Entire house boat·Private host

Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced

Riverside houseboat with coffee shop/cafe and restaurant

Photo gallery for Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Marina
Exterior
Smart TV
Floating Cottage, afloat on the river, is a haven for relaxation and exploration. Enjoy warm breezes on the front porch while watching turtles swim to beg for treats or refresh in the peaceful comfort of this fully equipped home.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 451 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced

Poised to delight, Floating Cottage provides a magical space to relax, replenish and explore. The sweet yellow cottage defines social distancing, afloat on the river. It is thoroughly cleaned and refreshed between guests, including being sanitized and disinfected.

Relax on the front porch, enjoy the warm breeze while watching turtles swim to the porch to beg for a treat. Refresh in the peaceful comfort of the fully equipped small home.

The cathedral ceilinged living room is bathed in natural light, has hardwood floors, and embraces the outside. Its French doors expand the living area to include the protected front porch. A full size sofa bed, electric potbelly stove, TV and versatile work/dining table grace the homey Floating Cottage.

No ordinary boat galley, the fully equipped kitchen meets the needs of the casual to the gourmet chef with an electric stove, full size side by side refrigerator with door ice dispenser, dishwasher, granite counter tops and tile back splashes. Microwave, toaster, utensils and dinnerware are included.

Walk up the stairs to the carpeted loft bedroom with queen size bed, walk-in closet and be surprised by the stained glass window. The loft is air-conditioned. Open the shades and screened windows to enjoy the gentle river breeze.

The cleverly outfitted bath has a full size shower, flush comfort toilet and stocked closet for linens and toiletries, plus a view-catching window.

The cottage is approached from the dock through the back porch.

The French doors to the front porch open the cottage to a full view of the marina surrounded by local forests. With four comfortable chairs, guests of the cottage may choose to sit for hours simply enjoying the quiet peace of the marina. Watch boaters come and go from trips up the lazy St. Johns River or to Lake Monroe to visit Sanford. Turtles swim to the cottage to greet the guests An occasional manatee can be seen from the porch. Herons and egrets are common sights as guests share the lovely outdoors with feathered friends.

Floating Cottage is designed with comfort and efficiency built into the 550 square feet of living space. The movement of the water beneath the hull is barely perceptible while relaxing those who experience a stay in the cottage.

Floating Cottage is berthed in the rural Boat Tree Marina, just north of Lake Monroe on the scenic St. Johns River, a river of abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. The marina offers a casual deli and restaurant, bait shop, laundry and pool. The restaurant, Cabana Live, offers a significant discount to cottage guests. There is a pool-side bar associated with the restaurant. Cottage guests may use the pool from morning until the restaurant closes! Stroll to the deli for breakfast and lunch served by the friendly staff. Yes, beer is available for thirsty patrons. Guests of Floating Cottage enjoy a 15% discount on boat rentals for half and full days. The friendly staff at the office will assist with boat reservations as well as with local information on fishing.

Don't miss visiting quaint Old-town Sanford, home to cobblestone streets and brick-lined store fronts, restored nineteenth-century Victorian homes, lovely towering oaks draped with Spanish moss, numerous art galleries, unique shops, pubs and great restaurants. Catch the open market with crafts and produce at the square.

Follow Sanford365.com to explore local events and discover what is happening in the Sanford area.

The Riverwalk on Lake Monroe, over a mile long, has shady places aplenty to watch lake activity or beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

This magical cottage will delight!

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Premium bedding
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Dock
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible parking space
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a train station
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the airport
  • Near the boardwalk/promenade
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayaking
  • Motor boating
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Built in 2014
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 550 square feet
  • Water dispenser
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email with check-in information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Host will email simple check-out hints the day before guest departure.
Please leave overhead fan in living room on at high speed.
Please leave AC on "cool" setting at 70 degrees.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Floating Cottage is a smoke free environment.
Minimum two day stay required.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available
Note from host: Please contact owner to discuss toddler safety

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cleaning fee: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Gently On The River
Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Sanford
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat Sanford

About the area

Map
Sanford, FL

What's nearby

  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Lake Monroe - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
  • HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Historic Downtown Sanford - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • St. Johns Rivership - 9 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • DeBary Station - 6 min drive
  • Sanford Station - 8 min drive
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced located?

Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 2 miles (3 km) of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Black Bear Wilderness Area and Lake Monroe. Lake Monroe Park is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

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Reviews

Floating Cottage Summer and Fall Rates Reduced Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

10

Staff & service

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 151 out of 160 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 160 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 160 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 160 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 160 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Barbara F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is amazing! Kim was super responsive and informative. We had no issues checking in. There wasn't a thing that we needed that we didnt have. Watching the turtles and all of the sea life was a highlight. The floating cottage is a MUST! We'll definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori C.

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

Most serene setting!!

Beautifully maintained and well-prepared property! The host is SUPER, ready at all times to answer questions and assist in any way! We are already planning our next visit!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

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

Quick weekend get away

Such a lovely boat home. I live in the area, but was looking for a stay vacation and it the jackpot. I would happily stay again for longer. If you are thinking about staying here, you will not be disappointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Beth K., Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

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

Weeekend getatway

Just such a lovely lil gem that provided such a much needed getaway. Love that we could dock our wave runner right beside us too! Have to say, we already miss feeding the turtles but we will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had the most amazing stay! It was everything we expected and more. Kim was awesome and made communicating a breeze! If you haven't had the chance to stay there you should book a visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

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

Amazing and unforgettable experience!

The cottage was perfect and exactly as described. Kim has thought of everything to make the experience super smooth and stress free. This was our best vacation ever and we hope to return again! Definitely recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charles R., Dunedin Florida

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

Kim, the owner, was always available for any question we had. She made this stay AMAZING!

Kim was so nice she gave us an early check in, which BTW was so easy, then she offered us a late check out, also easy, because we lost an hour for the time change which was not even her issue, but she stepped up and made us very happy. We loved this place so much, we already re-booked. Thanks for an amazing time...We cant wait to go again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine D., Coral Springs

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

Unique experience

The house is as pictured and was very clean and comfortable. Kim was very helpful as well. It was a unique experience for me.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Annette C., Quispamsis New Brunswick Canada

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

Amazing cottage

The cottage is so amazing. We could not think of anything more they could have provided. It was spotless and incredibly comfortable. Kim was helpful, responsive and professional from start to finish. Thank you so much. We loved this place and plan to return.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Sherry L.

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

Relax while afloat!

This was our second stay at this quaint property. From the time we decided to stay again thru our check out Kim was terrific. She stayed in contact with us thru the entire process. This is one of the most relaxing vacations we have every taken, and the second time around lived up to our expectations from the first experience. We cannot wait to book again for another week afloat! Thanks Kim for being such a wonderful host!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teresa R.

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

Floating Cottage

Excellent stay at the floating cottage. Kim definitely makes you feel comfortable and provides everything you need to enjoy this floating home away from home. You wake up and sip coffee looking out on the water in the marina and feed the turtles. Life can’t get any better. Thank you!!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Sherry H.

A different experience

We enjoyed watching marina activity, the birds, the gators, and other wildlife. Be aware that if steep steps are a problem, you'll want to skip the floating cottage. The cottage is very well equipped. If you're into beer, you'll love Sanford as we lost count of the number of microbreweries. The marina was very well kept...clean, quiet at night and we felt very comfortable and safe.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie O.

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

Everything and More!

Highly recommend this property. It was super clean and the cutest tiny house. It was stocked with everything you could possibly need. Our host Kim was so easy to work with and answered all questions. The instructions she provided were very helpful. All the folks at the marina were extremely nice. Connie’s deli just behind the house was a treat. The food was great and Connie and her staff were a delight. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch during out stay. Certainly will recommend this property to friends and we will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debra D.

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

Idyllic Stay

Even before our arrival we felt welcomed by Kim, the Premier Host. Settling in was as easy as walking into our own home. The cottage was clean and well supplied, leaving only the unpacking to be done. The surroundings, a winning combination of water and land, great deli food, and helpful on-site staff enhanced the experience. Also, the cottage’s location made it easy to enjoy Sanford and other nearby towns, as well as the regional parks and beaches. Our time went by too fast. However, we are already looking forward to our return on 2024!
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chloe W.

Unique Place to Stay!

We absolutely loved this little cabin. My kids had the best time feeding the fish and turtles from the porch. The location is great and there are many things to do located within an hour drive. The cottage includes everything you could possibly need for your stay. Plenty of towels, toiletries, etc. Kitchen was fully stocked- cooked dinner two nights. Bed and sofa bed were comfortable. Cottage is much more spacious than I was anticipating! Great communication from owner. We would stay here again and would probably plan to bring our boat.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Edie B.

Serene Floating

This was a wonderful way to spend a quiet, peaceful week. The cottage is amazing! It was fully equipped with everything needed for the stay, especially the kitchen. Have not had a rental so well done with attention to detail. Weather was beautiful. Great to wake up and drink coffee on the porch, watching the river ebb and flow, gently swaying the cottage. Saw a crocodile and manatees. Of course, the turtles welcomed us and their feeding was fun (Hint - feed multiple pieces at a time otherwise the fish eat the kibble!) Definitely a place to return to!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Debbie R., Auburn, New York

Floating relaxation!!

My husband and I arrived at the cottage and were immediately greeted by Julian, the cottage elder. He was so nice and made sure we were ok. From the second we entered the cottage, we were so awed! Everything was perfect. So comfy and cozy! The bed was so comfortable. The kitchen has everything you would need We were also immediately greeted by the friendly turtles off the front porch. The cottage has cat kibbles to feed them...we also discovered that they love Honey Nut Cheerios! Kim was a pleasure to deal with. Checking in on us and sending us all the info and more that we needed to know. The Deli behind the cottage is also very convenient and good for breakfast and lunch. Connie, who owns it is a hoot! On our last day we were treated with a manatee a bit off the front porch!! Loved our stay! Thank you Kim!

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis R.

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

A Home Away From Home

My husband and I resided in Topeka Kansas for 30 years before moving to Florida in 2012. When not working we spent our time camping, boating, and fishing. So the Boathouse / Cottage to us was like being home away from home. It is certainly a five star get away for relaxing and fun. It was highly clean and well taken care of. Kim responded to our questions via texting immediately. The local residents and marina employees were very friendly. The Marina for renting a boat and fishing needs along with Connie's Deli for breakfast and lunch accommodations on site were awesome. To be honest the food wasn't bad. We caught over a 100 crappies off the dock of the cottage. So if you love the water, boating, and fishing you can't go wrong if you phone Kim to make the little boathouse your home for your short get away or vacation.. Can't tell you about the town of Sandford because we spent all of our time fishing off the dock of the cottage and we did cruise the St. John River. Arrived on 11-24-2021, and returned home on 12-1-2021 as Happy Campers. We enjoyed ourselves so much we are going to make this an annual trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

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

Memorial Day stay

Floating Cottage was prefect for our long weekend stay. Cottage was so cute, clean and very well equipped with everything we needed. It was a beautiful spot to sit in the evening and watch to different wild life swim by. The host was super friendly and checking in and out was a breeze. I would definitely recommend and will go back again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

mary ann k.

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

Floating Cottage

Beautiful floating cottage with everything you need provided. The host, Kim, went well above the call of duty. Very informative and answered any questions I had immediately! Connie’s deli behind cottage had great food and super nice servers. But the most amazing part of this vaca was the turtles that greeted us from day 1 and being able to feed them. Also, we were fortunate to see manatees every day we were there!! I highly recommend staying at the Floating Cottage. You will not regret staying here. Thanks again Kim for the hospitality
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy P.

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

Beautiful cottage and scenery

Very clean and i loved the porch.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra D.

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

Idyllic Retreat

We continue to return year after year because of how much we enjoy everything about this cottage. The setting, the creature comforts and the excellent attention from our host and her associates assures that we will be shortly planning our next stay.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca V.

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

Excellent

The cottage was very clean (except the outdoor grill) and had everything we needed. Kitchen was well stocked with cookware, dishes, utensils, spices and food storage. The location was not ideal, but not terribly bad. We had to drive everywhere but the well equipped cottage made up for it.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

The wee floating cottage

We were delighted to find the Floating Cottage just as we thought it should look/offer, based on the information on the website. The host was extraordinarily organized and helpful in preparing for our visit...as well as checking out. We found this cottage to be relaxing, charming, cozy and cheerful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

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

Fabulous Getaway

Our stay at the floating cottage was perfect! It is a beautiful and quiet location! We enjoyed the turtles and were extremely pleased with Connie's Deli! Such wonderful people! We hope to book with Kim again at this cute-as-a-bug cottage!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025