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Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub

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This is why we called this home Rustic Enchanted Forest.
Entrance of home. Literally looks like a forest.
This is the reason why we call this place Enchanted Forest.
Front Entrance to the back pool and lake.
Entrance of home, leads into living room, dinning room and kitchen.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 10237.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Umatilla, FL
  • Donnelly Park
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Mount Dora History Museum
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Renninger's Antique Center
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

1/2 First Floor bathroom

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 4

+1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

First Floor Master Bathroom

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

Spaces

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

About this property

Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub

Welcome to Rustic Enchanted Forest, a lakefront getaway with a pool, designed for those seeking tranquility, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. This is not a glam home—it’s a Mother Nature paradise where you can unwind and watch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from almost every room. It is undergoing some renovations.
High lights:
• Serene Waterfront Views – Enjoy stunning lake views and the peaceful sounds of nature.
• Private Pool & Hot Tub (pool water is clear but pool lining does have some cobalts).
• Wraparound Deck – Perfect for sipping your morning coffee while soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
• Game Room & Entertainment – A space to unwind indoors with fun activities.
• Fire Pit & Grill – Gather around for cozy evenings by the fire or a barbecue with loved ones.
• Wildlife Surroundings – Nestled near Ocala National Forest and Carver Park, nature lovers will delight in frequent wildlife sightings.

Location Highlights
• Eustis Square & Mount Dora – Just 15–20 minutes away for shopping, dining, and local charm.
• Outdoor Adventures – Close to hiking trails, lakes, and national parks.

Important Notes
• This home has a septic system, so we kindly ask guests to dispose of toilet paper in the trash.
• For your safety, a security camera is located at the front outdoor entrance.
• This is a peaceful retreat, not a party house. It’s designed for nature lovers to relax and recharge.
• Ongoing Enhancements – We are continuously upgrading and adding more amenities to enhance your stay.

Come, breathe in the fresh air, sip a warm cup of coffee or tea, and let Rustic Enchanted Forest be your escape into nature.

Property manager

Darlene

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Dirty dishes left behind will inquire a $35 fee.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No eating in bedrooms, no smoking, leave kitchen area nice and tidy. Dirty dishes fee will be charged ($75). If you have pets, clean up after pet.
Checkout Day garbage bins rolled up to the front gate, garbage truck Every Tues Up the hill by the road right hand side. Late checkout $75 charge.
There is a camera in the front entrance for your protection and community. No Covering or tinkering with Cameras Front Entrance. No Parties

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
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

About the area

Umatilla

Located in Umatilla, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Eustis Square and Eustis Mini Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ocala National Forest and Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Umatilla, FL

What's nearby

  • Lake Dora - 20 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Donnelly Park - 21 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Mount Dora History Museum - 21 min drive - 21.3 km
  • Renninger's Antique Center - 23 min drive - 23.7 km
  • Country Club of Mount Dora - 24 min drive - 23.4 km

Getting around

  • Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mason Jar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪A Wish or Two Ago - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut / KFC - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rustic Enchanted Forest- A Nature Lover’s Retreat with lake with hot tub located?

This family-friendly Umatilla holiday home is located on the waterfront, 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Ocala National Forest, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Marsh Memorial Park and Carver Park. Eustis Square and Eustis Mini Mall are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

8.0

Very good

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. 12 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 25 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

8.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peggy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love this property and the kindness of the owners.
Beautiful, relaxing, comfortable and accommodating.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Burt M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice but...
There is plenty of room for the family to spread out. The kitchen has everything we needed to cook in. We didn't use the pool since we stayed in December. Property needs a lot of work inside & out.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

donna b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
beautiful view peaceful stay
excellent location for my needs owner was very responsive
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation
Spacious and well worn.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was beautiful water, land, home it was little enchanted
very beautiful and different...
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt E.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and relaxing
We came for 2 weeks during a work trip looking for a quiet spot to unwind at the end of each work day and this location was just what we were looking for.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Patty W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house
The house needs some attention, but water, air conditioners,pool and location was as described. Best part was a pair of owls that stayed in a tree on the property most days
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gahbow G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Florida
The house and property was a nice quite location. It was close to the area we were visiting. The hosts were very attentive to our requests.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Derek H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy and quaint
Served it's purpose beautifully!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family
Owners are wonderful to work with. The layout of the property was very nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

FABIAN A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanks Giving Family Trip
The Location is excellent and has a lot of potential, just need to be better managed. Lots of small details that can be taken care like better towel quality and qty. including towels for the kitchen. Refill soap dispensers on the bathrooms. And a few unfinished repairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place for family
Great place for a family to stay. My 9 year old son loved the pool and the game tables. Was not bored while waiting for our next outing. The house was really an enchanted place. like you were in a magical place. Trees surround the house with lots of wildlife everywhere. We loved watching the birds and butterflies and the weather on the lake. The house was well stocked and easy to feel very comfortable and right at home. We will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erik W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for our family.
We were happy with our stay here. Its not perfect but you can tell there working on it. You want a nice home with plenty of tvs. A nice pool with a lake view then come here. We came to go to the springs and it is a excellent location to go to most of the springs in the area. Alexander springs is only 15 minutes from here. But all in all if you want a place thats not perfect but is more home feeling then this is for you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Beautiful Location
The location was beautiful! The cleanliness was a big disappointment! Had to wash sheets before sleeping, 2 paint cans were used as legs on our bedframe, kitchen needed to be cleaned, there were dishes in the dishwasher when we opened it, the refrigerator did not get very cold. The house was spacious and in a beautiful spot, however the pool was dirty and the outside decks needed some maintenance. Overall, we didn’t feel it was worth the cost of the stay. We definitely left it cleaner than when we arrived!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Views
We stayed at this home for a few days while visiting family in Umatilla. There were 2 adults, 4 teens, and a 5 year old in our group. There was so much space and plenty of room for everyone. We never felt cramped or on top of each other. The teens loved the downstairs game room. The living room had a nice TV for watching movies. The views from the balcony of the lake were absolutely beautiful. We had everything we needed while we were there. I had a couple of questions about things and they were answered very promptly. We would definitely stay here again in the future. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Randy S.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Very disappointing property
The setting for this house is nice, on a lake with a really nice sunset view. It is also a pretty spacious house. Unfortunately, it was not very clean and it’s run down and in rough shape. The decorating is eccentric and tacky although that is clear from the photos so we expected that. The deck was almost unusable because the deck wood is sort of rotten and the furniture was moldy and nasty and couldn’t be used. It also appears that there must be a septic tank issue because there weee signs in every bathroom instructing that toilet paper should be put in the trash can and not the toilet. There were also outlets without covers which would not be safe for young children.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Valerie J.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
South lake
Our stay started aweful, the place was so disgustingly dirty that in order to sleep there and shower we had to wash and dry everything. Walking without shoes anywhere in the home would have been unhealthy. Floors needed sweep vacuum and mopped. Surfaces were all dirty, dust ,pet hair and sticky grime. Same for small appliances and freezer. Full garbage can with dirty diapers, clothing articles and foods on floors. We 3 cleaned for at least 4 hours and the place was still in need of a deeper clean further under furniture. There was an inadequate response from owners (no local property manager). A small refund was given which would not have been enough to pay a proper cleaning company for the cleaning we had to do to make things healthy and clean enough to stay. VRBO was really not helpful either they told us to consider taking what the owner was offering as a discount because there were no alternative places to stay in the area and the owner could cancel the reservation leaving us with no place to go. The location is great.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Connie S.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Mostly good, but lost money.
The very first day that we arrived we had a huge Instacart order of $360 worth of food. Refrigerator wasn’t making ice and wouldn’t get cold. We communicated with the remtalowners and told them that we would be OK for that day, but we really needed her refrigerator and we went and bought a lot of ice. All of our food had spoiled, even the lettuce rotted. To make a very long story short, we didn’t get a working fridge until Friday of our first week. On that day, we rented a pontoon to do the “Mt. Dora mile.” We had previously left instructions NOT to enter the house without us being there as one of our pups (a Havanese) is an escape artist. We were told that the people were there while we were on the boat and that they would leave with the replacement fridge since weren’t there. We lost money as we had to rush back. When we returned, the replacement fridge was on a truck in the driveway. Men were outside too. We went inside only to find that the men HAD BEEN INSIDE without our permission because the old fridge was in the middle of kitchen. My heart sank at the thought of my baby escaping. When I called the contact, she starts shouting and hung upon me. All in all, we lost approximately $360in groceries and our boat rental was $200. The emotional stress is indescribable. As for the house itself, it was fine. It could use cleaning and wood repairs. Also, needs to be done about the “no toilet paper in the toilet” rule. It’s nasty.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Jennifer M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Fell short of expectations
The property manager was very kind and responsive. The house has a lot of potential but for the price we paid we were disappointed to pay for potential. Two dead cockroaches were seen upon arrival. Two nights later we saw a live one. Significant hair in the main shower drain. Lots of areas of the house had not been touched by cleaners in quite some time. Backyard was completely overgrown when we arrived. That was taken care of the next day. One roll of toilet paper for a total of 4 bathrooms when we arrived. A PM did come out that night to set some out for us. He was very nice too. The pool vacuum never worked and the pool is in need of some TLC but we were still able to enjoy it. The game room downstairs was a big hit with my 14 year old son as well. It seems as though the property is being upgraded as they go but some shoddy workmanship. That didn’t make the stay any different but left a bad taste for what we paid for it. Check out instructions were simple so that was nice since we checked out at 3am for our flight. Mixed review overall but unlikely to return to this property. Also, it is pretty remote so if you stay be prepared to consider that in your plans. We did enjoy the quiet.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kristin P.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Charley N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Vonda S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Joseph S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT W., POOLER

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed the stay in Umatilla
Easy check in . Great neighborhood
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Darlene

Host profile image
My husband and I love nature walks, animals, and watching the sunset rise and fall. When we first saw this home we knew we were in for constant major projects but we also saw the potential this home has. We have an armadillo that lives below the deck. Two owls that live in the area, hawks flying around, beautiful humming birds. All sort of lizards, turkeys, frogs, turtles, and all sort of plant life. So much to explore.
There are a few hiking trails around the area, boat ride about 15 minutes away.
This home is such a peaceful place, where you can just unwind and truly just enjoy the best of Mother Nature.
This home is not a glam home but a place to truly enjoy Mother Nature at it's best. It is constantly undergoing projects.
We are always looking for ideas to give our guest a unique experience, such as hearing the owls and frogs at night. It is not about the glam look just yet but we are working on it, for now its all about the nature and beauty this property provides. We try to keep the animal safe so our guest can enjoy, so please just enjoy what you see at it's natural element.
This home has come a long way to get it where it is and there is always room for improvement.
The vision is there but getting there we will need our guest to support with their ideas.

We love guest who will use the space and have a great idea of what we can do or how to utilize a certain space. We want to dream big and hope to share with our guest especially those who continue to visit. If you decide to be our guest, dream big and let us know what ideas you would add to Rustic Enchanted Forest.
Our dream is to make this home eventually be one of airbnb's most unique. Our ultimate dream is to create a glowing look outside of the property. Our ultimate saying is "Dream Big in life, stand out, don't be afraid to fail, get back up and keep going eventually you will succeed. This is how achievers are born. Come dream big with us.

Why they chose this property

Rustic Enchanted forest has a water front home, for us this was a dream. Wha stood out more was it had a pool. Every bedroom of this home can fit a living room and bedroom set with no problem. It has 2 kitchens, hot tub in the master bedroom. It just needs more upgrades. The pool looks into the lake.
The pool still needs some work, but the potential this home has is there. There are some things we have perfected but there are others that will take us awhile before we get there.
When I first saw this home, I fell in love with the nature of it and saw potential in what we could do to bring out it's natural element.
Mother nature is at it's best here as you sit and hear all these amazing sounds of what you are surrounded by. You will see plenty of reptiles, birds, and plants around the property
I am still learning more and more about this property as I attend every time. This home is not about the glam look, it's really about enjoying the peace, tranquility, and how to fall in love with nature again.
It has a unique look Kids or pets should never be left unattended in pool or lake area. If you love nature, want to just relax, want to be one with nature, do yoga on the deck or loft, looking to unwind, want to go into the Jacuzzi with a drink as you look at the lake, play by the pool area, enjoy yourself by the fire place, or on the deck with a drink. Then you have come to the right place. Enchanted Forest is a great place to gather with family and friends (Max 10 people). This home is close to 2,800 square feet, every room is spacious, so just relax and unwind.

What makes this property unique

This property is a unique property with a lake and pool, it has many unique features. The architecture features are different. This home has so much to offer such a lake view, pool, hot tub relaxing on the deck, and all private. The structure of the home is also unique as well as it has a basement. Almost every window or sliding door has a view of the lake.

If you look closely we have humming birds outside the pool area. The tall bush blocking lake view. Humming birds like perennials, such as columbine, bee balm, catmint, and salvia and shrubs such as butterfly bush and rose of Sharon. Say hi to the humming birds as they gather in the warm weather.
You may see some cool looking reptiles like several species of turtles, turkeys, reptiles (tree frogs, lizards, and etc), the most amazing and beautiful reptiles you will see if you take a moment to look closely.

There is also an armadillo that lives close by and sometimes will come out to ay hi. Please do not touch but enjoy the view.
Once in awhile you will see the turkeys stop by. They tend to make a loud noise as they are getting closer.
And so much more, please send us some pictures as we will be creating an animal guide book.
If you look around you will also see a lot of plant life.
The home itself is also dog friendly, we have also put a gate by the wrap around deck so your dog can explore as well and be close to you.
Keep in mind this home is constantly going through upgrades. The bedrooms are what we focus most on beauty and elegance but we also wanted to keep the theme of Rustic Enchanted Forest for beauty and Rusty. There is no Ying without it's Yang.
We hope you enjoy this home as much as we do.
Rustic Enchanted forest