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

Family-friendly stay with in-room kitchens in Branford

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Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82150 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Branford, FL
  • Place, Suwannee River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Stuarts Landing Conservation Area
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Ginnie Spring
    ‪52 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Branford

On river.Within a 5-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Suwannee River and Stuarts Landing Conservation Area. J.T. Earl Park is within 9 miles (15 km) and Ivey Memorial Park is within 12 miles (20 km).
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What's nearby

  • Suwannee River - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Stuarts Landing Conservation Area - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park - 26 min drive - 22.8 miles
  • Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park - 47 min drive - 35.5 miles
  • Ginnie Spring - 52 min drive - 35.5 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Hardee's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Our Place Pizzeria​ And Ristorante - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Farm Stand - ‬21 min drive

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!

Similar properties

Property grounds
Ichetucknee Springs/Ginnie Springs/Santa Fe River at the Hideaway Cottage
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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 124 reviews
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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

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

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Must be 25 or Older to Reserve.

Parties Over (8) will be charged an additional cleaning fee of $75.

No More Than (2) Dogs under 40lbs. Large dogs are required to use the downstairs Suite.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • 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.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Ask Owner as exceptions can be made.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Outside patio area only.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. 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. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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.

Is there free parking at Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Escape to Serenity at Suwannee River Rest – Pet-Friendly Lodge in North Florida to downtown Branford?

This vacation home is 5 mi away from Branford.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tonya W., Miami

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely wonderful home!! We loved staying at this property! Excellent communication with the host - very prompt with replies. My 3 boys loved the house and it provided plenty of room for them to spread out. We cannot say enough about the amount of amenities that are supplied! The kitchen has everything you need and there are kayaks, a grill, and fishing supplies. The entertainment "center" under the covered carport has so many options! We would love to stay here again. Very clean as well and the best part is we were able to bring our dog! Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Adrian T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great Stay at the SRR. We wish the propane grill was larger. But we are a large group. Great kitchen with all the right gear.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bob E.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is our 4th stay at the SRR and it has been excellent! We were greeted by the host Capt Cas and he showed us around. The place is right on the river and the kitchen has everything you need. Fun games! Nice gas fireplace and firepit outside! Going back again
80th Bday
Nice firepit
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

joyce n.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host very helpful Very nice kitchen well stockedBeautiful river
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susie M., Key West

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing, Relaxing, Relaxing

This home was perfect for our family of six, five adults and one teen. Very functional and beautiful. The view of the river from the dock was serene and morning coffee on the porch was a great way to start the day. Captain Cas was easily reached by text. Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Easiest Trip Ever

I have never stayed anywhere that was so accommodating. The house and property has everything you need except your clothes and toothbrush! The home was beautiful and comfortable with easy access to the boat ramp and a dock for parking. The owner was super easy and very informative. We love the Suwannee and the home and will definitely be back! Bonus was he has a campsite beside the home so we had another family tag along for the trip. No worries vacay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tessie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous!

Our stay was great! It has everything you need.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing Vacation

House is clean, roomy and makes you feel right at home. Love the closeness to the river and springs. This is our 2nd stay at this property and will be returning again. Also, love the screened in porch and the view. My grandson and his friend enjoyed playing darts and fishing from the boat dock. NICE, relaxing vacation home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrian T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Property

Just another great weekend at the SRR, House and grounds was perfect, functional and clean. Perfect spot on the river!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Guys’ Weekend

Beautiful, clean house with a fantastic view of the river
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C., Davenport, FL, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stan S.

Liked: Cleanliness

River Trip

Great fun on the river
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nayla F., Miami

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful time

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne K.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tessie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Eric G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Tammy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful

Loved the house. Plenty of room, comfy beds and very clean. My daughter and family stayed downstairs. It was a little warmer than they liked but found a fan that helped a lot. River was up but all good. It has a floating deck that was large enough for the pontoon boat. We enjoyed just riding the river n site seeing. Everything was great. Only recommendation I would have is to leave one cabinet empty for groceries. It’s just my personal preference. I’m a little OCD and this house was perfect for me. ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander P., Lakeland, Fla.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

David G., Oldsmar

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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

karrie d.

Liked: Cleanliness

River Rest

Love the house and great time kayaking
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie M., Tallahassee

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Ashley H., Millwood, Ga

Liked: Cleanliness

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