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Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage

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Property grounds
Smart TV, DVD player, video library, offices
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • 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.

Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage

Relax, Unwind, Rejuvenate. Wakulla River Hidden Cottage is a lovely 2 bedroom/1 bath and nature loverā€™s retreat. The cottage is nestled on a partially wooded lot and is just a 4-minute walk to the gorgeous spring-fed Wakulla River, to the park, boat ramp, and community dock. A large screened porch runs the length of the cottage and a wide kitchen window overlooks the lovely private back yard.

Explore the river in a comfortable Old Town canoe (with seat backs and cup holders). The canoe is available to rent from us for a reasonable rate. Or relax at the house in front of a large screen smart tv and watch movies on a rainy day. Grill out or read a book under an umbrella on the back yard deck or walk the wooded neighborhood. Enjoy the private backyard and the colorful perennial flowers and garden spot.
Start your day with coffee or morning meditation from a private deck that sits just off of the kitchen, high among the trees, and overlooks a wooded walking path that winds through the woods along the side of the cottage.

You will love this sweet cottage and will return home after your visit renewed and refreshed! The cottage is so close to a plethora of parks, places to paddle and hike, the coast and is just 20 minutes from south Tallahassee.




Property manager

SARAH H HUNDLEY

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Hiking/biking trails 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

  • Garden

Similar properties

Exterior detail

Pet friendly Kayak with the manatees

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 16 reviews
Pet friendly Kayak with the manatees
LIST_ALT

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: Please contact Sarah if you must bring a pet

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
MONETIZATION_ON

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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

PRIVATE_VACATION_HOME
Wakulla River Retreat
Wakulla River Hidden Retreat
Wakulla River Hidden Cottage Retreat Crawfordville
Wakulla River Hidden Cottage Retreat Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Crawfordville, FL

What's nearby

  • Wakulla Springs State Park - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 20 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Shell Point Beach - 26 min drive - 20.7 km
  • St. Marks Lighthouse - 35 min drive - 30.1 km

Getting around

  • Tallahassee Station - 31 min drive
  • Tallahassee Intl. Airport (TLH) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖZaxby's - ā€¬18 min drive
  • ā€ŖHungry Howies Pizza - ā€¬18 min drive
  • ā€ŖLindy's Fried Chicken - ā€¬18 min drive
  • ā€ŖBurger King - ā€¬18 min drive
  • ā€ŖTaco Bell - ā€¬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage ?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage located?

Situated on a river, this vacation home is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Wakulla Springs State Park. Wakulla State Forest and San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Place for FSU Graduation
Such a cozy comfortable cottage. It was great to have a quiet place to come "home" to after all the festivities at FSU! Thank you for another great weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wakulla Trip
Our stay at Manatee Cottage was amazing! The cottage was clean, cozy, and comfortable! We LOVED that there was a canoe available for our family to use on the river. The river was a very short walk from the cabin. Everything was even better than the pictures. We hope to be back again! Thank you for a great vacation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful spot to unplug!
Peaceful, quiet neighborhood. House is very comfortable and well stocked. We will be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Yes I would stay here again very nice
I would be happy to stay here again. Very pretty inside, clean, very comfortable, and the owners provided everything we needed, and more.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jordan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect river get away
Location was perfect house was clean and equipped with everything you would need. Kayaks and Canoes were a plus and a great way to see the river. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing weekend
We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend at Wakulla River Retreat- Manatee Cottage. The cottage was so well stocked with everything we needed. We loved the home baked treats when we arrived.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and comfortable
This property is outstanding. We heard Barred Owls in the evening while relaxing on the amazing screened in front porch. The neighborhood is very quiet and is close to great attractions like St Markā€™s NWR/lighthouse, Wakulla Lodge, andSt.Markā€™s/Tallahassee bike trail. The host is very interested in her guestsā€™ experience. Would recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne H., Winter Park FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birding adventures
We stayed at this beautiful property to go birdwatching in Saint Markā€™s national wildlife refuge. Some of the most beautiful birds and so many of them! The home was exceptional! We felt very welcome. super clean. One of the most comfortable beds I have had in a vacation rental ever. We will definitely come again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely loved our time at the cottage! Sarah goes above and beyond. 5 stars, highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Holly K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay!
What a wonderful cottage! The host, Sarah, went above and beyond to welcome us and make us feel comfortable. The cottage is located in a great location close to many hotspots for birding and nature exploring. Upon arrival we were greeted with delicious homemade muffins and fresh eggs that came from the neighborā€™s chickens. The cottage was very clean, comfortable, and cozy. It was fully stocked with all the necessities and much more. A canoe & kayaks were available for our use but unfortunately we ran out of time to use them. We very much enjoyed sitting on the porch at night and listening to the owls. We are looking forward to another stay here in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful relaxing and quiet
Clean, very well supplied. Good communication w host. Really enjoyed screened in deck.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Seclude, very homey and very short walk to Wakulla River
Stayed for 3 nights for a short vacation. Was greeted with homemade muffins, a very clean, comfortable and well stocked home which had everything we needed including fresh eggs for breakfast. We enjoyed the large front porch and loved the dock and swimming area a 4 minute walk from the front door. Saw the neighborhood deer many times to top it off. Would recommend and stay here again ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
This property is well maintained and extremely clean. The owners have been great to work with. I gave it a five star rating because it definitely deserves it!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ed S., Gibsonia PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wakulla Vacation
Property was nicely appointed and well-equipped. Neighborhood was quiet and very walkable. Sarah was a great host and was always responsive to any questions we had. Property was close to amenities and conveniences, such as grocery stores and restaurants. Also close to parks, especially St Marks NWR. Nice to see manatees at the community dock. Hated to leave, can't wait to go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kay G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Warm and pleasant inside on the coldest day of 2022
This immaculate cottage in a quiet wooded neighborhood was a fine place to stay when the freezing weather kept us inside. Plenty of space and everything we needed for cooking, relaxing and reading. Also smart TV for entertainment and very comfortable King bed for great sleep. We returned home rested and refreshed - ready to start the new year.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Streamlined informative check-in
Nice property that has spacious quarters in good weather re: lovely screened in porch. Owner gave excellent directions to the home. Homemade pastries greeted us. Note to VRBO in general and not to this owner in particular: the high cleaning fees PLUS check-out cleaning instructions make VRBO less competitive with hotels.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Crawfordville Hidden Cottage
Our stay at the Hidden Cottage was great. The house was clean, had all we needed (including a compost bucket!!), outdoor and indoor seating for dining, comfortable bed. a fairly well stocked pantry, and a quiet neighborhood. We listened to the bird songs with every breakfast. The one issue we had, Sarah took care of it immediately, and the problem never arose again. The canoe that is available with the cottage is a bonus, as that is really the best way to tour the Wakulla (we did see a manatee!). If you are into fresh, local vegetables, Sarah can hook you up with a gardener, we enjoyed kale, collards and fresh salads during our stay. Many thanks to the great host at this VRBO, we had an enjoyable stay, and will be coming back.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steven S., Brooks, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Secluded and yet perfectly located
I feel robbed; I cannot figure out how to rate this rental greater than 5 stars. The Cottage was immaculate and equipped with everything someone could want in a vacation rental. The hostess was easy to contact and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, even to the extent of providing us great tasting goodies before we arrived and halfway through our stay. The Cottage is located in a quiet waterfront (Wakulla River) community, about 30 mins from Tallahassee, 1.5 hrs from St. George Island, and 5 mins from Wakulla Springs State Park. The fresh seafood in this area is simply the best, the beaches are not crowded and the Wakulla River is loads of fun. We used the available canoe and saw fish, turtles and manatees pass us by. Everything about this rental clearly showed that Sarah has a passion for being a hostess and taking care of others travel needs. My wife and I could not have been more pleased with our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Experience
Let me just say I stay at quite a few VRBO and Sarah by far is the best hostess. The sweet little welcome touches and her prompt responses to any question I had were unlike anyone else. The cottage itself is clean and adorable. My friend and I sat out on the screen porch for hours talking. The kitchen has everything you need to make a meal with. With COVID I felt very comfortable with the cleaniness, I didn't feel it was necessary to wipe anything down like I typically do. The area is quant and perfect for a getaway. We were far enough away to not hear any cars but yet close to eating or a store if we decided to venture out. I can not say enough good things about the cottage or Sarah, it was a well needed girls trip and the cottage with all the little touches is exactly what we needed. We will definitely be booking again. Christy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shawn M., Dade city, fl

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cute, Super comfortable
House: Clean updated, nicely appointed (Ate in evenings,everything you need) and tastefully decorated, Very comfortable space w/nice furnishing. Front porch and space in yard bonus ( We watched the hummingbirds, fawn, Doe and Hawks w coffee in back yard, Ate dinner on front porch) .Comfortable beds and some extra starter things that I really appreciate(eggs, coffee, ect. Cupcakes and note were adorable and yummy)..My daughter appreciated everything being labeled. I liked everything but the comfort (Even the porch furniture is comfortable)of this little place and the little extras for me make it a stand out. Neighborhood: Quiet area,Maintained shale Rd, Dock on the river w benches nice evening sitting place for sunset, (2 min walk) mix of big and small houses we saw just one place had a messy yard but otherwise very tidy nice neighborhood w friendly people. Was just my daughter and I and we felt completely comfortable taking a walk around neighborhood and river after dinner@dusk/dark people out walking dogs, kids on bikes, ect...Btw go out @ night..with no light pollution stars, wow! Cell/ wifi: Wifi great at house ,good @Park springs, Cell mostly good w dead spots, get your maps set at the house River: I have not been to the North Fla. spring fed rivers since childhood (From central Fla.) Wakulla is the healthiest I have seen in many years...Pics of it look dark because is still has a grass bottom, (I thought is was tanic) but the water is clear as a bell. We rented kayaks (very reasonable) from Sarah and paddled all over the river(easy paddle up river/ current not strong because it's wide) chatted w people on their docs( people really are friendly around there). Went to springs to swim(7 min drive can't get there via river it's blocked because it's a habitat refuge) Nice park, good amenities, Good walking trails , Restaurant (Have dry clothes can't go in wet). Hostess: She gets honerable mention. I try to keep my like or dislike of a host out of reviews as I want to know about the space/area/amenities. Can't help it..She is truly invested in your stay and experience and you feel welcomed and attended to. We loved the cottage and it's warmth... for me the health of the river was delightful( Grass bottom, Lilly's, Cedar, Hyacthin, Manatee, fish , turtles, swamp puppy, prey,land and water bird) beautiful!!! Healthy, Nautral Fla spring fed river still!!! We will make this cottage a regular visit. Thanks Sarah and family for sharing this spaceā¤ļø
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

JT D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely hideaway
House was immaculate and well appointed. We were greeted with some yummy breakfast pastries on the counter. Cute hideaway a few minutes walk from the river. It was nice base camp for our tour of the Big Bend area. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

JoAnne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fall Tally visit w our daughter
We had an incredible stay at the cottage. It was so peaceful! I could sit on the porch all day. Sarah was an amazing host! Communication was excellent!!!! Canā€™t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jordan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation destination
House and neighborhood were great. Enjoyed hanging out on the river. Perfect screen porch to watch the rain storms.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gordie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Clean cottage in the woods of North Florida located in a small subdivision. Saw several deer roaming through the neighborhood. Property has dock/access to the Wakulla river. Place is bigger than perceived, master bedroom is spacious even with a king size bed. Front screened in porch is really nice and bigger than the pictures show. Fire pit would be nice to have, but I can understand why they may not have one due to the proximity in the woods. For coffee drinkers there is currently a standard drip coffee maker (with filters, cream and sugar). Only thing missing was an ice cream scoop :) Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

michael s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
beautiful house
best stay in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022