentials to get your vacation underway. Pool is NOT heated

A perfect location to relax after visiting attractions or other Central Florida day trips.

River City's Retreat sits in the first neighborhood built in Debary. A quiet, dead-end corner lot, tree-lined on one side, and a privacy fence surrounds this oasis. Enjoy the covered back porch with plenty of seating, have a family BBQ, and swim in the pool.

The property can sleep 6 and can accommodate family and friends gatherings of up to 12 total guests for day visits WITH APPROVAL.

Have a boat or watercraft? We have parking behind the privacy gate for a trailered craft. Ask in advance.

Volusia County is home to the most unique natural wonders from wildlife, springs, flora and fauna, and historical sites and all are within a short drive from River City's Retreat. Leave from the home on foot or by bicycle to pick up one of the Florida rail/trail systems and see the sunset by the St. Johns River or historic Lake Monroe.

Your hosts live nearby and are available if you need assistance. Self-check-in with door code. There are 3 cameras on the property to secure the front door and 2 gates—no cameras inside or pool/yard area or guest use area.

River City's Retreat is ready with all the comforts and amenities to make your trip enjoyable. A variety of items are available for your use such as beach chairs, umbrella, portable folding chairs, coolers, picnic basket, propane grill, and more. A pack-and-play with sheets and a high chair are also available upon request.

The kitchen is stocked with supplies to get your vacation started and includes plenty of equipment for easy meal planning such as a crockpot, instant pot, and even a fondue pot for a fun night in.

SECURITY DEPOSIT: Upon booking VRBO lets you know there is a $350 security deposit no fee attached or hold to your card. WE REQUIRE a signed rental agreement sent via email after booking, and acknowledgment of house rules. This is REQUIRED TO ACCESS PROPERTY. Our goal is to refund the deposit fully as you
r stay went smoothly and was enjoyable, and house rules were followed. Thank you for considering this beautiful property and protecting it for future vacationers!

Guests staying 28 days or more will be charged 2 cleaning fees per month and the cancellation policy differs from short stays.

Attractions close or driving distance in the area Daytona Beach 33 miles, New Smyrna Beach 32 miles, Blue Spring State Park 8 miles , Deleon Springs 19 miles, Florida Trail, Disney World 43 miles, Universal 35 miles, Sea World 42 miles, Wekiva Springs 20 miles, Daytona International Speedway 29 miles, Kissimmee, Deland, Sanford-Orlando International Airport 16 miles, Orlando. Boombah sports.

St. John's River, Lake Monroe, Hontoon Island. Orlando International Airport 43 miles, Daytona International Airport 30 miles, St. Augustine, Cape Canaveral, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, Stetson University 11 miles.

Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, Mount Dora, Apopka, Leesburg.

St. John's River to Sea Loop, Heart of Florida Trail, Mount Dora Trail, Cross Seminole Trail, SUN coast to coast trail, Florida trail, Seminole forest, Ocala Forest, Santos Ocala,

Property manager

Holly M Giles
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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
Pack n Play and booster high chair available.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking/vaping of any substance allowed.
A signed guest form is required. A specific form to your stay will be sent after booking in the communication chat box.
$150 fine for each overnight guest that is not listed on rental agreement.
A $400 security deposit is held

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

About the area

DeBary

Located in DeBary, this holiday home is on a river. AMF Deltona Lanes and St. Johns Rivership are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Blue Spring State Park and Lower Wekiva River State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, or check out an event or a game at Melching Field. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
Map
DeBary, FL

What's nearby

  • Gemini Springs Park - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • DeBary Golf & Country Club - 6 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Lake Monroe - 10 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Blue Spring State Park - 18 min drive - 14.6 km

Getting around

  • DeBary Station - 5 min drive
  • Sanford Station - 13 min drive
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Central 28 Beer Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dq Grill & Chill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Swamp House Riverfront Grill and Happy Snapper Tiki Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6 have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6 ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6 ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Pool Home with Historic Charm Sleeps 6 located?

This family-friendly DeBary holiday home is located on a river, within 2 mi (3 km) of Gemini Springs Park and DeBary Hall Historic Site. Lake Monroe is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O.

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

Beyond Perfect Stay

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the house is very roomy. The house was very clean and so organized which we loved. This was our first visit to this area, we were very happy that there were several parks in the area, which Holly mentioned in the house manual. Lastly, we requested a late checkout due to a late afternoon flight and Holly was very accommodating. We highly recommend this property and hope to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nora G.

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

Great property for family

Very clean and well stocked. Comfortable amenities. Pool is beautiful.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan O.

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

Weekend Trip to DeBray

What a great house. Perfect location, close enough to everything but yet still have that old Florida vibe. We had a great trip up to DeBary and the host Holly made everything just about perfect. She made the home welcoming and had everything in place to make the most out of our trip. After a long hot Florida day nothing was better than coming home and gather in the pool. We liked the house so much we rented it for an extra day. Thank you again Holly!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

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

5 Stars

Holly and Curtis are superb hosts Attentive to all the needs of their guests. This is a wonderful family offering with everything a family could possibly need.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mena G.

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

Wonderful stay!

Kids had a blast in the pool and we loved being welcomed with fresh muffins and a clean home! Thank you Holly for being so thoughtful to leave us a wedding prepare kit - that was so sweet!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan M.

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

Great accommodations in DeBary

A top notch, well-maintained house in quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 59 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

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

Very nice

Place was perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diana C., Seymour,Tenn

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

Great pool house with privacy fence

Everything you need for vacation is all here in this home! Chairs,floats,towels and comfy beds and couch,recliner, privacy, lanai ,big tvs
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alan D.

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

Five have a fantastic time in Florida!

A fantastic, well equipped, property offering lots of flexibility to spend time together as a group and also enough space to find somewhere to chill out for a bit of individual me time. The pool was brilliant though I hope we didn't disturb the neighbours too much with our late night swims. The house is well placed for all the tourist attractions. Dad's taxi service got no rest this holiday as I ended up driving the kids down to the theme parks a couple of days.. Though it was only 40 mins each way, if you are contemplating spend all of your time in Florida at the parks, you may want to find a closer property to minimise the commute and maximise the time in the parks. If you want to explore the real Florida, then this property is a perfect base. My favourite activities were kayaking with the Manatees at Blue Springs State Park and bodyboarding on the beach at New Smyrna. A visit to the Kennedy Space Centre is also recommended, it was a pity they scrubbed the launch of Artemis on the day we visited. There are some really nice eateries close to the house but we tried to save a few pounds by cooking in on several evenings. I've never stayed in a rental home with such a well equipped kitchen! Holly presents this property very well and there are many little touches (toiletries, towels, welcome snacks, advice labels, property guidebook etc etc that makes renting this home a stand out experience.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra A.

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

Great place to stay

The house was beautiful & the pool was relaxing. The house had a homey feeling which made our stay much more enjoyable.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

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

Everything you could ask for

Beautiful , clean well appointed home with so many amenities I would never had thought of. Close to Springs, town, Parks. Our adventure weekend was perfect Holly thought of every little detail. THANK YOU!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jerod S.

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

So Fresh

Everything about this property is fresh. The style. The cleanliness. The pool. The attention to detail.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay D., Burlington, VT

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

The host with the most!

Holly’s house did not disappoint. We had everything you could ever need, while on vacation. We had planned to buy coffee to have on hand but were pleasantly surprised and thankful that Holly had some on hand for us to use! The house was very spacious after spending part of our trip to FL in a hotel room. The pool was also a lovely trip after some of our excursions. Highly recommend this rental!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alana H.

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

Little piece of heaven!

River City Retreat was exactly what we wanted and so much more! As soon as my family and I walked through the front door, it felt warm and cozy and like a home away from home, especially with the deliciously moist homemade muffins that were waiting for us. Holly has the house stocked with everything that you could possibly need for the adults and even toys and books for my younger daughters. The pool was the highlight of the house and again, exceeded our expectations. If you are visiting this area, this house is a must stay. We hope to visit again next year :)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan E.

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

Perfect family home base

Our stay at Holly’s home could not have been better. Her attention to detail to make the home welcoming and personalized for our visit went above and beyond expectations. We have family nearby in the neighborhood that we were visiting, and having this home to come back to each day was just what we needed. This is definitely a stay that we will repeat in the years to come. Thanks so much Holly!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna V.

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

Wonderful rental

Everything you would want/need for an out of town trip. House is beautiful inside and the owner is extremely thoughtful. Everything was customized to our rental and we loved there were notes explaining everything in the house. The owner provided everything. Definitely would stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeremey C.

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

Vacation

We had an absolutely wonderful time staying at this property. The owners are the best and very accommodating.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn R.

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

Month long stay

Holly and family are great hosts. House is very well stocked with all that was needed. The host was a pleasure to work with, had great communication and was available to help if needed. Enjoyed the property.
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne P., NY, USA

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

Best VRBO!

I’ve done Vrbo a lot and this was by far the most accurate, cleanest and most comfortable house I’ve ever rented! Holly doesn’t spare a single detail. She has really thought of everything, tiny details are so appreciated and so are the labels! The king bed was soooo comfy as was the entire home. The location was convenient and we had a spectacular time. Also, Holly is so accessible if you need her, but she hangs back so you have your privacy. It was just the best Vrbo experience ever!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lona D.

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

Perfect for our family!

The house was perfect: Spotlessly clean; comfortable beds; fully equipped kitchen; plenty of space and seating; the pool and patio are lovely; and the neighborhood is safe, quiet, and conveniently located to the beaches, the St. John’s River, the springs, the lakes, and Orlando. Plenty of places to go but fabulous to stay in! We will be back next year. Thank you, Holly - you get five stars all around!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful Place

This was a wonderful place for our family to stay. It's an easy drive to/from Orlando airport and area attractions. It's beautifully furnished and Holly has thought of every amenity. The pool is awesome! Many personal touches make it really feel like home. We hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

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

Wonderful experience!

We had a wonderful stay , the house was amazingly organized and clean and we love all the little details. Definitely we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

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

Our Best VRBO Experience Ever

As soon as we entered this home we knew we had made the right decision. The home was spotless, well stocked and extremely organized. Holly was an excellent host and we highly recommend her and her property. Holly went far above and beyond what we had expected. The home is beautifully and tastefully decorated. We've rented several VRBO homes in Florida and they usually look like they've been decorated by a cheap Disney gift shop. Not this one. Holly's "River City Retreat" makes you feel right at home. My daughter even took photos of most of the rooms to borrow decorating ideas from Holly. Holly knew we had our 2 young grandsons with us. Upon arrival there was a bag of fresh, delicious homemade cookies, a goody bag with gifts and activities for the boys to do (who does that anymore?) and plenty of games, books and craft supplies to keep any kid or adult busy. The Xbox was a hit as well as the board games. Everyone's favorite amenity was the pool. It was clean, large and maintained weekly. We were in the Orlando area this time to move my daughter, her husband and their boys there. Every time we come down to visit them in the future, we'll rent this home again from Holly if it's available. Words can't begin to express how pleased and how impressed we were with every little detail of this home and how well stocked and perfect everything was. The bar has been set extremely high with this home and host. Good like trying to top this pair on VRBO. We'll be back for sure.

10/10 Excellent

Rosie P.

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

Beautiful home in Central Florida

Thank you for sharing your amazing home. This spacious 3 bedroom home had plenty of room for each child to have his own room and for me to exercise on the opposite side of the home without the noise carrying. The pool and comfy furniture on the back patio was really nice as the screen enclosure kept all of the bugs away. The kitchen was well equipped with everything a guest would want. I would highly recommend this home to anyone looking for a little R&R and/or a chance to see the Florida attractions without all of the traffic!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shannon D., Orlando Fl

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

Exceeded Expectations

This home exceeded our expectations. It was very clean and well stocked with anything we could possibly need. The living room and separate Florida room provided space for everyone to spread out if they wanted, and the pool was so peaceful and relaxing. The host, Holly, responded quickly to any questions we had, and provided great insider tips on the area. We plan to come back in the fall to visit family and will definitely stay here again. There is a lot more to see and do in the area than we were aware of, so our next visit will be longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

About the host

Hosted by Holly M Giles

Host profile image
I'm Holly; welcome to River City's Retreat. Working on our 1950's tropical Florida property with a new modern vibe is what I enjoy most. Debary is our home too, where we love all the outdoor trails, parks, activities, and the small-town feel. I am a history buff, and you will find plenty of recommendations to discover the exciting and adventurous history of Volusia County displayed in River City's Retreat.

Why they chose this property

River City's Retreat was built in 1958 as part of the very first subdivision built in the area. The unique charm with hardwood floors, arched doorways and the classic ranch style shines through. This home was completely renovated in 2015. Updated bathrooms, kitchen, custom bedrooms, a Florida room, all with modern touches that complement the fabulous vintage style.

Debary is called the "River City, " so we added "retreat" to bring it full circle. This small town is surrounded by historical waterways such as St. Johns River and Lake Monroe. We have room for your watercraft too. Our place is a secluded retreat to hang out between beach visits and theme parks. Two miles from major interstates that take you anywhere you want to go.

If you love nature, Debary has it. You can hook up to several Florida rails/trail bike systems from the house. We are close to 4 famous springs, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and leisure activities. Debary Hall Historic Site is 2 miles away and offers an exceptional historical experience.

What makes this property unique

Once your inside River City's Retreat your family can relax in an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you are on vacation, visiting family and friends, or on a working trip, we are here for you with comfort and convenience. We offer extra hospitality and supply more than the average rental home to make you feel welcome. Supplies and a quiet spot for "working or schooling from home" can be found here. Swim in your private pool, take an evening walk, or watch the sunset with the locals at the Highbanks Marina boat ramp.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests