Secluded paradise on a part of the Withlacoochee River that is truly "old Florida." A short distance from "civilization," drive down our long driveway through four wooded acres of granddaddy oak trees, magnolias and cedars to a hidden paradise with over 300 feet of pristine riverfront. Park under the pole barn and begin the most relaxing time imaginable in this amazing three bedroom, two bath home with a split master bedroom plan and gourmet kitchen. Walk out the expansive great room 25 feet down to the dock to watch the fish jump in the Withlacoochee River - you may even see dolphins and manatees swim past just out of reach. Wildlife watchers will love looking out for turtles, deer, owls, otters, various species of native water birds, and more. Enjoy morning coffee or evening s'mores around the fire pit. The outdoor charcoal grill on the back deck is waiting for your cookout.
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Even though you will be too busy enjoying the outdoors to need TV, each bedroom and the living room have HD TVs equipped with Roku just in case. The living room and master bedroom have DVD players as well, and we have hundreds (literally) of DVDs to choose from.
The 4.25 acre property is fenced so that pets can explore the woods without their owners having to worry that they will stray into the neighboring properties. The gates are not locked and can remain open if you don't need to secure your pet.
We have two canoes and two kayaks (a one-seater and a two-seater) available for your use. Paddle them out to the Gulf of Mexico or up to the spillover from Lake Russo; take a short ride (around 5 miles) toward the Gulf and enjoy the charm and character of Yankee Town, an authentic "Old Florida" town. There are so many things for nature lovers to do! Bird watching, horseback riding, nature tours, wildlife parks, exploring the Rainbow River (25 minutes east) and Homasassa Springs (25 minutes south), fishing in Lake Russo, antiquing in Dunnellon (20 minutes east) and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River (17 minutes south), and so much more.
Some folks have asked about the "murky" water of the Withlacoochee. It is actually quite clean and clear, even though you can't see to the bottom. The dark color comes from the tannin in the leaves that settle on the bottom. If you scoop up a bucket full, you will see how clear the water actually is. Don't be afraid to use the rope swing!
There are gators in the river but they generally stay on the other side of the river and are not active during the day. Common sense precautions are (1) don't throw food into the river, (2) don't swim far from the dock, and (3) avoid being in the river at dusk and dawn (feeding time).
If the weather turns unexpectedly nasty, enjoy the dart board and pool table on the screened in back porch, play cards at the poker table, or enjoy the board games from the hall closet. The smart TV in the great room and master bedroom gives you access to your Netflix account, or you can find a DVD to watch from our huge DVD library. (WiFI is available, of course, in case you just can't unplug.)
This house is in the PRIME FISHING area of Florida. Bass, sheepshead, mullet, gar and catfish are just a few of the varieties you will find. Charter a boat or rent one yourself to enjoy all that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer! If you bring your own boat, you can launch at B's Marina & Campground 5 miles down the road in Yankee Town for a $5 launching fee. (www.bmarinacampground.net) There is ample parking at our place for a trailer. It is a 1.5 hour boat ride (around 7.5 miles) from our house to the Gulf since it is a low-wake zone all the way to protect the manatees.
Movie theaters and shopping are a short 20 minute drive away. Stock up on staples at the Food Ranch IGA grocery store and restaurants just a couple miles down the road. Mama Sally's has great home cooking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and Shrimp Landing has all you can eat specials every day.
Please note that this property is not suitable for events or parties, even if no more than eight are actually spending the night.
And whatever you do, take lots of pictures -- you'll want to remember the sense of "ah" you'll get when you stay at the Riverhouse.