Entire home

Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida

Photo gallery for Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida

Exterior
Sun loungers, beach towels
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8200 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

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

Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida

Discover the Suwannee River Rest Lodge

Come experience the serenity of North Florida at the Suwannee River Rest, a spacious two-story, three-bedroom, three-bath lodge located on the banks of the historic Suwannee River near Branford, Florida. Perfect for a peaceful weekend or a relaxing week-long vacation, this lodge offers a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and nature.

Luxury Meets Nature
Nestled in the historic Hatch Bend area of Lafayette County, this well-appointed lodge is designed to be your home away from home. The upstairs features:

One bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, while the other has a bathroom conveniently located just across the hall.
A spacious living area with a cozy gas fireplace
A fully modernized kitchen for effortless meal preparation

The downstairs boasts:

A private king-size bedroom with a full bath
A comfortable living area and kitchenette
An enclosed elevator for convenient access to the second level for all your gear

Relax and Reconnect

Enjoy serene views from the screened-in porch upstairs or soak up the outdoors on the open-air patio below. A sidewalk leads to a riverside deck with a secure ramp, providing access to a 24-foot aluminum floating dock—perfect for launching boats, canoes, or kayaks. Additional conveniences include a two-car under-house parking area.

Adventure Awaits on the Suwannee River!
Bring your kayaks, canoes, boats, fishing gear, or snorkeling equipment and explore the Suwannee River’s beauty. Located near iconic waterways like the Santa Fe River, Ichetucknee Springs, Little River Springs, and Troy Springs, this area is a haven for water enthusiasts. For land-based explorers, there are exceptional hiking and cycling trails nearby, and Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, and Horseshoe Beach are just over an hour away on the Gulf of Mexico.

Guided River Experiences with Capt Cas

Owner Steven O. Cascaddan (Captain Cas), a Coast Guard Certified Captain, offers guided adventures, including:

Suwannee River sightseeing tours
Spring exploration trips
Fishing charters (fresh and saltwater)
Bay scalloping (seasonal in Steinhatchee)

The Captain's vessel is a 20’ Hurricane Fun Boat (up to 6 passengers) and a 17.5’ PT Tracker fishing vessel (up to 2 passengers), both fully insured and Coast Guard certified.

For an unforgettable river tour experience, contact Captain Cas directly at 407-468-1019.

Come Explore the Last Wild Florida Frontier!

This unique retreat on the Suwannee River is located just:

30 miles south of Live Oak
30 miles southwest of Lake City
30 miles west of High Springs
55 miles northwest of Gainesville
8 miles from Branford

Plan your next getaway to the Suwannee River Rest Lodge and create memories in Florida’s Last Wild Frontier.

Book your adventure today before it’s too late!

Property manager

Steve Cascaddan (Captain Cas)

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking (max 2 spaces)
  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee grinder
  • Ice maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Outdoor shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Arcade/game room
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Outside patio area only.

Services and conveniences

  • Safe
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Water sports equipment
  • Boat on site
  • Bicycle on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Unit size: 2150 sq ft (200 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: No more than 2 Dogs under 40lbs. / Cleaning $Appl.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: All children under parental guidance.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Ask Owner as exceptions can be made.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

Property is also known as

The Suwannee River Rest Branford
The Suwannee River Rest Private vacation home
The Suwannee River Rest Private vacation home Branford

About the neighborhood

Map
Branford, FL

What's nearby

  • Suwannee River - 1 min walk
  • Stuarts Landing Conservation Area - 1 min walk
  • Ichetucknee River - 29 min drive
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park - 29 min drive
  • Ginnie Spring - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪China House 88 - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Our Place Pizzeria & Ristorante - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Sisters Cafe - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida located?

This family-friendly Branford vacation home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Suwannee River and Stuarts Landing Conservation Area. J.T. Earl Park and Ivey Memorial Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jesse F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Guys’ Weekend
Beautiful, clean house with a fantastic view of the river
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River Trip
Great fun on the river
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

George S., Jacksonville, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and property
Renting was easy
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place with beautiful scenery and amenities
Everything went very smoothly and the property was very clean and well stocked.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

michelle s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spring Break
The house is super cute and very accommodating. We loved being on the water and close to several springs and outdoor adventures.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just what we needed.
It was perfect for us. Peaceful and beautiful to be on the river. Next time we'll take a boat ride. I'm trying to get the girls to go to the springs next time. Thanks again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

karrie d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River Rest
Love the house and great time kayaking
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Len D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Suwannee River House
Wonderful house and location. Stay couldn’t have been better
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and Relaxing
One Of the Best Vacations Ever! The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the House. The house was well stocked and clean! The Owner was Great and so accommodating! Very Peaceful Place and just steps away from the River. Our Family and Friends Loved It!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place! Beautiful views and vibe. 10/10 would recommend.
It was the perfect getaway for my and my family. It was clean and had everything we needed to have the best experience. Super quiet and beautiful. 10/10 would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ashley T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome Place
We enjoyed the house as it rained the whole time we was on-site. It was nice to have a great house to enjoy while we couldn’t enjoy the river. Will definitely be back for another stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ron M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Suwannee River Rest
Beautiful home fully stocked with everything you could ever need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valerie M., Tallahassee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden gem
This property has everything a family could possibly need. Remotely located paradise on the river. Always marked on my calendar every summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, tranquil, & peaceful!
This property was perfect in every way! The home it’s self was absolutely beautiful, fully stocked with anything, and everything that you could ever need, located right on the Suwanee River, & the property manager was responsive, kind, and helpful! We look forward to staying at the Suwanee river rest again in the future!!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura L., Lake City, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxation and Rest
We had a relaxing time at Suwannee River Rest. The property is so quiet and peaceful. We had everything we needed and more- Comfy beds, cozy furnishings, peaceful river. Perfect place to relax and recharge.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful getaway
Thank you Captain for such a great place to stay. We really enjoyed the river. Your parents were super. Your home is beautiful and had everything we needed. 5 stars.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

David G., Oldsmar

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Riverview
The cabin was great, the weather wasn't. Unfortunately we had rain the whole time we were there si we didn't really get to enjoy the area, but the house was great. Beds were comfy and the view of the river was fantastic. We'll return maybe in the spring or fall.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Micaela A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing, beautiful, comfortable and peaceful
Excellent property, very clean and safety place. Relaxing and beautiful view of the river. Bob (Cap Cas father) was number 1 host! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jayme T., Fruitland Park

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Week spring break
What a great place!!! Stocked with anything that you need. Very helpful!! Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your place!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elaine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and quiet
We were amazed at how quiet it was. Also shocked at how well both places were stocked. From kitchen ware, gadgets, games, spices, towels, blankets. The list goes on. Everything needed in case you forgot something. House was extremely clean and super comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill H., Winter Springs, Fl. USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing on the beautiful Suwannee
Beautiful property! Just be ready to climb stairs and also a bit of a steep ramp down to the dock. A little slippery when wet! This is a beautiful home and has everything you need to feel at home and is very warm and comfortable feeling. The kitchen is amazing and the tv and wifi seem to work well. My grandson and I truly enjoyed it and wish we could've stayed longer. Best, Bill Harrison
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tammy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Loved the house. Plenty of room, comfy beds and very clean. My daughter and family stayed downstairs. It was a little warmer than they liked but found a fan that helped a lot. River was up but all good. It has a floating deck that was large enough for the pontoon boat. We enjoyed just riding the river n site seeing. Everything was great. Only recommendation I would have is to leave one cabinet empty for groceries. It’s just my personal preference. I’m a little OCD and this house was perfect for me. ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just Lovely
There were six of us (three couples; one with an infant). We all had plenty of space, as much or little activity as we wanted and beautiful surroundings. This place is so well-maintained and your every need has been anticipated. There was plenty of everything - from towels to spices. The cookware was just as good as my cookware at home, which is not the case for many VRBO's! We all had a wonderful time. Captain Cas took us all on an affordable and perfect boat ride up the Suwannee. We were able to get out and snorkel a little. He was extremely accommodating to us with the baby aboard yet was cautious and careful. This was totally worth the price! We hope to stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!! 5 Stars Plus!
Beautiful, spotless house perfect for our 3 couples trip. The early risers were able to stay downstairs & make coffee without waking the rest of the house. The kitchen had plenty of room for multiple cooks and was stocked with everything we could have wanted and then some. Bob & BJ next door were extremely helpful with restaurant and boating and fishing information. Captain Cas was very quick to get back to me with my multiple questions. If you bring your boat, be sure to go to Ichetucknee River. Crystal clear water, one of the prettiest places I've ever seen in Florida. When we weren't out boating we spent our time on the screen porch or on the deck overlooking the river. Fantastic place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy G., Charleston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing House with Tons of Amenities
This house is perfect for a quiet getaway. We were not there for vacation but rather a family member's funeral, but we wanted more space than a hotel would provide, as we also brought our dogs. This was just what we wanted! My mother, who is an expert traveler, kept commenting on how well-supplied this house was, as it had everything you could possibly need. Beyond games, kitchen supplies, and pantry items, there were even batteries so when a smoke detector began chirping, we were able to replace it ourselves without disturbing the owner's parents, who live next door. Even under the circumstances of our travel, we were still able to enjoy the backyard, do a little fishing, play cornhole, and grill out for dinner by the water. We will definitely return for a longer visit!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021