Home on the Santa Fe River

Rivendell Springs
River Home Retreat

The last homely house — where clear springs rise to form the river underneath the ancient oaks.

A vacation rental home on the Santa Fe River surrounded by springs

12 private acres · Nearly 600 feet of river · Private dock
Sleeps 8 · 3 bedrooms · 4 bathrooms
Begin the Journey
The three-storey house at Rivendell Springs seen from the back lawn beneath ancient oaks, with a rope swing hanging from a branch
Three floors beneath the oaks · twelve private acres on the Santa Fe River
The Starlight Haven

12 private acres on the Santa Fe River near the blue springs

Rivendell Springs is more than a house. It’s a place to come and step out of the world for a while — to unplug, slow down, and be outside again.

A three-bedroom, four-bathroom home on more than twelve private acres of meadow and woods, with nearly 600 feet of frontage on the spring-fed Santa Fe River. The river is just steps from the back door, and the whole place is yours while you’re here.

On the water

  • Swim in the spring-fed river straight off the dock
  • More spring heads a short drive away at the state parks
  • Bring snorkel or scuba gear — the springs are worth exploring properly
  • Fish off the dock
  • Kayaks and tubes provided

Across the acres

  • Deer, fox, turkey, owls, hawks and otters on the property and the river
  • Wild forest north of the meadow
  • Open acres and no light pollution — stargazing most clear nights
  • Disc golf course, frisbee and room to throw anything
  • Outdoor firepit
  • Picnic tables and a rope swing under the oaks
  • Fenced areas immediately behind the house and across the front
  • Acres to run and a river to swim in

Indoors

  • Warm gas fireplace in the great room
  • Florida sun room surrounded by windows, looking out over the river
  • Wrap-around balconies on the second and third floors, over the meadow and the river
  • Ping pong table and a shelf of board games
  • Dogs up to 50 lbs are welcome
12+Private Acres
~600 ftRiver Frontage
3 BedSleeps Eight
2,400Square Feet

Square footage covers the second and third floors, above the enclosed ground floor.

The vaulted great room with its stone fireplace and third-floor walkway
The House

See inside

Every room, the Florida room over the river, all four bathrooms, the kitchen, the deck and the ground-floor gear room. Plus what’s inside, what’s outside, and where all eight guests sleep.

Take a look around ›
The Springs

The spring capital of the United States

High Springs is known as the spring capital of the United States, with some of Florida's most beautiful freshwater springs just minutes from the house — Ginnie, Gilchrist Blue, Rum Island, Poe and Ichetucknee.

Snorkel, swim, paddle, tube or scuba dive in crystal-clear water that holds at about 72 degrees all year. Rain that fell here years ago has been working its way down through a thousand feet of limestone ever since — which is why the springs run so clear, and why they feel so cold in summer and so warm in January.

A deep blue spring vent opening into the limestone cavern below
A vent into the cave system below
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, an underground cavern of blue water lit from above
Devil’s Den — a spring inside a cave

Click here for more on the springs

Four white-tailed deer grazing on the open meadow at Rivendell Springs
Deer on the meadow, most mornings
Wildlife & Night Skies

Deer at dusk, stars after

Watch for deer, foxes, otters, owls, squirrels and wild turkeys across the property. They’re used to the quiet, and they don’t spook easily — the deer often graze the meadow at dusk within sight of the deck.

We’re far enough from any town that the sky stays properly dark. Once the sun goes down there’s no streetlight and no passing traffic — just the open field, the ancient oaks, and a night full of stars.

“Far from any city light, and quiet enough that the deer come up to the house at dusk.”
The meadow at Rivendell Springs
Location

What lies beyond the gate

Springs, trails and a town worth an afternoon — all within a short drive. Each has a page of its own.

A kayak and daypack on the bank of the Santa Fe River, ready to put in
Before You Come

Click here to plan your trip

Check-in and house rules, what we provide, and what’s worth packing — from water shoes to snorkel gear.

Planning Your Trip ›

Where the name comes from

Rivendell Springs draws its name from the legendary elven refuge in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings — a hidden valley beside a rushing river, known for its timeless beauty, peace and restorative calm.

Just as Rivendell offered weary travellers a sanctuary of light, song and natural wonder along the Bruinen, this riverfront home invites guests to unwind beside the water in a setting that feels enchanted and serene. The name captures the property’s atmosphere, its lush surroundings, and the sense of escape it provides — a place where the world slows down and the beauty of it feels almost otherworldly. We chose “Rivendell Springs” to evoke that same spirit of peaceful retreat and quiet wonder for everyone who visits.

An illustration of Rivendell: a house above a gorge, with waterfalls, a stone bridge and forested hills beyond

Rivendell, The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien

Not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
Aragorn, The Lord of the RingsJ.R.R. Tolkien
About Us

Who you’re booking with

A young Florida couple who grew up driving out to these springs, and the managers who live nearby and look after the place while you’re here.

Read more about us ›
Guest Reviews

What guests say

4.9 / 5 from 96 reviews on Vrbo
It was paradise from start to finish.
Ruth M.
March 2026 · Verified Vrbo guest
What a great spot. The river is beautiful and right there.
Daniel R.
April 2026 · Verified Vrbo guest
This cabin was way better than expected!
Laura H.
June 2026 · Verified Vrbo guest
Nice riverfront ranch. Great for kayaking, which we did right from the back yard.
Karen T.
August 2026 · Verified Vrbo guest
This property was amazing. Beyond our expectations.
Jessica C.
June 2024 · Verified Vrbo guest
It was absolutely beautiful there. Calm, secluded & friendly people.
Christoph M.
October 2023 · Verified Vrbo guest
Floating down the Santa Fe and visiting different springs was exactly what we were looking for.
Jordan S.
July 2025 · Verified Vrbo guest
It was exactly what we needed. Quiet and peaceful.
Sarah
April 2026 · Verified Vrbo guest
This home is exactly what we were looking for.
Noelle G.
May 2025 · Verified Vrbo guest
We love it, a lot to do and the peace is amazing!!
Katherine G.
May 2024 · Verified Vrbo guest
Great home! Exceeded our expectations!!
Alison D.
July 2025 · Verified Vrbo guest
It had everything we needed and more.
Jessica O.
September 2023 · Verified Vrbo guest
Amazing property in a beautiful place!!
Sara A.
August 2025 · Verified Vrbo guest
The perfect get away.
Claudia C.
March 2019 · Verified Vrbo guest

Reviews from our listing on Vrbo.

Reserve

Choose your nights

Pick your arrival and departure dates below. You get the whole property — house, dock, meadow and river bank.

$295 per night for 2 guests · $30 per extra guest · $20 per dog · Two-night minimum
Book direct and pay less than on Vrbo or Airbnb — no platform service fee

Live availability

This calendar is for checking dates. To choose your nights and see your total, use Check rates & book.

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