Somewhere... for Birding and Boating

“Somewhere…” is a beautiful haven on the scenic Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida. The home commands a hilltop with a long view to the river below. Just blocks from downtown Dunnellon, Somewhere… feels like miles from everywhere. It is tastefully decorated with three spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, top of the line appliances, a big open plan living and dining room with a gas fireplace, a separate TV room/den, laundry room with Samsung large capacity washer and dryer and two-car garage. Each bedroom overlooks the river and the wall of french doors in the living room opens onto the perfect view. A large deck that wraps the river side of the house and provides fresh breezes from the spring fed river to the accompaniment of dozens of varieties of birds. There is even a dock on the water.

The deep water dock is a great place to tie up your boat. A city ramp nearby makes it easy to load and unload your trailer. To the north, the Rainbow River is cold, clear and teeming with wildlife (there is a bridge to go under). To the south, the Withlacoochee is home to some of the best fresh water fishing in Florida.

We've seen dozens of varieties of birds in our own backyard and the nearby Ocala forest and other wilderness areas have some of the best birdwatching in the state. We've logged birds of prey like hawks, osprey and owls; waterfowl like great blue and great white herons, coots, anhingas and cormorants; songbirds like chickadees, tufted titmouse and mockingbirds; woodpeckers large and small including the stunning pileated variety. Bluebirds nest every year in their very own birdhouse.

The master bedroom with en suite bath is furnished with a king bed. One guest room holds a queen and the other is decorated with twins. There is a queen sofa bed, bringing the sleeping capacity comfortably to eight.

The kitchen is well-appointed with GE Profile and Kitchenaid appliances including a gas range. There is also a gas grill on the deck. Careful attention to detail means you’ll find everything you need to prepare meals here.

The living room/dining room overlooks the large back deck. It is open and airy with french doors and a vaulted ceiling. The sleeper sofa is in the living room. The warmly furnished den holds a new 55-inch smart TV and Blu-ray player. Internet and TV are provided.

A newly prepared quilting, sewing and crafting room with tables, swivel chairs, 2 ironing stations, cutting stations and space for your design walls seats 8 comfortably. It is air conditioned, bright and clean. Sewing machines are available to rent, classes can be arranged and additional services and information can be reviewed at somewhereforquilting.com.

The Rainbow River is fed by the fourth-largest spring in Florida and pours up to 600 million gallons of crystal clear, ice cold water into the Withlacoochee River daily just downstream from Somewhere…. The Rainbow flows at a constant 74° year-round. It may be a little warmer by the time it gets to Somewhere… about 5 miles downstream from the spring, but it is always bracingly refreshing. Tubing is the most popular activity on the river and the fishing on both the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers is excellent. Rainbow Springs State Park, at the river’s head spring, is just a few miles away and easily accessible from Highway 41, the main road through town. On the river you’re likely to see otters, turtles, deer, osprey, eagles and the occasional alligator. Local tour operators and rental companies can provide everything your party needs to spend a wonderful day on the water.

Dunnellon is about 30 minutes from Ocala and Crystal River, and less than 2 hours from Orlando, Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The minimum stay at Somewhere… is seven nights except for quilting, sewing or crafting retreats for whom shorter stays can be arranged. Pets can be accommodated; contact the owner to discuss.