FLOATING COTTAGE - Unique home afloat on the St. John's River
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Floating Cottage is a unique 550-square-foot home berthed on the water at the rural Boat Tree Marina on the St. Johns River, just north of Lake Monroe in Florida. The sweet yellow cottage offers a cathedral-ceilinged living room bathed in natural light, hardwood floors, and French doors that open onto a protected front porch overlooking the marina. Guests describe the movement of the water beneath the hull as barely perceptible, making for a genuinely restful, one-of-a-kind stay.
Rooms & Layout
The main living area includes a full-size sofa bed, an electric potbelly stove, a TV, and a versatile work/dining table. A carpeted loft bedroom upstairs holds a queen bed, a walk-in closet, a stained glass window, and its own air conditioning, with screened windows that let in the river breeze. The bathroom has a full-size shower, a comfort-height toilet, a linen and toiletry closet, and a view window.
Kitchen & Amenities
The fully equipped kitchen features an electric stove/oven, a full-size side-by-side refrigerator with door ice dispenser, granite countertops, tile backsplash, microwave, toaster, utensils, and dinnerware, making it suited to both casual cooking and more ambitious meals. Other in-cottage comforts include air conditioning, heating, a smoke-free interior, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer, and a private patio/porch area. Free parking is available on site.
On-Site & Marina Services
Floating Cottage is berthed at the Boat Tree Marina, which offers a casual deli and restaurant, a bait shop, laundry, and a pool (the restaurant and pool were closed at time of writing due to an ownership change but are expected to reopen). Cottage guests receive a 15% discount on half- and full-day boat rentals, and marina staff can help arrange boat reservations and share local fishing tips. Wildlife viewing is part of daily life here, with turtles approaching the porch, herons and egrets nearby, and occasional manatee sightings.
Location & Surroundings
The cottage sits on the scenic, wildlife-rich St. Johns River near Lake Monroe, within a few kilometers of DeBary Sunrail Station, Sanford Station, and the Sanford Auto Train Station, and about 11km from Orlando Sanford International Airport. Nearby dining options include Cracker Barrel, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, LongHorn Steakhouse, Keke's Breakfast Cafe, and several riverside restaurants such as St Johns River Steak & Seafood and The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge. Old-town Sanford, with its cobblestone streets, historic Victorian homes, art galleries, shops, and the mile-long Riverwalk on Lake Monroe, is a short drive away.
Best for
Floating Cottage suits couples and small groups seeking a quiet, nature-immersed retreat, thanks to its private porch, river wildlife viewing, and peaceful marina setting away from city noise. It also appeals to travelers who value self-catering flexibility, given the fully equipped kitchen with granite counters, dishwasher-level amenities, and full-size appliances. Boating enthusiasts and anglers benefit from the on-site marina, discounted boat rentals, and staff assistance with fishing information.
Travel tips
Guests arriving by rail can use DeBary Sunrail Station (about 2.3km away) or Sanford Station (about 3.8km away), while those flying in will find Orlando Sanford International Airport the closest option at roughly 11km. Since the cottage is reached by walking through the marina to the dock and back porch, pack light and wear comfortable shoes for the approach. Because the marina restaurant and pool were closed at last report due to an ownership change, guests should confirm current status before relying on them and plan meals via the nearby restaurants in Sanford instead.
What guests say
Guest reviews consistently highlight the cottage's cleanliness and how well-stocked and equipped it is, particularly praising the kitchen as better outfitted than typical vacation rentals. Multiple guests mention the comfort of the bed and the immaculate condition of the space. A recurring theme is warm, attentive hosting, with guests specifically noting the host's helpfulness, easy communication, and tips on local activities. Several reviewers also valued the sense of privacy and having the marina largely to themselves during their stay, with no negative themes noted in the excerpts provided.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure