Place, Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society
13 min drive
Eustis Square
Place, Eustis Square
17 min drive
Lake Dora
Place, Lake Dora
20 min drive
Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.)
Airport, Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.)
24 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Altoona
Located within a leisurely stroll of Ocala National Forest, this vacation home is within a 15-minute drive of Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society - 13 min drive - 10.8 miles
Carver Park - 15 min drive - 12.4 miles
Eustis Square - 17 min drive - 13.1 miles
Lake Dora - 20 min drive - 15.6 miles
Renninger's Antique Center - 22 min drive - 17.2 miles
Getting around
DeLand Station - 34 min drive
Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
The Mason Jar - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Shell - 14 min walk
Circle K - 14 min walk
Taco Bell - 5 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.
Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm
Historic charm + modern comfort in a renovated 100-year-old Florida cracker house! Located in Altoona near Ocala National Forest and the natural springs, this home features:
✔ Fully updated interior ✔ Stylish kitchen + full bath ✔ Cozy, bright rooms ✔ Private yard + peaceful setting ✔ Minutes to Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs & endless outdoor adventures ✔ Less than to Orlando theme parks
Perfect for couples, small families, or anyone who loves old Florida vibes with new-home comfort. The space Step back in time without giving up modern comfort. This beautifully restored 100-year-old Florida cracker home offers a one-of-a-kind stay filled with charm, history, and cozy simplicity. With authentic low ceilings, original character, and thoughtful upgrades, this intimate retreat blends rustic heritage with today’s comforts.
Inside, you’ll find a one-bedroom, one-bath layout designed for relaxation. The bedroom provides a peaceful place to unwind with a queen bed and Roku TV, while the living room features a queen sleeper sofa and Roku TV, perfect for additional guests or families traveling together. The home is bright, inviting, and filled with touches that honor its past while offering everything you need for a modern getaway.
Our property is just minutes from the Ocala National Forest, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re here to hunt, ride, or paddle, this is your ideal base camp.
Why You’ll Love It:
Hunters Welcome – Enjoy easy access to prime hunting areas. Plenty of Parking – Spacious turnaround for large boats, RVs, and horse trailers (parking only, no hookups). Horse-Friendly – Trails are right across the street, so saddle up and explore. Kayaker’s Paradise – Close to natural springs and Lake Dorr for serene paddling.
Unwind after a day of adventure in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Cook inside or out. Relax Fireside, rocking on the front porch, watching your favorite streaming movie, or just read a book.
Book your stay and experience the best of Florida’s outdoors! Whether you’re exploring Florida’s springs, forests, wildlife areas, or the excitement of nearby Orlando theme parks and attractions, this cracker house is a warm and authentic home base—quiet, charming, and truly unique. Guest access The entire home and the outside area is available to guest. The storage garage is owner access only. Other things to note Our home is a restored 100-year-old Florida cracker cottage, and maintaining its original character is important to us. Because of this, some areas of the house have lower ceiling heights than modern homes.
What to expect: • Main living area: Standard 8-foot ceilings • Lower-ceiling areas: Bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room • Guests 6 feet tall or above may need to mind their head when moving through the far end of the house and these specific rooms.
We welcome guests of all heights and want you to be comfortable—we simply want to ensure you’re aware of the unique layout before arrival.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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, gather used towels, and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see near this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Altoona within a short 11-minute walk of Ocala National Forest.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and a smart TV as well as a garden.
Does Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
How far is the airport from this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.), which is 18 mi away (32 minutes by car). Another top airport is Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB), which is around 27.9 mi away.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm?
Yes, every accommodation at Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm comes with a deck.
Updated with modern comfort, Old Florida Charm Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 5 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 5 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Lisa M.
Feb 2, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
During an extreme cold snap host kept us informed and offered assist if needed. Nice little cottage!
Lisa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Ross M., Pennsylvania
Jan 27, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
This home was a wonderful experience. Absolutely beautiful location close to so many activities. The home was furnished with everything you could want for a stay and the little extras made it even better. Would definitely stay here again and already recommended it to others. Clean and comfortable. Owner was very responsive and accommodating.
Ross M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Donna N.
Jan 10, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We were visiting family in the area, and this was the perfect place for my husband and me. The house was comfortable and full of little extra comforts. We were close enough to Silver Springs for kayaking and Mount Dora for walking their boardwalk. The house was clean and even had Christmas decorations. The host was quick at communicating and very helpful.
Donna N.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Jeff F., florida
Jan 3, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
The house was extremely clean and comfortable. The area was safe and quiet. The owner made sure we were comfortable and informed us of an event going on in the community in case we were interested. Highly recommend this house.
Jeff F.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
jessica m.
Dec 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Helpful and accurate description. Enjoyed our stay.