Entire home

Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Photo gallery for Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Aerial view
Game room
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

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

About this property

Entire place

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

Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Welcome to Rock's Retreat. Located an hour North of Tampa and just minutes from the famous Weeki Wachee mermaids, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, handicap-friendly, waterfront home with elevator has just about everything you need to stay amused! Play arcade games in our downstairs game room or challenge your family to a friendly game of cornhole, darts, pool or ladder ball. Nature lover? You've come to the right place! It's very common to see manatee, dolphin & a variety of seabirds while you're enjoying yourself on our backyard beach or toasting marshmallows in our fire pit. Or maybe you're just chilling on one of our two balconies having coffee in the morning or playing a board game in the evening. There's so much to do! Bring your boat and go around the corner to the local store to launch and head to the Gulf or stay at the house and use our kayaks and pedal boat to explore the local waterways. Close to shopping & dining, while perfectly hidden! We're pet friendly too! So, bring your well-behaved fur-babies and come stay for a couple days, or a week, or even a month! We know you're gonna LOVE IT here!!

Property manager

Sandi

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Paper towels
  • Ice maker
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Arcade/game room
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

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

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 only
2 total pets
Note from host: We welcome well-behaved dogs, large or small

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: No amenities for very young children

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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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

About the neighborhood

Map
Hudson, FL

What's nearby

  • Show Palace Dinner Theater - 6 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Nature Coast Botanical Gardens - 9 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Hudson Beach - 11 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 14 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Weeki Wachee River - 26 min drive - 20.7 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cracker Barrel - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Frank's Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Show Palace Dinner Theater, Colorama Music, and Cow Creek. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jerry s.

Liked: Cleanliness
relax time
Just relaxed a little and did a inshore charter also ate out and just take in the scenery
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J., Oakland City, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home
House was very clean and welcoming! Host was very nice! The welcome basket was a hit with the kids after 14 hrs in the car. Everything was perfect. The kids loved the gar room, paddle boat and I even squeezed in a trip on the kayaks at sunset(highly recommended!) Only bad thing was having to head back home!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay!
We had an amazing time here! Made for a great weekend of being on the water, playing games and sitting around the fire with the family would definitely recommend this stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Place Ever
What a beautiful place!!! Great views really spacious and super clean!!! We actually can’t wait to be here again!!! Thank you sooooo much Sandi!!! 💜
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marty P., SHELBY TOWNSHIP

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway!
Plenty of things to do. Great location on the water but away from the touristy areas. House is very clean and well maintained. Owner is very responsive and respectful. Owner thought of everything. Felt right at home!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A nice getaway spot on the salt water...
We loved it .Clean .. Relaxing definitely will be back ...House had everything we needed plus more ...
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing, wonderful, relaxing, Perfect!
We enjoyed every minute, from watching the sun rise from the back porch to kayaking with manatees, watching a dolphin and turtle swim by, enjoying the fabulous game room, grilling on the charcoal grill, paddle boating, and relaxing in the clean spacious home. On our last night, we took a sunset dinner cruise on the Island Rose just above 10 minutes away in Hernando Beach. Highly recommend this awesome place. Excellent communication with host and the home was very well stocked. Just get groceries, unpack, settle in and enjoy!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
The games on the first floor entertained us while it rained for 2 days. Caught some fish off the dock when the rain stopped. Very spacious, clean and well kept house!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

L C., Wolcott, CT

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend on the River
Rock's Retreat is such an awesome place! It was more than enough space for our party of 4 adults and one small dog. The entire home was very clean and easy to access, and Sandi provided some great personal touches like a welcome basket with snacks. The game room on the ground level was such a great hang-out space, and we all loved the expansive deck including our 16yo dog. It was by far his favorite spot to hang out. And if all that isn't enough, there are also kayaks, a paddleboat, grill and firepit on the premises. We could have easily spent the entire weekend at Rock's and had plenty to do! Thank you, Sandi, for a wonderful stay. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property! Super clean house. Loved the gorgeous balcony & the game room. We’d gladly stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara C., Summerfield, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness
Feels Like Home
Rock's Retreat in Aripeka just feels like home. The home has a relaxing, unpretentious, let's stay home vibe that can't be beat. It was exactly what we were hoping for and what we needed. It has beautiful water views from just about every window! There is plenty of room to spread out and the home is very clean. Our two dogs had a time as lovely as ours. The elevator allowed both of them to avoid the stairs. This was a huge plus as they are both seniors. It was chilly and rainy during our Thanksgiving stay and we did not mind one bit. Relaxing out in the balcony, watching dolphins in the canal, playing games in the enclosed garage, fishing off the dock, enjoying a fire, and watching movies made for the getaway we wanted. The Stone Crab Company is within walking distance and has fresh seafood and a smoked kingfish dip that is heavenly. Ceparanos Pizza is just over 5 miles away and is really good! The little post office is a nice history stop (also within walking distance).
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kari S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Get Away!
WOW! This place is PERFECT!! The house was extremely clean and well maintained. The game room downstairs was so much fun, arcade games, darts, pool table and more. The elevator was awesome for bringing all your belongings upstairs (wish we had one at our second floor condo LOL). Our favorite part was sitting on the balcony and listening to the birds and watching the water. We even saw a dolphin swimming in the canal! Sandi was VERY quick at responding to any correspondence and requests. She is very sweet and accommodating! I would highly recommend staying at Rock's Retreat, I know we will be back again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Slice of Heaven
Unforgettable Waterfront Getaway!

Oh man, Rock's Retreat gave me the most amazing long weekend ever! Seriously, this place is like a hidden treasure. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew it was going to be a great vacation.

Let's talk about those views from the top level – simply awesome. Waking up to the sun dancing on the canal and the sounds of nature was like a daily dose of zen. I basically lived on the balcony, with my morning coffee and a front-row seat to boats and lots of wildlife.

Inside Rock's Retreat is just as awesome as the outside. The place is super clean and well-taken-care-of.

The game room is the real star of the show but the outdoor stuff is just as cool. We roasted marshmallows and had plenty of stories flowing around the firepit. Plus, they've got this sandy beach thing going on – you can dip your toes in the sand right by the canal.

The host was fantastic too. She really went above and beyond. She had all the essentials covered and made sure we felt at home. The welcome basket was a really nice touch! 
In my opinion, Rock's Retreat isn't just a place to stay, it's a full-on slice of paradise. I'm telling you, every second there turned into a memory I won't forget. I'm already counting down the days till I can chill out and have a blast there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerald H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and thoughtful setup
We had a nice short stay. Everything was as advertised which I admit I only half expect when booking one of these. Especially when they advertise things like a game room or kayaks that you can use. Everything was in working order and cleaned and ready for use. Also, almost everything we might need was there in the house for us. For example, there was firewood in the firepit, charcoal and lighter fluid and even a working lighter on the grill which also was clean and working. There was good attention to detail and even a nice note for us when we checked in.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home!
We had a great stay! The kids had a blast in the garage with the games. We loved the kayaks and the view!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt B., Douglasville, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
A+
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Great host, location, and home. Highly recommended for anyone with ADA needs. The elevator worked flawlessly, shower was easy to enter, master bedroom double-doors made entry/exit easy. The back deck with binoculars made it easy to observe all the wildlife. Sand Hill Cranes visited every day. We will surely come back again. Thanks, Sandi
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

matt a.

Liked: Cleanliness
great time
we had a great time. It was a great house nice quiet street and easy-to-find views were great from the upper deck.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice relaxing
We all enjoyed our time here and a couple of the kids were petting the manatee and the elevator made the kids happy they didn’t have to carry stuff up the stairs lol
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

matt m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome experience
We stayed memorial day weekend, 6 people total including kids ages 7-14. We brought our 23' boat, launched it a very short distance from the house and left it tied up to the floating dock in the back yard it was all very convenient no hassle at all. The house is awesome, it has a big game room that the kids loved and spent most of their time in. The house was also very clean and comfortable and Sandi the property owner is very accommodating and easy to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam F., Alachua, Fl

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway!
Awesome getaway. We saw so much sea life. Manatee, dolphin and one alligator in 3 days. My son loved the beach area and my 91 year old father enjoyed playing video games with us. We took the paddle boat out a few times. Great relaxing vacation with excellent host. We will be returning! Highly recommend this VRBO.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

JOHN G., Saint Paul

Liked: Cleanliness
This house was amazing!
This house was just the perfect spot for a nice relaxing month stay in an old Florida setting. The house was just immaculate! Having coffee overlooking the water, seeing manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife was just the way to start your day! Sandi, the property manager, was very helpful and attentive if we ever needed anything. If you never been to Aripeka, your not going to find all the typical Florida vacation attractions. It's so quiet and peaceful, just far enough of the beaten path, but close enough to great bars and restaurants. the house came with a paddle boat which was fun, Sandi brought in 2 kayaks which was an added treat, so much to explore going out to the gulf! Our whole trip was so much enjoyed, thanks Sandi!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect little getaway!
Everything was perfect. The communication with Sandi was spot on. The house was amazing and clean with a bunch of activities at the house. The kayaks kept us busy and allowed us to do what we love…fish. We seen manatee’s everyday right out in front of the dock. The third story balcony gave us great views with a nice breeze. Our experience with this house and Sandi was simply perfect. The gift basket from Sandi was very thoughtful and spot on from our communication with her from weeks prior to arrival. My family would go back to this house in a heart beat. I can honestly not think of one negative thing to say about this place. Just remember to pull the kayaks up from the shore when your not using them, who knew there was a thing called high tide/low tide in Florida…Michigan folk 🤦‍♂️.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely wonderful
This was an amazing place to stay. 😊 The whole family 🥰 loved it. We didn’t want to Leave. Sandi is so nice and helpful, Would book again for sure!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gayla S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Enjoyed all of the different gathering areas of the house. Spent alot of time on the upper deck.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara N., Decorah

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for our family reunion!
Our families came together for a reunion and Rock’s Retreat was perfect in every way. I just can’t say enough about what a special time we had and it was and largely due to the diverse accommodations. The game room, the beach space, the dock for fishing, the paddle boat, the oar boat, the Roku TV, the games, and the wonderful gift basket filled with goodies for the 6 children all contributed to a great time for all. Sandi is a perfect property hostess. Thank you Sandi for everything.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023