The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland.

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Parking available
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Lake Helen, FL

Colby Alderman Park
‪4 min drive‬
Stetson University
‪10 min drive‬
Blue Spring State Park
‪14 min drive‬
Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

About this property

Nestled in a beautiful paved and gardened backyard space. My 640 sq/ft private cottage is behind my home in the small quiet town of Lake Helen, only a mile off of I-4.
The cottage is filled with all the amenities that will make you feel at home.
The cottage has one queen bed and the sofa bed is perfect for children. Also a pack and play for little ones.
The cottage is perfect for two but will suit 4.
The cottage is located in my back yard behind my home, surrounded by a 7' vinyl privacy fence.
There is a large screened-in porch on the front of the cottage, with an overhead fan.
Guests have access to the entire back yard, gardens, and water feature.

Property manager

Jennell henderson

Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Parking available

Barbecue grill

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Similar properties

Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

About the area

Lake Helen

Lake Helen is home to this cottage. Victoria Hills Golf Club and Mandy Stoll Tennis Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Chipper Jones Little League Complex and Gillespie Museum. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Spec Martin Municipal Stadium, or consider a night out at Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center.

Lake Helen, FL

What's nearby

Colby Alderman Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
Halifax Health - UF Health - Medical Center of Deltona - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
Stetson University - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
Stetson Mansion - 12 min drive - 12.1 km
Blue Spring State Park - 14 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

DeLand Station - 15 min drive
Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

‪Chick-fil-A - ‬7 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬7 min drive
‪Burger King - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland. located?

Situated in Lake Helen, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Colby Alderman Park, AdventHealth DeLand Victoria Medical Park and Ed Stone Park. Victoria Hills Golf Club is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

9.8

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Shannon E.

8 April 2025

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

Would recommend

Clean and cozy

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

17 March 2025

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

Quick trip to see the manatees

This cozy cottage was the perfect place to stay for our trip to Blue Springs State Park! We got to see lots of manatees, a few alligators and many birds there. Jennell was great to work with. The place is so comfortable and welcoming. We highly recommend it.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beckie T.

26 February 2025

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

The hidden gem is truly a hidden GEM

Everything was fantastic.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

teresa u.

9 March 2025

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

Great experience

Looove it. Want to come back!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam S.

29 January 2025

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

Wonderfully Cozy, Excellent Host

This isn't our first time staying and won't be our last! The location is great, has everything we need for a short stay (or longer) and the host is wonderful, quick to respond, and super helpful.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley P.

26 December 2024

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

Truly a beautiful place

Our stay with the kiddos was amazing. During our time there, there was a Christmas parade wife and kids loved it.definitely a place to stay which is beautiful and peaceful and the host was amazing!!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie M.

5 April 2025

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

Home away from home

Traveling alone I was a little skeptical in picking an area I had never been in. For me there was comfort in knowing Jenelle lived in front of the cottage. It was very quiet and I didn’t feel unsafe there. It was well stocked and wasn’t lacking in anything. I would definately rent again.

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

14 February 2025

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

A little getaway

Cottage was exactly as shown and owner was great to work with. The neighborhood was quiet and safe - even walked down to the lake one afternoon. We loved sitting in the 3 season room in the mornings drinking our coffee and even a quick catnap in a few afternoons. Will definitely stay again when going to the area.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley P.

17 November 2024

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

Just perfect!!

Just amazing an very peaceful a the host was amazing too. Definitely going to stay there again

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Jennifer Y.

9 February 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

HiddenGem Review

A small cottage in Lake Helen which is behind the main house. Very clean, with all the necessities. Thought it was a good value for the rental price.

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

29 February 2024

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

Excellent place to stay

Was surprised with how nice this property was for the stay, would recommend and would stay again.

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

14 May 2024

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

Peaceful Getaway

Loved the quiet serenity of this charming cottage

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

11 April 2024

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

Nice Stay!

We totally enjoyed our stay in the hidden gem. Quiet, relaxing and clean, with everything you need at your disposal. Would highly recommend this place. 👍 💕

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Deborah P.

28 July 2024

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

Hidden Gem

Restful and adequate for two.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven P.

4 October 2024

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

2 Week stay

Everything was great. Fan on AC could be quieter.

Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

22 October 2023

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

Lovely Weekend Stay

The Hidden Gem Cottage was perfect for my weekend stay while attending Stetson Homecoming events in Deland. The size and setup of the cottage worked perfectly for just me but would also be comfortable for a couple or small family.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph S.

12 May 2024

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

Cute Cottage

I enjoyed the peaceful vibe that the gardening area had. I enjoyed sitting outside at night on the patio. I felt safe the whole time. It was very accommodating.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Dale S.

29 February 2024

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

very relaxing

Quaint

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Summer G.

12 January 2025

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

Cozy quiet cabin

Refreshing change from the typical hotel. I stayed with my daughter while she played at a soccer showcase and it was nice to be able to have a quiet place to rest and for her to do homework. I was glad we packed meals because restaurants are extremely limited in the area. The cottage had everything we needed. I didn't realize at booking that it is located in the homeowner's backyard. When I pulled up, I was a little hesitant that it might be awkward staying so close to someone's primary residence but it wasn't an issue at all. My daughter enjoyed being able to do her homework outside on the covered patio. I appreciated being able to support a resourceful single mom. Thank you for a comfortable quaint stay.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne S.

29 February 2024

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

Well equipped and comfortable property

The property is very well equipped and very clean. The host was very welcoming and helpful. Would return without hesitation.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

18 March 2024

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

Felt super safe, extremely clean, and comfortable as well as welcoming

I arrived to my VRBO at 10 pm. Felt very safe being by myself. A spot for guest parking. Quiet and cozy screened patio. The cottage itself is crazy clean, cutely decorated, comfortable. Plenty of clean towels shampoo, conditioner, and soap. A stocked kureg in the kitchen ready to brew your morning coffee. A very quiet comfortable space. Will probably stay again if coming to Deland.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric R.

28 November 2023

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

The Hidden Gem is just as advertised

Jannell andbthe Hidden Gem at Lake Helen were both amazing. First off Lake Helen is About ad beautiful as it gets. The cottage was cute and she makes it feel like home with all the extra blankets and towells and dishes and anything and everything you need. We stayed a weekend and on Saturday we went to see the Manitees at Blue Springs down the road what an awesome experience. On Sunday we ran into a little market in the park at Lake Helen and there was so many nice people selling cool things. It was the perfect retreat. I will definatly refer family and friends to Jannell at the Hidden Gem. Thank you so much.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jennell henderson

I am from Cape Cod Mass but moved here when I was 12. So I have been here longer and consider myself a Floridian.

Why they chose this property

I absolutely love lake Helen its small town atmosphere reminds me of the cape. The little events we have make it feel homey here.

What makes this property unique

My Little Gem is hidden from the main road spacious with beautiful gardens. I have tried to make my yard like my favorite story growing up the secret garden. It’s a lot for one person but it’s what I love to do.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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The Hidden Gem in historic Lake Helen. Next to Cassadaga & downtown Deland.

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

Living Room 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property