Old Florida Cowboy Cabin

Founded over 50 years ago, this unique & peaceful retreat is perfect for the strawberry festival! The ranch has been a cattle operation, plant nursery, blueberry farm, & now an equestrian facility, & wildlife habitat connected to over 1,600 acres of conservation land w/ a 700 acre reservoir. The special oasis is at the dead end of a dirt road lined with oak trees & resurrection ferns. Old Florida is available for biking, hiking, photography, trail riding, fishing, & more! Kayaks incl. Bring🐢🦉🐴🐍 The space **Important Announcement: Please Read!** 🐸🐴The Owners Live on the Ranch🐸🐴 Due to issues caused by previous guests, we regret to inform you that we can no longer allow cats on the property. We appreciate your understanding! At the Old Florida Cowboy Cabin, we kindly ask that guests refrain from leaving their pets unattended—whether you're stepping out for a quick trip to the store or for any other reason. This policy is necessary due to past incidents where pets caused damage when left alone. Please ensure your pets are crated during your absence to help us maintain the cabin for all visitors. Thank you for your cooperation! Welcome to a Unique Nature Retreat in Central Florida! Nestled in the heart of Wild Florida, our property offers a true connection to nature. The rustic charm of the cabin, with its lack of concrete driveways or sidewalks, means that it can get muddy during rainy weather. You'll likely encounter friendly country bugs, which only add to the authentic experience. The weather here can vary, enhancing your adventure in the beautiful Florida wilderness aka Wild Florida!! Please note that this is not your typical Airbnb experience. It's not Disney World, nor is it a hotel. If you're seeking tranquility and adventure in a distinctive natural setting, then you've found the right place. If you're looking for a traditional, high-amenity getaway, this might not be the place for you. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you only book with us if you're genuinely seeking a nature retreat. **Nature Retreat Wildlife and Safety Warning** This property is part of a protected wildlife habitat. Please be aware that there is an active beehive located near the pond, adjacent to the pasture but away from public areas. While honeybees are vital to the local ecosystem and generally non-aggressive, they may become defensive if disturbed. The hive is clearly marked—please avoid the area for your safety. As a nature retreat, you may also encounter other wildlife, so please respect their space and exercise caution. If you have concerns about bee stings or allergies, please take appropriate precautions or reach out to us. **Evacuation Zone:** A Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ." 🐸💚🐴 Welcome to the Old Florida Cowboy Cabin at Rain Frog Ranch! 🐴💚🐸 We hope you make wonderful memories during your stay and truly connect with Wild Florida. Below you'll find our house rules, designed for the safety of all guests and to protect the conservation efforts we care so deeply about. We ask that you only book with us if you're confident that you and all your guests will adhere to these rules. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated. **Please Note:** Compliance with these house rules is a requirement of the terms and conditions of our rental agreement. We reserve the right to evict any guests or visitors who refuse to follow these rules. Violations may result in additional fees. **House Rules** **General Requirements:** - **Parking:** Parking is available in front of the cabin, leaving space for drive-through access. Additional parking is available in front of the barn paddocks. A designated area for boat and trailer parking is provided. - **RV Hookup:** We offer one RV hookup for an additional fee. - **Livestock Paddock/Stable:** Available for an additional fee. - **Check-in/Check-out Times:** Check-in is at 4:00 p.m., Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. - **Lost Keys:** A $25.00 fee will be added to your booking for lost or stolen keys. - **WiFi Password:** Located on the whiteboard by the sink in the kitchen. - **Please be mindful** of the other species on the property. This is a working equine facility, and there may be occasional activity. **Visitors & Noise:** - **No Unregistered Guests:** Only registered guests are allowed on the property. The maximum capacity is 8 people. The master bedroom and bathroom are under renovation and currently unavailable. - **Queen-Size Air Mattress:** Located in the closet of the gray bedroom, with bedding and pillows. - **Additional Guest Fee:** A $25.00 fee will be charged for each additional guest. - **Quiet Hours:** Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Please be considerate of the equine herd and other animals during this time. This is a working equine facility and wildlife habitat with potentially dangerous equipment and wildlife. Stay safe and respectful at all times. - **Child Safety:** Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Parents are fully responsible for their children’s safety. **Hot Tub Safety Rules** **Pre-Shower Required:** Please shower with soap and water before entering the hot tub. An outdoor shower with hot water and soap is provided. **Use with Caution:** Enter and exit the hot tub slowly. No jumping, diving, or glassware in the area. Do not use alcohol, narcotics, or medications while in the hot tub. Elderly guests, pregnant women, and those with heart conditions, diabetes, or blood pressure concerns should consult a doctor before use. **Usage Limits:** Limit your soak to 15 minutes, and cool off before re-entry. **Cover Care:** Please replace the spa cover after each use and avoid sitting on it. Turn off the high jets after use. **Failure to follow these rules will incur an additional fee.** **Pets** Well-behaved, up-to-date pets are welcome. Please send us a picture of your pet with the breed of the pet prior to booking. Please clean up after your pets and keep them off the furniture. The cabin has a fenced backyard with a dog house and a medium-sized dog door for easy access. Always leash your pets if outside the fenced area. Coyotes and other predatory animals roam the property, so please take care. ********A $125.00 cleaning fee will apply if pet waste is not cleaned up.********* **Important:** There are barn cats that roam the property. Please be respectful and do not feed them. **Equines** We’d love to introduce you to our equine herd! To interact with the horses, you must sign a liability waiver and be supervised by Gretchen. If you ever see an animal in distress or loose from an enclosure, please contact Gretchen immediately. **Smoking Policy** **Smoking is allowed outside only.** Please dispose of cigarette butts in the ashtrays provided. Littering will result in a deduction from your security deposit. *********If we have to pick up your butts you will be charged $50.00!********** **Damages & Breakages** Please report any damage or malfunctions immediately so we can make repairs. Moving furniture without prior consent is prohibited. Towels may not be taken off the property (e.g., to the beach). Please use the recreational towels available in the laundry room. **Cleaning & Maintenance** Before check-out, please clean all dishes and return them to their proper places. Stripped bedding and dirty towels should be left in the laundry room. Dispose of garbage and recycling in their designated bins outside. Failure to adhere to these steps will result in an additional fee. This includes the hot tub! **Security** When leaving the property, it’s your responsibility to ensure windows and doors are securely closed to prevent rain damage. Please turn off all lights, fans, and electronic devices when not in use. Ensure all candles, tiki torches, and the fire pit are extinguished. **Additional Amenities** **Fire Pit:** Ensure the fire is contained and supervised at all times. **Grill:** The propane grill is available for use. If the tank is empty, it can be refilled at nearby gas stations. Please clean grill and utensils after use, and put everything back the way you found it. **Entertainment:** Large flat-screen TV in the living room, plus DVDs. Additional DVDs and a DVD player in the gray bedroom. FireStick remote control for all TVs. **Recreational Items:** Giant Jenga, Karaoke Machine, Corn Hole, and a Butterfly Kite available in the gray bedroom closet. Please return all items as you found them, after use. **Kayaks:** 2 kayaks with life jackets and paddles are available for use at your own risk. Kayaks would have to be hauled to the appropriate location off of the ranch by the guest. Lost or damaged kayaks will be charged to the guest. **Family/Baby Gear:** Playpen, bassinet attachment, stroller, and high chair are available for guest use. Please put everything back the way you found it. **Nature Walk:** Explore the butterfly garden, birdhouse, and owl box, all with species identification signs. Check out the mulberry tree and enjoy the pond (currently under construction). **Merlin & iNaturalist Apps:** Download these apps to explore the diverse wildlife on the property! **Check-Out Procedure** Before you leave, please ensure the following: - Clean and put away all dishes. - Place dirty towels and stripped bedding in the laundry room. - Dispose of trash and recycling in their respective bins outback. - Ensure windows and doors are securely closed. - Turn off all electronics and extinguish any fires (candles, tiki torches, fire pit). - Clean up after your pet(s) to avoid an additional cleaning fee. **Sunrise/Sunset** Be sure to step outside at dusk or dawn to enjoy the incredible bird sightings. Due to the nearby 700-acre conservation reservoir, you’ll witness a stunning variety of bird species. We even saw flamingos fly over last year! **Lightning Bugs** During the summer months, keep an eye out for beautiful lightning bugs around the ranch! **Cowboy Church Recommendation** We highly recommend Cowboy Up Ministry on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., located just a mile away at 5534 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL. Enjoy a horse-training demonstration with a message by Skipper Calder. Well-behaved pets are welcome! Thank you for staying with us. If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, don’t hesitate to reach out. We hope you have a peaceful and memorable experience at Rain Frog Ranch! Enjoy your stay! Guest access You will have a two bedroom one bath cabin with a laundry room including a brand new Samsung washer and dryer set, front deck, back deck, hot tub, two kayaks, hammock, saucer swing, Huggelpod and a fire pit! Other things to note The ranch is off of a dirt road and connected to conservation. There are lots of bugs, wildlife, uneven surfaces, and slippery when wet walkways! It is a unique and wonderful place for the adventurous nature lovers! Let me know if you want a guided nature hike, equestrian trail ride, or anything that you would like to do in the area and I would be more than happy to help! I’m a 7th generation Floridian with a ton of knowledge about this area and anything Florida!