Crystal River Retreat | Freshly Renovated on the Water
House • Crystal River FL United States
10 Guests
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Secondary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Non-Reciprocal
Statistics
Listed January 2026
Views 146
General Overview
Our Crystal River home is a peaceful waterfront retreat designed for rest, connection, and experiencing one of the most unique ecosystems in the country.
Located on a canal beside Crystal River Archaeological State Park, the home offers direct water access — you can kayak straight from the backyard or pull your boat right up to the dock. It’s a place where mornings are slow, evenings are quiet, and the natural world is always close.
Crystal River truly feels like a hidden gem. It’s one of the only places where freshwater and saltwater marine life meet, and it’s common to see manatees, dolphins, and even alligators sharing the same waters. The area is also well known for swimming with manatees, scalloping, bow fishing, boating, and fishing, depending on the season. Whether you’re here to explore or to unplug, there’s something special about the rhythm of this place.
The home was completely renovated from the ground up after hurricane flooding, which means everything is brand new — from the sheetrock and flooring to the kitchen cabinets, furnishings, and even the dishes. The result is a clean, comfortable, thoughtfully set-up space that feels fresh and easy to settle into.
The house includes 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a layout that works well for families or couples traveling together. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the living spaces are designed to feel relaxed and welcoming.
It’s also a really fun place to 'stay in.' The home features a ping pong table, outdoor shuffleboard court, grill, and a bonfire pit for evenings outside. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the water or choosing a slower day at home, there’s plenty of space to enjoy being together.
This is not a hotel or party house — it’s a calm, well-cared-for home meant to be enjoyed respectfully. We love sharing it because we want others to experience both the beauty of this area and the simple joy of time together.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Weekend
Adventure
Budget
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
Water
Tropical
Hiking
Last minute
House Rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Low allergen
Dates of Availability
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Map of Approximate Location
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People Like Us Local Guide
We would love to make recommendations for the local area. The best spots and restaurants! If you have any questions, we would love to answer them! We will also be glad to put you in touch with local fishing guides or manatee tours.
Feedback
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Premium
Whitney
Hi! We’re a family of five who love travel that feels real, connected, and lived-in — not rushed or transactional.
We love exploring all kinds of places, from big cities to small towns, and some of our favorite trips have simply been about discovering interesting areas and being together as a family. We’re curious by nature and tend to travel slowly, soaking in what makes each place unique.
We homeschool our kids, coach youth sports, and are very involved in our church. We love serving the Lord and try to live with open hands — welcoming people, caring for spaces, and approaching life (and home exchange) as hospitality rather than transaction.
Crystal River, Florida is our home away from home and a place we truly love. It’s a rare and beautiful area where freshwater and saltwater meet,
"We come for my birthday every year and LOVE NYC in the winter. Can't wait to come back!"
Dates Flexible
"Trying to check off every National Park! We would love to check this one off!"
8 - 31 Aug 2026 (Flexible)
"We want to come for our anniversary!"
1 Jun 2026 - 31 Jul 2026 (Flexible)
"Want to check this off of the National Parks list!"
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.
The view down the canal is amazing. Sit on the dock and take it in or kayak through Crystal River Archeological State Park. You may even peep a manatee or gator from the back yard!
The inside of the home is completely renovated, bright, and open - room for everyone!
The big orange coach is SO comfy! And speaking of orange - there is an orange tree and kumquat tree right outside the window. Feel free to try one out if they are ripe!
The kitchen is so open and spacious now! We love cooking here as a family. Our favorite thing to make is crab dip with fresh crab (Catch them right off the dock!)
Everything you need to stay home and cook!
A dining table large enough for the whole family (and there is an extra leaf in the closet in case you want a little more space!)
The master bedroom is SO peaceful. The bed is King size and memory foam! Plenty of storage space from all of your things. Great morning light, but also blackout curtains!
The master bath before the reno was tiny and terrible. Now it is a HAVEN. It is spacious and peaceful and oh so good!
I LOVE THIS SHOWER! You're welcome to stay as long as you like (wink wink).
This room has a queen size bed, large closet, and the BEST view of the canal out the window!
The kids room! Plenty of sleep space for everyone! There is even a roll-away bed in the closet in case you need extra sleep space somewhere. Feel free to roll it in one of the other rooms! There are a few games and puzzles in here as well!
This is where our kids spend most of their time. Ping pong always leads to trick shots and they have come up with some great ones! Best thing is - no one is on screens! Feel free to try out the guitar and banjo, just be nice to them, please.
It is SO peaceful out here! Grill and hang out. Make some smores in the bonfire pit and fish from the dock. It is the perfect family time space.
There are 4 adult kayaks, 2 youth kayaks, and a canoe. Feel free to use the crab traps off the dock (just please return them when you're done!)
Kayak to the end of the canal and take a right to explore Crystal River Archeological State Park and make your way to Crystal River!
The back yard is SO MUCH FUN and fenced in so you feel safe with pets and kids (just watch them by the water!)
When we bought the house it was BRIGHT BLUE. We like this look a lot better :)
This is my favorite spot on Earth and I love walking from the house to get here. The view is from the deck on top of one of the burial mounds. It is peaceful and spiritual and surrounded by 360 degrees of creation.
You walk over a bridge to get to my favorite spot and this is the view! It is breathtaking at sunset!
Fort Island Beach is a great spot to take in the sunset too!