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

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Exterior
Property video
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
3 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

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

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

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

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

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

Suitability/Accessibility

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

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing 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

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,150 square feet

Similar properties

Miscellaneous

Right on the River: Enjoy the Santa Fe + Ichetucknee Rivers from a Private Dock

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 208 reviews
Right on the River: Enjoy the Santa Fe + Ichetucknee Rivers from a Private Dock

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Return the keys

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 - 0.0 km
  • Stuarts Landing Conservation Area - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park - 25 min drive - 24.0 km
  • Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park - 50 min drive - 37.4 km
  • Ginnie Spring - 51 min drive - 36.8 km

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, just steps from 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. 61 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

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

Fun and relaxing stay!

We had a wonderful weekend at this peaceful property. Brought our boat for some fun on the water and enjoyed making s’mores and memories around a fire. Lovely place for a group with lots of space to play!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tessie C.

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

FABULOUS!!!!!!

This rental is fabulous! I cannot say enough about this one. First, the host is so friendly and inviting. You will feel like you have known him for years! Second, the house is big, beautiful, fully equipped with ANYTHING you need, and very clean. Our family of seven plus a dog fit perfectly. Lastly, the outside has a screened deck with very comfortable furniture and a sitting area on the carport with a table, chairs, a swing, a dartboard, AND enough yard space for dogs. There is a deck overlooking the river and a floating dock for boats. The floating dock fit our pontoon like a glove. This place is perfect! If we weren't cooking in the large kitchen or on the boat, we would hang out on the carport while it rained, and we loved every minute of it!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

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

Pleasantly pleased

We enjoyer our stay very much. The steps were in need of some repair but overall very nice. Fishing during the day was terrible because of the boat traffic though. Plenty of space for everyone and seemed to have everything we needed. I do not like technology so the covection stove was terrible for me. The house is 40 minutes from a large grocery store so pack accordingly. We had to be modest with the hot water. There were 8 of us so we all couldn't take showers back to back. Cleaning supplies were plentiful so being tidy wasnt a chore. I believed we booked the right house for the vacation we planned in the long run. Owners were very friendly!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andre C., Macon, Georgia, U.S.

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

Spacious home on the Suwanee River

The property and the area turned out to be as expected. The owner was helpful and friendly. He offered to bring me back from the boat launch where I could leave my truck. This allowed us to kayak downstream and enjoyed the time on the water even more. He also took us on his boat to explore the area and appreciate the river further than I could have done with just our kayaks. His parents who live next door and manage the property were also helpful and pleasant. There were plenty of supplies in the house. The view of the river was unobstructed from the large back deck and from one of the bedrooms. Though it was only my wife and I, this home will also be well suited for a larger family group with all the sitting areas outside. We have enjoyed ourselves and would recommend this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nayla F.

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

Wonderful time

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

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