Located in Sugarfoot within a mile (2 km) of Regal Royal Park, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of University of Florida. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 7 min drive - 2.7 miles
Shands at the University of Florida - 9 min drive - 3.3 miles
Getting around
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 8 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
Mi Apá Latin Café - 4 min drive
Las Carretas - 20 min walk
Gator's Dockside - 17 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10
Your Private Family Retreat Near the University of Florida
Welcome to The Pond House, a serene and spacious 5-bedroom retreat set on a full acre of peaceful natural surroundings just 2 miles from the University of Florida. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and memorable gatherings, this home offers the perfect setting for UF graduations, game day weekends, holidays, and extended family stays.
Here, you’ll enjoy the rare combination of privacy, nature, and proximity to everything Gainesville has to offer.
⸻
A Home Designed for Gathering
From the moment you arrive, The Pond House invites you to slow down and settle in. With expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, everyone can be together while still having room to relax.
The open and welcoming layout makes it easy to: • share meals • celebrate milestones • enjoy game nights • unwind after a day on campus
The large dining areas and fully equipped gourmet kitchen are ideal for preparing everything from casual breakfasts to graduation celebrations.
⸻
Outdoor Living at Its Best
The outdoor spaces are where The Pond House truly shines.
Spend your days:
☀️ Swimming in the large private pool 🌿 Enjoying the wide open green space for kids to play 🍽 Dining together outdoors 🔥 Relaxing by the fire pits under the stars ☕ Sipping morning coffee with tranquil pond views
The one-acre setting creates a peaceful, private atmosphere that feels like a true escape — while still being minutes from UF.
⸻
Fun for All Ages
Inside, the game room brings everyone together for friendly competition and evening entertainment, featuring:
🎱 Pool table 🎮 Nintendo gaming system
Whether it’s kids, teens, or adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
⸻
Comfort for Up to 10 Guests
With five beautifully appointed bedrooms, the home comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests, making it ideal for: • multi-generation families • two families traveling together • graduation gatherings • group getaways
There is plenty of space to spread out, recharge, and feel at home.
⸻
Perfect for UF Events & Gainesville Visits
The Pond House is especially loved by guests visiting for:
🎓 UF Graduations 🏈 Football weekends 👨👩👧 Parent & family visits 🎉 Celebrations and reunions
Being just 2 miles from the University of Florida, you’re close to campus, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions — while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
⸻
Thoughtful Amenities
✔ Large private pool ✔ Game room with pool table & Nintendo ✔ Fully equipped gourmet kitchen ✔ Spacious indoor & outdoor dining areas ✔ Fire pits for evening gatherings ✔ Fast Wi-Fi ✔ Parking for multiple vehicles ✔ 1-acre private setting with pond views
Every detail is designed to make your stay comfortable, easy, and memorable.
⸻
The Experience
More than just a place to stay, The Pond House is a place to: • reconnect • celebrate • relax • create lasting family memories
Whether you’re cheering on a Gator, celebrating a milestone, or simply escaping for a peaceful getaway, this home offers the space and setting to make it special. Wildlife Notice – Natural Pond Area
Our pond is part of Florida’s natural ecosystem and is occasionally visited by a small local alligator.
He is not aggressive and usually stays in or near the water, but for everyone’s safety: • Do not feed the alligator • Do not approach or attempt to touch • Do not throw objects into the pond • No swimming or fishing in the pond • Please supervise children and pets at all times near the water
During warmer months, he may rest on the edge of the pond to sunbathe.
This is very common in Florida and completely safe as long as these simple rules are respected.
We love our peaceful backyard and the wildlife that comes with it — thank you for helping us keep both guests and nature safe. This is a private, serene retreat intended for quiet enjoyment. Parties, events, and unregistered guests are not permitted
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 5 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace. Change of towels is available on request.
Similar properties
HOM Hotel Gainesville, SureStay Collection by Best Western
HOM Hotel Gainesville, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Water dispenser
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Games
Music library
Smart TV
Video games
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Printer
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
4 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
No elevator (single-level property)
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city center
Near a hospital
Next to a golf course
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks 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
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bed sheets changed on request
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Electric car charging station
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Garden
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Living plant wall
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Recycling
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 3,000 square feet
Water dispenser
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 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 the dishwasher
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Quiet hours 10pm–8am. No parties or events. Driveway parking only. Thank you for helping us keep a peaceful, family-friendly retreat.
Excessive noise or disturbances reported by neighbors or authorities may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.
The host reserves the right to address noise complaints promptly and take appropriate action, including contacting local authorities if necessary.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
4 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: The pet fee is $50
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Small and quiet gatherings upon request only.
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
Note from host: Small and quiet gatherings upon request only.
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
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.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Note from host: Small and quiet gatherings upon request only.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in Sugarfoot within a short 16-minute walk of Regal Royal Park. You'll also find Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Florida Museum of Natural History within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
Yes, there is accessible parking and electric car charging available.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.
Is 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 good for couples?
At this lakeside vacation home, couples will welcome the many amenities including a private pool and a fireplace along with an outdoor pool.
Are there hot tubs at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
No, but this vacation home offers jetted bathtubs in all accommodations.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), which is 9 mi away (28 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10?
Yes, every accommodation at 5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
5BR UF Family Retreat with Private Pool, Pond, Game Room – Sleeps 10 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. 41 out of 43 reviews
10 - Excellent
41
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 43 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
James A.
Feb 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Super cool house. We enjoyed our stay.
James A.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Sydna A.
Jan 19, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We could not have asked for a better house for our family to gather for the weekend of our daughter’s wedding. We were lacking for nothing. It was so well stocked and so pristine. My husband and I enjoyed our morning coffee while watching the birds in the pond. Although we did not use the pool, it was beautiful. The pool table was enjoyed even though it was chilly outside. I could think of no reason anyone would not enjoy The Pond House. Thank you for providing it! We will find a reason to stay there in the future.
Sydna A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Sarah B.
Dec 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our family had a wonderful stay! The property was perfect, and every detail was attended to. Definitely a five star property!
Sarah B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Beauty B.
Dec 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The house was perfect- clean; great layout; and comfortable!
Beauty B.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy S.
Dec 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The house is AMAZING. Wish we were staying longer.
Amy S.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Peter G., Delray Beach
Dec 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed in the Pond House Friday and Saturday night for the FL/FSU game. We had three adult couples and two college students. The house was the perfect size for us, plenty of room. We grilled out Friday and Saturday night, grille was great, kitchen is excellent, fully equipped. Check in and check out was easy and communication with the host was seamless. Weather was cold so we used both the gas and the real wood firepits. Brought our own wood. Great backyard and pond. I highly recommend this house and would definitely come back again with my family.
Peter G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Susan B.
Nov 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Had a wonderful stay here! The entire house was spotless, and you could tell the owners take great pride in keeping everything clean and comfortable. Each bathroom had thoughtful little touches like Q-tips, razor, toothbrush, ear plugs which made our stay more welcoming. Plenty of paper products were supplied throughout the house, too.The decor was beautiful. The layout was perfect for our family get-together, giving everyone space while feeling connected. We didn't get a chance to enjoy the pool this time, but we would absolutely love to come back and make use of it.The host was responsive and helpful from start to finish. Overall, an excellent stay. We would definitely stay here again.
Susan B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer M.
Nov 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay! Great house! Great host!
Jennifer M.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lourdes M.
Nov 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
WOW! Each of us LOVED everything about this gorgeous home! Overall, it was quite spacious, beautifully decorated, full of amenities & anything we could have needed! The 8 of us enjoyed ourselves immensely! This lovely, ample and peacefully situated home made our weekend extra special and enjoyable!! We’re already talking about planning a return trip! The hosts responsiveness to a couple questions we had was immediate, kind and super hospitable! The house was generously stocked with fabulous coffee and pantry supplies, ample bathroom/bedroom supplies including towels, pillows, toiletries, blankets, etc. So much room for everyone, with lots of comfortable gathering areas! The outdoor game/lounge area was a hit w/all of us. It was a great place to chill & talk. Although we didn’t use the pool since it was too chilly that weekend, it’s such a welcoming space. The backyard is beyond gorgeous! There is a lovely pond & we even met the resident mellow little gator we named Gary the gator. There’s a great outdoor fire pit area all surrounded by lush greenery and huge, majestic trees - just gorgeous! The back patio also has a large & useful gas grill that we enjoyed using. Check-in and check-out was seamless. I’d like to make special note of the kindness of our host/owners in accommodating a special request we had on our last day there. So, so grateful!!! THANK YOU for making our trip so special! We look forward to coming back soon.
Lourdes M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Greg T.
Oct 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This house was stunning! It has it all plus a great host! Whether you are here for a gator game, a relaxing family retreat or in our case both, you won’t regret it. The home is stocked with fun, games, and everyday essentials most rentals don’t have, even had more than 1 roll of paper towels and toilet paper. The home was stocked with coffee, Nespresso and even creamer. We had a family party of 8 with plenty of space to split up and have our alone time as well. You can tell this host cares about their property. You will love it and we will definitely be back.
Greg T.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laurie R.
Sep 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We found this house to be AMAZING! Everything was just as described and all of the rooms are large. It is a very expansive home. Huge pool and game room area. Huge kitchen. Huge dining table (we played cards!).....huge driveway. All so tucked away in a cool, old Gainesville neighborhood. The pond was so pretty, and it even had a friendly small gator in it that would watch from a distance. We rode our bikes to the stadium for game day and thought it was an easy 2.5 mile ride. You won't be disappointed!
Laurie R.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
lauren a.
Sep 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
lauren a.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carol E.
Sep 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This vacation home is a winner! The home was spacious, comfortable and very clean. The kitchen and bathrooms were so thoughtfully stocked, as well as a game room and a pool table. The pool was a hit! It was in a good neighborhood. The host was great. I can't think of anything that was negative about it. All in all, the house was very inviting, and I would definitely book it again.
Carol E.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robert O.
Aug 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location close to UF with so much room for a family to enjoy. Seamless stay.
Robert O.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michael B.
Jul 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous house right around the corner from 34th St and University Ave., though you would think you're out in the country. The large backyard opens to large pond (hence the name). You can't even see the house next door, and you can barely see the one across the pond, so it very much feels like you have the entire pond to yourself. We saw numerous animals during our stay--a five foot alligator, deer, raccoons, armadillos, frogs, cranes, etc. The house is large, comfortable, and well-stocked. The pool has a lovely, enclosed, converted carport with plenty of sitting space, shade, and a pool table. Overall it was everything we could've hoped for and would love to stay again.
Michael B.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Diana K.
Jul 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This house is perfect for a girls weekend! Very clean and has everything you could want to make your stay comfortable.The kitchen is very well equipped too!The house has several different rooms to gather as well as an outside room, which we spent most of our time in.
Diana K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Krista R.
Jun 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing atmosphere and well-equipped home for a crowd.
Krista R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Diana S.
Jun 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home
The home was beautiful and the kitchen was well stocked with everything you could possibly need. We enjoyed the wildlife around the pond.
Diana S.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Randy T.
May 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place 10/10
We were here for my daughter’s graduation. This house surpassed our expectations. The beds were comfortable, the neighborhood was very peaceful and the kitchen was well stocked. The pool was relaxing. We don’t have the opportunity to be together often and this place just made it perfect.
Randy T.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rachel S.
May 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for graduation gathering
House full of amenities: firepit, wood and starter logs included, smores sticks; coffee - keurig/pot/ expresso machines; tvs in all bedrooms (unfortunately not by pool, pool table); pool toys; pool table- loads of fun; even football to play by pool. Do be aware, gators are in the pond. Just do not feed them and understand they are active when its mating season. It was entertaining though. Highly recommend staying here.
Rachel S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carrie H.
Apr 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Pond house
This house provided so much space for our family of teens and young adults to spread out or hang out together playing pool, swimming, eating, playing games.
Carrie H.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cedric W.
Apr 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Property
We were really impressed with the property. The layout was fantastic and had all of the amenities we desired. Definitely recommend it!
Cedric W.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
kerry b.
Apr 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
The pond house was very centrally located but tucked away on a side street. The house was very spacious and had several different areas to come together as a group or find a quiet place to relax. We also enjoyed the large back yard.
kerry b.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris W.
Feb 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
Will definitely come back. Wish we were there longer.
Chris W.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
fvhaven, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Feb 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
very nice location and setting
Two weeks, lots of room and well-appointed, generous basic supplies, loverly views and settings, splendid back yard, nice quiet neighborhood, everything worked well, very much enjoyed our stay.